Hallmark-worthy small-town holiday getaways in Ontario

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Almonte

Historically a milling town, Almonte in Lanark County is known as the “Mini Hollywood North” for the numerous Hallmark Christmas movies filmed along its romantic streets.

Almonte is just a short drive west of Ottawa, another popular setting for cozy holiday movies, including the recent Netflix Magic on Set.

Holiday highlights and activities

Shop for homemade products by different Canadian makers at Cheerfully Made. Browse stores in Almonte Heritage Court & Mall and search for treasures in several antique and collectable shops along Mill Street.

Bundle up for a scenic stroll along the Mississippi River on the Almonte Riverwalk or hike the six kilometres of trails in Mill of Kintail Conservation Area.

Local food and drink

Savour Sunday brunch at The Stirling and soak in cozy winter views of the Mississippi Falls at Joe's Italian Kitchen. Warm up with bean-to-bar hot chocolate at Hummingbird Chocolate Maker on Ottawa Street.

Accommodation

The Monte is an intimate boutique hotel offering picturesque views of the Mississippi River along with a hot tub and barrel sauna.

Perth

Historic stone buildings and 19th-century architecture line the quaint streets of this Eastern Ontario town along the Tay River.

Holiday highlights and activities

Perth boasts a long Christmas tradition with popular annual holiday events, including the Festival of Lights, Farmers’ Christmas Market, Polar Bear Plunge and Christmas Festival of Good Cheer.

Explore unique shops, including antique stores, galleries and gift boutiques.

Local food and drink

Sample local artisanal chocolate at Perth Chocolate Works and fine quality cheese at the Perth Cheese Shop. Head to the Rocky River Café for casual bites or the Stone Cellar Restaurant for upscale dining.

Accommodation

The Nevis Estate Bed & Breakfast blends luxury and tranquility in the heart of downtown Perth. Perth Parkside Hotel & Spa also offers comfortable suites, a spa and salon and onsite dining. For an exclusive getaway, The White House is a heritage seven-room house next to the hotel.

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Stratford

Embrace the festive spirit of the holidays in Stratford, Ontario’s premier arts town. Downtown Stratford and Market Square were filming locations for the Hallmark romance Pining for Douglas.

Holiday highlights and activities

Lights On is Stratford’s annual winter festival of lights featuring work by internationally renowned artists.

Stratford is also your one-stop holiday shopping destination. Explore unique artisanal shops with six gift vouchers redeemable at participating local businesses for select dates along The Christmas Trail.

Local food and drink

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Stratford. Enjoy relaxed dining at Cafe Bouffon, Bluebird Restaurant and Bar or Mercer Kitchen.

Accommodation

Treat yourselves to the historic charm and luxurious amenities at The Parlour Inn, a landmark hotel in downtown Stratford. Or opt for thoughtful design and ultimate comfort at Hotel Julie.

Elora

Hailed as one of Ontario’s most beautiful villages, Elora is the ideal destination for a romantic and memorable holiday season getaway.

Holiday highlights and activities

Take advantage of Christmas sales and festive entertainment at local shops during Starlight Shopping, a late-night shopping experience on Thursday and Friday nights during the early winter months. Browse the gallery and artisan shop at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Bundle up for a scenic hike along the Elora Gorge.

Local food and drink

Make time for weekend breakfast at The Evelyn. The Friendly Society serves creative takes on your favourite classic dishes. Head to The Lobby Bar for Asian-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails.

Accommodation

Experience ultimate comfort with incredible panoramic views at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, in the heart of the village.

Cambridge

Traditional mid-19th-century limestone buildings, the heritage Grand River and a vibrant downtown create the perfect romantic ambiance for a Hallmark Christmas movie in Cambridge. The romantic holiday-themed film Magical Christmas Shoes was filmed in Cambridge.

Holiday highlights and activities

Find unique gifts, seasonal treats and a cheery holiday atmosphere at the Cambridge Christmas Market. Enjoy a stroll through the Cambridge Sculpture Garden.

Local food and drink

Sample your new favourite holiday treats at Reid's Chocolates. Warm up with a coffee at Monigram Coffee Roasters. Book a romantic dinner at the historic Cambridge Mill and take in scenic views of the Grand River.  

Accommodation

Nestled in a Carolinian forest, Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa offers spacious rooms, rejuvenating spa treatments and fine dining in an idyllic setting.

St. Jacobs

Create lasting memories in St. Jacobs, where traditional holiday celebrations and beautifully decorated displays make a perfect romantic setting.

Holiday highlights and activities

Kick off the festive season at the holiday Sip ’N Shop, a nighttime artisan market in St. Jacobs’ Market District where vendors sell holiday crafts, gifts and drinks. Visit the Christmas Spirit Store in the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market for gifts, ornaments and Christmas-themed decor.

Soak in the festive spirit during St. Jacobs Sparkles, an annual event featuring carollers in Victorian costumes.

Local food and drink

Sample the best of traditional Mennonite baking at Stone Crock. Stockyards Brewing features a beer-friendly menu.

Accommodation

Hotel 52 is a trendy boutique hotel located near the scenic Conestogo River, just outside town. If you’d prefer a place within walking distance of the Market District and St. Jacobs’ Outlet Mall, Homewood Suites offers cozy hotel rooms and a daily hot breakfast. 

Niagara Region

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Create your own holiday love story in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake and look for recognizable locations from Hallmark movies, The Perfect Pairing and Falling in Love in Niagara.

Holiday highlights and activities

Explore local shops, boutiques, restaurants and wineries. In addition to wine, beer and whisky tastings, go ice skating on the rink at Wayne Gretzky Estates.

Get tickets for a seasonal show at the Shaw Festival.

Food and drink

Sample signature wines at over 20 local wineries with the Winemakers’ Selection Tasting Pass (valid for a year from the date of purchase). From pub fare to fine dining, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers an array of excellent dining options that embrace farm-to-table cuisine and terroir-focused food.

Where to stay

The Kent Motel celebrates the romance of the classic road trip, perfect for a couple’s getaway or book the Christmas Wonder package at one of Niagara’s Finest Hotels. The romantic getaways include complimentary hot drinks and snacks, holiday movie under the stars, access to ice rinks and more.

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Dundas

Although part of the city of Hamilton, the historic community of Dundas has retained its small-town charm, featuring heritage architecture, tree-lined streets and stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment. Holiday romances filmed in Dundas include Trading Up for Christmas and Inn Love by Christmas.

Holiday highlights and activities

In support of local artisans and artists, The Handmade House offers a selection of unique items and gifts crafted within a two-hour radius of the shop.

The annual “Dickens of a Christmas” event features a tree lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolling and more.

Local food and drink

From morning coffee at Detour to fine dining French cuisine at Quatrefoil or modern Asian fusion at Namu, find great places to eat and drink in Dundas. To sample fine barrel-aged Belgian-style beer with elevated comfort food, head to the former Dundas post office, now the MICHELIN-recognized Barrel Heart Brewing.

Accommodation

The High Acre is a boutique inn featuring cozy suites, each with a fireplace and rejuvenating spa-like washrooms.

Paris

Often described as one of the “prettiest little towns in Ontario,” the town of Paris sits at the meeting point of the Grand River and the Nith River.

Holiday highlights and activities

Stroll the cobblestone streets lined with Victorian architecture to shops, cafes and galleries. Browse a variety of vendors at the Paris Wincey Mills, a year-round market hall and shop for handmade and eco-friendly gifts at The Gem Marketplace.

Kindred Spirits Artisans of Paris hosts the annual Christmas in Paris show and sale at the Paris Fairgrounds in late November.

Food and drink

Tasty Road Trips curates immersive guided and self-guided culinary walking tours in town. With its elegant ambiance and upscale menu, Stillwaters Plate and Pour has earned a spot on OpenTable’s list of the top 100 romantic restaurants.

Accommodation

Enjoy luxurious accommodations at the historic Arlington Hotel overlooking the river in the heart of town.

York, Durham and Headwaters

Uxbridge and Port Perry

Northeast of Toronto in Durham Region, Uxbridge has cultivated a reputation for great outdoor and culinary experiences. Neighbouring town Port Perry provided the setting for The Enchanted Christmas Cake.

Holiday highlights and activities

Coined as “Canada’s Trail Capital,” hike or snowshoe a variety of trails, including those in the recently unveiled Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park. There’s even a Holiday Trail on Brock and Toronto Streets that features festive lights, Christmas decorations and free trolley rides. Find handcrafted goods for those on your Christmas list at the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market’s special holiday events.

Local food and drink

Shop for eco-friendly body products while savouring a cup of organic coffee at The Bridge Social. Enjoy farm-to-table fare at Sundays Restaurant, a recent recipient of the Bib Gourmand MICHELIN award. Follow the Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail to delicious craft brews at The Second Wedge Brewing Co. or Slabtown Cider.

Accommodation

Book a stylish suite in the renovated historic building at The Piano Inn and Café in Port Perry, a 20-minute drive east of Uxbridge. A little farther north, Briars Resort & Spa is located along Lake Simcoe’s shoreline.

Unionville

Unionville is situated in Markham, just a half-hour drive from Toronto, making it a perfect holiday getaway for city couples.

Holiday highlights and activities

Stroll through the historic downtown and shop in quaint stores and boutiques. Main Street Unionville gears up for Christmas with holiday festivities. Singing carollers, sparkling tinsel, glowing art installations and Christmas lights turn this charming village into a fairy-tale holiday scene.

The gazebo, decorated with lights and fresh garlands, is a romantic spot for couples’ photos.

Local food and drink

Enjoy a date night at Ambiyan for fine Indian cuisine or Il Postino for upscale Italian dining.

Where to stay

The Toronto Marriott Markham and Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites are both eco-certified four-star hotels, offering an indoor pool, exercise facilities and a lobby bar.

Grey, Bruce and Simcoe

Blue Mountain Village

Step into a world of romance at Blue Mountain Village, where cobblestone pedestrian streets lead to a lively holiday atmosphere.

Holiday highlights and activities

Soak in the sights and sounds of the holiday season as the Village at Blue transforms into a magical wonderland, glowing with warm, festive lights and decorated with bright bows and garlands during the annual Holiday Magic event. Wander along an illuminated trail of sparkling lights and interactive holiday installations, and enjoy Christmas carollers, themed cocktails and holiday shopping.

Rejuvenate in the peaceful setting and Nordic thermal pools at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain.

Food and drink

From tacos to pizza to sushi, a variety of restaurants offer diverse menu options.

Accommodations

With gorgeous views of the surrounding nature, Mosaic – Boutique Suites is minutes away from Blue Mountain Village’s busy shopping streets. Just a few minutes' drive from Blue Mountain Village, Penny’s Motel in Thornbury embraces the whimsical and cozy spirit of the season with blankets provided for gathering around the outdoor firepit.

Coldwater

Historic landmarks in this small Simcoe County community include the Coldwater Mill, built in 1833 and several Victorian homes.

Holiday highlights and activities

Get into the festive mood at the Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. Find old, new and locally made products at Back in Thyme and stock up on all your holiday gifts and supplies at The Christmas Villager and Country Gifts.

Local food and drink

The Coldwater Grillhouse is a local favourite. The tasting room at Woodfolk Cider is open on the weekends.

Accommodations

Just minutes away from Coldwater in Port Severn, Christie’s Mill Inn and Spa is a gorgeous waterfront resort property on Muskoka Lakes, featuring modern rooms, a full-service spa and winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Collingwood

This waterfront Georgian Bay ski town served as the setting for classic romance holiday films, including One Magic Christmas.

Holiday highlights and activities

While traditionally seen as a gateway to the Blue Mountain ski region, the charming town of Collingwood is a destination worth exploring in its own right. Catch a winter sunset over Georgian Bay at Sunset Point Park and explore over 20 kilometres of ski trails at Highlands Nordic Ski (rentals are available).

In town, visit The Maker’s Outpost for crafts and craft supplies and find gifts for everyone on your list at Coriander.

Food and drink

Miracle on Hurontario Street is a quirky Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar inside the historic Gayety Theatre. Lowdown is a colourful cocktail and snack bar.

Enjoy afternoon tea at Catherine’s Chateau or French fare at Poppy’s Bistro.

Accommodation

The thermal spa, featuring sauna and cold plunge, a wine bar and bespoke rooms makes Somewhere Inn Collingwood an irresistible getaway destination. The refined Dorchester Hotel is another great option.

Neustadt

Home to one of the earliest operating breweries in Ontario, the old stone buildings, flowing creek and rural character of the quaint little village of Neustadt and surrounding communities exude a quiet charm.

Holiday highlights and activities

Shop for elegant gifts in Atelier522 and local food products in Granny’s General Store. Browse antiques, collectables and other treasures at the Hanover Flea Market and head to the Home Town Christmas Market in Walkerton nearby.

Food and drink

Visit It’s My Pleasure Bakery and Noah’s Inn Fish and Chips in the village. Enjoy a delicious meal, amazing butter tarts and country hospitality at Harley’s Pub and Perk. Book a guided tour and sample craft brews at Neustadt Spring Brewery.

Accommodation

Stay in one of only three boutique suites above an art gallery at Riversong Suites.

Southwestern Ontario

Amherstburg

Just a short drive south of Windsor, the heritage town of Amherstburg hugs the shores of the Detroit River.

Holiday highlights and activities

Bundle up for a stroll under hundreds of festive, twinkling lights along the waterfront during the River Lights Winter Festival.

Discover unique treasures at the Owl’s Nest Emporium and browse vendor stalls at the annual Winter Market.

Food and drink

Cocktail and dish presentations are as gorgeous as they are tasty at Pepper Cat, an eclectic, upscale eatery located on Dalhousie Street. Pair flavourful spirits with comfort dishes at Wolfhead Distillery.

Accommodation

Hotel Stry blends modern comfort and contemporary design with historic elegance in Amherstburg’s historic Anchor District.

Southeastern Ontario

Brockville

In the heart of the Thousand Islands region, the historic downtown and scenic waterfront in Brockville provided the backdrop for the Hallmark movie, Romance with a Twist and for parts of Netflix’s festive Hot Frosty.

Holiday highlights and activities

Explore the Brockville Railway Tunnel and other Instagrammable landmarks in town. Watch for the dates of the annual Brockville Farmers’ Christmas Night Market and the festive River of Lights event. King Street is a go-to destination for holiday shopping in Brockville.

Food and drink

Sample pasties, scones, jams and teas from Devon at Cosies British Tearoom and Café. Make reservations at The Mill Restaurant for upscale Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Accommodation

Treat yourselves to ultimate luxury and comfort in one of the boutique suites and lofts at 48 King West. Combine cooking classes with your stay at Maison Maitland, a vacation villa near Brockville.

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Bracebridge

Located in the heart of Muskoka, the scenic town of Bracebridge serves as the backdrop for romantic films, including Christmas at Grand Valley.

Holiday highlights and activities

Home to Santa’s Village, Bracebridge kicks off the holiday season with seasonal events, including the Downtown Festivals of Lights and the Holiday Shop Hop, in late November.

Find unique artisanal Christmas gifts at the Corner Cabinet and discover your next good read at Cedar Canoe Books. Romance readers are invited to drop in on the Romance Book Club’s monthly gatherings.

It’s worth the 20-minute drive north to Huntsville to visit Christmas Tyme for beautiful Christmas tree ornaments, seasonal home décor and gifts. 

Take the waterfall tour to five lovely cascades in and around town.

Food and drink

Housed in a former service station, The Old Station Restaurant is a local landmark. Enjoy authentic Mexican fare at El Pueblito or opt for Japanese cuisine at Wabora.

Accommodation

Relax and get cozy at Inn at the Falls in town. Nearby resorts that celebrate the natural splendour and romance of Muskoka include Sherwood Inn in Port Carling and JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa.

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Trent Hills

The municipality of Trent Hills comprises the charming, rural and artsy towns of Campbellford, Warkworth and Hastings.

Holiday highlights and activities

Warkworth welcomes the holiday season with its annual Magic Under the Stars and late-night shopping events.

Get tickets for seasonal concerts at Westben theatre and shop at the outdoor Christmas Market at Campbellford Fairgrounds.

Food and drink

Sample local favourites at cafes, bakeries and restaurants along Kawarthas Northumberland’s Butter Tart Trail, including The Shop and Robin’s Nest Farm Market in Warkworth. Pick up handcrafted artisanal chocolate at Centre and Main. Enjoy the casual atmosphere at the Dockside Bistro on the Trent Severn Waterway in Campbellford.

Accommodations

With west-facing rooms overlooking the Trent Severn Waterway, sunsets are particularly stunning at the Water’s Edge Inn in Campbellford.

Northeastern Ontario

North Bay

The small-town vibe of North Bay has served as the backdrop for over 25 holiday and Hallmark movies, including Christmas in Love, Christmas in Angel Falls, and Return to Christmas Creek.

Holiday highlights and activities

Take the self-guided walking tour of holiday film and television locations to the top spots where holiday magic comes to life. Visit the Outdoor Winter Market for locally crafted goods.

Food and drink

Arugula might just be the best pizza you’ve ever tasted. For a taste of Nepal, Everest North Bay serves authentic flavours with exceptional service.

Accommodation

Stay at The Finch Beach Resort and explore the wintery wonderland together with complimentary snowshoes.

Northwest Ontario

Thunder Bay

Though also a city, downtown Thunder Bay can feel like a small town in winter.

Holiday highlights and activities

Browse local boutiques and stores for Christmas shopping. Artists and makers from across Northwestern Ontario gather to showcase their festive creations during the Holiday Craft Revival. The event takes place at pop-up Christmas markets across downtown Thunder Bay.

Food and drink

For steak and seafood, try Lot 66 Restaurant & Wine Bar or head towards the lake to Bight Restaurant & Bar for contemporary Canadian cuisine.

Accommodations

Overlooking the beautiful waterfront, the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel features stunning views of the city, sophisticated suites and a historic ballroom.

Kenora

Perched on the banks of Lake of the Woods and surrounded by nature, this northern Ontario community in Ontario’s famed Sunset Country region is the ideal destination for a romantic holiday vacation.

Holiday highlights and activities

Visit participating stores along the Kenora Holiday Trail for a seasonal shopping experience. Catch the tree lighting ceremony of the Main Street Christmas Tree, an excellent spot for a selfie together.

Explore local heritage at the Lake of the Woods Museum and enjoy winter activities in the great outdoors, including snowshoeing, ice skating and skiing. Step out after dark for skygazing and the chance to see the magnificent Northern Lights.

Food and drink

Sip a pint at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. Head to Dinos for delicious Greek fare or The Vault Social House for an evening of great food and entertainment.

Accommodation

Choose from three cozy suites at Stone House Kenora or select a room overlooking Lake of the Woods at Clarion Lakeside Inn.

This holiday season, experience the magic of Ontario’s small towns and charming communities, where unique shopping, local cuisine and festive cheer bring Hallmark movie moments to life.