Halton Hills

For travellers looking for the perfect blend of country and small town, Halton Hills delivers just the right balance. The area of Halton Hills offers a unique combination of two urban centres and several hamlets surrounded by rural countryside and natural attractions, including portions of the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail. A short distance from Toronto, Halton Hills serves as a great little getaway trip, with hiking opportunities, farmers’ markets, boutique shopping and casual dining.

To learn more about all there is to see and do in Halton Hills, scroll down or visit the tourism website.

Where is Halton Hills?

Halton Hills is a community in southern Ontario, directly north of Milton and only a 30-minute drive east of Guelph. It's about a 40-minute drive from downtown Toronto and roughly the same length of time from Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ).

Things to Do in Halton Hills

Over 30 km of multi-use trails connect conservation areas, parks, forests and towns throughout Halton Hills. 

The Bruce Trail, southern Ontario’s most iconic hiking trail, stretches between Niagara and Tobermory, loosely following the dramatic Niagara Escarpment. A portion of the Bruce Trail  crosses through Halton Hills into the Limehouse Conservation Area, leading to an old powderhouse and “Hole in the Wall,” where ladders cut through fissures in the escarpment rock.

Explore the trails and landscapes of two other conservation areas also situated within Credit Valley and within Halton Hills. Silver Creek Conservation Area off Highway 7 is popular for its peaceful, wooded walking trails and birdwatching opportunities. Equally beautiful, Terra Cotta Conservation Area features a number of trails, including dog-friendly routes. 

Several local farms open their gates to visitors on a seasonal basis. Scottsdale Heritage Farm is a working farm on the Niagara Escarpment, with historical buildings and barns, hay fields, forests and wetlands and evidence of Indigenous settlements. The farm features clearly marked hiking trails throughout the property. Chudleigh’s is a family-friendly institution, famous for its apple orchard and pick-your-own seasons, as well as foodie events, summer music nights, and the Blossom Café. Nearby, Andrew’s Farm Market and Winery on 10th Side Road is a seasonal pick-your-own farm with a kids’ zone, snack bar, and farm market. Adults can taste their selection of wines made from fruit grown on on the farm  From berries in the summer to pumpkins in the fall, Andrew’s seasonal activities and picking can entertain the entire family.

If you’re into antiquing or even thrifting, there are plenty of shopping opportunities. Halton Hills has two unique downtown retail areas in Acton and Georgetown with a rich variety of galleries, craft stores and ceramic studios. Acton has a long history of leather crafting, leading to the unforgettable slogan ‘It’s worth the drive to Acton’ for the Hide House, a successful leather fashion and furniture emporium. 

For major brands, head to Toronto Premium Outlets, one of the first outlet shopping centres of its kind in Canada. Conveniently located off the 401 at Trafalgar, this new addition to Halton Hills hosts over 130 outlet retailers for savings of up to 65% off daily.

For those who enjoy the arts, the Halton Hills Cultural Centre in Georgetown contains the John Elliott Theatre, which hosts concerts and performances by touring theatre companies, and the Helson Gallery, which features a seasonal roster of exhibits. In Glen Williams, the Williams Mill Creative Arts Gallery is a collective of multi-media artists displaying their diverse works ranging from glass blowing, realism paintings, and clay pottery.

Halton Hills Neighbourhoods & Districts

Halton Hills is known for rolling farmland, along with two urban communities:

Acton

Known for its place along the Grand Trunk Railway and as a leather goods centre.

Georgetown

Popular for its farmers’ market on Main Street, Old Seed House Garden and Cedarvale Park.

Glen Williams

A hamlet along the Credit River home to talented artisans, quality restaurants, and historic sites to explore.

Things to Know About Visiting Halton Hills

Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip to Halton Hills, you'll appreciate what the locals.

Where to go for brunch

Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge has an extensive menu for every taste, budget and group, including office parties and family celebrations. For a classic diner experience, Georgeview Open Kitchen Restaurant serves up fresh all-day breakfast to please early-birds and late-risers.

Favourite local beach

Part of a 35-hectare lake, there is plenty of space to splash around with the kids, set up beach chairs, sunbathe on the sand and play a game of beach volleyball at Kelso Conservation Area in nearby Milton. On the weekends, residents and visitors of Acton enjoy renting a canoe, kayak, or paddle board at the Fairy Lake Paddle house sponsored by Holy Cow Canoe.

Where to see local art

Helson Gallery and The Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios features work in a variety of media by local artists and artisans of Halton Hills.

Where to see the holiday lights

The beautiful Dominion Gardens Park comes alive with thousands of lights decorating both trees and lighting displays in Georgetown.

Last updated: November 18, 2022

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