We love a cozy wintery getaway. And in Ontario, there are several small towns and communities that turn into winter wonderlands once the snow falls.
Not only that, they are usually lit up with festive holiday lighting, making it all feel like you’re in your favourite Hallmark movie.
So, from towns where Hallmark movies are filmed, to just pure magical ones, here are 10 of the best holiday getaways for your winter in Ontario.
Almonte
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First up is the enchanting town of Almonte, Ontario, which literally doubles as a film set for Christmas movies.
In fact, on the town’s website, you’ll find a long list of Hallmark holiday movies that were filmed on its picturesque streets.
So if you can’t get enough of that cozy small-town feeling, then you simply have to pay this spot a visit, especially during the winter.
Unionville
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You don’t have to travel far outside of the city to find a small town rich in heritage and charm. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the GTA! Unionville is an incredible spot to spend an afternoon.
Established in the 1790s, Unionville is a quaint little hamlet within the larger city of Markham.
Its heritage buildings and main street will make you feel like you’re much further outside of Toronto than you really are. The town is so picturesque that Gilmore Girls filmed its pilot here, and winters just make it so much more charming. Even Ryan Reynolds visited it this year!
Perth
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One of our all-time favourite small towns has to be Perth, Ontario, and we’ll tell you why.
Often called one of the “prettiest towns in Ontario,” this spot is a blend of historic 19th-century architecture and serene parks and waterways giving Perth a postcard-like atmosphere.
The Tay River flows throughout the town and there are several scenic bridges you can cross to enjoy the view… which is also perfect for wintery photos.
Cambridge
Want to feel like you’re on a famous movie set? Then you have to pay a visit to the charming city of Cambridge.
Located in the region of Waterloo, Cambridge is known for its “old-world” feel and “Dickensian” look thanks to its 19th-century limestone buildings, according to Destination Ontario.
That’s precisely what makes it such an ideal backdrop for Hollywood movies and TV shows, and as you may have guessed, many were filmed here.
In addition to Hallmark Christmas movies, the city has been used as the filming location for popular series like The Handmaid’s Tale and Murdoch Mysteries.
Other productions that feature Cambridge are American Gods, Flatliners, Terrific Trucks Save Christmas, State Like Sleep, Silent Hill, Between, Reds, Bitten, and Heroes Reborn.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Located in the Niagara region, Niagara-on-The-Lake is a waterfront town is bursting with old-world charm.
It is a well-preserved 19th-century village, featuring storybook-worthy heritage homes and boulevards lined with boutiques, restaurants, and attractions.
This picturesque town is beautiful in every season, from the bloom of spring to the first snowfall of the holiday season.
Bracebridge
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Looking for small-town charm with a side of natural beauty? Then a trip to Bracebridge, Ontario is definitely in order.
Known as “Muskoka’s downtown” region, Bracebridge is a lovely destination just steps from a thundering waterfall.
Bracebridge in the winter is known for its Fire and Ice festival. Expect a full day of fun with tubing right down the Main Street, fireworks, axe throwing, ice sculptures, buskers, and the perfect wintery photo opp.
Paris
Dreaming of faraway places? Well, you don’t need a plane ticket to be transported to Europe because you can experience it right here in a town called Paris, Ontario.
In its own Canadian way, this town really does live up to its namesake.
It features cobblestone, historic buildings, artisan boutiques, and views of the Grand River that will make you feel like you’re wandering along the River Seine. In fact, this town is known as the “cobblestone capital of Canada” because it is a hub of aged cobblestone homes and structures. And it’s all extra dreamy in the winter.
Stratford
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Last but not least, if you’re dreaming of a place that’s dedicated to all the things you love, then you have to pay a visit to the town of Stratford, Ontario. This town is famous for its annual Stratford Festival, which takes place from April to October. It is put on by North America’s largest classical repertory theatre company, and the festival presents a dozen or more productions at venues around the city.
That includes classics, contemporary dramas, and musicals, with special emphasis on the plays of Shakespeare.
Stratford is also known for its chocolate trail, a must-do during your visit. It’s a self-guided tour of the world-famous confectioners and bakers located throughout the town, and it runs year round.
And that’s a wrap for holiday getaways in Ontario! Where will you go this winter?
