Step Into Small Town Ontario

Some of the best trips don’t start with a long drive or a packed itinerary. 

They start close to home, on back roads that lead to places where time slows down and welcome comes easy.

Ontario’s Highlands is made up of small towns worth pulling over for - places to wander main streets, linger over a good meal, spend the afternoon outdoors, or turn a great day into an easy overnight stay. 

Whether you’re out for the day or stretching your trip into the weekend, stepping into small town Ontario means experiencing simple, memorable moments that feel just right.

Come Wander and rediscover the magic of small town Ontario.

Are We There Yet? Your 3 Night, 4 Day Classic Road Trip Itinerary

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12 Cutest Ontario General Stores

Stop at one of these small-town general stores that are the backbone of rural Ontario.

Road Trips

15 Cutest Small Towns

Plan your visit to one of these picture-perfect small towns in Ontario.

Road Trips

Where to Stop, Stretch, Snack, and Sightsee along Highway 17

Your road trip along Highway 17 just got a lot easier. You're welcome.

Road Trips

Simple Pleasures and Big Roadside Attractions: A 2-Day Road Trip from Hastings County to Haliburton Highlands

A revival of the original "road trip" adventure in Ontario's Highlands.

Road Trips

Hit the Road: Recreate the Epic Road Trips You Remember

This is the summer to bring back the old-fashioned road trip of your youth.

Road Trips

All Canadian Summer: 12 Ontario Summer Daytrip Destinations

Road Trips
Local Inspiration

Best Highway 60 Hikes

Stretch your legs at one of these eight nature spots along the King's Highway.

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Communities to Explore

15 Cutest Small Towns

Plan your visit to one of these picture-perfect small towns in Ontario.

Road Trips

8 Small Towns Within One Hour of Ottawa

Small towns to explore near you.

Road Trips

Country Road Canadiana: Summer Tour from Elphin to Lanark Village

Take a wander through maple syrup country.

Road Trips

If You Lived Here: 11 Ontario Small Towns You Won't Want to Leave

Pro tip: If you really don’t want to relocate, don’t visit these communities.

Road Trips

Small Town Ramble: Wild Rapids Meet Country Charm in Pakenham

Day trip anyone? Head to Pakenham and Blakeney for hiking, rapids, and an old fashioned small town wander.

Road Trips

Why I Keep Coming Back to Sharbot Lake

So. Much. To. Do. Here! Consider this your visitor guide to Sharbot Lake.

Road Trips

Road Trip Inspiration

Fall and Where to Find it in North Hastings

Discover the best of fall with these 14 scenic driving routes in North Hastings.

Fall

2-Night, 3-Day Couple's Road Trip for Maximum Fall Colours

From Haliburton to Bancroft and Tweed, fall foliage is the centrepiece for this romantic couple's itinerary near Toronto.

Date Ideas

The Best of Fall: 2 Nights, 3 Days of Food, Art, and Stellar Views

Celebrate fall in all its beauty near Ottawa

Road Trips

Disconnect and Trek in North Frontenac’s Back 40

Plan a road trip from Plevna to Snow Road Station.

Road Trips

Following the Rail and River: A 3-Day Road Trip from the Madawaska to the Ottawa Valley

Local Wanderer Heidi Csernak embarked on an epic cross-Ontario’s Highlands road trip lasting a week.

Road Trips

2-Night, 3-Day Farm-to-Table Edible Road Trip

Local food and sustainability is the focus of this three-day road trip in Ontario’s Highlands

Itinerary

Wander Sustainably

In rural areas GPS can be patchy - consider printing out driving directions or saving them to your phone before leaving home.
Limit fuel consumption by renting bikes to explore a community gas-free.
Check out a local farmers' market on a Saturday road trip to find local, fresh and sustainable treats.

Stay Longer

From cozy bed and breakfasts to inns, cabins, cottages, yurts (and even a treehouse or two!) your accommodation will be more than just a place to lay your head.