Going Old School: Old Fashioned Small Town Experiences You Can Still Have Today
In a world that is constantly chasing the next big thing, some places in the Ontario’s Highlands are still holding on to the kind of moments that never go out of style.
From crackling speakers at the drive-in, to stools lined up in a classic diner and the familiar creak of a general store door, the vibrant small towns in Ontario’s Highlands are proof that some experiences don’t need reinventing, they just need rediscovering.
Meet You at the Drive-In
Drive-in theatres aren’t just nostalgic they’re a ritual of the past that feel rooted in small-town life - where blanket-filled truck beds are filled to the brim, popcorn is shared across rows of parked cars, and the glow of the silver screen dances on the windshield. This classic experience is still available right in Ontario’s Highlands with locations such as the Skylight Drive-In in the Ottawa Valley and the Port Elmsley Drive-In in Lanark County.
Insider's Tip:
Arrive early to claim your spot, pack your favorite blanket and settle in as the sky around you fades to a star-light symphony. Enjoy the easy feeling of sharing a night out where the movie on the screen is only half of the story.
Bowling for Strikes
Nothing says ‘small town’ quite like the unmistakable crash of pins, the glow of the neon lights and the friendly debate over who’s turn it really is. Bowling has always been a shared tradition for its affordability, simplicity and its ability to bring people together – and is still an experience worth seeking out. Whether you’re planning a night out with a group or looking to spare a few hours (pun intended), bowling offers a great way to experience some feel-good fun. Just aim, throw and let the good times roll.
Where to Go:
Places such as Chasin Turkey’s in Carleton Place, The Fast Lane in Minden, Steelheads and Strikes in Arnprior or Opeongo Bowldrome in Renfrew remind us why this timeless pass-time is still a fan favorite.
Old Fashioned General Stores
Wandering into a small-town general store is one of those Ontario’s Highlands moments that feels untouched by time – where the shelves are stocked with everything from knick-knacks to essentials, where locals meet to chat and catch up on town news, or where traveller’s cross paths on their journey through town. It’s the feeling of stepping back into a simpler era that makes this experience worth the stop!
Where to Go:
Voted Canada’s best country store, Robinson’s General Store in Dorset is a must-see for anyone passing through the Muskoka or Haliburton areas. In Harcourt, the General Store offers the best coffee in the Algonquin region and is fully stocked with all the necessary road trip supplies. Rosie’s General Store in Denbigh is a true foodie’s dream with the best pizza slices (amongst other delicious fare), fresh doughnuts and tonnes of cute keepsakes to browse through.
Classic Diners
There’s something timeless about sliding into a booth at a classic, small-town Ontario diner. These are the places where the coffee is always hot, the pie is always homemade, and the conversation flows as easily as the syrup on your pancakes. Small-town diners are woven right into the fabric of the Ontario’s Highlands - where good food comes with a side of familiarity and are the perfect addition to any trip.
Where to Go:
Some classic old-fashioned diners can still be found at Kosy Korner in Haliburton, Rustic Roadside Restaruant in Gilmour, Bonanza Restaurant in Pembroke, Cafe BC in Bancroft and Moe's Diner in Tweed.
Live the Farm Life
Back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon for travellers to cozy up in local homes, inns or working farms on their travels through rural areas. In Ontario’s Highlands, choosing a farm stay while travelling through the area feels like stepping into the heartbeat of small-town living, rather than just passing through it.
Where to Go:
Near Eganville, Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork offers farms stay accommodations, or an “agri-cation” as they call it, where you can experience hands-on farming, scenic trails, farm-fresh meals in their heritage barn and so much more. Highland Hideaways in Stirling is the epitome of sustainable living and invites guests to experience a farm stay with authentic countryside charm, including hundreds of acres to explore, cozy yurts and beautiful Highland cows. Marmora Retreat in Marmora offers a unique glamping farm-stay experience on 24 acres of pristine Ontario wilderness. With a fully restored farmhouse and luxurious glamping domes, you can choose your own adventure all while visiting with the alpacas.
BONUS: Rockhounding Road Trip
Finding beauty in the most unassuming corners of Ontario is what connects you to a place, the people who went before you and a tradition as old as time. Rockhounding in the Highlands is a curious, hands-on way to spend your afternoon and is rooted in the land itself, dating back to the early 1800’s.
Where to Go:
In the Mineral Capital of Canada, also known as Bancroft, you can experience this classic small-town experience at places such as the Princess Soladite Mine where you can dig and shop for beautiful gems. The CN Rock Pile is also a local favorite in the area to try your hand at rockhounding but be sure to bring your own equipment such as hammer, bucket and gloves.
In Haliburton, Greenmantle Farms is an excellent choice for your own rockhounding experience and guided tour. This farm is over 300 acres of land that has not been altered since the last ice age and offers rare minerals for exploration, not found anywhere else in Canada.
