One Perfect Day in Nine Ontario Small Towns

The perfect day trip doesn’t need a packed itinerary, just the right place. In these nine Ontario small towns, there’s more than enough to fill a whole day, from local cafes and quiet main streets to lakes, trails and unhurried meals. 

It’s a slower pace, genuine local character and the feeling of stepping away from the busy tourist centers. These itineraries will inspire you spend the whole day - to linger longer, walk slower and discover the feeling that can only come from the perfect day in a small town. 

Eganville - Ottawa Valley

Morning

Tucked along the Bonnechere River, a perfect day naturally unfolds in Eganville. Start your morning at Fifth Chute Coffee downtown Eganville where the coffee is sourced from Canadian roasters. This provides fuel for a leisurely morning stroll along the fossil-rich John Egan GeoHeritage Trail, and a visit to the Bonnechere Museum. By late morning, you’re ready for an adventure! Head on over to the Bonnechere Caves for a guided underground tour, one of the most exciting and unique experiences in the Ottawa Valley. 

Afternoon

Once you have built up an appetite, stop for lunch at the Granary Schnitzel Haus for their famous in-house dishes made from scratch with quality ingredients. Having served the community for over 30 years, this lunch stop is sure to impress! Spend the afternoon basking in riverfront views to really soak in the vibes that only a small town can offer. Keep an eye open for the art panels situated around town depicting historical buildings, an interpretive mural and a large outdoor, illustrated map.

Evening

As evening approaches, grab some dinner at Rio Tap & Grill, a local favorite where they pride themselves on good food, good company and the easy-going spirit of the Ottawa Valley. End your perfect day on their second-floor patio with views of the Bonnechere River winding through town and where the setting sun casts everything in a warm, golden glow. 

Tweed - Hastings County

Morning

Between the quiet countryside of Hastings County and deep and dark Stoco Lake lies Tweed, the kind of town where a perfect day is easy to fall into. Get a head start with breakfast at Moe’s Diner, a classic small-town stop known for its hearty breakfast and friendly service. From there, enjoy a morning stroll at Vanderwater Conservation Area offering over 16km of beautiful trails to experience the natural beauty of Tweed. After a slow morning, refuel with a fresh cup of coffee from Cube Coffee, and even grab yourself some fresh house-made sandwiches for a picnic lunch at nearby Stoco Lake.

Afternoon

Relax on the shores of Stoco Lake at the Tweed Memorial Park, with its premier picnic spots and pavilion. Take in the scenery around the lake while you enjoy your lunch – and start to plan your afternoon! Stoco Lake is famous for its year-round outdoor recreation such as muskie fishing and boating, so why not hit the water with a canoe or kayak rental from Stoco Lake Lodge? If you’re more of a land mammal, consider exploring some local history instead by visiting the infamous smallest jailhouse in North America.

Evening

After a day exploring the area by foot or water, you’re sure to be hungry. Gateway Family Restaurant is an ideal small-town stop for some down-home cooking. Wander along the shores of the Moira River after dinner as you reflect on your perfect day in this small town and enjoy the vibrant sunset colours as they reflect off the water.

Almonte - Lanark County

Morning

Known as the “Hallmark Capital of Ontario”, this picturesque small town is as vibrant and aesthetic as they come! Start with a cozy breakfast at The North Market in the heart of Almonte then take a slow stroll on the scenic Almonte Riverwalk along the Mississippi River as it winds through town with views of the rapids and iconic waterfall. Pop into a few of the boutiques and shops along Mill Street as you go, and experience Almonte’s charm.

Afternoon

After your morning exploring downtown, visit Joe’s Italian Kitchen nestled into the heritage mill with a patio that offers stunning (and sometimes wet!) views of the waterfall. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring local history at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum where stories of the town’s industrial textile heritage are told, or if the weather is nice, you can find a quiet spot in Genmill Park for a peaceful riverside break.

Evening

As evening sets in, enjoy dinner at The Barley Mow, a laid-back gastropub offering old classics and new flavours. If you’re lucky, after dinner you’ll be able to catch an evening performance or film screening at Almonte Old Town Hall but if nothing is scheduled, you can finish your perfect day in this small town with a cocktail from The Sterling and one last twilight walk along the river as you enjoy the small-town feel of Almonte.

Pakenham - Lanark County

Morning

Pakenham is the perfect day trip destination if you're looking for an old-fashioned, small town vibe. Ease into your day with a relaxed breakfast at The Centennial Restaurant in the heart of Pakenham. Serving the community homestyle comfort food since 1999, you'll love their full breakfast menu that includes eggs, pancakes, waffles etc., and pure, Lanark County maple syrup. After breakfast, wander across the Pakenham Five Span Bridge, a rare and beautiful landmark said to be the only of its kind in North America, and take in the views of the Mississippi River and rapids. 

Afternoon

Head on over to Keeper’s Coffee Bar for lunch – a unique shop offering fresh sandwiches, treats and coffee. Oh, and did we mention that this shop also operates as a plant shop where they sell local gifts and vintage housewares? To further your shopping adventure, pop over to the 1840s General Store when you’re done and step back in time for a fresh and local shopping experience. Don't miss a visit to St. Peter Celestine Church, unique due to its classic Italianate decor and one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County. If you have time for a quick nine, the Pakenham Golf Course is located just outside of town.

Evening

As your day is winding down, stop to sample a flight of craft beer from Cartwright Springs Brewery, where they prioritize the environment, use the spring water nearby for their brews and even offer campsites and facilities for overnight guests. Take advantage of their on-site trails and volleyball court before heading back to the Pakenham Five Bridge, which is especially beautiful at sunset.

Barry's Bay - Ottawa Valley

Morning

Nestled on the shores of Kamaniskeg Lake in the Madawaska Valley lies the charming small town of Barry’s Bay. A fresh cup of coffee made from hand-picked beans at the Madawaska Coffee Co. will fuel your adventures for the day. Be sure to grab something for breakfast while you’re there, as they’re well known for their homemade bites. Afterwards, take a stroll through town and visit Zurakowski Park where you can learn about one of the world’s most infamous pilots, or head over to Grumblin’ Grannys – an eclectic store specializing in home décor, jewellery and unique gifts. 

Afternoon

For lunch, grab a seat on the patio at Vito's or get some take-out and relax by the water on the shores of Kamaniskeg Lake. After lunch, experience the Kamaniskeg Lake Lookout where you can admire the panoramic views and learn about some local history such as the 1912 Mayflower tragedy where a 77-foot boat met its tragic end. 

Evening

For dinner, you don’t need to go far - try The Ash Grove Inn located right on the lake for some lakeview dining (or ‘Dock ‘N Dine’ as they call it) in the heart of Barry’s Bay. Take in the beauty of the surrounding lake while you enjoy a relaxed meal and for the rest of the evening, just stay here! Grab some dessert and a tea/coffee and enjoy the breathtaking sunset at a slower pace, just like a local. All from the dock of the restaurant.

Sharbot Lake - Frontenac County

Morning

Home to ninety-nine islands and known for its abundantly clean lake – Sharbot Lake is the perfect small town for a day trip. After breakfast at the Cardinal Café, a local favorite known for its fresh coffee and baked goods, you can easily walk down to the waterfront at Sharbot Lake Beach and Park where you can spend the morning enjoying the lake views or taking a swim in the clear water. 

Afternoon

For lunch, fuel up at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn & The Crossing Pub where waterfront views and seasonal live music add character to this lakeside daytrip. Afterwards, make the most of the lake by renting a kayak, canoe or jet ski (if you’re feeling adventurous) from one of the seasonal providers so you can explore the calm waters and soak up the sunshine at your own pace. If you prefer something a little drier, consider an afternoon hitting the trails at nearby Sharbot Lake Provincial Park to take in the area’s natural beauty.

Evening

When the day starts to wind down, consider grabbing some handheld goodies at a local grocery store, such as Mike Dean Grocer, and have a sunset picnic dinner by the water as you are treated to the sky changing over the lake. Enjoy the calm, slow evening of this perfect day trip while you already start planning your next visit!

Deep River - Ottawa Valley

Morning

Along the Ottawa River in Renfrew County, you can find the small town of Deep River. Here, a sunrise at Pine Point Beach, known for its clear water and white sand beach is the perfect way to start your daytrip! After soaking in the scenery overlooking the surrounding forests, grab a relaxed breakfast and coffee at the Hexagon Waterfront Patio & Restaurant at the Deep River Shoreline Sports Club, and enjoy the views of the river late into the morning.

Afternoon

Before lunch, explore the natural beauty of the area by taking a scenic walk or bike ride at nearby Driftwood Provincial Park. If you’re more interested in local culture, consider stopping into the Canadian Clock Museum where you can take a surprisingly fascinating look at two centuries worth of Canadian clocks, from the early 1820’s up until today. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, spice things up with a Mexican inspired meal at the local Santa Fe Restaurant downtown Deep River before strolling downtown and browsing some local shops.

Evening

As the day starts to wind down, stop by a local grocer to grab some picnic items to enjoy by the water and head over to Riverbank Park where you can enjoy the golden colours of a beautiful Ottawa Valley sunset. Known for its views of the river and the Laurentian mountains, Riverbank Park is just off the highway and will be the perfect finale for your day trip to Deep River. Watch the water go by and enjoy the slow end to your day where the sunset bleeds into a canopy of stars and a clear, peaceful night sky.

Wilberforce - Haliburton Highlands

Morning

Known as the “Geocaching Capital of Canada”, Wilberforce in a small hamlet located in scenic Haliburton County. Before starting your day, take a short drive up the road to nearby Harcourt to grab a specialty coffee at the Harcourt General Store. Deceptively rustic on the outside, this local gem whips up the best latte in the area and has a selection of fresh baked goods. Then, get ready for some treasure hunting as you spend your morning experiencing what Wilberforce is known for – geocaching. Download the easy-to-use app and spend the morning exploring the area, finding hidden treasures left by other gamers. This family-friendly outdoor game is sure to keep you busy all morning. 

Afternoon

The local Foodland is readily available to grab some lunch-to-go before heading over to the Burleigh Loop Trail. This 4km trail is a scenic walk through of the whole village taking you by some must-see stops to take in local culture. Bring your lunch and hit the trail to visit the Red Cross Outpost Museum, a truly interesting look-back at the Red Cross’s role in the town’s history with original artifacts. Agnews General Store is a must stop for a souvenir keepsake or delicious ice cream, real remnants of a “haunted house” and views of nearby Dark Lake. Along the route there is a picnic area over the bridge for you to settle in and enjoy a well-deserved break. As you circle back to the starting point, be sure to do some more geocaching along the way as this trail offers several hidden treasures to be found.

Evening

After an afternoon experiencing the quiet pace of the hamlet, head back up the road to Harcourt for a delicious sit-down meal at the Algonquin Cookhouse. Enjoy the cozy, laid-back atmosphere of this popular local gem and refuel from a long day outside. After dinner, head back to Wilberforce and pop into the local Legion Branch 624, where they often host evenings such as bingo, performances and other events. Then, take a slow walk through the streets and head to the water for a classic Canadian sunset. 

Embrace the calm that is Wilberforce by enjoying the quiet sounds of nature, chatting with the locals or just simply sitting by the water to end this peaceful day in one Ontario small town.