Oct. 14, 2021
Are you itching to escape the concrete jungle and explore what Mother Nature has to offer?
It’s time to pack your bags and venture out into the great outdoors for a few days (or a few weeks) and visit some of the beautiful villages that Ontario has on offer!
In Eastern Ontario, you’ll discover the friendly village of Merrickville-Wolford, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that crosses the Rideau Canal. This architecturally stunning Victorian village is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Ottawa and several other big cities. It’s a convenient day trip that gives locals and tourists a chance step back in time and go for a stroll through the bustling streets. The roads are lined with several original 19th-century homes, as well as the historic village of Merrickville that has several quaint shops.
You’ll fall in love with Elora’s natural beauty and upscale food scene. Basque-born chef Roger Dufau has set up shop in this village and serves up stunning cuisine in his restaurant, Drew House.
Once you’ve scarfed down your meal, you can admire the unique 19th-century limestone architecture, visit various art galleries and contemplate life as the Grand River rushes by. You can’t leave without visiting Deplora Gorge. This natural wonder has soaring limestone cliffs, picturesque waterfalls and a century-old grist mill.
This small village of only 2,000 residents sits right along the border of the United States and is only separated by the St. Clair River. To put it in perspective, you can walk from Point Edward to Michigan by simply crossing the Blue Water Bridge!
Point Edward is a perfect example of country meets city. It’s got rural charm but is still quite lively thanks to the Gateway Point Edward Casino and the hotel-lined marina. This is the village to visit if you want to take long walks along the water, restaurant hop and spend your nights (and your money) at the casino!
As soon as you step foot in Burk’s Fall, you’ll instantly feel as though you’ve come home. It’s surrounded by forests and bordered by the Magnetawan River to the west, south and east.
The village streets are brimming with local businesses such as the Burk’s Falls Art & Crafts Centre on Yonge Street and the Welcome Centre off Ryerson Centre Road.
The Welcome Centre is also accessible via the Heritage River Parkway, a multi-path route along the Magnetawan River.
