3 Charming Small Towns In Ontario For A Magical Winter Road Trip

02.01.2024 - 15:01 / forbes.com

Hello 2024! A new year brings new adventures and Ontario is the place to be for winter road trips to small towns. This east-central Canadian province borders the United States and the Great Lakes and is home to vibrant neighbourhoods, diverse landscapes, thrilling outdoor winter activities, rich culture, historic sites, and Canadian charm. A road trip in Ontario is the perfect way to experience the province’s rugged beauty at your own pace.

Toronto, Ontario’s energetic capital city, is a great home base and within driving distance of the small towns below. Before heading out make sure your car is up to date with tune-ups, packed with emergency supplies, travel necessities, and perhaps a hot apple cider for the road. You will need a passport if crossing the border into Canada from the United States.

Whether you are seeking the rush of adrenaline skiing down soaring hills or that cozy sitting by the fire feeling, Blue Mountain Village won’t disappoint. From Toronto it’s a ninety-minute road trip north-west off Highway 26. During the winter season there is bus transportation departing from four Toronto pick-up locations and going directly to Blue Mountain if you prefer not to drive.

In addition to skiing down Ontario’s popular mountains, other wintery sports include shinny ice hockey, downhill tubing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and mountaintop skating for breathtaking views of the escarpment. Rent equipment on site if you don’t have your own. Save time to walk through the cobblestone pedestrian village surrounded by turn-of-the-century Ontario architecture while browsing in cute shops. After a day of frosty adventures, indulge in a tasty gourmet meal and choose from family friendly, fine dining, and casual restaurants. If you are spending the weekend at Blue Mountain there are many accommodations ranging from rustic lodges, cozy chalets, and luxurious upscale suites to fulfill your winter wonderland dreams.

Carleton Place, located on the pretty Mississippi waterway, is an adorable small town with scenic trails, fun activities, and rich heritage. Downtown Carleton Place is about a four-hour road trip from Toronto and only 45 minutes from Ottawa, Canada’s bustling capital city. Bundle up and explore the city streets admiring unique artistic murals around town. From Stompin’ Tom to the Last Steam Train there are enough murals to keep you busy until you get hungry. Then head to a cozy café for a hot drink or meal at a local restaurant. Carleton Place also has craft breweries if you prefer something stronger. After lunch, get in some retail therapy along Bridge Street while shopping for treasures at indie bookstores, specialty clothing shops, and unique vintage apparel stores. History lovers should check out