5 Small Towns for a Summer Road Trip Outside of Halton
Published April 27, 2018 at 8:07 pm
It’s no secret that Halton is charming, but if you’re itching to enjoy the warmer weather with a road trip somewhere you might have never seen (or heard of!) before, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s something extra special about that small town charm – the history, the gorgeous areas to stroll, and the secret outdoor fun you might find.
Whether you’re looking for a cute town with perfect patios or just a new place to stroll or hike, here are five small towns for a summer road trip outside of Halton:
Grimsby is a little town with a lot of character! Located on Lake Ontario in the Niagara Region, there’s tons of summer fun to be had here. You can head to Beamer Memorial Conservation Area and hike a stretch of the Bruce Trail for some breathtaking views, enjoy quaint restaurants, some of which have adorable patios, and indulge in Grimsby’s long history. The town has been around since 1790.
If you’re seeking a historic village for your epic summer road trip, look no further than Milford. Milford is a village that’s located in Prince Edward County that’s just waiting to be discovered…and Instagrammed. There are a few wineries in the area that might interest summer road trippers which you can check out here, you can get some much needed rest and relaxation at Milford Millpond, and you can check out the historic Scott’s Mill at Mill Pond Conservation Area. Let’s not forget about the Milford Artisan and Flea Market that runs on Saturdays throughout the summer.
Elgin County’s Port Stanley is one of the best places in Ontario for anyone who wants to keep it casual and stay outdoors for most of their summer road trip. With festivals like CanFest (Canada Day weekend) and HarbourFest (mid to late August), summer takes on new meaning here. Port Stanley boasts that it’s always summer in town, located along the north shore of Lake Erie. The long, main beach is one of only 26 across Canada to earn a Blue Flag for its great water quality and safety measures. You can bring your bike and traverse the waterfront trail, explore the cute cafes, and indulge in watersports at Bridgefront Marina.
A scenic mill town about 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Almonte boasts a 19th century Main Street perfect for strolling and shopping, complete with galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants, all located along the Canadian Mississipi River. Given that it’s located by a stretch over river, you can count on the fact that there’s tons to do on and near the water. According to Almonte’s website, the Mississippi drops 65 feet as it passes through the town in a series of dramatic waterfalls and rapids. If you’re looking for history, beauty, and friendly townsfolk, Almonte is a good choice for you.
This community in Wellington County is known for its limestone architecture and, of course, the stunning Elora Gorge! Elora is often known as “Ontario’s most beautiful village” and for good reason. It’s surrounded by hills and farmland, descends into the Grand and Irvine Rivers, and there are still buildings from the 1800s situated around the town. Get ready to hike, swim, bike, stroll, shop, eat, and more during your escape to Elora, and there’s even a music festival called Elora Festival, which runs for three weeks in July this year. It’s all beauty and old world charm here.
Cover photo courtesy of Port Stanley on Facebook
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