10 magical places in Ontario I love to visit when I'm missing Europe
From small towns to restaurants.
Madeline standing outside of Casa Loma. Right: Madeline at a restaurant.
As much as I dream of jetting off to Europe, expensive plane tickets and costly travel means that for now, I'll have to find my European fix closer to home.
Thankfully, there are a few places in Ontario where I can enjoy a little taste of that overseas life without getting on a plane. From dreamy small towns to drool-worthy restaurants and historic cities, these destinations are full of European vibes and offer a gorgeous escape without going too far.
Here are the ten destinations I love to visit in Ontario whenever I'm missing Europe. Next time you're craving an adventure, check out some of these enchanting spots across the province.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: According to Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara-on-the-Lake "epitomizes old town charm" and I couldn't agree more.
The 19th century village is surrounded by lush vineyards and features "whimsical boutiques, enthralling antique shops and delightful bistros."
Whether you want to spend the day browsing through the local shops, enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants or getting pampered at one of the spas, this spot will have you feeling like you've taken a trip to Europe.
One of my favourite things to do in the village is visit the Icewine Festival in January. The annual event features a glistening ice wine village, sweet samples, ice sculptures, a gala and more.
Elora
Address: Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: One of the most European-feeling spots I've visited in Ontario is the charming small town of Elora. This enchanting village has lots of cozy stores and reminds me of a small village in England.
It's a great spot for shopping and you can find everything from clothes to home decor and jewelry.
I love visiting Cafe Crêperie for a little taste of Paris.
During the summer, the town comes alive with musicians, festivals, sunshine and more. You can pop over the the nearby Quarry and take a dip in the dreamy turquoise waters.
Kingston
Address: Kingston, ON
Why You Need To Go: I fell in love with Kingston for its old-world, European vibes. The city is brimming with history and features so many beautiful buildings and Victorian homes.
It's actually known as the "Limestone City" as much of its architecture features this distinctive stone.
There's so much to enjoy year-round in this destination, from lake views and gorgeous patios in the summer to haunted tours in the fall and enchanting decor and ice rinks in the winter.
The charming downtown core is full of cafes where you can grab a coffee and imagine you've jetted off to another land.
Myth
Address: 522 King St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Toronto restaurant will transport you to Greece and you can feast like you're on vacay. Myth is a recently-reopened venue on King Street West that features authentic Greek decor and cuisine.
Inside you'll find yourself surrounded by olive trees, clay pots, frescos and more that evoke that European atmosphere.
The menu features a range of dishes from lamb kebab to pork souvlaki, Greek fries, sea bass and more.
You won't want to miss out on the pistachio baklava for dessert.
Village of Bayfield
Address: Bayfield, ON
Why You Need To Go: This little village is nestled near Lake Huron and it feels like stepping into a storybook.
It's known as a "Hallmark experience" and features "boutique shopping, unique restaurants, wineries, breweries, hiking, accommodations, and more."
I especially love visiting this quaint village during the holiday season. Christmas in Bayfield is a truly magical event that transforms the area into a sparkling holiday dreamland.
From horse-drawn carriages to twinkling store windows and cozy fire pits, it feels like you're celebrating Christmas in a little European village.
During the summer, you can enjoy the town's three beaches and take a dip in the shimmering waters of Lake Huron.
The Distillery District
Address: 51 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Distillery Historic District is like a little slice of Europe in Toronto. The area features cobblestone streets, old world buildings and more that always make me feel like I've jetted off to a different land.
During the summer months, there are many beautiful patios where you can sit and enjoy a drink in the sunshine. The winter brings a whole new kind of magic to the area, when it transforms into the Distillery Winter Village. The Christmas Market has all those European feels as well as treats, photo ops and more.
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: This charming city always satisfies my craving for a taste of Europe. The historic streets and old-world feel make Stratford the perfect spot for a little weekend getaway.
One of my favourite things to do in the city is catch a performance at the Stratford Festival. Each year, the festival produces a range of plays and some of my favourites I've seen are To Kill A Mockingbird, The Sound of Music and West Side Story.
I never miss out on a stop at Rheo Thompson Candies to try one (or two) of their famous mint smoothie chocolates.
St. Jacobs
Address: St. Jacobs, ON
Why You Need To Go: This hidden gem is just a road trip from Toronto and it's one of my favourite spots to fill up on historic charm.
The village has a peaceful Main Street with many shops and galleries. There are several bakeries where you can indulge in homemade treats and pastries.
My favourite time to visit is during the fall, when the village fills with extra-cozy vibes and vibrant leaves. You can take a trip to one of the surrounding pumpkin patches and enjoy a warm coffee on a crisp day.
The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is a must-visit for local goods, produce and dishes.
Fergus
Address: Fergus, ON
Why You Need To Go: I grew up in this little Scottish town and while it's small in size, it has so much to offer.
The town "embodies its rich Scottish heritage through its natural limestone buildings, parks and public gardens, trail network, unique shops and excellent restaurants" and is a relaxing spot to spend a day.
From cute cafes to local shops, enchanting gardens and scenic trails, this destination is like a mini trip to Edinburgh without the plane ticket.
There are many events hosted throughout the year, from a medieval village to a Scottish Festival, Halloween Haunt and more.
Casa Loma
Price: $40 per adult
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This is a true taste of Europe located right in Toronto. Casa Loma has major England / fairytale vibes and is a beautiful spot to visit for a tour, concert or Christmas experience.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on March 22, 2024.