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Cute holiday village destinations in Ontario and Quebec
We all love those postcard-perfect towns and villages featured in holiday movies; the kind with the charming B&Bs, local cafes and restaurants, and handmade items for sale by artisans in the area. These little destinations are places where small-town romances come to life, and where you can escape the noise and bustle of big cities.
If that sounds like your type of getaway, then here are five cute holiday destinations in Ontario and Quebec to add to your Canadian travel list. (Don’t forget to make sure you’ve got your vehicle’s auto insurance ready for any road trips ahead!)
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Almonte, Ontario
Fans of holiday-channel movies will likely recognize some spots in this town, since it’s a popular filming location. But don’t worry, this adorable city has plenty of charm off-screen as well. Nicknamed the “Christmas Town” thanks to its fame as a top location for holiday filming, Almonte has a historic centre with plenty of adorable buildings and businesses selling local crafts and vintage décor. If you’re visiting from May to October, check out the Saturday Farmers Market; but if you do visit during the holiday season, keep your eye open for Christmas-themed events like the Christmas Tree lighting festival. It’s just like in the movies!
Wakefield, Quebec
For small-town vibes set in nature, Wakefield in Quebec is a great pick. Located on the Gatineau River, this adorable village is the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend break. Stroll down the boardwalk and browse stores like Khewa for indigenous, Metis and Inuit artists, or shop at Boutique Jamboree for cozy cottageware. The Wakefield bakery is the perfect spot to pick up some fresh bread or a pie, but if chocolate or candy is more your style, head to La Confiserie to all kinds of bonbons. If you visit in the summer, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard while winter visitors can ski or snowshoe in the nearby trails.
Wakefield is also only about twenty minutes from downtown Ottawa, but there are a couple of cute B&B style spots in town as well as a beautiful inn and spa by the waterfall for those who want the true holiday-village experience.
Merrickville, Ontario
Small-town charm is abundant in Merrickville, Ontario. Start your visit with a stop at Pickle and Myrrh to try out their caramels made with local flavours and year-round classics. Continue on to the Wick Witch Apothecary for candles and bath products, or Mrs. McGarrigles for cheeses, jams and mustards. There’s also a year-round Christmas Shop which is always fun for a visit, but it’s extra special if you time your visit for when the CPKC Holiday Train is in town. While it’s magical during the festive winter season, Merrickville also has some great local markets throughout the summer and fall, making it a good place to visit at any time of the year.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Best known for its ski hills, Mont Tremblant offers a picturesque pedestrian village that makes visitors feel like they have been transported to a European winter village. Mont Tremblant is more tourist-y than the other cute small towns on this list, but don’t let that deter you, because it’s an incredibly charming destination. During the winter, Mont Tremblant is a popular escape for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, while the summer months attract hikers, cyclists and golfers.
While many of the shops here are well-known brands, there’s also a little general store, a butchery and a bonbon shop. Plus, there are plenty of cozy cafes as well as restaurants where you can try all kinds of French favourites, including fondue, raclette and crepes. Accommodations range from resorts at the bottom of the hills to comfortable condos, making it ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation with friends, family or a partner.
Elora, Ontario
Dubbed the most beautiful village in Ontario, Elora is the perfect place to explore if you’re seeking cute holiday towns. With this title, Elora is one of the more popular locations to visit during the festive season when it’s decked out for the holidays. But while December may have the lights and décor and Christmas activities, the summer season in Elora is known for its farmer’s markets, and the nearby gorge makes it a great place to get active year-round.
No matter what time of year you visit, you can’t miss the cute shops and cafes. The Mermaid is a favourite with unique items for sale, and those with a sweet tooth will love the indulgent treats at The Wild Tart. Travellers looking for a splurge should be sure to check out the Elora Mill Spa.
Make sure your holiday road trip is covered
Both Ontario and Quebec are full of charming small towns and villages that can be visited for a weekend away, or even as a quick day trip from major cities. These are a handful of favourites that are definitely worth your time if you are looking for that holiday-movie type setting. And of course, whether you’re driving in winter or any other season, make sure you’ve got the right auto insurance for your needs. Get your free car insurance quote from Sonnet today and happy exploring!
Hannah Logan is a paid spokesperson of Sonnet Insurance.
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