Summer is the perfect season for wandering, and when the days stretch long and golden, there’s nothing lovelier than setting out on a simple road trip. Just a short drive from London, Ontario, a constellation of charming towns and villages awaits - each with its own pace, personality, and something special to discover. Here are a few favourites worth slipping out of the city for.

Arkona

Hidden in the hills of Lambton County, Arkona is known for its fossils and falls. Hike through Rock Glen Conservation Area to find 400-million-year-old fossils and a 10-metre waterfall tucked into the gorge. It’s a little off the beaten path, and that’s exactly the point.

Alymer

Aylmer blends heritage with nature. Walk the Alymer museum or visit Clovermead Adventure Farm for honey-themed fun with the kids. In August, the Aylmer Fair—one of Ontario’s oldest—offers carnival rides, demolition derbies, and timeless summer joy.

Bayfield

Bayfield’s gentle sophistication makes it one of Lake Huron’s loveliest stops. Think heritage inns, waterfront patios, and a main street lined with upscale boutiques. Enjoy a sunset stroll on the marina boardwalk, browse the Bayfield Farmers’ Market, or attend the Bayfield Community Fair in August for that perfectly balanced dose of country life and charm.

Elora

If a fairytale village were to exist in Ontario, Elora would be it. With its stunning limestone architecture, rushing gorge, and thriving arts scene, it feels like a place suspended in time. The Elora Gorge Conservation Area is perfect for tubing or hiking, and you’ll find charming shops, galleries, and cafés downtown. Don’t miss the Elora Festival in July or Riverfest Elora in August—both offering magical music in an unforgettable setting.

Fergus

Fergus wears its Scottish roots proudly. Wander the stone bridge, visit antique shops, and catch a concert at the Fergus Grand Theatre. The town comes alive in August during the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, complete with caber tossing, pipe bands, and plenty of kilts.

Goderich

Often called “Canada’s prettiest town,” Goderich boasts a scenic bluff-top view of Lake Huron, an octagonal town square, and rich maritime history. Spend your day at the beach, explore the Huron Historic Gaol, or visit during the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival in August, where music and dance bring the town’s Scottish and Irish heritage to life.

Paris

With its cobblestone charm and riverside setting, Paris is almost too pretty to be real. Canoe along the Grand River, stroll through boutiques, or grab a coffee with a view at the Arlington Hotel. The Paris Night Market and Summer Fest in July is full of music, lights, and artisan treasures.

Port Stanley

This sunny harbour town on Lake Erie is the classic summer escape. Pack your sandals and your appetite: enjoy a day on the Main Beach (one of Ontario's few Blue Flag beaches), browse boutiques, and try the perch and chips at Mackie's. In August, don’t miss the lively Calipso Festival, a celebration of music, food, and local culture. Catch a live performance at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre or hop aboard the Port Stanley Terminal Rail for a breezy heritage train ride along the lake.

St Jacobs Village

St. Jacobs is a treasure trove for lovers of markets, Mennonite heritage, and handmade charm. Visit the famous St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and international eats. The village itself is home to quaint shops, a quilt museum, and horse-drawn carriages. In summer, the town hums with visitors enjoying the countryside pace and artistic spirit.

St Mary’s

A sweet stone town with a pace that practically insists you slow down. Float in Canada’s largest outdoor limestone swimming pool, explore the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, or walk the scenic Grand Trunk Trail. The Stonetown Heritage Festival in July is full of live music, historical reenactments, and small-town charm.

St. Thomas & Sparta

A town of trains and murals, St. Thomas is steeped in railway heritage—and hosts one of its most unique landmarks. The life-size Jumbo the Elephant statue, crafted by Winston Bronnum, stands at the city’s entrance to commemorate the famous circus elephant who tragically died there in 1885. Constructed of steel-reinforced concrete in 1985 for the centennial of his death, it’s a striking tribute to the world-renowned pachyderm—and a perfect selfie stop

The rest of St. Thomas offers plenty too: the Elgin County Railway Museum for history buffs, vibrant Talbot Street murals for explorers, indie coffee at Streamliners, and seasonal shows at CASO Station. Don’t miss Railway City Brewing Co. (home of the aptly named “Dead Elephant” IPA). In August, the Iron Horse Music & Arts Festival—celebrating its trains, art, and of course Jumbo—brings the community together in full steam.

Over in Sparta, just south of town, you'll find tea rooms, artisan shops, a lavender farm, and historic 19th-century charm—a slower-paced complement to St. Thomas’s lively attractions.

Stratford and Shakespeare

An icon of Canadian theatre, Stratford is elegant and imaginative. Come for a performance at the Stratford Festival (April through October), then stay for the Avon River, swan sightings, and riverside picnics. The downtown shops are stylish yet approachable, and there’s a chocolate trail and bacon & ale trail for the curious and hungry. And don’t miss the Shakespearean Gardens—a peaceful retreat featuring flowers mentioned in the Bard’s plays, nestled beside the Avon River with views of the old woolen mill chimney.

Shakespeare Village is just minutes east of Stratford and is a charming detour for antique lovers and tea enthusiasts. Browse historic shops brimming with vintage finds, enjoy a relaxed stop at the Harry Ten Shilling Tearoom, or sample local brews at Shakespeare Brewing Company. It’s small, sweet, and easy to pair with a day in Stratford.

Woodstock

Known as the Dairy Capital of Canada, Woodstock offers more than cows and cheese—though both are worth celebrating. Check out the Woodstock Art Gallery and be sure to pop into Habitual Chocolate for bean-to-bar delights. Antique lovers won’t want to miss the One of a Kind Antique Mall, the largest in Canada, with three floors of vintage treasures and over 500 vendors. Just outside the city, Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese crafts award-winning Swiss-style cheeses using milk from a neighbouring farm—tastings and tours make it a perfect countryside stop. And if you're looking to relax, Upper Thames Brewing Company pours locally brewed craft beer in a welcoming taproom, often hosting events and live music for a laid-back finish to your day. In August, the Cowapolooza Festival brings live music and community spirit to the heart of town.

Summer around London, Ontario is less about finding a big destination and more about sinking into a small one. Whether it’s theatre, beach time, hiking, or heritage, each of these spots invites you to slow down, look around, and soak up the season. Pack a cooler, cue your favourite playlist, and take the back roads—they’re always the most interesting.

Charming Small Town Day Trips

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