10 Best Things to do in Paris Ontario

Paris, Ontario has not only been dubbed the prettiest town in Ontario, but it also has a lot to see and do. There are enough things to see and do in Paris that can keep you busy for a least one, if not two days. As an insider to Paris, I’m going to share with you the 10 best things to do in Paris Ontario. You might even find an insider tip or two.

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Paris, Ontario is a popular Ontario road trip destination, but I’m going to guess that not everyone who visits is aware of the vast amount of things there is to do in Paris. As a Paris insider, I’m going to share my favourite things to do with you. I’ll even throw in a few extras for visitors that are staying in Paris for two days.

Browse the Quaint Shops on the Main Street

Shopaholics visiting Ontario’s prettiest town won’t find any chain stores lining the streets. Instead, you will find only locally owned stores, many of which feature the work of local artisans.

The main street of Paris which is home to many of the shops is only a block long. But don’t let that fool you. You can expect to spend at least an hour browsing the shops full of goodies. From locally made chocolates to high end clothing stores, the Paris shops have it all.

Take a Self-Guided Cobblestone Walking Tour

Architecture lovers will be in their glory when visiting Paris. Did you know that Paris is the cobblestone capital of Canada?

Built in the middle 1800’s, there are still 12 homes and 2 cobblestone churches left. Some notable cobblestone structures remaining are Hamilton Place, on Grand River North, the Montieth House, on Broadway, and Levi Boughton’s own original home on the corner of Queen and Ball Streets. These properties remain in an excellent state of preservation.

You can learn more about the buildings and find the location by visiting the County of Brant.

Driver’s Tip: For visitors to Brant County preferring spooky activities, grab a map for a self-driving cemetary tour.

Winsey Mills

A visit to Paris, Ontario isn’t complete with stopping in to browse Winsey Mills.

Winsey Mills is a historic building located in downtown Paris (beside the liquor store).

Historically the Winsey Mills Co employed 125 people which continued to operate throughout the Great Depression.

Today you will find quite a few vendors, offering fresh local produce and meat, local artisans who create jewellery, soaps and bath products, woodworking, an antique vendors, sweat treats, grilled cheese (the best ever!), and a coffee cafe.

It’s worth the time to stop in at Winsey Mills to take a look around. I recommend budgeting 1 hour for this stop.

Paris Brewery

While you’re in the area, and likely thirsty after all the shopping, I HIGHLY recommend a visit to Paris Brewery. The Paris Brewery is attached to the Winsey Mills Co. so you won’t have to walk to far.

The grain used for the brews is harvested on a farm just down the highway from Paris, so all ingredients are local. I forget the name of the beer, but ask the server for a “blue or purple” beer to be included in your flight. It’s delicious.

Just One Tip: It’s fun sitting at the bar, especially if Jeremy is the bartender. He’s been at the brewery since it opened and he will happily share his knowledge with you.

If you are also hungry at this point, the Paris Brewery also serves pizza and flatbreads which are quite delicious. Don’t eat too much though, as Paris has some of the best restaurants around.

More of the Best Things to do in Paris Ontario

Canoe the Grand

Canoeing the Grand is the number 1 thing to do in Paris for active, adventure enthusiasts. You can either rent kayaks or canoes, or book a guided tour with Grand River Rafting. You are also welcome to bring your own boats to launch.

For your first time out, I recommend taking the 14 km trip from Paris to Brantford. The river is shallow with some rapids. I did this one for my first paddle, and it was a blast (even though it rained the entire time).

Included with your rentals is:

• boat
• life jacket
• safety kit
• orientation map talk
• shuttle ride
• parking

Lions Park: One of the Best Things to do in Paris Ontario

Lions Park is a great spot if you’re travelling with children. There’s an large extensive playground for the kids to climb while the folks rest after much walking.

During the summer, there is also a pool which is open to the public.

Driver’s Tip: If you love a good picnic, then Lions Park is the ideal spot to grab a spot under a tree in the shade

Hike the Nith River Trail

Running directly off of Lions Park you’ll find the Nith River Trail. This trail is amazing for children and adults alike.

The trail itself is easy and if you stay on the main trail it’s completely accessible. Children (and even some adults) will enjoy the inter-active activities found along the first part of the trail.

The Nith Trail itself is only 926 meter trail, which runs parallel to the Nith River. There are benches along the way if you want to rest and take in the beauty of the river.

For more avid hikers, you can choose to carry on, as there are more rugged trails which branch off the Nith River trail.

Pinehurst Lake

Spendig the afternoon at Pinehurst Lake is my absolute fav! Located 9 km outside of Paris, Pinehurst is the perfect spot to chill in the sun.

Pinehurst offers many amenities, such as camping, fishing, hiking trails, swimming, paddle boat rentals, and a food cantine. It has everything you possible need for an enjoyable afternoon lazing in the sun.

Mary Maxim

As you may have guessed by now, Paris has things to do for all ages, and all interest groups. Mary Maxim is for the craftie in the family.

It began offering a massive inventory of wool, but it’s expanded to include, art kits for both young and old, as well as fabrics, and gifts. You will find all of your arts and crafts needs at this store – be prepared to spend awhile 🙂

Mary Maxim is located just on the edge of town and an ideal stop to make on your way to Pinehurst – just watch for the knitting needle pointing the way.

Capture the Beauty of the Prettiest Town in Ontario

It goes without saying that there are many opportunities in the prettiest town in Ontario to capture the beauty. The main attraction and most popular picture being the Arlington Hotel, which is front and center as you enter this beautiful town.

However, there are many other spots you can take instagram worthy photos:

• from the bridge just off the main street, capture the rear of all of the shops
• also from the bridge, you can take an instagram worthy shot of the river which flows through the town
• fun shots can be found inside of the Dog-Eared Cafe
• my favourite? take the main street up the hill towards Brantford and continue to the right until you reach the top of the hill. There is a lookout which looks over the entire town of Paris. This spot is most breath-taking during the Fall and Winter, however, you’ll capture a beautiful photo year-round.

10 Best Things to do in Paris Ontario

If you find that 1 day isn’t long enough in Paris, you’re in luck – Paris has a couple of unique places to spend the night.

Even though Paris itself isn’t an Ontario hidden gem, many of the things to do are. I hope I was able to let you in on some insider secrets and tips for your next visit to Paris. If you’ve been to Paris, I’d love to hear your insider tips.

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