Ontario Hidden Gems to Visit on a Road Trip

Hey adventure seekers! Are you ready to hit the road and explore the backroads in search of Ontario hidden gems?

If you think you’ve seen all that Ontario has to offer, think again. Beyond the touristy hotspots lies a treasure trove of hidden gems. Charming small towns, breathtaking scenery, and quirky roadside attractions just waiting to be explored.

I love writing content for my fellow Ontario road trippers. However, there is a cost to run a website. There may be affiliate links scattered throughout the website. If you click on a link, don’t worry, there is no cost to you.

Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or just someone who loves a good detour, this road trip guide will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. You won’t find any of Ontario’s hottest tourist spots in this road trip guide to Ontario hidden gems.

Calabogie: An Ontario Hidden Gem

Ontario road trippers will find this hidden gem tucked away deep in the Ottawa Valley. Here you will find the area’s most popular restaurant, beer tasting, car racing, beautiful scenery, extensive hiking, water sports, and skiing throughout the winter months.

While it’s not a practical day trip from Toronto, it is well worth an over-night stay. If you’re lucky enough to live in the Ottawa area, Calabogie is the perfect day trip for you.

Must Do When in Calabogie

• hike Eagle’s Nest
• eat at the Redneck Bistro
• taste some award-winning craft beer at Calabogie Brewing Company
• ski at Calabogie Peaks

Driver’s Tip: If staying overnight in Calabogie, I recommend staying at Calabogie Peaks Resort. It’s surrounded by hiking trails for summer fun and it has the ski hills for winter fun

Creemore: Known for the Best Carrot Cake

Creemore is the perfect spot to stretch your legs if you’re on your way to Collingwood or the Blue Mountains. This quaint village offers visitors friendly hospitality, great craft beer tasting, and the best carrot cake around.

Residents of Toronto and Barrie can easily visit Creemore on a one day road trip.

Must Do’s When Visiting Creemore

• beer tasting at Creemore Springs Brewery
• carrot cake at the Bank
• lunch at The Old Mill House Pub
• visit the Creemore Jail, said to be one of the smallest jails in Canada

Eganville: An Ontario Hidden Gem in the Ottawa Valley

I will admit that I haven’t spent a lot of time in Eganville. After driving through it and stopping a couple of times, I fell in love with this quaint town tucked away in the Ottawa Valley.

A road trip through the Ottawa Valley will expose you to the best that nature has to offer. Eganville is a small town full of quaint boutique shops, and a beautiful dam. While there isn’t much to do, other than shop, I do recommend road trippers visit the dam.

Driver’s Tip: Fall is the absolute best time of the year to visit the Eganville and the Ottawa Valley

Glen Williams: A Pleasant Surprise

A road trip to Glen Williams turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I loved it so much that I’ve returned two more times.

This hidden gem, located in Halton Hills, has a population of approximately 2,700 people and offers day trippers an abundance of charm, which makes it the perfect day trip from Toronto, Orangeville, and even Kitchener.

Things to do in Glen Williams

• grab a latte at the Midnight Run Cafe
• browse the shops that feature local artisans. The glass-blowing shop is a must!
• lunch at the Copper Kettle Pub
• search for treasures at Beaumont Mill Antiques

Driver’s Tip: Get there early, as parking fills up fast!

Goderich: Named One of the Most Beautiful Towns in Ontario

Goderich is known as one of the prettiest little towns in Canada, and dare I say Ontario? Located along the shores of Lake Huron, Goderich is an easy road trip for residents of Southern Ontario. It can also be done in one day from Toronto if you leave early and expect to arrive home later in the day.

Since Goderich is a short drive away from Bayfield and Grand Bend, this area of Ontario provides lots of things to see and do for Ontario road trippers. However, in my opinion, Goderich itself is worth a trip.

Things to do When Visiting Goderich

• spend time at the beach
• browse the shops in the downtown square
• water sports and hiking trails
• visit the Huron Historic Goal (for those of you old enough, this is the 1st jail that Steven Truscott was sent to)
• enjoy one of Ontario’s most beautiful sunsets from Lighthouse Point

Driver’s Tip: For a luxury overnight stay and 5 star cuisine, I recommend the Ben Miller Inn & Spa

Jordan: A Hidden Gem in Ontario’s Wine Region

Tucked away in Ontario’s wine country, Jordan is a hidden gem that blends small-town charm with world-class wineries. But that’s not all! It also offers some great hiking, and amazing boutiques.

This quaint village, nestled in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula, is a must-visit for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. Ontario road trippers stopping in Jordan won’t be disappointed.

Must Do’s When Visiting Jordan

• wine tasting at Cave Spring Winery
• hiking at nearby Ball’s Falls
• browse the quaint shops
• relax at the spa at Inn on the Twenty

Driver’s Tip: Did you know that the Inn on the Twenty is part of Niagara’s Vintage Hotel group? If you love the King of Wales and Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake, then this hotel might be for you.

Kincardine: An Ontario Hidden Gem,Where You’re a Stranger Only Once

Kincardine is the ideal road trip destination for road trippers living in the GTA or Southern Ontario. I admit that I might be a little biased towards this Ontario hidden gem, as this is the town where I grew up. To this day, it’s my number one road trip destination.

Situated along the shores of Lake Huron, Kincardine is best for road trippers in search of summer fun. Offering numerous beaches, Kincardine is perfect for solo’s, couples, and friends and families.

It’s important to note that reaching Kincardine throughout the winter months can be hazardous, as both highways 21 and 9 which lead into Kincardine are frequently closed due to weather.

Things to do When Visiting Kincardine

• beach, beach, and more beach!
• lunch on the patio at The Bruce which offers spectacular views over Lake Huron
• beer tasting at Grey Matter Beer Company
• stroll the boardwalk along Station Beach
• visit the quaint shops
• during July and August, attend the world famous Scottish pipe band parade

Driver’s Tip: With so many free things to do in Kincardine, road trippers won’t want to leave this hidden gem. If spending the night, I recommend the The Inn at the Harbour

Kingsville: An Ontario Hidden Gem in the South

Kingsville is an Ontario hidden gem located at Canada’s most southerly point. While it’s quite a distance from Toronto, it’s the ideal destination for a day trip from Chatham and Windsor.

If you’re looking for a laid-back road trip with a mix of outdoor adventure, great food and wine, without the crowds, then Kingsville is the destination for you!

Things to See and do in Kingsville

• take a guided wine tour, or visit one of the local wineries on your own
• beer tasting
• hiking and birdwatching at Point Pelee National Park
• hop the ferry to Pelee Island

Norfolk County: Ontario’s Newest Hidden Gem

I’m almost sorry that I have to include Norfolk County on this list 🙁 as I would love to keep this Ontario hidden gem a secret. However, this Ontario road trip destination is just too good to be true.

The fact that Norfolk County spans along the shores of Lake Erie and is home to Long Point Biosphere Region. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the abundance of trails in this area. Beach lovers can enjoy one of the many beaches in Port Dover and Port Burwell. Birdwatchers will be in their glory. And wine lover’s will be in heaven. Believe me when I tell you that Norfolk County has it all!

Things to do When Visiting This Ontario Hidden Gem

• wine tasting at the Burning Kiln and Inasphere Wines
• beer tasting at Charlotteville Brewing Company
• fly through the treetops in the Carolinian Forest
• kayak and hike at Long Point Eco Adventures
• spend the day at the beach in Port Dover or Port Burwell

Driver’s Tip: For a fun, unique overnight stay, I recommend staying in a dome or yurt at Long Point Eco Adventures. For larger groups, Eco Adventures, also has a house rental which sleeps up to 12 people.

Thornbury: A Hidden Gem Along the Shores of Georgian Bay

Thornbury is the perfect destination for road trippers visiting Collingwood or the Blue Mountains or residents of Owen Sound. Just 5 minutes down the road, this quaint village offers a spot for visitors to escape the crowds found in Collingwood and the Blue Mountains.

While it’s the great restaurants that entice visitors to Thornbury the most, outdoor lover’s and water enthusiasts love visiting throughout the summer months.

Things to do in Thornbury

• cast your line into the Beaver River
• visit Thornbury Craft Cidar and Beer House
• stop in at the Cheese Gallery
• hike the Bruce Trail
• lunch or dinner at The Port Tavern (reservations are recommended)

Ontario Hidden Gems Road Trip Destinations

So there you have it! All of the Ontario hidden gems just waiting to be explored!

The beauty of going off the beaten path is the thrill of the unknown. It’s turning a corner to find a view that takes your breath away. Or stumbling upon a local café that serves the best carrot cake you’ve ever had. And in every destination meeting a friendly stranger with a story to tell. This is what exploring Ontario’s hidden gems is all about!

. PIN TO VISIT AN ONTARIO HIDDEN GEM ON YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP