14 Awesome Things to do in Creemore: Plus 5 Reasons to Visit

If you’re looking for one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario with charm, fabulous food, and makes the perfect day trip from Toronto, visit Creemore. Nestled amongst the Purple Hills and skirting the Niagara Escarpment, there are plenty of things to do Creemore for both nature lovers and day trippers.

Creemore is one of my favourite small towns to visit! It’s a short, yet scenic, drive from Barrie so I visit often. The best part is that it’s a beautiful place to visit in every season. I love the fall and Christmas displays that line the main street. Plus, on a perfect summer day it makes for the ideal day trip to pair with lunch in town after a nearby hike.

My Creemore guide shares all the very best things to do in town and nearby. Plus, you’ll discover where to eat and shop. I’m sharing all of my favourite Creemore things to do along with reasons I think you should visit.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect small town getaway in Ontario or a fun day trip from Toronto Creemore fits what you’re after.

Creemore charm

This post contains affiliate links. By booking through these links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Reasons to Visit Creemore

If you only need one reason to visit Creemore then its charm will suffice. Take a stroll through its tree-lined downtown, with brilliant flower baskets and bright blue bikes decorating the sidewalks and you’ll feel transported back to days gone by.

It’s a place where passersby still smile and nod hello. Where shopkeepers will chat about friendly gossip with locals or gush about their love of their hometown to visitors. I think it’s one of the many reasons to visit Creemore!

Small towns that ooze charm are reason enough for me to visit! But if you’re looking for more reasons to make you travel to Creemore, then here are five solid ones!

  • Charm –You’ll find nothing but local shops and eateries alongside a picturesque backdrop of historic buildings.
  • Best Carrot Cake – One of the things Creemore is known for is having the Best Carrot Cake EVER from the Bank Café.
  • History – Creemore has a rich history that you can explore through a walking tour. See one of the smallest jails in North America and learn about the roots behind the name.
  • Perfect Location – Set in the scenic countryside, Creemore is a great day trip from Toronto as its only 1.5 hours north. Plus, it’s surrounded by plenty of other fun small towns and parks to explore.
  • Festivals – This small town knows how to throw a big party! Creemore hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year that range from craft beer to the arts.

Fun Fact: Creemore was voted one of the ten prettiest towns in Canada by Harrowsmith Magazine.

A little about Creemore Ontario

Located in the picturesque countryside of Simcoe County, Creemore is the perfect place to visit any time of year. Plus, with its conveniently location close to Collingwood, there’s plenty of things to do in Creemore and the surrounding area.

Creemore was settled in 1842 and the town has strong Irish roots. The name Creemore comes from the Gaelic ‘croí mór’ which mean big heart. This is present in how the founder, Irish entrepreneur Edward Webster, honored his family by naming the streets after them.

But Creemore has older roots. Samuel de Champlain visited the area in 1616 while promoting trade with the First Nation’s tribe Petun.

trying a slice of carrot cake from The Bank Cafe is one of the top things to do in Creemore
enjoy a slice of carrot cake from The Bank Cafe

Best Things to do in Creemore

It may be small but there are plenty of things to do in Creemore Ontario. You can enjoy everything from shopping to enjoying a pint at a local craft brewery or perhaps you’re looking for a great hiking trail or a slice of history. Creemore has it all!

Try Carrot Cake from the Bake Cafe

Don’t believe what your grandmother may have said, Creemore’s Bank Café makes the best carrot cake ever! And that’s not just my humble opinion, even though I’ve enjoyed countless slices of the cake, it’s a known fact throughout the county!

The Bank Café’s carrot cake is one of the main reasons to visit Creemore to taste for yourself. You can order a full cake in advance to bring home. Or purchase a mini version in their adorable little carrot cupcakes during your visit.

In addition to carrot cake, the Bank Café boasts an array of other baked goods, savoury treats and gourmet meals to go. Everything is made from scratch and I promise you can taste the love the fold in!

For those visiting in the summer, the café sets up an adorable little patio out front. And if you’re visiting on a Friday evening you can order one of their gourmet burgers. I love the Classic “Bank Burger,” especially since it’s made with 100% local beef.

Creemore jail

Visit the Jail

Following along the trail of history in Creemore one of the favourite things to do in Creemore is visit their jail. It’s totted as being North America’s smallest jail at 15 by 20 feet with 3 small cells. The jail was built in 1892 and you can visit it during the summer months.

Fun fact about the Creemore jail – the first inmate was a black cow. Not sure what ruckus he got into but hope he moved on quickly.

Creemore's historic plaques

Take the Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour

If you love learning the history of a place you’re visiting then one of the first things to do in Creemore should be their self-guided historic walking tour.

You can pick up a flyer at one of the shops in town and within it will show you a map of Creemore and where you can find all of the heritage markers and interpretive signs.

Discover the Petun Indigenous People who lived here, learn about why people came to Creemore, and find out how it came to be the charming small town it is today.

lookout at Devil's Glen Provincial Park near Creemore in the fall
lookout at Devil’s Glen Provincial Park

Hike Devil’s Glen Provincial Park

Minutes from downtown is one of the best provincial parks to see fall colours, Devil’s Glen. With easy access from a small parking lot off of Simcoe County Rd 124, you can opt for a short or long hike.

Devil’s Glen Provincial Park sits on the Niagara Escarpment and offers varied terrain. If you’re looking for a short hike, there’s a short walk through the forest taking you to an awesome lookout.

From the lookout I’m always in awe of the stunning views as I stand over 500 metres up. With the deep gorge carved out and the Mad River below, the views are stunning.

If you’re looking for a longer hike, a section of the Bruce Trail runs through the park. This section takes you through the forest along a rocky and root filled trail. Plus, there’s plenty of steep sections.

Insider Tip: Because of the steep portions of the Bruce Trail, I don’t recommend tackling it in wet weather or after any significant rainfall.

chocolates display at YF Pâtissier-Chocolatier
a sample of the chocolates at YF Pâtissier-Chocolatier

Grab Chocolates from YF Pâtissier-Chocolatier

Delight your sweet tooth with a visit to YF Pâtissier-Chocolatier in downtown Creemore.

Located in a dreamy little white cottage-like building on the main street, YF Pâtissier-Chocolatier is full of incredible treats. Inside you’ll find everything from chocolates to cakes to croissants.

The chefs, François and Yoonhee blend French baking with expertise and innovation to create masterpieces. Some too beautiful to eat! But taste them and you’ll want more!

All of their pastries, both sweet and savoury, are made fresh every day. In addition to sweet treats, they make a variety of delicious items that are perfect to pack for a picnic to take on one of the hikes near Creemore.

During my visit I had a hard time choosing from their collection of hand-crafted chocolates. From the bonbons I chose, I loved the seasonal flavour pumpkin caramel and one of their classics, passion fruit ganache. I also love their dedication to sourcing from sustainable cacao tree farmers.

Visit a Gallery

I am no art aficionado but I always adore visiting local galleries wherever I travel. And it’s no surprise that Creemore is an arts town.

There are a couple of great art galleries in Creemore that you can pop into. One is the Mill Street Art Studio, which showcases incredible Creemore artists, Sue A. Miller, Martha Bull, and Liz Eakins.

Please remember this is a gallery and working studio.

chicken club sandwich and fries from The Old Mill House Pub
chicken club sandwich and fries from The Old Mill House Pub

Dine at the Best Creemore Restaurants

I’ve honestly gone the 40 minutes to Creemore just for lunch at the pub or a latte and slice of cake on numerous occasions. I must admit with all the great restaurants, cafes, and the Creemore Farmers Market, eating is one of the top things to do in Creemore!

If it’s light meals or a refreshing iced latte in the summer or freshly brewed coffee in the fall my favourite cafe is the Bank Café. The Bank Café is one of the best cafés in Simcoe County! It’s located in the historic Toronto Bank building from 1896 that has been expertly converted to this lovely café.

Among the cafés are a couple of great restaurants. Chez Michel will transport you to Provence with their French country flair, which includes both décor and food.

For those looking for a more casual space head to Old Mill House Pub. With the perfect pub atmosphere, I love that their fresh-cut fries from come from local growers. One of my go-to meals is their Chicken Club and fries.

I highly recommend visiting town on a Saturday. Every Saturday in the summer the Creemore Farmers Market is held at the Station on the Green. The market boats fresh produce, sustainable goods, coffee, and more!

Plus, they also run a number of indoor winter and spring markets too!

Other places to eat in Creemore:

  • Creemore Bakery & Café
  • Pizza Perfect and Diner
  • Creemore Pizza Co.
pink building that houses the Curiosity House Books store in Creemore
Curiosity House Books

Go Shopping in Downtown Creemore

Of course, you can’t visit a small town and not do a little window shopping in their shops. And if you’re anything like me then you’ll love all the local run shops in Creemore.

There’s a book store that I swear was made for me with its pretty pink exterior. The shelves at Curiosity House Books are lined with a wide array of topics. Plus, they host a number of events throughout the year.

Another one of my favourite shops in Creemore is Heirloom 142. Inside you’ll find a mix of vintage and customized pieces. I love their unique collection!

A surprising place to browse is the Creemore Village Pharmacy! I remember the first time I popped in, I was shocked buy the variety of items for sale. They have everything form general store items to clothing and home decor. I bought one of my favourite hats here!

Other shops to check out:

  • Nomad at Heart
  • Creemore 100 Mile Store
  • The Keep Refillery: Creemore
  • Victorian Values
Keyhole Trail in winter
hiking the Keyhole Side Trail in the snow at Nottawasaga Bluffs

Hike Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area

One of my favourite places to hike near Creemore is Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area. This sprawling park is nestled along the Niagara Escarpment. It’s home to lookouts and caves!

The park is full of incredible trails include the Bruce Trail and my favourite, the Keyhole Side Trail. This fun side trail takes you through towering caves that are covered in moss. It’s one of the best Instagrammable hikes in Ontario!

Insider Tip: If you’re looking for free things to do in Creemore, there’s a hike right in town. Five minutes from downtown is the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Creemore Nature Preserve. Enjoy a peaceful walk through its wooded trail.

Related Post: 7 Best Hikes in Ontario with Awesome Views

Creemore Springs Brewery taphouse bar
pull up a stool and enjoy a pint

Grab a Pint at Creemore Springs Brewery

Creemore Springs Brewery was cool before craft breweries in Ontario were all the rage! It all started over 20 years ago, with a man, a mission, and a community to help it succeed and put Creemore on the map!

Located in an old hardware store on the main street in Creemore is the infamous Creemore Spring Brewery! Made in their massive copper kettle with Creemore spring water, their beer is such a hit that there’s even a festival around it!

Plus, they’re all about sustainability and good-tasting beer! Over 99% of their brewery waste never makes it to the landfill!

If you’re looking for something to wet your whistle while visiting then pop into the Brewery. They offer tours and flights of their facility and awesome craft beer. And you can even try a free sample! Yes, you read that right! They know you’ll like it and want more!

Purple Hill Lavender Farm

Visit Purple Hill Lavender Farm

If you’re visiting Creemore in the summer then I highly recommend visiting a lavender farm. Located on the edge of town you’ll find Purple Hill Lavender Farm.

This lovely farm is one of the best lavender farms in Ontario! At Purple Hill Lavender Farm you’ll find three beautiful fields of lavender.

There’s a picturesque pond, a lovely old home, and sweeping views of the area. And be sure to pop into their cute little shop for a variety of items made from their lavender.

Attend a Festival

Looking for some fun? One of the best reasons to visit is its diverse festivals and events. One of their famous festivals is the Copper Kettle Festival, held near the end of August

The festival celebrates Creemore Springs beer that’s brewed in an authentic copper kettle. The festival has something for everyone, from live music to kid’s activities, brewery tours and so much more.

Another favourite is the Vintage Festival, held the end of May every year, it showcases the beauty and wealth of antiques you can find in the area. There’s furniture painting demonstrations, an interesting vintage market, a gypsy caravan and more!

Other great events and festivals in Creemore:

  • Creemore Festival of the Arts
  • Creemore Nights
Noisy River's Bruce Trail
the Bruce Trail running through Noisy River Provincial Park

Hike Noisy River Provincial Park

Surrounded by lush natural scenery, Creemore is the perfect place for a weekend getaway for those who love hiking. Nearby there are many parks and conservation areas to explore.

Located 15 minutes from town is the Noisy River Provincial Park. The park covers nearly 400 hectares, and is home to meadows, a lake, and has the Niagara Escarpment running through it.

I love hiking Noisy River in the summer and fall. The park is full of caverns that make for fun photo-ops anytime of year though. It’s also home to a local section of the Bruce Trail.

Insider Tip: Be aware of very wet sections after significant rain. The trail can get very muddy in sections.

Take in the Creemore Route Champlain

Are you looking for an epic scenic road trip in Ontario? Then consider taking the Route Champlain that circles Ontario, from Kingston to North Bay and over to Ottawa.

This scenic drive roughly follows the historic route of Champlain. And a portion of it can be enjoyed in Creemore where you can actually follow the historic route itself by car or on a cycling tour.

As you’ll see on the historic walking tour of Creemore, there’s a plaque in town called “Champlain Slept Here.” It’s one of the stops on the southern Georgian Bay portion of the Route Champlain.

How to Get to Creemore

Creemore Ontario is located in Clearview Township and is 130 km north of Toronto (approximately 1.5 hours) off of County Road 9. It also makes for a perfect day trip from Barrie or a stop on your way to Collingwood.

Where to Stay in Creemore

If you’re planning to spend a lovely weekend in Creemore and looking for a place to stay you can check local listings here.

Creemore is home to a few Bed and Breakfasts but if you’re looking for something unique then consider Clearview Station & Caboose B&B. Have you ever wanted to stay in an old train? Here’s your chance! The Bed & Breakfast offers unique rooms including a stay in their refurbished Ontario Northland Caboose. Book your stay today!

More Adorable Small Towns You’ll Love

21 Perfect Things to do in Paris Ontario

+20 Ultimate Things to do in Uxbridge

Frequently Asked Questions about Creemore Ontario

Where is Creemore Ontario?

Creemore is located in Simcoe County, 25 minutes south of Collingwood.

How far is Creemore from Toronto?

Creemore is 1.5 hours north of Toronto.

What is Creemore Ontario known for?

Creemore is known for being a picturesque town that’s popular with day trippers as well as being home to one of the smallest jails in North America.

What is the meaning of the name Creemore?

The name Creemore comes from the Gaelic ‘croí mór’ which mean big heart.

PIN THIS IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!

14 Best Things to do in Creemore Ontario
5 Reasons to Visit Creemore: An Ontario Small Town with a Big Heart - discover the top things to do in Creemore, including where to eat, shop and stay

Stephanie

I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

You may also like...