21 Perfect Things to do in Paris Ontario the Prettiest Small Town

Paris has been named one of the prettiest little towns in Canada. It’s home to a waterfall, delectable desserts, and historic buildings. You’ll be swept away by its charm, lovely people, and scenic spot in the heart of Ontario. Along with being one of the best small towns, there are plenty of perfect things to do in Paris Ontario.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a weekend getaway in Ontario then Paris is the perfect place. As a frequent visitor, I’ve got your Paris trip planning covered. In this travel guide you’ll discover all the top things to do, how to get there, as well as where to stay and where to eat.

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How to Get to Paris

Paris is located in Southern Ontario’s Brant County, just outside Brantford. Paris is a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto, and 30 minutes west of Hamilton. Close enough for the perfect weekend getaway Ontario, road trip, or perfect day trip.

Depending on where you travel from here is one route idea. For route suggestions, I recommend taking Highway 401 and getting off at 24, heading towards Cambridge. Then get off on 14 going west for a scenic drive into Paris. You can find downtown Paris located along Grand River Street.

Best Things to do in Paris Ontario

If you’re looking for the perfect small town getaway in Ontario then Paris is where you should go! This charming small town is set between the Grand River and Nith River and is full of fantastic restaurants, shops, and plenty of awesome outdoor adventures.

Visit Penman’s Dam

A great first stop in Paris is the historic Penman’s Dam. It was built over 100 years ago by the Penman clothing company to provide waterpower to run their mills.

The dam now provides a perfect spot to rest and relax with a picnic and take in the waterfall. Plus, don’t forget to visit it at night too!

Every evening at dusk the Penman’s Dam is lit by spectacular colours. Known as “Lighting of the Paris Falls.” The best view it from the William Street Bridge.

There is a parking lot off of County Road 51. From the parking lot, take a walk up the small hill for a full view the Dam up close. There’s also access to the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail along the paved pathway by the dam.

Above the Grand River, that runs through Paris, is a train bridge. Penman’s Dam offers the best view of it. You may recognize it from many Hallmark movies.

Take a Cobblestone Tour

Whether you’re a history buff or fan of incredible architecture then you’ll love Paris. Known as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada, Paris is home to a dozen pristine cobblestone buildings and even a few garden walls.

I highly recommend doing a tour around town to see the cobblestone buildings. It’s one of my favourite things to do in Paris!

There are 12 homes and 2 cobblestone churches left in Paris. These Paris cobblestone buildings were all built around the mid-1800’s.

This artful masonry work was brought here by the famous New York architect Levi Boughton. He chose rounded, lake washed, cobblestones to create these works of art.

Some of the buildings are made of over 14,000 cobblestones, all drawn from the Nith and Grand Rivers. And nowhere else in Canada will you see this many cobblestone structures in one place.

Go for a Bike or Hike in Paris

If you know me, you’ll know I’m always on the hunt for hiking trails wherever I go. And Paris is no different. It’s a beautiful place for many reasons, incredible architecture, a picturesque downtown, and also because it’s surrounded by stunning natural scenery. So, I couldn’t leave out hiking as one of the top things to do in Paris Ontario.

There are over 100 km of trails in Paris and area. The forests around Paris are significant as they are home to stretches of Carolinian Forests that are only found in certain places in Canada.

Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail

One great trail in Paris to check out is the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail. This 18 km trail runs along an old rail bed. It’s one of the many incredible Grand River trails that follow the river. Plus, it offers various overlooks to stop and soak in the scenery. The trail is ideal for hiking and cycling.

SC Johnston Trail

The SC Johnson Trail is great for hiking or cycling! This 14-km trail runs between Paris and Brantford. The SC Johnson Trail travels along the abandoned railway bed of the Northern Railway. Plus, it will reward you with scenic views over Paris! This is another great trail that is fit for foot or bike!

Nith River Trail & Distillery Lane Trail

In one of the best parks in Paris Ontario visitors will find another trail! The Nith River and Distillery Lane Trails run through Lions Park and Pete Lavole Ball Park, taking you along the Nith River. Plus, this lovely trail is also home to many sensory displays that provide an inclusive outdoor experience for many!

Other trails to check out in or near Paris are the Barker’s Bush Trail Loop, Penman’s Pass Trail, Grand Valley Trail, and the Gordon Glaves Grand River Loop. For more trails near Paris visit here.

Raft the Grand River

One of the best things to do in Paris Ontario for adventure buffs is to raft the Grand River.

The Grand River is a designated Heritage River and has stretches of slow and fast currents. You can canoe, kayak, or enjoy a whitewater rafting experience on this majestic river.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a new view of Paris. And even if it’s your first time, don’t be shy, you can join one of the great guided tours with Grand River Rafting.

Learn about Telephone History

Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell lived in Brant County? It was here that he invented the telephone!

Not only did this historic event happen here in Ontario, but there’s even a Paris connection. On August 10, 1876, Bell’s first long-distance phone call was received at what was then Robert White Shoe Store in Paris, Ontario.

It might not be the long-distance we think of today. But that first long distance phone call, from Brantford to Paris Ontario, was received from around 10 km away. This was huge and history-making at the time!

If you’re looking for cool places in Paris then be sure to check out this historic site. In downtown Paris there’s a plaque noting where it occurred.

The plaque is located on the exterior of the Dominion Telegraph Event Centre, at the corner of Grand River Street North and William Street.

Insider Tip: If you want to learn more consider a visit to the Bell Homestead National Historic Site, a 20 minute drive from Paris.

Stay in a Unique Hotel

In the heart of downtown Paris is one of the most unique hotels in Ontario, the Arlington Hotel. Built in the early 1850‘s it was constructed in a chateau-style and is now an Ontario Heritage Site.

This boutique hotel combines historic charm with an imaginative literary theme. Each of the 24 rooms are decorated with iconic authors or creative people in mind.

There’s a Jane Austen suite, an enchanted JRR Tolkien room, and my favourite – the Ernest Hemingway suite! There’s a room to suit everyone’s want.

You’ll find classic authors, like Edgar Allan Poe, pop culture buffs rooms like Monthy Python, and even quirky rooms like Sigmond Freud. Many of the rooms offer scenic views of downtown Paris too!

The Arlington Hotel is one of my favourite hotels and I stay there every time I visit Paris. I always ask for a different room, and as long as they can accommodate, they do.

Along with rooms, the Arlington Hotel features a spectacular restaurant, The Library Bar. With a menu full of flavour, they also serve afternoon tea.

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Visit Wincey Mills

Originally built in 1889, Wincey Mills is a restored textile mill. Now this three-story historic building is home to local vendors, a coffee shop and offices.

Paris Wincey Mills is a must-visit and open year-round. I pop in every time I visit Paris because it’s where my favourite shop is.

Bird & Bee Vintage is a cool shop that sells a variety of items that range from antique jewelry to bath products. With a mix of new and vintage, I also love their Paris Ontario themed souvenirs!

The Mill is home to Detour Espresso Bar too. This café serves up a great cup of coffee as well as a mix of baked goods and light fare.

Wincey Mills is full of great food stops selling everything from local produce to tasty take out. A couple of my go-to vendors to check out are Original Gourmet Popcorn, The Udderway Artisan Cheese Co, and Van Laeken Family Farm.

Dine at Paris Restaurants

The town of Paris is a foodie’s paradise! There’s everything from fine dining to pub fare. So, you’ll find something to please everyone’s palate.

Every time I visit, I eat at a different restaurant. It’s incredible how many places to eat in Paris there are! Plus, many of them are located along the main street in town, Grand River Street.

Grand River Street runs parallel to the river. Thanks to this ideal location, many of the restaurants on the street’s east side have patios overlooking the Grand River.

A few great restaurants in Paris Ontario:

• Cobblestone Public House – Cozy pub with a hearty menu of food and beer. My top dishes are their nachos or burger.
• Stillwaters – Canadian fare with a global influence and rooftop patio with views of the Grand River.
• 2 Rivers – Relaxing restaurant with patio on the river that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. My go-to is their Veggie Wrap for lunch.
• Juniper Dining – A classy French bistro with an incredible menu of seafood and more.

Fuel up at a Bookish Coffee Shop

Two of my favourite things are coffee and books! So, as soon as I walked into Dog-Eared Café I was in love!

Dog-Eared Café is a bookstore and café that’s located in downtown Paris. Along with their assortment of hand-crafted drinks, they offer baked goods and light fare. And I love that they use a local Ontario coffee roaster, Altitude from Elgin County.

Best known for their famous Toasted Hot Chocolate, my go-to is their Red-Eye. And the best part is, they off non-dairy options to make the drink to suit your dietary needs.

This dreamy coffee shop has a fun white and black interior with pops of red. You’ll find various seating, including vintage plush red sofas.

Along with great drinks and food you’ll be surrounded by walls of books for sale. There’s something for everyone and at good prices.

One of my favourite things about Dog-Eared Café is the incredible wall of windows at the back of the shop. Sitting on one of the plush sofas, you’ll have front row seats to an epic view of the Grand River.

Feed your Sweet Tooth at Paris Shops

Along with being the prettiest little town in Canada, Paris Ontario is full of sweet shops! You’ll find a shop to suit your cravings, from chocolates to donuts.

At Chocolate Sensations you’ll find an assortment of handmade chocolates. In addition to chocolates, they sell other sweets like salt water taffy, gummies, and more.

Another fabulous stop is the Paris Bakery. Established in 1927, the bakery is a great place to grab mouth-watering baked goods like donuts, butter tarts, and fun seasonal goodies.

It’s one of the best donut shops in Ontario, with an assortment of flavours. My favourite is their Cinnamon toast crunch donut!

There’s another sweet place to grab treats in Paris, Cheesecake on the go. They make the best cheesecake in Ontario that come in various flavours. You’ll find everything from Oreo to Strawberry that comes with fresh fruit toppings. My favourite is the Skor!

One of the top things to do in Paris in the summer is enjoy a refreshing scoop of ice cream. And the best spot to grab ice cream in town is Paris What’s The Scoop?!

Grab a Beer at Paris Beer Company

If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage then head to Paris Beer Company. This family run craft brewery is located at Wincey Mills.

Seven generations of farming and this Paris farm is committed to sustainable agriculture. They grow the hops and rye for their award-winning beer at their local farm.

In addition, they use other local ingredients which all boils down to a fresh tasting beer! And the beer is brewed, tapped, bottled and labelled at Wincey Mills.

The great thing about Paris Beer Company is that they have a taproom, restaurant, and bottle shop all in one convenient location.

If you’re looking to pair some food with your beer tasting, you’ll find an interesting menu at Paris Beer Company. It’s filled with salads, sharables and everything from wings to vegan options. Plus, they also serve hearty mains like Beer Battered Fish & Chips, burgers, pizza and more.

Paris is known as one of Ontario’s towns with a European vibe. And at Paris’s brewery you’ll be transported to Munich with their own outdoor Biergarten!

Elberta Farms Country Market

I’m always on the hunt for farm fresh goodies along the backroads of Ontario! So, I always stop at farm markets.

A great farm market in Paris is Elberta Farms Country Market. Located ten minutes east of downtown Paris, the market makes a perfect stop all year long!

I love that Elberta Farms is open throughout the year and has such a wide variety of items. Inside you’ll find shelves lined with preserves and fresh produce.

They also sell awesome apple cider and the freshest baked goods. Plus, the market sells dairy and meat products.

This is a family friendly stop as you’ll make a few friends to meet. Their goats and chickens are always a hit with everyone who visits.

Discover More Fun Things to do in Paris Ontario

This small town knows how to pack a lot into the cutest small town in Ontario! For those looking to spend the weekend in Paris I’ve more fun things to do. There are plenty of places to see in Paris and its surrounding county of Brant.

Take a Food Tour in Paris

Are you a foodie? Consider taking a food tour with Tasty Road Trips. Jan from Tasty Road Trips offers a range of food tours, both guided and self-guided for you to check out some of the fun places to eat in Paris.

It’s the perfect way to explore the town as it pairs great food and hidden gems. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Paris Ontario this is a sure place to start.

Go Shopping in Paris

One of my favourite things to do in Paris is go shopping! There are a bunch of incredible local boutiques for those looking to enjoy shopping in Paris. You can browse or shop in Paris for unique vintage wear, books, and more.

A great place to start is in Paris Wincey Mills Market. Here you’ll find everything from treats to vintage goods. My favourite shop is Bird & Bee Vintage.

Downtown Paris is home to a diverse variety of shops. A few favourites of mine are Green Heron Books, From The Attic Interiors, and Bohemian Gallery. For a mix of unique items from local artisans pop into the Gem Marketplace. And for cool vintage clothing I love browsing the racks of Judy Jean Vintage.

Take in the Best View of Paris

If you’re looking for the best views of Paris there are a few. From the William Street Bridge, you can take in the Grand River and the back of all the shops and patios. This is my favourite view and has lead to countless photos!

But another one of the best view of Paris from the Lookout – it’s on Google Maps! It’s located on King Edward Street and offers a near birds-eye view of downtown Paris.

Visit Lion’s Park

If you’re looking for a short walk, head over to Paris’s Lion’s Park. You can access Lion’s Park from downtown. A picturesque bridge crosses the Nith River at the end of Mechanic Street, just west of Wincey Mills. There is also a parking lot for the park off of Laurel Street.

Lion’s Park is a lovely place to stroll, take in the gardens, and it also gives you access to a few trails. The park is also home to a splash pad, playground, and more. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Paris with kids, the park offers plenty of opportunities.

Attend one of the Many Paris Events

There is a variety of fun and family-friendly events in Paris that run throughout the year. In the spring you can attend their Maple Syrup Festival. This sweet festival takes over downtown and is full of vendors, fun activities, and pancakes with maple syrup.

In September there’s the Paris Fair and nearby there’s St. George’s AppleFest. And in the winter you can check out some of the sweetest Christmas markets in Ontario right in Paris! There are a few going on throughout the holiday season across town.

Things to do Near Paris Ontario

Explore Small Towns Near Paris Ontario

Paris is surrounded by adorable small towns and villages that are worth exploring! Each has something unique to discover.

A few top small towns near Paris to visit include Mount Pleasant, Glen Morris and Scotland. The community of Glen Morris also sits along the Grand River, just north of Paris. Head out across the Glen Morris bridge to take in the incredible views of the river.

In Scotland there’s a brewery and some food stops. For sweet treats pop into Pies and Tarts from the Heart.

One of my favourite hidden gems near Paris Ontario is Mount Pleasant! Located roughly 15 minutes south of Paris, Mount Pleasant has some unique spots to visit.

The big attraction in Mount Pleasant is The Windmill Country Market. This sprawling two floor market is packed full of fun finds.

On the first floor is a massive market selling a variety of food like fresh baked goods, local produce, frozen meals, and more. Upstairs you’ll find an assortment of home décor, gift ideas, and furniture. I always find something special when I visit.

Mount Pleasant also boast a few outdoor spots. The Lake Erie & Northern Electric Railway Trail runs through town. Plus, at Mount Pleasant Nature Park there are a number of short but scenic trails.

Enjoy Teat at Abigail’s Tea House

You’ll find one of the best afternoon teas in Ontario experiences near Paris. In the village of St. George, 15 minutes east of downtown Paris is Abigails Tea House.

Abigail’s Tea House is a full-service tea house that serves a variety of ethically sourced teas and delectable food. They offer a number of different high tea options. These include High Tea, Celebration Tea, and Garden Tea.

Each of the high tea options varying in offerings. The High Tea is a full traditional assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, sweets and teas. While the others offer a selection of the High Tea menu. Plus, they also have a Ladybug Young Person’s Tea.

Beyond the incredible high tea spreads, what I love about Abigail’s is the atmosphere! The décor is colourful and whimsical. There’s patterned wallpaper and birdcages over the chandeliers.

High tea at Abigail’s is perfect if you’re looking for date ideas in Paris Ontario. Or a fun girl’s weekend!

Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area

If you’re looking for more fun outdoor things to do near Paris then visit Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. This large park is a short 10-minute drive north of downtown Paris.

Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area is home to a scenic kettle lake that is surrounded by picturesque forest. In the summer, the park is a great spot to go hiking, paddling or enjoy a picnic.

The park also offers over 100 campsites, which is great if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation near Paris.

You’ll find 10 kms of trails throughout the park. And if you’re a birder like me, Pinehurst is a great spot for bird watching. A few species I spotted while hiking there include Cooper’s hawk, red-head woodpecker, and a bald eagle.

For those visiting Paris in the winter, the park is perfect to enjoy some snowshoeing.

St George Apple Fest

St. George is such a little gem! It’s home to one of the top attractions in Brant County, the St. George Apple Fest.

For over 35 years the small town celebrates the fall harvest with this family-friendly event. There’s plenty of things to do and see all weekend long.

The St. George Apple Fest takes place every year on the third week of September. It boasts over 130 vendors selling everything from fresh apples to crafts.

Along with artisans, the main focus is all things apple! You’ll find homemade apple pies, apple dumplings, apple cider, and so much more.

Plus, there’s live entertainment, food trucks, and lots of kid’s activities. And the best part, it’s free!

Final Thoughts on Paris

Every time I visit Paris I fall even more in love with this pretty little town. There’s always something new to discover, from new shop to new food stop. So, if you’re looking for a fun getaway, you’ll find countless things to do in Paris Ontario to fill a weekend!

Where to Stay in Paris Ontario

As mentioned above, my favourite place to stay in Paris is the Arlington Hotel! However, there are a number of other acommodations.

The Carriage House is another little gem that visitors enjoy. It offers a central location downtown and close to all of the top Paris sights.

Davidson Motel is a budget-friendly accommodation. It’s located 5 minutes east of downtown Paris.

Other Small Towns You’ll Also Love

Elora – located in Wellington County (35 mins. north of Kitchener)

Erin – located in Wellington County (1 hour northwest of Toronto)

Creemore – located in Simcoe County (35 mins. west of Barrie)

Goderich – located in Huron County (2.5 hours west of Toronto)

Bayfield – located in Huron County (2.5 hours west of Toronto)

Bracebridge – located in Muskoka (2 hours north of Toronto)

Tobermory – located in Bruce County (3.5 hours north-west of Toronto)

Books to Help Plan Your Next Ontario Adventure

Are you looking for more information to help plan your small town Ontario trip? There are a host of great books that will inspire you to dig deeper into Ontario. But I’ve done the work for you! Here are a few books to check out.

Backroads of Ontario – where you’ll discover incredible places and hidden gems that you’ll find on the backroads of Ontario. Including a few of these small towns as well as the scenic drives to take to get you there.

Top 160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario – if you’re on the hunt for more interesting places to visit and things to see during your Ontario travels then this is a fun book to pick up.

Ontario’s Ghost Town Heritage – is you’re looking for those long-forgotten charming small towns then this is the book for you! Discover some of Ontario’s strange and incredible ghost towns, and their interesting history.

Discover Ontario – in this book you’ll read about stories from the people and places that make up Ontario. There’s everything from unusual places to interesting people and the book shares their history and more.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paris Ontario

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