Where to Find Europe in Ontario: 20+ European Places in Ontario
So many of us have this wild idea that for a truly exotic vacation we need to escape where we live. For years I took off to Europe to explore its diverse cities, beautiful natural wonders, and things I’d never find in Ontario. But when I was forced to stay grounded I came to realize something. There are so many amazing places in Ontario that feel European. And so, I began my quest to discover Europe in Ontario and am blown away by just how many locations in Ontario are just like European destinations.
This post is all about where you can find places that give you that Europe feel in Ontario. And even some inspiration on where you can sub out a European vacation for one right here in the glorious province of Ontario. I’ll cover everything from natural wonders in Ontario that resemble famous ones in Europe to fun and fabulous festivals that bring Europe to your own backyard. But the main focus I want to bring to your attention is that Ontario is full of incredible places to explore. There’s so much to see and do that you don’t need to escape it to have a wonderful vacation. So, start planning your road trip in Ontario today to some of these locations.
20+ Places to Find Europe in Ontario
Are you planning your next trip and can’t decide where to go? Let me give you a few ideas that may surprise you. You don’t need to travel halfway across the globe and spend your hard-earned cash on expensive plane tickets. You can travel, not only within Canada but across Ontario to some remarkable places that will make you feel like you’re in Europe. Here are over 25 places to find Europe in Ontario. And if you are really keen, I dare you to use the list to create your own Ontario European road trip!
Italy in Ontario
Outside of Canada, my favourite country to visit is Italy. It’s full of historic places that are on many people’s bucket lists and scenery that will stop you in your tracks as you gaze upon it in awe. But what if you can’t visit Italy? Whether it’s not in your budget or the timing isn’t right, don’t worry. You can find slices of Italy right here in Ontario.
Where can you find Italy in Ontario?
If you’re looking for the picturesque wine region of Tuscany then head to Ontario’s Prince Edward County. Known for its beautiful countryside, charming small towns, and fabulous wines, as you sip your wine and soak in the tranquil atmosphere you just might find yourself humming ‘Mambo Italiano’. And Prince Edward County makes for an unforgettable Ontario road trip from Toronto.
One of my favourite Ontario destinations is the Bruce Peninsula! One reason is that hiking the Bruce Peninsula’s clifftop trails make me feel like I’m hiking in Cinque Terre, Italy. One of my favourite places to get this feeling is Lion’s Head Provincial Park. Standing atop limestone cliffs and looking down at Georgian Bay’s crystal blue waters is like staring into the warm waters of the Mediterranean that hug the shoreline of the Cinque Terre coast.
Norway
Nature addicts and adventurers always have Norway high on their European bucket lists. Known for remote small towns, epic hiking trails, and stunning northern light displays. But what if I told you that you could find all of that right here in Ontario? You can! There are endless charming small towns in Ontario that you’ll fall in love with as well as epic hiking trails with awesome views, and even the Northern Lights!
Where can you find Norway in Ontario?
Have you always wanted to hike the incredible fjords in Norway, like their most popular hike, Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock? I have! Well, you don’t have to travel halfway across the globe, you can have a very similar experience right here in Thunder Bay, Ontario! Hiking Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, particularly the Top of the Giant Trail, will lead you to one of Ontario’s highest cliffs where you can out over the mighty Lake Superior. With the towering cliff below your feet, the wind in your face, and sweeping views stretching as far as the eye can see, you can easily be standing on Norway’s Pulpit Rock.
England
Another of my favourite countries is England. Home to iconic cities, famous landmarks, rolling countryside, and so much more it’s no surprise that it’s such a popular destination. But it can also be so darn expensive. Especially when you convert our low loonies to the mighty English pound. Well, save your loonies and toonies and put them back into your own economy while still finding that English feel right here in Ontario.
Where can you find England in Ontario?
Toronto is a fabulous place to start looking for that England feel. Both London and Toronto have a lot in common. They’re huge international hubs, making them very diverse and multi-cultural. Like London, England, Toronto has a ton of amazing neighbourhoods to explore that cover everything from street art to markets. Instead of London’s Shoreditch neighbourhood, known for street art, head to Toronto’s Graffiti Alley. For that quirky Camden Town feel head to Kensington. And instead of Covent Garden head to Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market.
If you’re looking for London’s parks and gardens, don’t fret, Toronto has a wealth of them too. Head to Toronto’s High Park instead of London’s St. James Park and in place of Kew Garden’s try Toronto’s small but equally amazing Allan Gardens. And if you’re looking for English castles, don’t worry we have one too! Head to Toronto’s very own Casa Loma that has the air of posh English estates but right in the heart of downtown.
Are you a fan of Shakespeare and have always longed to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon? Ontario is home to its very own Shakespearean festival and it’s literally in Stratford. But Stratford Ontario! With the picturesque and winding Avon River running through it, Stratford has a distinctly English feel with its English gardens, historic downtown, and of course, the Stratford Festival where you’ll find a great mix of Shakespearean plays and modern classics.
Is England’s Lake District on your list of places to visit? With its charming villages, lakes, and hiking, the Lake District is a beautiful spot to visit. But in place of it here in Ontario head north to Muskoka. Otherwise known as cottage country, Muskoka is very much like the Lake District. Muskoka is home to endless lakes, adorable small towns, and great hiking trails too.
Scotland
When many of us think of Scotland we thing of incredible cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, a rich history to be found in castles and ruins that dot the countryside, and the iconic Scottish Highland Games. Well, you can find some of that right here in Ontario too! There’s even a small village called Scotland in Brant County.
Where can you find Scotland in Ontario?
One of the most incredible train journeys in the world can be found in Scotland, the West Highland Line. Here you can ride the Jacobite Steam Train over the scenic Glenfinnan Viaduct that was made famous by the Harry Potter movies. But what if I told you there’s an equally amazing train ride in Ontario? Leaving from Sault Ste. Marie the Agawa Train takes you thundering north over towering trestle bridges, through canyons, and past some of Ontario’s most breathtaking scenery.
France
One of the dreamiest countries in Europe is France. Home of the Eiffel Tower, fantastic wines, and attractive lavender fields, France has so much to offer. But don’t worry if you’re French isn’t up to par because you can find a slice of France in Ontario. If Paris is on your list of cities to visit head first to Paris Ontario. This charming small town along the Grand River is a great place to find a little bit of Europe in Ontario with its chocolate shop, bakery, and churches. Beyond Paris, there are other things to do in Ontario that parallel the French counterparts.
Where can you find France in Ontario?
If the wine regions of France, like Bordeaux and Provence, are what you’re looking for then head to Niagara-on-the-Lake. With over 20 wineries in the area and vineyards stretching out across the countryside, you’ll get your wine fix here. And even a stroll down Niagara-on-the-Lake’s main street will make you feel like you’re in France with its Parisian architecture.
While you can’t visit Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral right now there is a church in Ontario that has a similar feel. There are many hauntingly beautiful churches in Ontario that will give you that Notre Dame feel like Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton and St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto. But one that stands out is Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph. You’ll find the Basilica’s twin towers flanking its entrance like Notre Dame and even their names are similar, Notre-Dame de Paris means Our Lady of Paris.
Another favourite French destination is the stunning lavender fields in Provence. There’s no need to board a plane to take in the beauty of fields painted in purple. Ontario is home to a bunch of lavender farms but the largest and most popular is Terre Bleu in Milton. Here you’ll find sweeping views of purple rows and that fragrant smell that will transport you to the fields of Provence.
Planning a weekend getaway and looking for dreamy places to stay while you visit some of these European-like destinations? Try booking one of these dreamy Airbnbs in Ontario.
Portugal
Perfect for a European beach vacation destination, Portugal has so much to offer visitors. A rich depth of history that weaves between stunning architecture and an artistic flare like no other, Portugal will surprise you. But if you can’t get there right now there are a few places in Ontario that are full of that Portuguese spirit.
Where can you find Portugal in Ontario?
If its fabulous stretches of beaches you’re after then head to Ontario’s west coast. Set along the shores of Lake Huron are some of the best beaches in Ontario, many of which are tagged Blue Flag beaches, named for their sustainability and high quality. So, pick your beach town, pull up an umbrella, and enjoy your beach vacation right here in Ontario.
One of the stand out features of Portugal to me is their painted tiles, locally known as azulejos. You can find these stunning painted tiles all over Lisbon and across the country. But you can also spot them here too! Head down to Toronto’s Little Portugal neighbourhood and you’ll find hints of these tiles on homes and businesses, as well as larger pieces on street corners.
Iceland
One of Europe’s most popular destinations is Iceland. Why? In my opinion, it’s because of the sheer wealth of natural wonders all packed onto a small island. Iceland is home to epic landscapes, magnificent waterfalls, and remoteness that makes you feel like an intrepid explorer. What if I told you that you can find some of that Iceland wildness in Ontario? Well, you can!
Where can you find Iceland in Ontario?
One of Iceland’s draws is the spectacular Northern Lights. But you don’t have to leave Ontario to see them. There are plenty of places to see the Northern Lights in Ontario, Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and Manitoulin Island to name a few.
Are you looking for out of this world waterfalls? Ontario is full of them, over 100 waterfalls, from Hamilton to Grey County. But a few that give you the grandeur like Iceland’s waterfalls are Niagara Falls, Kakabecka Falls, and Algoma Falls.
What about the impressive canyons of Iceland, like Fjadrargljufur Canyon, that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a world of Giants? Ontario is home to its very own Grand Canyon. Head out on a Northern Ontario road trip and stop at Ouimet Canyon. At 2000 metres long, 100 metres deep, and 150 metres wide this grand canyon is remote and will leave you in awe.
Another vast and out of this world landscape in Iceland is Landmannalaugar. Located in the interior of Iceland, Landmannalaugar is a geothermal area that looks more like a foreign planet than a foreign country. But you can find something similar here in Ontario. About an hour outside Toronto is a stretch of land that looks like the barren planet of Mars instead of the rolling countryside of Ontario. It’s called the Cheltenham Badlands and its strange bright orange coloured smooth soil is in stark contrast to the lush green forests that surround it.
Switzerland
If you’re looking for great skiing and charming little villages like in Switzerland. Then you’re in luck! Ontario is home to an array of great places to ski and adorable little towns that match that Swiss appeal. And the best part is no middle seat plane ride, passport check, and Swiss price tag.
Where can you find Switzerland in Ontario?
The best place to find a slice of Switzerland in Ontario is in the village of Blue Mountain. Located just outside Collingwood and set at the base of the Blue Mountain ski hills, this picturesque place will give you that Swiss-chalet and Europe in Ontario feel with its colourful buildings, quaint shops and restaurants, and luxurious spas.
European Festivals in Ontario
Another way to enjoy a bit of Europe in Ontario is through all of the diverse and European-inspired events and festivals. While there are many that take place across the province here a few of the best and most popular ones.
Germany
Many flock to Europe ever winter to indulge in the magical Christmas Markets. Germany is a favourite for many when it comes to Christmas Markets. But don’t worry, you can forgo the long plane ride and hefty hotel costs by staying close to home. Ontario is full of amazing Christmas Markets, one of which is a must – the Toronto Christmas Market held in the Distillery District that will certainly give you that European feel.
Another famous festival in Germany is Oktoberfest, where fun, beer, and sausage is devoured by the keg full. But there’s something closer to home that will satisfy your inner German and that’s Kitchener’s Oktoberfest. It’s the largest celebration of Oktoberfest outside of Munich, Germany! There’s everything from live music to tasty food and of course, the taps are a flowing with beer.
Holland
One of the most colourful and attractive festivals in Europe is Holland’s Tulip Festival. It’s like a rainbow of brilliant blooms with fields of them stretching out as far as the eye can see. But how about enjoying these beautiful blooms right here in Ontario? The Canadian Tulip Festival takes place in Ottawa and was born out of the gift of tulips from the Dutch after WWII. The festival celebrates the liberation of the Netherlands in WWII and the role Canada played in it.
Scotland
Have you always wanted to visit the Scottish Highland Games? Well, you don’t have to jump on a plane to do so. There are a bunch of Scottish festivals across the province of Ontario. And one of the best ones to attend is the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. This three-day event takes place in the small town of Fergus and is the oldest festival of its kind in North America. Other popular Ontario places for Scottish festivals are Kincardine, Orillia, and Cambridge.
Greece
Toronto also hosts a ton of different festivals in its diverse neighbourhoods that will make you feel like you’re in Europe, like Taste of the Danforth. Hosted in Toronto’s Greek Town you’ll feel like you’re wandering the streets of Athens with all the delicious Greek aromas wafting out of restaurants.
European-like Towns in Ontario
One of my favourite things about travelling is discovering all of the charming small towns. And both Europe and Ontario are full of them. But if you’re looking for small towns that remind you of Europe in Ontario then there are plenty.
Some great European-like towns in Ontario are; Elora, Goderich, Bayfield, and Galt. And there are some that have the same name like, Copenhagen, Dublin, Tobermory, Brussels, and Exeter.
More Places in Ontario like Europe
Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County, Ontario – Dune of Pilat, France
Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, Ontario – Postojna Cave, Slovenia
University of Toronto’s St. George Campus – Dublin’s Trinity College, Ireland
Bruce Peninsula’s Grotto – Blue Caves in Zakynthos, Greece
I bet you didn’t realize just how many places in Ontario were similar to places in Europe. And while this may be a lot of them, I bet there are a ton more! And that’s why you’ll have to return to check to see what new amazing Ontario locations I stumble across in my search to find Europe in my backyard of Ontario.
Where have you been in Ontario that reminded you of Europe?
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