One of the best ways to get a vibe for a community is by walking it. Who wants to drag a car around with you when what you really want to do is stop to explore whatever catches your eye? You just can’t get that experience from behind the wheel of a car. In a small town, you can often travel the breadth of the community in less than an hour, and the experience is so worth it.
In Ontario’s Highlands, we have so many small towns that invite you to slow down and wander for a while. They are jammed full of cute shops, bakeries, cafes, museums, galleries, and beautiful natural spaces calling for exploration.
Bancroft
Bancroft was build in 1800s, so walkability was definitely at the forefront in planning for the founding fathers of this charming small town. Sitting at the crossroads of Hwy 62 and Hwy 28, Bancroft is just big enough to have a selection of businesses, restaurants, and shops, but still small enough to have that typical small town feel. The York River is a focal point for this town, and makes almost any walk a scenic one.
Walkability: The Hastings Heritage Trail meanders along the York River right through town and makes a nice walk if you want a view at the same time. A nice walk is heading north on Bridge Street (Hastings Street North), then crossing the river at Station Street and working your way back on Sherbourne Street North or the Hastings Heritage Trail.
Parking:
Parking is available in the municipal lot at the corner of Flint Avenue and Hastings Street North.
Don’t Miss: You’ll want to visit Bancroft Brew Pub for a bite to eat or the Bancroft General Mercantile candy store to pick up some sweet treats as a reward for your trek.
Perth
If there was ever a town made for walking, it’s this one. Reputed to be one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario, you won’t be disappointed with a visit here. The Tay River winds its way through the downtown for a scenic view. The downtown is also home to so many great shops and restaurants and cute cafes any walk here will lead to at least one bag in hand.
Walkability: Perth is laid out almost in a grid for easy walking. You can walk south on Gore Street to South Street, then turn left on South and take your first left again on Drummond Street to explore a more residential area. Turn left at Foster Street and you’ll end up back in the downtown for a nice, easy loop.
Parking:
There is a municipal parking area off of Gore Street at Basin Street.
EV Charging:
Electric vehicle charging is also available in the municipal parking area. Tesla charging spaces are available on Highway 7.
Don’t Miss: Some fun finds in Perth are Queen Bee Millinery, an old fashioned (and super cute) hat store, Perth Chocolate Works (a little out of the way from your loop) and Kothu Labs, a Sri Lankan culinary delight. Pick up a bite to eat for lunch and take it to beautiful Stewart Park for an impromptu picnic. The Perth Cheese Shop's charcuta-cones also makes for a fun lunch idea.
Almonte
Almonte’s downtown is dominated by views of the mighty Mississippi River and Almonte’s iconic waterfalls here. The Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail crosses Almonte which makes it a good destination for cyclists. Wear some good walking shoes for this town because much of it is found uphill. You’ll also want to save your purchases in one of their many boutique shops for the downward trek to save your arms and shoulders.
Walkability: From the municipal parking lot on Mill Street, follow signs for the Riverwalk Trail that will take you along the Mississippi River all the way to Almonte Old Town Hall. This will make your trek through downtown a downhill one! Head north on Bridge Street until you reach the Mill Street intersection, then turn right. You can also take Little Bridge Street if you want to cut off the corner but you will miss some shops that way.
Parking:
There is free parking available at Almonte Old Town Hall or at the head of the Riverwalk off Mill Street.
EV Charging:
Electric vehicle charging is available at Canadian Hydro Components on Main Street East.
Don’t Miss: You’ll want to visit Tea and Cake for a nice light afternoon “tea.” If you love to shop, Cheerfully Made Goods, Acanthus Floral & Botanical, Doree’s Habit and Tin Barn Market should satisfy your craving for handmade, artisan, and plain old fun stuff. Take a walk through the Metcalfe Geoheritage Park, Canada's first geoheritage park, to learn more about the geological history of the area.
Pembroke
The Ottawa River is front and centre in beautiful Pembroke, and like many waterfront communities, the streets here have lots of architectural features to explore. The Kiwanis Way Waterfront Trail offers a lovely walk along the river, but the real Pembroke experience can only be found while wandering the town’s tree-lined downtown streets. Keep a lookout for their famous murals as you wander.
Walkability: The Algonquin Trail, a segment of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, runs through Pembroke which makes it a nice stop for cyclists. From Pembroke Waterfront Park take Frank Nighbor Street up to Pembroke Street West, then turn left. This will take you through the downtown and across the bridge. When you hit Mackay Street, turn left and continue to Lake Street where you’ll turn left again to cross the river yet again to return to your vehicle.
Parking:
Parking is available at Pembroke Waterfront Park or you can also park on one of the downtown streets or at city hall.
EV Charging:
A FLO electric vehicle charger is available behind Pembroke City Hall.
Don’t Miss: A must stop for lunch or a cold beverage is The Courtyard Bistro – you’ll see how it has earned its name when you ask to sit on the patio. Don’t miss browsing Pick-It-Fence, West on Main, or dot. for women’s fashions and giftware.
Minden
Minden is a popular destination for folks from the Toronto area - close enough to be a good day trip, but far enough that you still have that quintessential small town feel. the Gull River dominates in the landscape here, and bisects the town into two sides.
Walkability: There are two bridges which cross the Gull River that make for the perfect loop. A connecting foot bridge takes you across the river and downtown. The whole loop is approximately two kilometres.
Parking:
Parking is available at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre on Bobcaygeon Road, and a boardwalk will take you right to the Riverwalk.
EV Charging:
There is a Tesla charger at Boshkung Brewing Co.
Don't Miss: Some fun places in Minden to experience is an ice cream from the Minden River Cone or Kawartha Dairy for ice cream lovers, and a homestyle meal from Molly's Bistro Bakery.
Eganville
This town is cute as a button with amazing views of the Bonnechere River. There’s also just enough boutique shops and places to eat that you won’t get bored on your trek. You can get a sense of the history of the area at the Bonnechere Museum, or head a little south to the Bonnechere Caves for a geological perspective. The power of the Bonnechere River as it rushes downriver is a highlight of any walk here.
Walkability: There is a lovely two-kilometre loop that takes you across the Bonnechere River twice, for maximum views. Head west on Bonnechere Street West and follow it all the way to Mill Street. From there, turn right on John Street and follow to Bridge Street where you’ll turn right to cross the bridge, then right again to get back to the tourism office and your vehicle. The John Egan Geo-heritage Walking Trail falls along this route and is worth a detour.
Parking:
Parking: There is parking available at the tourism office off Bonnechere Street (Hwy 60).
Don’t Miss: Pause for a hot (or cold) beverage at Fifth Chute Coffee at the corner of John and Bonnechere Street West. Rio Tap & Grill has a lovely waterfront spot for a scenic meal or The Granary Schnitzel House is the perfect place for some German fare.
Haliburton
Head Lake creates some interesting street orientations in Haliburton and makes a walking loop not feasible. That's okay because retracing your route means you'll be able to see anything you may have missed the first time around! When wandering in downtown Haliburton you're bound to encounter fun shops that sell everything from outdoor equipment to homewares or fashion. The Haliburton Rail Trail comes right into Haliburton via Highland Street and connects with trails at Head Lake Rotary Park if you're looking for some extra walking or a picnic spot.
Walkability: From your parking spot you can choose your own adventure in Haliburton. You can head north towards Park Street or south towards Highland Street. Turn right on Highland Street you're in the heart of downtown with lots to see as you wander.
Parking:
There is a parking lot located on Maple Avenue which is clearly marked as municipal parking.
EV Charging:
There is an EV charger at 9 York Street in Haliburton at the Haliburton Welcome Centre. Please check ahead to be sure this one is operational.
Don't Miss: You can refuel at Poquito Loco on Highland Street, Mckeck's Tap & Grill on the corner of Highland Street and Maple Avenue or keep walking to reach the popular Mega Munch Food Truck. For some arts inspiration (and to find your new favourite artist0 you'll want to visit Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre.
Madoc
Sitting at the crossroads of Highway 7 and Highway 62, Madoc is an interesting town to explore on foot. Typical for small town Ontario, you can trek from one end of Madoc to the other in less than 20 minutes.
Walkability: Our suggestion is to travel north on Highway 62 towards Highway 7 to get a mix of parkland and residential areas as well as the downtown. Total distance for this small walk is less than one-and-a-half kilometres and the perfect way to stretch your legs and discover a new community at the same time.
Parking:
Parking is available at Madoc Skate Park or across the street at the municipal offices.
Don't Miss: There is a hidden goldmine here in Madoc - literally! The Hidden Goldmine Bakery is a must visit and your route will take you straight past this hidden gem (so many puns here!). You'll also want to visit 7/62 Craft Brewers to sit on their outdoor patio and sample a flight of brews or some light fare. Cap off your exploration with some ice cream or a meal from Madoc Dairy - Burnside's Casual Dining.
BONUS: Sharbot Lake
We couldn't resist including this small town, but we warn you - any walking route here will be pretty short! The town of Sharbot Lake bisects the lake proper, so you can get a waterfront view from almost any location here. The K&P Trail follows the old rail bed through Sharbot Lake, and offers a scenic walk if you would rather be on a trail than a road.
Walkability: Start on the northern end of Sharbot Lake and head south towards Cardinal Cafe . Basically when you cross the causeway that divides the lake you are at the end of your walk. Don't worry about how short this walk is, though, you will have stellar views every step of the way. You can travel south on the K&P Trail or use County Road 38, whichever appeals to you more.
Parking:
Park at the Township of Central Frontenac municipal offices, which is not far from the K&P Trail or County Road 38.
Don't Miss: A little north of town is Kick & Push Brewery which would be a good place to start your visit before parking and setting out on foot. Lunch from Cardinal Cafe & Shop will be homemade and delicious; try their homemade donuts (their soup is amazing, too!). For heartier fare Sharbot Lake Country Inn & The Crossing Pub has a patio you won't want to leave, and dishes up pretty amazing food, too.
Casuals Instead of a road trip, why not take a walk trip? Hiking15 Cutest Small Towns
