Best places to visit if you're looking for a small-town feel

The right trip for a light budget!

So, here you are. The mid-term season has passed and you’re looking through your digital rolodex of places you want to visit over the winter break.

The problem is that the trip to the Bahamas just isn’t in your budget. Heck, most of us can’t even afford a trip to Canada’s other coasts!

You’re bored with the usual spots around the city, but aren’t necessarily looking to fork over a ton of money to catch a flight to the other side of the world.

How about looking closer to home?

Hidden gems

A view of the Toronto skyline from the Toronto Islands. — *Picture by Sandro Schuh via Unsplash.*

Many of us love Toronto and all it has to offer. It’s a huge metropolitan city and is ranked as the leading tourism destination in Canada and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

However, sometimes we need a break from the bustling city that most of us call home.

Luckily, we are close to a number of beautiful destinations. Are you looking for a small-town feel at an affordable price point?

We can help.

Transportation

Go Trains and Buses passing along the screen. — *Via GIPHY*

Firstly, we need a way to travel without digging too deep into our pockets. If you are looking for value, look no further than GO Transit!

Hop on a GO train or bus and see where it takes you. GO Transit will take you almost anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Hamilton Area and the surrounding regions. Within these areas, your options are virtually limitless!

No data? No problem! For those of us who absolutely need to be connected to the internet (all of us), GO provides free Wi-Fi on most buses and trains.

Discounts are available to students, with savings of up to 40 per cent off trips as long as you have a PRESTO card.

Using GO is affordable and you can plan your next trip easily and reliably by checking departure and arrival times.

So now that we know how to travel, let’s explore where we can travel to.

Newmarket

Newmarket is a hub for interesting attractions, and this small town is just an hour away from Toronto by GO train.

You’ll find both cozy cottages with a ton of amenities and urban spaces as well. There are also plenty of events to visit around the town — you’ll just never get bored.

Are you an outdoorsy type of person? Newmarket has a new and exciting attraction, a hallmark walking strip, called the Clifford Perry Boardwalk. For lovers of nature, this is a must-visit if you ever find yourself in Newmarket.

It sits high above lush forest, and the surrounding green shrubberies are visible from the elevated boardwalk, giving you a truly amazing view as you walk through 300 metres of the four-storey path.

Whether you want to walk or cycle, you can truly immerse yourself in preserved nature. If you have a dog, take them along with you for an unforgettable walk!

Rouge Hill

A man in red with a black bowtie in a room with a picture in the background and text below spelling "just a little rouge." — *Via GIPHY*

Continuing on the theme of nature, Rouge Hill is a little-known spot that is really worth exploring if you have the time. You can reach it simply by taking the Lakeshore East Line to Rouge Hill GO Station.

The main attraction here is the Rouge National Urban Park.

This absolutely stunning conservation area is one of the largest urban parks in North America and features scenic forests, creeks, farms and trails, which are all worth exploring.

It is sometimes called the “people’s park” because it conserves national heritage, connects people to nature and history and supports a vibrant farming community.

There is something for everyone, including wildlife sightings, quiet nature walks, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and even fitness challenges. Also, getting some fresh air is always a bonus!

If you’re a first-time visitor, why not take a guided walk to truly experience all this special place has to offer?

Check their schedule and enjoy!

Streetsville

A man in front of a building, with text listing different cities and towns. — *Via GIPHY*

Although “Streetsville” sounds like a bad 80s horror movie, it’s actually a quaint little town located on the Milton Line, which will take you directly to Streetsville GO Station.

Aptly nicknamed “The Village in the City,” this cozy hidden gem has a ton to offer. Perhaps you’ve never heard of it before, but it’s worth checking out.

It features historical buildings and a certain old school charm that must be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate.

It’s like being transported to a town of old, neoclassical architecture, with several unique and inviting restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops and more.

There are many attractions, but one to highlight has to be Murphy’s Ice Cream Parlour. If you’re a lover of ice-cream (and who isn’t), you should definitely visit this charming spot, known for its wide array of specialty flavours — all homemade and all quite delicious.

They also host a number of featured events and the community is extremely kind and welcoming. Be sure to consider Streetsville when planning your next adventure!

Trip of a lifetime

A man packing his luggage for a trip and struggling with it. — Via GIPHY

There are many gems for students of Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber to explore, as well as unique opportunities through IGNITE just waiting to be discovered!

IGNITE is running a year-long giveaway campaign called “25 Giveaways for 25 Years” for students of Humber and UofGH, which may include trips to your favourite destinations!

Follow us on Instagram and don’t miss the details once they are announced. Recently, we gave away Toronto Raptors tickets and tickets to your favourite concert.

Regardless of your travel preferences, make the most out of your time and your budget by checking out an amazing small town near you!

Feature image courtesy of Kristina Sammer via Unsplash.

Are you interested in checking out some of the hidden gems that Toronto has to offer? Check out how to be a tourist in your own city!