Paris, Ontario — Attraction in Ontario

Paris, Ontario is a charming small town that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, historical charm and vibrant community life. Known as “The Prettiest Little Town in Canada”, it lives up to its nickname with picturesque landscapes and a welcoming atmosphere.

Nestled at the junction of the Grand and Nith Rivers, Paris provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing and fishing. The towns riverside trails are perfect for walking, biking and taking in the scenic views.

The downtown area is a treasure trove of heritage buildings, boutiques, shops and cozy cafes. The architecture, dating back to the 19-century, adds to the town’s quaint charm, making it a great place for leisurely stroll. The local shops offer unique, handcrafted items and local produce, enhancing the community feel. They seem to know the community very well and know by their first names as I have noticed in every shop, store and boutique even in cafes that I have visited.

Paris also host of variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich history and vibrant art scene. The Paris Fair, an annual event, is a highlight that attracts visitors from all over.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Paris is known for its friendly residents and strong sense of community. The towns small size makes it easy to navigate and visitors often find themselves engaging in pleasant conversations with locals. As I have experienced it every time I visited Paris.

Overall, Paris, Ontario, is a delightful destination for everyone seeking a blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and warm hospitality. Whether you are visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, Paris offers a memorable experience that captures the essence of...

Overrated town. Despite many sources calling it "prettiest little town in Canada" (for example in this article: Ontario road trips: Check out Paris, the ‘prettiest little town in Canada’ by Global News), had an awful experience here. While I do admire the scenary and the house perching on top of the cliff near the Grand River, after 15-20 minutes, there is nothing else to do here.

Similar to most small towns in Ontario, there is quite a lot of hostility and racism to non-white people. Prepared to get racially profiled here. Restaurants and shops will check your receipts and the staff will follow you, treating you as if you are a criminal while the next person in line buys an expensive item and they do not scrutinize them. They will also ignore you while either pretending they do not know the system, claiming place is full when more people are coming in, or be outright rude to you while being nice to the white patrons. Police will pull you over and ask silly questions (e.g. where did you get this car) in a manner to treat you like a criminal.

There is no point in visiting small towns in Ontario. Ignore the tourist guides that tell you to visit them; they never tell you that these towns are unsafe/racist places. Most are cesspools of bigotry, backwards narrow minded, racist people that are rejects from society. Going to these small towns means supporting businesses that support these flawed ideals. If you really want to experience the charms of small town, go visit the neighborhoods in the big cities (e.g. Toronto has plenty of neighborhoods that have that small town charm but the...

Paris, Ontario on a summer day is an absolute delight. This charming town truly lives up to its "prettiest small town" reputation, especially when the sun is shining and everything is in full bloom. Our summer visit was a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. We started by strolling along the Grand River, soaking in the picturesque views. The riverside paths offer a peaceful escape, and watching the kayakers and paddleboarders glide by added to the serene atmosphere. It's a great spot to just sit on a bench and enjoy the gentle flow of the water. The downtown core is incredibly inviting with its historic cobblestone buildings and unique shops. We spent a good amount of time Browse the boutiques and art galleries. The Paris Wincey Mills Co. is a definite highlight – a vibrant hub with various vendors and eateries. What the scoop ice cream shop is just nearby to sooth you on the sunny day. We also made sure to visit Penman's Dam. It's a beautiful spot, offering a great vantage point for photos and a moment to appreciate the town's industrial heritage. The sound of the waterfall is very calming. For lunch, we had planned to dine in stillwaters restaurant by the river from long ago and did complete that item from the wishlist. Overall, a summer day in Paris, Ontario is highly recommended. The natural beauty of the Grand River, the quaint charm of the downtown, and the relaxed pace of life create a truly...