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Ontario's Small Towns Are Worth the Move

Ontario has over 400 municipalities, and most of the attention goes to a handful of them. Toronto. Ottawa. Maybe Hamilton or Kitchener-Waterloo. But the bulk of the province is made up of smaller communities where the pace is different, the cost of living is lower, and the tradeoffs are real but manageable.

If you are thinking about moving to a small Ontario town, or if you have already arrived and are still figuring things out, this page is your starting point. We cover 15 communities across the province, and for each one we try to give you an honest picture of what daily life looks like. Not the tourism version. Not the real estate pitch. Just the practical stuff that matters when you are deciding where to live or trying to settle in.

A few things are true across almost every small town in Ontario. You will probably need a car. Healthcare access is tighter than in big cities, and finding a family doctor can take time. Grocery options are more limited, and you may need to drive 20 or 30 minutes for certain stores. Internet service ranges from excellent to frustrating depending on where exactly you land.

On the other hand, housing costs are significantly lower in most of these places. Commute times shrink. Your kids can walk to school. You will learn your neighbours' names whether you plan to or not. And there is a community infrastructure in small towns, volunteer fire departments, service clubs, church suppers, minor hockey, that you just do not find in the same way in larger cities.

Every town on this list has its own personality. Some are retirement-friendly. Some are growing fast with young families. Some are quiet and rural. Some have a decent downtown with restaurants and shops. We try to capture those differences honestly in each guide.

We have organized the communities below by region. If you are not sure where to start, the moving guides section covers the universal stuff: finding housing, winter prep, and connecting with your new town. The Ontario newcomer services page is also a solid starting point for provincial-level resources.

Georgian Bay and Simcoe County

This cluster of towns runs from the shore of Georgian Bay down through Simcoe County. It is one of the most popular areas for people relocating from the GTA, thanks to relatively easy highway access and a strong outdoor lifestyle.

• Collingwood – A four-season town at the base of Blue Mountain. Growing fast, with a strong food and arts scene and ski-season energy that carries into summer.
• Barrie – The largest community on this list, with full city services, GO Transit to Toronto, and lakefront living on Kempenfelt Bay.
• Orillia – Between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, with a walkable downtown, solid schools, and proximity to Muskoka cottage country.
• Midland – A Georgian Bay harbour town with deep history, a strong francophone community, and access to the 30,000 Islands.
• Penetanguishene – Midland's neighbour, with a bilingual heritage and quieter waterfront character. Tight-knit and community-driven.
• Stayner – A smaller village in Clearview Township that appeals to people who want rural living within reach of Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.

Bruce and Grey Counties

The western shore of Georgian Bay and the Lake Huron coast. These towns tend to be more affordable and more rural, with strong community roots.

• Owen Sound – A harbour city with affordable housing, waterfalls within city limits, and an arts and music scene that punches above its weight.
• Kincardine – A Lake Huron town known for its lighthouse, Scottish heritage, and the economic stability that comes with the Bruce Power nuclear station nearby.
• Shelburne – A small Dufferin County town that has been growing steadily, with new housing and reasonable proximity to both Orangeville and Barrie.

Muskoka and Parry Sound

This is Ontario's cottage country, but plenty of people live here year-round. Winters are long and the landscape is stunning.

• Huntsville – The gateway to Algonquin Park, with a vibrant downtown, strong tourism economy, and good family infrastructure.
• Burk's Falls – A very small village on the Magnetawan River. Quiet, affordable, and deeply rural. Best for people who want space and simplicity.

Eastern Ontario

A mix of St. Lawrence River towns and Lanark County communities, with their own distinct feel compared to central Ontario.

• Cobourg – A heritage town on Lake Ontario with a beautiful beach, active arts community, and VIA Rail service to Toronto and Montreal.
• Perth – A stone-built Lanark County town with local theatre, artisan shops, and a slow pace that draws people in on purpose.
• Brockville – A St. Lawrence River city with Thousand Islands access, a revitalized downtown, and surprisingly good healthcare infrastructure.

Ottawa Valley

• Petawawa – Home to CFB Petawawa, this is a community built around the military base. Young population, active families, and outdoor recreation along the Ottawa River.