Canada's 'most beautiful' village is 2.5 hours from Montreal and it's like a fall fairytale

If you're looking for a cozy fall escape filled with charm, history and golden leaves, look no further than this quaint village that's a road trip away from Montreal.

Just a short drive from the city, you can visit a storybook village that'll have you feeling like you've stepped right into a fall fairytale.

Dubbed the "Jewel of the Rideau," Merrickville is a small Victorian village on the banks of the river that's steeped in history.

Situated between Kingston and Ottawa, Merrickville was named "Canada's Most Beautiful Village" in 1998 by Communities in Bloom, and it's not hard to see why — the popular tourist spot boasts postcard-worthy streets, pretty architecture and tons of natural beauty.

Walking through downtown Merrickville is like stepping back in time, with 19th-century stone buildings, a town crier, and streetscapes that reflect the era of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The village is located about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Montreal, making it great for a day trip or weekend getaway.

While the village is a lovely year-round destination, fall brings even more beauty to the area as the leaves change into brilliant shades of red, orange and gold.

Head to Merrickville's charming downtown core, where you'll find unique shops, artist studios, boutiques and restaurants, many sporting adorable fall decor.

Here, you can peruse one-of-a-kind items made by local artists and artisans, or shop for home goods, locally-made products, specialty foods, antiques, collectables, art and more.

The unique Wick Witch Apothecary is the perfect stop on a fall day trip to the village, where you'll find candles and "bath elixirs" that add a touch of magic to your self-care routine.

In addition to the cute shops, there are plenty of photo ops in the village, like the iconic red telephone booth on St. Lawrence Street.

Merrickville also offers plenty of outdoor adventure. Head to the Merrickville Ruins for a taste of local history and the perfect way to take in the changing leaves.

The ruins are remnants of the village’s industrial past, including old mills and factories that once powered the local economy. The site offers perfect autumn scenery, with ivy-covered stone walls, the serene waters of the Rideau River, and fall colours on full display here.

Merrickville also offers a variety of scenic trails perfect for hiking or cycling. The Rideau Trail, a long-distance hiking trail, passes right through the village and provides stunning views of the canal and the surrounding countryside.

If you want to just spend some time outside, the village also has many parks and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy nature, including Blockhouse Park, a lovely spot for a fall picnic.

If you've been searching for a day trip or weekend escape near Montreal that blends history, charm and autumn beauty, Merrickville might just steal your heart.

Offering a perfect blend of nature and heritage, the village has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination this fall.

Merrickville-Wolford website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.