Canada's 'most beautiful village' is a road trip from Montreal and it's a summer paradise

Summer is the perfect time to hit the road! If you're craving a road trip escape that's straight out of a storybook, look no further than this spot delivering small-town vibes and tons of charm.

In Ontario, you can visit a quaint village that looks like it's been pulled right from the pages of a fairytale.

Situated on the Rideau River in Eastern Ontario, Merrickville is a small Victorian village steeped in history, located between Kingston and Ottawa. It's a popular tourist spot boasting quiet streets, architecture, heritage and natural beauty.

Known as the "Jewel of the Rideau," Merrickville was named "Canada's Most Beautiful Village" in 1998 by Communities in Bloom, and it's easy to see why — step into the village and you'll find historic structures, colourful shops and flower-lined streets that make it as pretty as a postcard.

Strolling through downtown Merrickville is like stepping back in time, with 19th-century stone buildings that line the main street, 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 40 minutes from Montreal and about an hour from Ottawa. While it's known to be a favourite weekend getaway spot on the Kingston-Ottawa Rideau Heritage Route, it would also make for a perfect day trip.

You can spend the day perusing the village's eclectic boutiques, which are filled with one-of-a-kind items made by local artists and artisans. You'll find shops carrying home goods, locally-made products, specialty foods, antiques, collectables, art and more.

Don't miss the unique Wick Witch Apothecary, where you can purchase candles and "bath elixirs" that add a touch of magic to your self-care routine.

The cute shops also provide tons of photo ops. Be sure to check out the iconic red telephone booth on St. Lawrence Street for the perfect pic.

For those wanting outdoor adventure, there are plenty of hiking and cycling trails in the village, including trails that go through scenic woodland areas and loop through the village's natural and historical surroundings. Along the way, look for great blue herons, osprey, painted turtles, a 100-year-old cedar forest, and lots more natural beauty.

For a taste of local history, you can visit the historic Merrickville Ruins. The ruins are remnants of the village's industrial past, and include the ruins of old mills and factories that once powered the local economy.

The site offers a contrast of nature and history, with ivy-covered stone walls and the serene Rideau River flowing nearby.

Whether you’re into cute cafes, historic buildings, or just want to soak up small-town vibes by the water, Merrickville is the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem, with a dreamy setting that’ll have your camera roll looking like a Pinterest board in no time.

Merrickville 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.