Did you know that there is a Paris in Canada? Close to Cambridge and Scotland, Paris, Ontario, is situated. Paris is the ideal destination for a weekend trip if you’re seeking somewhere in Ontario. And I’ve had your trip to Paris organized! Here are the 10 best things visitors should do in Paris, Ontario.
Paris, Ontario: Canada’s Prettiest Little Town
One of Canada’s most picturesque little towns is Paris. For those looking to get away from the city, day trips to Paris have become increasingly popular. There are waterfalls, delicious pastries, and old buildings there. Its charm, nice residents, and picturesque location in the center of Ontario will fascinate you. And although Paris, Ontario, is a small town, there are many wonderful things to do there.
It’s a common misconception that Paris, Ontario, was named after Paris, France. The gypsum deposits found along the Grand River, which flows through the town, gave it its name. Gypsum was used to make the Plaster of Paris, which was then used to make walls and ceilings, giving the town its name of Paris.
Getting To Paris, Ontario
Just outside of Brantford in Southern Ontario’s Brant County is where you’ll find Paris. From Hamilton or Toronto, Paris is about a half-hour journey to the west. The ideal day vacation, road trip, or weekend break in Ontario are all within driving distance.
Here is one possible route, depending on where you start. I suggest taking Highway 401 and exiting at Exit 24, traveling in the direction of Cambridge. Take exit 14 and head west for a beautiful journey into Paris. Along Grand River Street, you may discover Paris’s central business district.
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Top 10 Things To Do In Paris, Ontario
Grand River Ontario kayak
The Grand River is one of the best places in the province to go kayaking in Paris, Ontario, but no clue it was so well-known. The best route for kayakers is to put in at Glen Morris, 11 km from Paris, and then paddle back into the city. Kayakers can put in their kayaks anywhere in Paris and float to Brantford. Try kayaking in the Grand River when you visit Paris, Ontario.
Nith River Sensory Trail stroll
This trail in Lions Park is fantastic. This is the only one of its kind that is designed for people of all abilities that we have ever seen. Along the route, there are attractions and rest breaks featuring braille-printed signs for the blind. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible and has a rope to help the blind navigate it. The Nith River Sensory Trail is a stunning location where flyfishermen gracefully pursue their prey while trees line the area, providing a calm, relaxing stroll. Enjoy the sensory garden and some instruments by stopping to play them.
Catch fish
Speaking of flyfishers, there are a lot of them on the Nith and Grand Rivers, but normal fishing is also very common. The “wow” attraction in Paris, Ontario, is Penman’s Dam. A couple from Windsor approached us as we were taking a walk by the dam the other day and said that it was their first time visiting Paris, and they were awestruck by how stunning the city is. We observed Penman’s Dam from a distance and thought, “Wow, this is a truly beautiful place.” We were delighted when they informed us that they intended to settle here. On the Grand and Nith Rivers, there are several places to go fishing, and fly fishing is also very common in Paris. With modest waters running, the Grand is almost in ideal conditions.
Picnic at Penman’s Dam
The confluence of the two rivers is in Paris. The Nith and The Grand. To use the electricity of the Grand Rivers to run the Penman Clothing Company, Penman’s Dam was constructed in 1918. People picnic in a gorgeous location while enjoying the sun on the riverbank. As many people hang out with their kayaks and tubes while they wait for rides, it’s a great area to meet and chat with others. There is only one picnic table here. It is possible to portage with canoes and kayaks over Penman’s Dam. The Grand River is accessible via a lovely promenade, where you may spend the entire summer watching paddlers frequently enter the river.
Cycle in Ontario Trails Hub
Amazing cycling can be found in Paris. We can pedal to Port Dover, a well-known beach town on Lake Erie, Ancaster, and Hamilton from downtown Paris.
At Brant’s Crossing, not too far from Paris, is where you can find the Ontario Trails Hub. You can choose which way to go from here. The paths are well-maintained, free of automobile traffic, pass through conservation areas and along rivers, and are equipped with park benches and informative signs at strategic locations. The fact that the trails are less congested than those in Toronto is the actual perk.
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Visit Elberta Farms
One more place before you depart from Paris, just outside of Paris, is Elberta Farms. Fresh fruits and veggies straight from Elberta Farms are unbeatable. However, Elberta Farms also market cheese, pies, jams, and maple syrup. Before returning to the city, fill up fresh Canadian foods that are impossible to find in downtown urban areas.
Lions Park in Paris, Ontario
Our preferred route is through Lions Park when traveling to Paris. The trip to downtown Paris is pleasant through Lions park, and there is lots of parking nearby. There are hiking trails, an amphitheater, picnic areas with jungle gyms, and a swimming pool in the park. You may reach another bridge downtown by walking along the Nith River’s interactive trail.
Buy regional products at Paris Wincey Mills
Wincey Mills is a charming weekend market featuring a variety of artisanal food vendors and boutique stores. We enjoy stopping by to restock our pantry and check what’s new. Wincey Mills was founded in 1889, and the business has preserved the original building that has served the community for over a century. When shopping at Wincey Mills, you will enjoy purchasing local cheese, jellies, and olive oil. There is also a quick lunch counter available.
Visit Paris Museum
Since coming here, we haven’t been able to visit the Paris Museum. Since we moved her, it has been shut. However, this will be our first destination whenever things get back to normal. To see the cobblestones of Paris, however, you can use their Cobblestone Tour Map, which is available on their informational website.
We think it weird that Paris museums are closed on Sundays, given that weekends are when most tourists come to the city. These are the museum’s hours, though. 1 to 4 PM, Wednesday through Saturday.
Tour of Cobblestone Paris
13 buildings made of cobblestones made Paris the Cobblestone Capital of Canada. Watch for the cobblestone buildings as you go through Paris. When activities resume, the Paris Museum will take reservations for its walking tours. One house is claimed to have taken 14,000 cobblestones to construct. You wouldn’t know it from looking at the cobblestones because the Nith and Grand Rivers are still very rocky.
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