This dreamy village in Ontario is filled with tiny, adorable shops and plenty of small town charm

Cinematic magic is abundant in Ontario — big Hollywood films like The Shape of Water to small screen thrills like Suits and The Handmaid’s Tale are constantly finding places to film here. But if you’re really searching for one town that’ll make you feel like you’re in your own feature film, look no further than Bayfield, Ont. 

This small, historic village is known for having some serious Hallmark movie charm, mostly due to its landscape and enchanting shops and walkways. Bayfield is roughly a three-hour drive from Toronto, but you can also take a VIA Rail train from Union Station to St. Mary’s. From there, you can catch an Uber or taxi to Bayfield, under an hour away. 

If you’re feeling like the route is quite the journey, no problem. Not only does this town have great hotels to spend the night in, they’re also historical and charming. Consider staying at  The Little Inn of Bayfield, a hotel that has been welcoming visitors to Bayfield since 1842 and is Ontario’s longest continually operating inn. The hotel itself is pleasing to the eye at first glance: it’s an old, picturesque facade but maintains modern amenities inside — just steps away from all the town has to offer. 

Similarly, you can find another historic stay at Bayfield’s Albion Hotel, which first started as a one-storey general store in the early 1840s. It eventually opened as a full hotel as the town received more visitors and grew to a much larger population. It’s also close to the town’s main core, near many Bayfield destinations.

Some of those destinations include nearby cafes, perfect to start your day in. Try out Shopbike Coffee Roasters, or The Wharf Coffee Co., which offers their own in-house brewed coffee and handcrafted soups and salads. It’s right by the marina — the largest on the Canadian side of Lake Huron. Enjoy the water and a casual stroll with a coffee in hand, romanticizing the views of what feels like a seaside town in a cozy film. 

For some serious Hallmark movie vibes, don’t miss strolling along the town’s main street and passing by an abundance of cozy shops. This street has lots of stores set inside former homes, with storefronts boasting things like flower boxes and charming front porches. Spend the day shopping or taking advantage of the picture-perfect scenes along the street. 

Nature also makes up so much of Bayfield’s beauty, so don’t skip out on iconic places like Pioneer Park. It sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron, ideal for a sunny waterside picnic and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect excuse to get lost in nature and forget about the city scene for a bit. 

Afterwards, if you find yourself a little hungrier after your day of walking about, stop by for lunch or dinner at one of Bayfield’s many delightful restaurants. If you really want to embrace that nautical feel though, there’s Captain Harry’s for all the seafood you can eat as well as unique cocktails. Additionally, the Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro will make you feel like the main character during your time in this historic village. 

During the holidays, the best spectacle of all might just be Christmas in Bayfield, where the town completely turns into a place directly from the movies. Think twinkling lights and crisp nights, held in town from Nov. 14 to 16 this year. 

At Christmas in Bayfield, enjoy events like the annual Lighting of the Lights and watch the town turn aglow, right before Santa descends onto Bayfield in time for the Saturday Parade.