8 gorgeous small towns near Toronto that will whisk you away to an autumn dreamland

Fall is upon us and there's no better time to take a trip to a cozy small town. There are so many beautiful villages around Toronto that transform into autumn dreamlands, so grab your pumpkin spice latte and get ready to explore.From riverside gems to Hallmark-worthy communities, these destinations near the city are even more beautiful during the fall.Here are eight small towns to visit near Toronto this autumn season.FergusSee on InstagramAddress: Fergus, ONWhy You Need To Go: Tucked away along the banks of the Grand River, Fergus is like an autumn trip to Edinburgh. The enchanting Scottish town boasts a quaint Main Street and fall events like Ghost Walks.Downtown Fergus WebsiteUnionvilleSee on InstagramAddress: Unionville, ONWhy You Need To Go: Get ready for some major Gilmore Girls vibes! This little destination near Toronto served as the fictional town of Stars Hollow during the pilot episode of the show.You can enjoy cozy cafes, a gazebo decked out in fall decor and a Gilmore Girls Tour.Main Street Unionville WebsiteSt. Jacobs VillageSee on InstagramAddress: St. Jacobs, ONWhy You Need To Go: This quaint harvest village is brimming with fall vibes. You can enjoy delicious bakeries, forested trails, autumn events and Canada's largest year-round farmers' market.St. Jacobs Village WebsiteNiagara-on-the-LakeSee on InstagramAddress: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONWhy You Need To Go: Known for its 19th century charm, Niagara-on-the-Lake will whisk you away to Europe this fall. The leaf-filled streets and enchanting boutiques offer tons of cozy vibes. You can also take ghost tours around the town to explore some of the haunted areas. Niagara-on-the-Lake TourismDundasSee on InstagramAddress: Dundas, ONWhy You Need To Go: Located just outside of Toronto, this charming small town makes for a lovely fall day trip. You can explore the many shops that line the Main Street and enjoy the foliage along one of the surrounding waterfall trails.Downtown Dundas WebsiteEloraSee on InstagramAddress: Elora, ONWhy You Need To Go: Dubbed "Ontario's most beautiful village," Elora is a stunning spot to visit year-round. Fall brings a new kind of enchantment to the town, when the trees transform with vibrant shades and the air becomes cool and crisp.During October, the town fills with monster sculptures and spooky events and it's like visiting a real-life Halloween village.Elora BIA WebsitePort PerrySee on InstagramAddress: Port Perry, ONWhy You Need To Go: This Hallmark-worthy town is just an hour away from Toronto and will have you feeling like a Gilmore girl. Port Perry offers fall food and drinks, cute shops, gorgeous strolls and more to enjoy.Port Perry WebsiteBlue Mountain VillageSee on InstagramAddress: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ONWhy You Need To Go: This enchanting pedestrian village will have you feeling like you're in Switzerland this fall. There are endless autumn activities to enjoy, from colourful hikes to harvest festivals and a mountain coaster.Blue Mountain Village WebsiteBefore 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 adventure.