Creemore – the Little Village with a Big Heart
If you’re looking for an ideal day trip, look no further than the charming village of Creemore, only 90 minutes north of Toronto. The idyllic countryside drive on your way is a highlight in of itself. Through the rolling hills of the incredible Niagara Escarpment you will gaze upon large heritage homes, farms, towering trees, creeks and ponds. Oh, and did I mention the rolling hills? Yes, well it’s worth mentioning again. There’s a reason why this area is a huge draw for road cyclists. It’s undeniably scenic and blissful. So, what are you waiting for – hop in your car and head to Creemore!
The Little Village with a Big Heart
Creemore, first settled in 1842, was named after the Irish Cro Mor, meaning “big heart”. That’s why today, Creemore is often referred to as “the village with a big heart”. There is a strong sense of community here – you can just feel it. Everyone is welcoming, friendly and proud to show off their village and share their passions. It’s a thriving arts and culture hub filled with artists, galleries, and festivals all-year long.
The Village Shops
The lovely little shops that line the main street offer something for everyone. I love them all, but my go-to favourite is Heirloom 142, and Lagom 142. It’s filled with European, both new and old, home décor. Swoon worthy antiques, textiles, glass ware, pottery and so much more. Trust me, these are two stores that you won’t leave empty handed.
The newest boutique shop, The Creemore Apothecary, is not to be missed. Stop in and chat with Dr. Kate Hunter for all your wellness needs all of which are locally sourced in Canada. Her store is simply lovely and is filled charming vignettes of beautiful products.
The Village Eateries
The best spot for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat is the Bank Café. As soon as you swing open the door to this historic landmark, you know you’re in for a special treat. From the wonderful aroma of their kitchen to the friendly buzz of patrons, there is a reason why it’s always packed. They offer delicious panini, wraps and salads. But it’s their “world’s greatest” carrot cake and cinnamon buns on Saturdays that they’re most famous for.
For dinner I recommend the farm to table Chez Michel, a French country restaurant. It is chic, cozy and casual – just like what you would find in Provence. The food is scrumptious and the service is top notch making this an easy favourite among locals and tourists alike.
The Village Brewery
Yes, Creemore is home to their very own Creemore Springs Brewery. Take a tour and learn about their unique fire-brew process using a copper kettle which helps to produce their signature honey colour lager. Afterwards, hang out on the patio overlooking Mill Street while sampling their beer for free.
The Village Artists
Tucked away down a tiny alleyway between two buildings on the main Mill Street is an artists’ walk that leads you to their studio. I met with artist, Sue Miller who primarily works with oil paints on large canvas, where she talked about her latest project, the “Ice Project Series.” She was inspired by the time she spent in Newfoundland where she fell in love with the land and its icebergs. She wants to raise awareness of how ice shelves and glaciers have been impacted over time in hopes to create a movement towards positive environmental change. Her work is powerful. It is not only beautiful, but transcends an important message.
You can see her work, along with two other artists, Martha Bull and Elizabeth Eakins, and others in their “open house” studio tour on October 3-4, 2020.
The Village Festivals
If you love festivals than you’ll love Creemore! All year round, Creemore hosts a wide variety of festivals. From vintage to cycling to kids to parades to farmer’s market – there is something for everyone to enjoy! One of their most famous festivals is the Copper Kettle Festival, held at the end of August. It celebrates the Creemore Springs Brewery and it draws more than just beer enthusiasts, it is also family-friendly.
One of my favourites, and a long-standing tradition for my husband and I to visit is the Horse, Hound and Harvest parade. Held on the Saturday of every Thanksgiving weekend, the Toronto North York Hunt Club rides down the main Mill Street with 20 or so hounds leading the charge. It’s such a fantastic sight to see! The parade kicks off a variety of family friendly activities, including a pie contest at the Farmer’s Market.
The Village of Creemore is that quintessential charming small town. It’s no wonder that it is often described as “one of the prettiest towns in Ontario” by Harrowsmith Magazine. No plans for this weekend? What are you waiting for, head to Creemore!
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32 Comments
Sue
What a gorgeous looking village! Love the look & sound of this place, not least because the artist Sue Miller is my namesake (my maiden name is Miller). Also the festivals look fun & fab. Thanks for sharing…next time I’m in Canada…
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Sue for stopping by, and hopefully you get a chance to visit this little gem of a place.
TravellingHappily
Wow! The place sounds terrific! So beautifull and amazing pictures!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it!
Brooklyn
I haven’t been to Creemore since I was a young kid, so I hardly remember it at all. But now you have me wanting to go back! I didn’t realize how charming and artistic it was. Looks lovely!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, I’m sure a lot has changed while staying the same. But sounds like it’s time for another visit!
Alison Browne
Ah. I love the little villages of Ontario. I have been to Creemore many times and agree it is a village with a big heart! Would love to see the hounds leading the parade on Thanksgiving weekend!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Alison for your comment. It is quite the sight to see, and has been a tradition for us to go there that weekend.
Riana Ang-Canning
What a cute little village! I love the idea of exploring the shops and restaurants here on a weekend trip. The Horse, Hound and Harvest parade looks super cute and I’d love to shop at the European decor store you mentioned!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Riana for your comment and stopping by. It appears this little village is right up your alley to make it a visit next time you are in the Toronto area.
Hannah
I feel like small town travels are the way of the future due to this pandemic. Creemore sounds like such a cute little town! I think I would love the art studio, being a graphic designer. And of course I love seeing the dogs!
Hannah | http://www.hannahonhorizon.com
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Hannah for your comment. The art studio is definitely a must visit when you come to this town. The local artists love to talk about their craft.
Dave and Ann Huskinson
We run a very seasonal unique Bed and Breakfast in the hills overlooking Creemore and Area.
Any travellers to the area can check us out.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for sharing this option for my readers.
Emma
This looks like my kind of place. I love these small villages. Craft beer sounds lovely and I really like the art work. Definitely putting this on my list for my next Ontario visit
The.Holidaymaker
I’m sure you’ll love it Emma!
Gus Feliciano
All these Canadian villages are making me want this border shut down over. Love Canada and guess I keep adding more and more spots to visit! Also the brewery def will be my spot!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Gus, happy to share lots of ideas with you for places to visit when you are able to cross the border.
Sarah
What a charming village! I love the origin of the name and I love seeing local artwork when I travel. I love anything to do with snow and ice so the Ice Project series sounds very interesting.
The.Holidaymaker
You’ll just have to check out her work online if you are interested. Thanks for stopping by Sarah.
Eric Gamble
What a fun place to explore! I love the quaintness of Creemore but it looks like there is still tons to do there! Nothing better than a small community physically but large in personality! I think I need to take Darcee up there to see the Horse, Hound and Harvest parade! She would lose her mind seeing them trotting down the road! Silly question from a Southern Boy…I assume it is during Candien Thanksgiving and not the November American thanksgiving?
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, this is for the Canadian thanksgiving which is the second weekend in October.
Linda (LD Holland)
Creemore is a spot I have heard of but not yet visited in Ontario. Will have to put it on one of our day trips. Any place with a “big heart” is worth a stop. We have had a lot of Creemore SpringAle so that would definitely be a place for us to stop. The Horse, Hound and Harvest festival sounds like a fun one to plan. Love all these great small towns.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Linda. I’m sure you’ll love this town, it’s such a vibrant community.
CHELSEA MESSINA
This town is adorable! It reminds me of the towns on the west coast of Michigan. The horse hound harvest looks SO ADORABLE with all those cute babiess 😍
The.Holidaymaker
That’s great to hear it reminded you of places you like to visit.
Joanne
Oh my gosh! Creemore is gorgeous! I can’t believe we live just a few hours from there. The artist walk is lovely and the horse, hound and harvest parade is so unique. My youngest son just loves dogs so he’d be in 7th heaven!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, if you haven’t been before Joanne, you’ll have to add it to your list.
Umiko
I love visiting small town like Creemore. Shopping, eating, watching the events, or just walking admiring charming old buildings. Those hounds walking into town are really cute. I want to see it.
The.Holidaymaker
I hope you get a chance to visit, as it is a town that offers all of that!
Kevin
It sounds like I really need to schedule some time in Toronto and the surrounding countryside after everything reopens! Creemore looks so quaint and I love the name and the little nods here and there to the town’s Irish roots. The Horse, Hound and Harvest parade sounds like a lot of fun, and I love the beautiful brick buildings in the town center!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, definitely Kevin. It just like any destination, there is so much more to see beyond the large metropolitan city that is every country’s sought after destination.