Photo: Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryOntario
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If you’re looking for a fun small town in Ontario to visit for a fun family day trip, look no further than Creemore, Ontario. With its beautiful scenery, the historic downtown area along Mill Street, and the diverse array of attractions, Creemore is the perfect spot to take a break from the hectic routine of daily life.
To help you make the most of your time in this charming small community near Collingwood and The Blue Mountains, here are some of our favourite things to do in Creemore, Ontario.
The Best Things to Do in Creemore, Ontario
Hoist a Pint at Creemore Springs Brewery
Well-known as Canada’s original microbrewery, Creemore Springs Brewery was established in 1987 and produces a variety of award-winning beers, including its famous amber ales. Consistently ranked one of the best breweries in Ontario, it occupies an entire block of the downtown area and offers tours and tastings.
Whether you take a tour or not, be sure to spend at least a little time enjoying a beer or two on the brewery’s lovely streetside patio. It’s a great place to watch the world go by or to enjoy an al fresco meal or light bite with your brews.
Visit North America’s Smallest Jail
Tucked away on Library Street a few minutes walk from downtown Creemore and next door to Creemore’s Log Cabin, the Creemore Jail was originally built in 1892 and served as a small three-cell prison until 1932.
Famous as “North America’s Smallest Jail”, it’s now used to display historical artifacts and interesting information about its early prisoners. This fun free tourist attraction provides a good sense of what being jailed in a small town would have been like in the 1800s and early 1900s (but don’t be tempted to lock yourself in!).
Take a Tour of the Historic Creemore Log Cabin
The Creemore Log Cabin is a National Historic Site located adjacent to the must-visit jail. The cabin was built in the 1870s using locally felled trees and is famous as one of the few remaining log homes in North America that hasn’t been altered or rebuilt since its original construction.
Open to visitors from May to October, the log cabin today houses interesting artifacts and exhibits about life in late eighteenth-century Canada, including traditional clothing and furniture. There’s also an exhibit on Canadian history with special emphasis on Upper Canada, now Ontario.
There are also displays on milling techniques used at the time, food preservation methods, and hand tools used for logging operations, along with photographs and artifacts found on the property over the years. Guided tours of the property are available. Be sure to spend a little time wandering the grounds, too.
Website: www.discoverclearview.ca/culture-heritage/heritage-sites
Enjoy a Tasty Treat at Creemore Bakery and Café
There’s so much to see and do in Creemore that you’ll no doubt need to break your time up with a stop for a meal. If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or lunch, Creemore Bakery and Café is the place to go.
As popular with locals as it is visitors, this busy spot features a variety of great food options from sandwiches to sweet treats and baked goods. Our favourite bite here is the delicious brioche donuts. For drinks, they offer tea, coffee, and juice in addition to specialty drinks like shakes and smoothies.
Website: www.creemorebakery.ca
Take Your Empties to The Keep Refillery: Creemore
The Keep Refillery is a unique concept that allows shoppers to refill their empty containers of soap and other household products in-store. And if you’re all out of clean empty containers, the Creemore Refillery will happily sell you some durable ones that can be reused time and time again.
It’s a simple concept that goes a long way to making the shopping and consumer experience a lot more eco-friendly. Simply weigh your containers in the store, fill them up with your product of choice, and simply pay for what’s inside at check-out time. All products sold are ethically sourced from producers committed to sustainability.
The Keep Refillery also has locations in Meaford and Kingston (check out our great article on unique places to stay for a Kingston getaway).
Website: www.thekeeprefillery.com
Buy Local at the Creemore Farmers Market
The Creemore Farmers Market is a must-visit for anyone in the area on a Saturday. Held on the grounds of the old Creemore railway station, it’s a great place to get your hands on local produce, arts, crafts, and plants, as well as sample homemade food from vendors.
Held weekly throughout the summer months, the market also hosts fun things to do including listening to talented local musicians. Parking can be tight on market days, so be prepared to find a spot elsewhere in town.
Website: https://creemorefarmersmarket.ca
Relax in Creemore Village Green
Originally known as Creemore Horticultural Park, Creemore Village Green is a great place to take a break from all that walking. This pleasant park re-opened in 2022 after a major makeover that included expanding its size and adding a variety of new amenities.
Stretching from Mill Street to the restored Creemore railway station, now referred to as Creemore Station On The Green, visitors can enjoy a picnic or summer concert under the shelter provided and enjoy great views of the park’s picturesque fountain.
Have a Drink and a Meal at The Old Mill House Pub
The Old Mill House Pub is the perfect place to enjoy a drink with friends or family while exploring picturesque Creemore. Featuring a wide variety of drink and food options, this Creemore pub is especially popular for its home-cooked lunches and dinners.
Established in 1927 and located next door to Creemore Springs Brewery, this popular eatery can get busy so book ahead if you plan on visiting during the summer months. A visit during a live music night is highly recommended.
Website: www.theoldmillhousepub.com
Book an Overnight Stay in Creemore
There’s no better way to experience everything there is to see and do here than spend a night or two at a great Creemore hotel or B&B. Here are a few of our favourites:
Sequel Inn Creemore
An easy 15-minute drive away from Creemore Springs Brewery, the quaint 4-star Sequel Inn Creemore offers rustic-chic rooms plus amenities including a swimming pool, a hot tub, and space to hold events and weddings. Ample parking is located on-site.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Sequel Inn Creemore
Mountain Ash Farm Country Manor
Set in the idyllic countryside close to Creemore, Mountain Ash Farm Country Farm offers cozy auberge-style accommodations. Amenities include a swimming pool, yoga, and a chance to interact with the animals on this working farm. There’s ample on-site parking, too.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Mountain Ash Farm Country Manor
Angel House B&B
Located within an easy walk of Creemore’s historic downtown core, Angel House B&B is set in a leafy neighbourhood and boasts cozy rooms with comfy mattresses and high-end bedding. A hot tub is available, and a great breakfast is included with your stay. A tasty dinner option is also available upon request.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Angel House B&B
Emily’s Place Bed and Breakfast
Set in a historic Victorian-era home near the top Creemore attractions, Emily’s Place Bed and Breakfast offers an intimate stay that’s comfortable, clean, and classy. A hearty breakfast is provided, and ample parking is available. Travelling with a fur baby… or a real baby? Both are welcome.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Emily’s Place Bed and Breakfast
Clearview Station Bed and Breakfast
Just a short drive from Creemore village center, Clearview Station Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy stay in an authentic old caboose. A tasty breakfast is provided.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Clearview Station Bed and Breakfast
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyle and travel writer. He’s also a Co-Founder of Riley and the Editor of LuxuryOntario and is proud to call Muskoka, Ontario, “home.”
