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This Ontario town with storybook streets and cozy little shops is the prettiest in Canada
You'll want to add this spot to your bucket list!
If you've ever wanted to step into a small town that feels like it belongs in a Hallmark film, you might want to take a trip to this quaint Ontario gem.
With historic buildings, little shops, freshly baked treats, and picturesque river views, it has all the ingredients for a postcard-worthy escape and has been named among the prettiest towns in the country.
Just over an hour from the city, it's a convenient spot for an autumn or holiday-season getaway.
Narcity Canada asked readers on Facebook which small towns they consider the prettiest in the country, and this charming Ontario destination was one of the recommendations.
St. Jacobs Village is a cozy community located near the picturesque Conestoga River.
With roots dating back to the 19th century, the Village has a rich history and German heritage still visible in its historic buildings and locally owned shops.
According to the website, "the Village of St. Jacobs is filled with authentic sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and incredible one-of-a-kind shopping, that are sure to re-inspire the soul."
You can spend an afternoon wandering the main street, browsing the boutiques, and stopping for a bite at one of its local eateries.
One must-visit spot is Hamel Brooms. Founded in 1908, the business is reportedly Canada's last remaining corn broom manufacturer. You can see traditional broom-making in action while browsing other handcrafted finds, from stained glass to home accessories.
For something sweet, head to the Stone Crock Bakery, where you'll find an assortment of freshly baked treats. The bakery is known for its butter tarts, fresh bread baked on-site, and Dutch apple pies.
You can also warm up with a drink or meal at places like EcoCafe, St. Jacobs Grill, The Pub by Stone Crock, and Harvest Moon.
The Stone Crock Market is another spot to check out, offering locally-grown food, premium meats, and more.
No visit is complete without stopping by the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, a major attraction just a few minutes from the village centre.
Operating year-round, the market is the largest of its kind in Canada, with three indoor buildings and an outdoor space where you can browse everything from fresh local produce and specialty foods to handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind treasures.
If you're planning an autumn visit to the Village, you can enjoy Pumpkin Palooza on October 24, featuring pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and more.
It's also worth scheduling a visit during the Christmas season. St. Jacobs Village is extra magical during the holidays, with glittering lights, cozy winter drinks, and festive shopping.
From November 12 to 15 and November 19 to 22, you can enjoy Sparkles, an annual shopping event with thousands of twinkling lights, horse-and-wagon rides, and more.
With its quaint little shops, cozy cafes, and old-world charm, it's no surprise readers say St. Jacobs Village is the prettiest town in Canada.
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Members of Quebec's official Opposition Liberals sworn in at the legislature
Quebec Liberals sworn in at legislature
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
The Canadian Press
Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Millard urged his caucus to serve with clarity and humility today as they were sworn in at the provincial legislature.
Millard said his party's work isn't done after a strong Oct. 5 election result.
The party more than doubled its seat count, going from 18 to 40 and will serve as the official Opposition to the minority Parti Québécois government.
Former premier Jean Charest was on hand to watch as his son Antoine was sworn in as the new representative for the Verdun riding.
All of the Liberals opted to swear the oath to the Quebec people and not to the King, after the oath to the monarch was made optional in 2022.
One member, Affine Lwalalika, was not sworn in since a judicial recount is underway in her riding.
Milliard told his elected members to be proud, but also urged them to approach the role with “a healthy dose of clarity and humility.”
“If our work of rebuilding were complete, we would be the ones forming the government today,” he said, adding, “There are still many regions to win back.”
“The result on Oct. 5 is certainly an important milestone, but it is by no means the culmination of all our efforts.”
He said it's unclear how long the minority PQ government led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon will last, and called for both discipline and teamwork.
“When it comes to resolving crises, the government will find in us a reliable and open partner, but when it comes to creating crises … it will find in us a tough and unyielding opponent,” he said.
Milliard also stated that the Quebec Fleur-de-lis is “just as striking alongside the Maple Leaf," in a plea for federalism that drew thunderous applause.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
By Caroline Plante | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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Measles outbreak over after 2 years, thousands infected in Canada: PHAC
Measles outbreak over after two years
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne
A measles outbreak that spanned two years and infected thousands of people in Canada is over.
The Public Health Agency of Canada made the declaration in a press release Monday, stating that more than 6,400 people were infected across 10 provinces.
Two infants in Ontario and Alberta who were infected with measles while in the womb died after they were born.
The outbreak began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and about a year later led to the loss of Canada’s measles elimination status due to ongoing transmission of the highly contagious disease for more than 12 months.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer says that although it's encouraging to see the outbreak declared over, it doesn’t mean that measles is gone.
Infectious disease experts have attributed the return of measles to declining vaccination rates, misinformation-fuelled vaccine hesitancy and distrust of authority, as well as disruptions to routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Measles continues to circulate globally, and we can expect to see further travel-related cases here at home,” Reimer said in a statement.
Ontario, which was one of the most affected provinces, declared its outbreak over last fall, while Alberta's ended in July. Public health officials in Manitoba said the province’s last laboratory-confirmed case was in August.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
By Hannah Alberga | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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6 dépenses que la Ville de Montréal peut payer à ta place en 2023
Tu peux te faire rembourser plusieurs produits! 🤑
Oui, vivre en ville peut coûter cher. Avec la hausse des loyers, les prix en épicerie qui grimpent et les factures des restos qui peuvent nous surprendre une fois le repas terminé, les fins de mois sont parfois quelque peu ardues. Question de redonner un peu à la communauté et d'encourager certains gestes, il existe des subventions et de l'aide financière que tu peux demander à la Ville pour te permettre de réduire tes dépenses annuelles.
Eh oui, dans le cadre d'un programme de transition écologique, la Ville de Montréal offre des rabais de 50 % sur plusieurs produits réutilisables du quotidien. Tu peux aussi obtenir une carte qui te permet de bénéficier de toutes sortes de rabais sur des entrées et des services. Si tu désires faire le grand saut et acheter une demeure, sache aussi qu'il existe un programme pour réduire certains coûts inclus avec l’achat. Bref, tu peux tirer profit de différents avantages. Il faut juste les connaître, puis en faire la demande!
Les couches lavables pour bébé
Pour les petites familles, quelques produits d'hygiène réutilisables pour bébé sont remboursables par la Ville, et ce, dans certains arrondissements. Ainsi, si tu fais l'achat de couches et inserts (en achat ou en service de location), de culotte d'entraînement ou de couches-maillots, tu pourrais te faire rembourser 50 % de ta facture d'un minimum de 50 $. Les parents peuvent se faire rembourser jusqu'à 180 $ maximum par année. Une preuve de résidence et d'achats est requise pour faire la demande.
Pour faire ta demande de subvention
Les produits d'hygiène féminine
Dans le but d'encourager la transition écologique, la Ville rembourse 50 % des coûts de produits hygiéniques féminins, mais, encore une fois, seulement les réutilisables. Si tu utilises des coupes menstruelles, culottes, des serviettes ou éponges hygiéniques lavables ou que tu achètes des tissus pour confectionner des serviettes hygiéniques, tu peux demander un remboursement sur une facture de 60 $ maximum, et ce, au deux ans seulement. N'oublie pas de vérifier si ton arrondissement te permet d'en faire la demande.
Pour faire ta demande de subvention
Les culottes pour fuite urinaire
Vivre avec un problème d'incontinence peut être un stress au quotidien. C'est pourquoi la Ville offre aux personnes qui vivent avec ce genre de tracas de rembourser une partie du coût des culottes réutilisables pour fuite urinaire ou des couches pour adulte. Ainsi, 50 % des frais sont indemnisés, pour un maximum de 75 $. La facture présentée devra aussi être d'un minimum de 30 $ pour que ce rabais puisse s'appliquer. Ce n'est pas tous les arrondissements à Montréal qui offrent cette subvention, alors n'hésite pas à vérifier sur le site Internet de la Ville.
Pour faire ta demande de subvention
La carte accès Montréal
La carte Accès Montréal te permet de profiter d'une panoplie d'activités à rabais. Spectacles, tarifs réduits pour location de bixi, billets pour des parcs, loisir et sports, musées, tu peux même obtenir des rabais sur des entrées pour le spa! La carte est au coût de 9 $ et peut être demandée en ligne ou en personne dans les bureaux d'Accès Montréal.
Pour en faire la demande
Un arbre à bas prix
Afin de verdir Montréal, la Ville offre la possibilité à ses résident.es d'acheter des arbres à planter sur leur terrain, et ce, à faible coût. Bonne nouvelle, ce programme est offert dans tous les arrondissements de l'île.
« Vous pouvez choisir votre arbre parmi une quarantaine d’essences offertes à bas prix », peut-on lire sur le site Web de la Ville. Il y a même, dans certains secteurs, la possibilité de demander une livraison et un service de plantation à petit prix. Pratique si tu avais justement besoin d'un peu d'ombre dans ton jardin.
Pour en faire la demande
Programme d'acquisition d'une première maison
Si tu rêves de t'acheter une maison dans la métropole, mais que tu clignes des yeux à la vue des chiffres exorbitants sur les pancartes d'annonce immobilière, sache que la Ville offre la possibilité d'obtenir une aide financière pour les premier.ères acheteur.euses. Les bénéficiaires du programme pourraient ainsi acquérir un montant forfaitaire à l'achat d'une propriété neuve et un remboursement des droits de mutation si la propriété est déjà existante.
Pour en faire la demande