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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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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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Federal ministers defend major projects bill at House committee meeting
Ministers defend Bill C-39 at House committee
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Four federal ministers are defending the government's contentious legislation to speed up major projects in the House of Commons today, as Ottawa continues to face criticism from Indigenous, environment and labour groups.
The 243-page bill would fast-track approvals for major projects, cut their review times and create zones of "national interest" to pre-approve certain types of projects.
Labour leaders and union members gathered across Canada last week to protest Bill C-39, arguing the legislation would undermine workers' right to strike.
A collective of First Nations groups has also condemned the legislation, arguing it would weaken environmental oversight and strip away their ability to influence decisions affecting their territories.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said today that Bill C-39 does not reduce Ottawa's requirement to consult with Indigenous rights holders and "a more efficient process does not mean a less rigorous one."
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the legislation looks to reduce administrative burdens while also maintaining strong safety and environmental standards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
By Catherine Morrison | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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