North America’s smallest jail is in this Ontario village known for its “big heart”

This village may be small but it has a pretty big claim to fame. Creemore, Ontario sits 20 minutes outside of Collingwood, a community known for having a “big heart” and for being home to North America’s smallest jail!

Getting there

If you’re driving to Creemore, Ontario from Toronto/the GTA it will take you two hours.

The village is part of Simcoe County and sits on the Eastern boundary of the Niagara Escarpment.

North America’s smallest jail

Creemore’s jail was built in 1892 and only cost  $425.20!

Its three-cell structure makes it the smallest jail in North America as it was used for half a century as a “secure place to jail lawbreakers”.

Drunkenness or disturbing the peace were just a couple of the offences that could land inmates an overnight stay in the jail.

In the 1940s, new provincial police regulations closed the jail for its original purpose but was re-opened in the 1960s as a tourist attraction.

If you want to check it out for yourself, it’s open to the public from May – October each year.

Other things to do

While you’re in Creemore, be sure to grab a bite to eat.

Chez Michel Restaurant is a fine dining French cuisine spot while The Old Mill House Pub is a local favourite with homemade pub classics.

Mill Street is dotted with other cafes, local shops and an art gallery – a perfect street to stroll with plenty of stops in the village’s “downtown”.

We can’t wait to visit you, Creemore, Ontario!