Small towns are a significant part of Ontario’s charm, especially quaint gems like Fenelon Falls, a village that feels a world away from big-city life, just waiting to be explored.
It’s the place of small-town dreams, and nowhere like you’ve visited before.
Fenelon Falls can be described as a varied mix of all things you’d like to find in a town like this, full of unique restaurants, shops and cottages to rent along the water.
Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Kawarthas,” it has a population of around 2,500 people and is mainly known as a tourist town — mostly active in the peak summer cottagegoer season, but you can find trails offering beautiful fall colours in the autumn too.
But the best part of this place is right in the middle of all the action: part of its namesake is inspired by a waterfall that runs through the heart of the town.
Though nowhere near the stature of major waterfalls elsewhere in the province, Fenelon Falls can swell above its normal height at peak water levels. The falls can even reach heights of up to seven metres on some days.
The falls measure up to 7 meters in height. Photo by: Go Waterfalling
Although the name was originally Cameron’s Falls, it was renamed for François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, a missionary in New France — a territory colonized by France in North America, that included parts of present-day Canada. The town itself also derives its name from him.
Fenelon Falls is named after missionary François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon. Photo: Kawartha Northumberland
Lock 34 on the Trent-Severn Waterway, situated adjacent to the falls, is a key feature of the town, part of its historic canal system, and a popular piece of infrastructure traversed by boats for tourists and residents alike.
You can enjoy the views of Fenelon Falls’ waterfront from here, while the town’s amenities sit on either side of the lock, within walking distance for boaters and tourists.
Enjoy the views at Fenelon Falls’ charming waterfront. Photo: Kawartha Lakes
Bonus tip: on the waterway also sits a craft brewery, in a 200-year-old building. It brings heritage and a glass of ice-cold beer together, all in one sitting.
It’s also a haven for antique hunters, where you can scour through vintage finds at places like Red Rock Antiques or Bad Ass Den.
Around the main street, you’ll also find favourites beloved by locals, such as The Lil Wee Quilt Shoppe for the craftier bunch, or furniture stores like Room by Tim + Chris.
Find tons of shops and restaurants to eat at on the town’s main street. Photo: Kawartha Lakes
Those familiar with cottage country also know that it’s hard to resist a stop at Kawartha Dairy for some ice cream during a road trip on a hot summer day. The town is home to a Kawartha Dairy ice cream shop, so you can grab a scoop or two and watch boats float along through the lift locks.
If you’re in need of a wholesome, small-town getaway, look no further than Fenelon Falls — just one of Ontario’s many waterfall towns.
Fenelon Falls is roughly a two-hour drive from Toronto.
