From Paris to London, Ontario is full of surprises. While these Canadian towns might not boast the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben, they each have their own small-town charm—and a name that turns heads. Whether you’re a newcomer, a curious traveller, or just looking for quirky destinations to explore, here’s your guide to Ontario places with big-name European twins.

1. London, Ontario

Named after: London, England
Fun fact: London, Ontario, even has its own River Thames and Covent Garden Market.

Located halfway between Toronto and Detroit, London is one of Ontario’s largest cities outside the GTA. It’s home to Western University, the Grand Theatre, and a vibrant arts and tech scene. Its British namesake influence is visible in everything from street names to pub culture.

Source: Tourism London

Credit: CBC

2. Paris, Ontario

Named after: Paris, France
Fun fact: The town is known as the “Cobblestone Capital of Canada.”

Situated at the junction of the Grand and Nith Rivers, Paris is a charming small town known for its 19th-century architecture and vibrant downtown. It’s a popular destination for kayaking, boutique shopping, and riverside dining.

Source: Brant Tourism

Credit: CBC

3. Athens, Ontario

Named after: Athens, Greece
Fun fact: Hosts an annual Cornfest rather than a Greek festival—but still delivers plenty of charm.

Located in Eastern Ontario, Athens is a small village known for its historic murals and friendly community spirit. Despite the name, don’t expect ancient ruins—but do expect a peaceful slice of rural Ontario.

Source: Township of Athens

Credit: Janevera Hill

4. Vienna, Ontario

Named after: Vienna, Austria
Fun fact: Once home to the Edison family—yes, that Edison.

This quiet community near Lake Erie was settled by Mennonites and is known for its agricultural roots and beautiful countryside. The Edison Museum of Vienna commemorates the family of inventor Thomas Edison.

Source: Norfolk County Tourism

Credit: Cora Vanheule

5. Brussels, Ontario

Named after: Brussels, Belgium
Fun fact: Population just over 1,000—no EU headquarters here.

This quaint rural town in Huron County features local shops, community events, and that classic Ontario small-town warmth. It’s a far cry from its Belgian counterpart, but the name still brings a smile.

Source: Huron East Municipality

Credit: CBC

6. Dublin, Ontario

Named after: Dublin, Ireland
Fun fact: Hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration—naturally.

Located in Perth County, Dublin is a small farming community with strong Irish roots. It has a few pubs and plenty of green fields, making it the perfect Ontario nod to the Emerald Isle.

Source: Visit Perth County

Honorable Mentions

  • Florence, Ontario (Named after Florence, Italy)
  • Berlin, Ontario (now called Kitchener)
  • Lisbon, Ontario
  • Madrid, Ontario

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s European namesakes offer a mix of novelty, history, and small-town character. While they might not match their European twins in size or fame, they’ve got their own kind of charm—and they make for a fun travel list if you’re exploring the province.

Ready to visit Paris and London in a single weekend? Only in Ontario.

About the writer

Arash Safavi is the Digital Marketing and Communications Manager for the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and Canoo. He holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art, Media & Design, and is an award-winning photographer, specializing in storytelling through still images.