The Best Fun Things To Do in Creemore, Ontario 2023

Photo: Bryan Dearsley / Riley    

Looking for a fun daytrip from Barrie or Collingwood, or even Toronto? Bryan Dearsley shares this list of the top fun things to do in Creemore, Ontario

If you’re looking for a small town in Ontario to visit for fun family day trip, look no further than Creemore, Ontario. With its beautiful scenery, the historic downtown area along Mill Street, and diverse array of attractions, Creemore is the perfect spot to take a break from the hectic routine of daily life.

To help you make the most of your time in this charming small community near Collingwood and The Blue Mountains, here are some of our favourite things to do in Creemore, Ontario.

Top Things to Do in Creemore, Ontario

Hoist a Pint at Creemore Springs Brewery

Well-known as Canada’s original microbrewery, Creemore Springs Brewery was established in 1987 and produces a variety of award-winning beers, including their famous amber ales. The brewery occupies a full block of downtown Creemore, and also offers tours and beer tastings for visitors to enjoy.

Whether you take a tour or not, be sure to spend at least a little time enjoying a beer or two on the brewery’s lovely streetside patio. It’s a great place to watch the world go by or to enjoy an al fresco meal or light bite with your brews.

Address: 139 Mill St, Creemore, Ontario

Website: www.creemoresprings.com

Visit North America’s Smallest Jail  

Tucked away on Library Street a few minutes’ walk from downtown Creemore and next door to Creemore’s Log Cabin, the Creemore jail was originally built in 1892 and served as a small three-cell prison until 1932.

Famous as “North America’s Smallest Jail”, it’s now used to display historical artifacts and interesting information about its early prisoners.  This fun free tourist attraction provides a good sense of what being jailed in a small town would have been like in the 1800s and early 1900s (but don’t be tempted to lock yourself in!).

Address: 151 Library St, Creemore, Ontario  

Website: https://southgeorgianbay.ca/listing/north-americas-smallest-jail/

Take a Tour of the Historic Creemore Log Cabin

The Creemore Log Cabin is a National Historic Site located adjacent the must-visit Creemore Jail. The cabin was built in the 1870s using locally felled trees and is famous as one of the few remaining log homes in North America that hasn’t not been altered or rebuilt since its original construction.

Open to visitors from May to October, the log cabin today houses interesting artefacts and exhibits about life in late eighteenth century Canada, including traditional clothing and furniture. There’s also an exhibit on Canadian history with special emphasis on Upper Canada, now Ontario.

There are also displays on milling techniques used at the time, food preservation methods, hand tools used for logging operations, along with photographs and artifacts found on the property over the years. Guided tours of the property area available. Be sure to spend a little time wandering the grounds, too.

Address: 151 Library St, Creemore, Ontario

Website: www.discoverclearview.ca/culture-heritage/heritage-sites

Enjoy a Tasty Treat at Creemore Bakery and Café

There’s so much to see and do in Creemore that you’ll no doubt need to break your time up with a stop for a meal. If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or lunch, Creemore Bakery and Café is the place to go.

As popular with locals as it is visitors, this busy spot features a variety of great food options from sandwiches to sweet treats and baked goods. Our favourite bite here are the delicious brioche donuts. For drinks, they offer tea, coffee, and juice in addition to specialty drinks like shakes and smoothies.

Address: 148 Mill St, Creemore, Ontario

Website: www.creemorebakery.ca

Take Your Empties to The Keep Refillery: Creemore

The Keep Refillery is a unique concept that allows shoppers to refill their empty containers of soaps and other household products in-store. And if you’re all out of clean empty containers, the Creemore Refillery will happily sell you some durable ones that can be reused time and time again.

It’s a simple concept that goes a long way to making the shopping and consumer experience a lot-more eco-friendly. Simply weight your containers in the store, fill them up with your product of choice, and simply pay for what’s inside at check out time. All products sold are ethically sourced from producers committed to sustainability.

The Keep Refillery also has locations in Meaford and Kingston (check out our great article on unique places to stay for a Kingston getaway).

Address: 180 Mill St, Creemore, Ontario

Website: www.thekeeprefillery.com

Buy Local at the Creemore Farmers Market

The Creemore Farmers Market is a must-visit for anyone in the area on a Saturday. Held on the grounds of the old Creemore railway station, it’s a great place to get your hands on local produce, arts, crafts, and plants, as well as sample homemade food from vendors.

Held weekly throughout the summer months, the market also hosts fun things to do including listening to talented local musicians. Parking can be tight on market days, so be prepared to find a spot elsewhere in town.

Address: 10 Caroline St W, Creemore, Ontario

Website: https://creemorefarmersmarket.ca

Relax in Creemore Village Green

Originally known as Creemore Horticultural Park, Creemore Village Green  is a great place to take a break from all that walking. This pleasant park re-opened in 2022 after a major makeover that included expanding its size and adding a variety of new amenities.

Stretching from Mill Street to the restored Creemore railway station, now referred to as Creemore Station On The Green, visitors can enjoy a picnic or summer concert under the shelter provided and enjoy great views of the park’s picturesque fountain. 

Address: Mill St, Creemore, Ontario

Have a Drink and a Meal at The Old Mill House Pub

The Old Mill House Pub is the perfect place to enjoy a drink with friends or family while exploring picturesque Creemore. Featuring a wide variety of drink and food options, this Creemore pub is especially popular for its home-cooked lunches and dinners.

Established in 1927 and located next door to Creemore Springs Brewery, this popular eatery can get busy so book ahead if you plan on visiting during the summer months. A visit during a live music night is highly recommended.

Address: 141 Mill St, Creemore, Ontario

Website: www.theoldmillhousepub.com/Welcome.html

Book a Unique Overnight Stay

Looking to make a weekend or mid-week break of your exploration of the top things to do in Creemore? While neighbouring Collingwood and The Blue Mountains offer plenty of great hotel and resort options, Creemore’s not without its own great places to stay.  

Here are a few unique accommodation options in Creemore we recommend:

Sequel Inn Creemore

An easy 15-minute drive away from Creemore Springs Brewery, the quaint Sequel Inn Creemore offers rustic-chic rooms plus amenities including a swimming pool, a hot tub, and space to hold events and weddings. Ample parking is located on-site.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Sequel Inn Creemore

Mountain Ash Farm Country Manor

Set in the idyllic countryside close to Creemore, Mountain Ash Farm Country Farm offers cozy auberge-style accommodations. Amenities include a swimming pool, yoga, and a chance to interact with the animals on this working farm. There’s ample on-site parking, too.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Mountain Ash Farm Country Manor

Angel House B&B

Located within an easy walk of Creemore’s historic downtown core, Angel House B&B is set in a leafy neighborhood and boasts cozy rooms with comfy mattresses and high-end bedding. A hot tub is available, and a great breakfast is included with your stay. A tasty dinner option is also available upon request.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Angel House B&B

Emily’s Place Bed and Breakfast

Set in an historic Victorian-era home near the top Creemore attractions, Emily’s Place Bed and Breakfast offers an intimate stay that’s comfortable, clean, and classy. A hearty breakfast is provided, and ample parking is available. Travelling with a fur baby… or a real baby? Both are welcome.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Emily’s Place Bed and Breakfast

Clearview Station Bed and Breakfast

Just a short drive from Creemore village center, Clearview Station Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy stay in an authentic old caboose. A tasty breakfast is provided.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Clearview Station Bed and Breakfast

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Bryan Dearsley is Editor-in-chief of Riley International Media