Paris Ontario, 'Canada's Prettiest Little Town'
Paris was voted "the Prettiest Little Town in Canada" by Harrowsmith Magazine, so it comes as no surprise thousands of visitors take in this beautiful, quaint, heartwarming town all year long. Whether it's covered with lush Carolinian foliage, exploding with the colours of a fall palate, a Holiday postcard 
setting complete with church spires dusted in a light covering of snow or a spring fairytale riverside scene, time spent in Paris is always an experience cherished.
The County of Brant's largest urban centre, Paris is located where the Grand and Nith Rivers meet and received its' name from the product made from the mined gypsum that lay along the Grand River bed and banks. Many walls and ceilings around the world have a little piece of this community within in them, if they were made using Plaster of Paris!
Against the backdrop of the two rivers, Downtown Paris is lined with open-air cafes, bakeries, cheese and candy shops as well as a host of award winning family and fine dining restaurants. With a unique blend of historic accommodations, modern amenities and specialty shops and boutiques, Paris provides an unparalleled shopping experience!
Paris has buildings in pristine condition marking various architectural styles including Victorian,
Edwardian, Gothic and Post Modern however Paris is best known for the cobblestone buildings including 2 churches and 10 residences that are all in use still today. Some of these buildings used over 14,000 cobblestone
s all of near identical size and shape painstakingly drawn from the Grand and Nith Rivers to create. These working cobblestone buildings are so revered and unique that Paris is quite commonly known as, "The Cobblestone Capital of Canada". The architecture of Paris is second to none and needs to be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.
Outdoor adventurers will also find lots to do in Paris. Experience our picturesque scenery and wildlife by hiking a rail trail, or explore the rivers by kayak or canoe. Day trips and overnight excursions are available - visit our area outfitters to book your adventure today!
It's said that when he sat horseback looking down upon the area where the Nith and Grand Rivers come together Hiram Capron, founder of Paris vowed to himself in full breath, "I do believe I would like to own this lovely vale". It's a sentiment that to this day falls across those that visit this special place.
Map of Paris
National Television Commercial Using Paris Ontario click below:
This is Paris - All you need is Cheese - Dairy Farmers of Canada
The Lighting of Penman's Dam
(PLEASE NOTE- The Lights at Penman's Dam are currently being serviced with an expected return to service date of late September 2018)
The County of Brant truly does 'shine bright' each evening at dusk with the Lighting of the Paris Falls at the historic Penman's Dam in beautiful Downtown Paris. In addition to shopping the many boutiques, dining in award winning restaurants and visiting national historic destinations, a visit to 'Canada's Prettiest Little Town' now offers a colourful lighting display worth including on your next outing to Paris or as the reason to come visit us today!
A true community project, this partnership project was led by the Paris Firefighter's Club with funding support from the Brant Waterways Foundation, Brant Municipal Enterprises and Brant County Power, along with a number of other generous donors.
The Lighting of the Paris Falls at Penman's Dam can be viewed Sunday - Thursday from dusk until 10:30pm and Friday & Saturday from dusk until 12:30am and is best viewed while strolling across the William Street Bridge or enjoying a delicious meal, glass of wine or perhaps a café au lait in the ambiance of one of the riverside restaurants or coffee shops.
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