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Small Town Ontario: 50 Historic Main Streets to Explore
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August 18, 2026There is little question how much travel writer Ron Brown loves Ontario. Based on the more than two dozens books he has written about various topics relating to the province, he has become the go-to author for all things travel and all things Ontario. He has covered so many subjects including Ontario ghost towns, best places for a road trip, and so much more. These books are most informative, and if there was ever a reason to travel and explore the province of Ontario, these books are the definitive stimulus to get in the car and head north, east, south, or west to find something of interest.
In the latest SMALL TOWN ONTARIO 50 HISTORIC MAIN STREETS, once more Brown does the proverbial deep dive into all areas of Ontario, bringing the subject to life, leaping off the pages with fact and amazing photos. This almost draws the reader right into the book, as we feel we are exploring these locales right from our chairs. Many of the photos were courtesy of Ron Brown, and we are mesmerized by all that went into the book.
The book opens with Almonte, and the facts tumble out from page one. There is a statue in Almonte of James Naismith, as he was born in the town. It was in this town that Naismith invented the sport of basketball. It is just the first of hundreds of facts about people and places that have drawn tourists to these streets, and created a living history from centuries ago.
Cobourg for example was founded when United Empire Loyalists came there because they were persecuted by the Americans, settling there in 1798. The city was named Cobourg in honour of the marriage of the Princess of Wales to Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg. Cobourg later became the home of one of Ontario’s first universities Victoria College. It was known as the Upper Canada Academy, offering Canada’s first university degrees in 1841.
Each of the fifty chapters has the heading “In the beginning.” Facts are laid out and at the end of each there is also the notation, “But wait, there’s more to see.” Such main streets in cities and towns like Merrickville, Elora, Walkerville, Buttonville, Unionville, Bala, Kleinberg, Fergus, and many more, offer insight and massive information about early days and how each community evolved through settlers and industry. Each time out Ron Brown one-ups his previous release with another compelling and fascinating look into aspects of the province of Ontario. Don't miss this latest!
In the latest SMALL TOWN ONTARIO 50 HISTORIC MAIN STREETS, once more Brown does the proverbial deep dive into all areas of Ontario, bringing the subject to life, leaping off the pages with fact and amazing photos. This almost draws the reader right into the book, as we feel we are exploring these locales right from our chairs. Many of the photos were courtesy of Ron Brown, and we are mesmerized by all that went into the book.
The book opens with Almonte, and the facts tumble out from page one. There is a statue in Almonte of James Naismith, as he was born in the town. It was in this town that Naismith invented the sport of basketball. It is just the first of hundreds of facts about people and places that have drawn tourists to these streets, and created a living history from centuries ago.
Cobourg for example was founded when United Empire Loyalists came there because they were persecuted by the Americans, settling there in 1798. The city was named Cobourg in honour of the marriage of the Princess of Wales to Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg. Cobourg later became the home of one of Ontario’s first universities Victoria College. It was known as the Upper Canada Academy, offering Canada’s first university degrees in 1841.
Each of the fifty chapters has the heading “In the beginning.” Facts are laid out and at the end of each there is also the notation, “But wait, there’s more to see.” Such main streets in cities and towns like Merrickville, Elora, Walkerville, Buttonville, Unionville, Bala, Kleinberg, Fergus, and many more, offer insight and massive information about early days and how each community evolved through settlers and industry. Each time out Ron Brown one-ups his previous release with another compelling and fascinating look into aspects of the province of Ontario. Don't miss this latest!
June 19, 2026
If you enjoy daytripping, this book adds lots of flavour to your day. Friends and I have been to some of the little towns mentioned and will now have to revisit to check out the historical backgrounds of these towns. The book is very organized and has beautiful photos which makes it pretty much hassle free to use.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews