Things To Do
in Tottenham

Tottenham, Canada is a small town in Simcoe County, Ontario, known for its rural charm and close-knit community. Surrounded by farmland and woodlands, it serves as a quiet gateway to outdoor adventures and local heritage. The town’s historic Main Street features cozy cafés, family-owned shops, and seasonal markets that showcase regional produce.

Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and easy day trips to nearby Alliston and Barrie.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Tottenham
morning
:

Arrive in Tottenham and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to energize your day. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets, admiring the charming architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Tottenham Conservation Area for a scenic walk and a chance to explore nature. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. Capture beautiful moments with your camera as you hike through the trails.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine. After dinner, unwind with a walk in downtown Tottenham, where you can soak in the small-town atmosphere. Consider stopping at a local pub for a nightcap before heading back to your accommodation.

day 2
Exploring Local History
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Tottenham Historical Society Museum to learn about the area's rich history. Delve into exhibits that showcase the community’s development over the years. Don’t forget to pick up some local brochures for upcoming events.

afternoon
:

Head over to the Black Creek Pioneer Village to experience life in the 19th century. Engage with historical reenactors and explore the variety of heritage buildings that showcase the culture of the time. Enjoy lunch at the village café, sampling hearty traditional dishes.

evening
:

Return to Tottenham and enjoy a cooking class that specializes in Canadian comfort food. This interactive experience allows you to learn new recipes while bonding with fellow participants. Wind down the evening with a community event or a live music performance if available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee or tea$2-5
🏨Hotel or motel per night$110-180
🛒Groceries (per week for two)$60-120
🚗Gasoline per liter$1.40-1.80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable town center with local shops
  • Easy access to outdoor trails and farmland
  • Friendly communities and family-friendly events
  • Limited nightlife and high-end dining options
  • Smaller selection of major-brand attractions nearby

Places to Visit in Tottenham

Visit one of these nice places.

Tottenham Town Hall and Clock Tower

A quintessential Ontario town centerpiece, especially striking at golden hour with brick architecture and a crowd of locals passing by.

Main Street storefronts

Historic facades and colorful signage along a walkable street provide classic small-town photography opportunities.

Nottawasaga River Overlook

Water, reeds, and wildlife along the river offer serene landscape shots and quiet reflections.

Tottenham Rail Trail Bridge

A charming crossing where rail-trail greenery meets open skies—perfect for wide-angle and sunset shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tottenham

Tottenham’s dining scene emphasizes farm-to-table ingredients, hearty comfort foods, bakery treats, and casual eateries that spotlight local producers and seasonal produce.

Tottenham Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tottenham Butter Tart

A flaky tart with a rich, caramelized custard—an Ontario classic found at local bakeries such as Maple Lane Bakery.

Must-Try!

Maple-Glazed Farm-Style Chicken

Tender chicken with a maple glaze, often featured on seasonal menus at nearby bistros and family eateries.

Creamy Corn Chowder

A comforting soup made with fresh corn and potatoes, popular in cozy diners and lunch spots.

Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables

A vegetarian-friendly side dish highlighting local roots, commonly offered as a shareable option at cafés.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Tottenham Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, preserves, baked goods, and locally produced crafts; great for sampling regional flavors.

Nearby Alliston Market

A short drive away, featuring fruit stands, honey, jams, and seasonal specialties; ideal for a midday snack or picnic supplies.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tottenham experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with average highs in the mid-20s Celsius, while winters are cold with periods of snow and temperatures often below freezing. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures and variable precipitation, making layering and seasonal gear essential year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Courtesy

A friendly hello or nod is common; please queue calmly and respect personal space in shops and cafes.

Noise and Quiet

Small-town etiquette favors polite conversation and considerate noise levels in public spaces, especially in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

As a small town, Tottenham generally offers a safe environment with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, drive attentively on local roads, and be mindful of weather conditions that can affect outdoor activities.

Tipping in Tottenham

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, 15-20% is customary for good service; rounding up on smaller tickets is common. Tipping taxi drivers or ride-hail drivers is appreciated but not always expected.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash and major credit/debit cards; contactless payments and Interac e-Transfer are widely used for remote or in-store payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Milder days return; expect rainy spells and budding greenery. Great time for early market visits and garden photography.

Summer

Warm temperatures and longer days; outdoor markets, festivals, and patio dining are common. Stay hydrated and watch for insects during hikes.

Fall

Autumnal colors light up the countryside; ideal for scenic drives and harvest-related events.

Winter

Snowy landscapes and potential ice on trails; layer up for outdoor activities and enjoy cozy indoor dining after outings.

Nightlife Guide

Tottenham at Night

Tottenham’s nightlife is modest and community-oriented, centered on welcoming pubs, casual eateries with occasional live music, and small-town festivals. Expect a relaxed atmosphere rather than a busy club scene, with opportunities to socialize in intimate settings and outdoor patios during warmer months.

Hiking in Tottenham

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tottenham Rail Trail

A flat, well-maintained path suitable for walking, running, and cycling with rural scenery.

Nottawasaga River Trail

Riverside trails offering wildlife viewing and peaceful landscapes, great for photography and nature lovers.

Airports

How to reach Tottenham by plane.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Major international hub approximately 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; multiple domestic and international connections.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Downtown Toronto airport offering convenient access for short trips and city connections; coordinated with regional transit.

Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Smaller regional airport serving domestic flights and seasonal routes; accessible within a few hours by car or train via regional routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tottenham is fairly walkable within the town center, with most amenities reachable on foot. For longer trips or exploring surrounding towns, a car or local transit is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families and commuters; neighborhoods often feature quiet residential streets and good schools.

Elderly

A significant portion of long-term residents in tranquil neighborhoods.

Young professionals

Some residents commute to Barrie or Toronto for work, contributing to a growing, diverse workforce.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Hockey

A staple in the region with community leagues and school programs throughout the year.

Lacrosse

Historically popular in Ontario; youth and adult leagues provide seasonal play.

Soccer

Common in parks and recreation leagues during warmer months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in Tottenham, with occasional congestion on main commuter routes during weekday mornings and evenings. Public transit options exist via GO Transit connections to Barrie and surrounding towns; most travelers rely on cars for longer trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tottenham.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are commonly available at most venues (salads, veggie burgers, soups). When in doubt, ask about daily specials or seasonal sides and request dairy-free or egg-free preparations if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local healthcare includes family clinics in Tottenham and nearby towns; for more extensive services, residents travel to Barrie or Alliston. Major hospital care is available at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

Canada Travel Guide