Around the World in South Eastern Ontario: Places with Global Doppelgangers

Are we twinning?! You betcha. There are plenty of places in South Eastern Ontario that share names with other villages and cities around the world. Did you know that Limoges Ontario has a fantastic family water park, but Limoges France is known for its decorated porcelain! Travel the world without leaving South Eastern Ontario by reading up on some other place in South Eastern Ontario with global doppelgangers.

Cornwall, Ontario – Cornwall, England

You won’t find fairytale castles, but you will find countryside and culture! Enjoy outdoor adventures, attractions, shopping, dining and so much more in Cornwall. Also known as the Seaway City, Cornwall, Ontario, is a historic gem located on the beautiful St. Lawrence River and surrounded by SDG Counties and Akwesasne Mohawk nation. A wonderful blend of countryside and cultural escapes, be sure to look up a brewery, winery or cidery or tour a local farm to indulge in the freshest food and drink. Accented by world-class fishing, living heritage sites and amazing off-road cycling trails along the St. Lawrence River, all make Cornwall, Ontario, hard to beat! Even so, Cornwall England is arguably best known for picturesque beaches, coastlines and Cornish pasties – but it also has unique experiences like ocean surfing, sipping in cosy pubs, discovering fascinating history, touring fairytale castles, rocking at music festivals and more.

Verona, Ontario – Verona, Italy

Verona is surrounded by lakes – truthfully! It’s a water-lover’s paradise, and this friendly community knows how to celebrate rural life with the Verona Lions Jamboree and the Verona Festival, entertaining thousands of people each summer. Verona, Italy is likely best known for being the setting for two of William Shakespeare’s plays: Romeo and Juliet, as The Two Gentleman of Verona. Because of the value and importance of its many historical buildings, Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Portland, Ontario – Portland, Oregon

You won’t find a city, but you will find stunning lake views! Portland, Ontario is a boater’s dream on Big Rideau Lake, with mesmerizing sunsets, green spaces and wonderful dockside eats at The Galley or Portside Pub & Eatery. Be sure to look for The Three Sisters weekend craft market throughout the warmer months and even karaoke nights at the Emmanuel Heritage Centre. On the flip side, Portland, Oregon, is a city haven for book lovers and nature enthusiasts, from the iconic Powell's City of Books to the breathtaking International Rose Test Garden.

Athens, Ontario – Athens, Greece

There aren’t any ancient landmarks here – but there are gorgeous murals! Athens, Ontario, is part of the region's heartland and is famous for its lakes and cottage country, especially Charleston Lake. This natural jewel attracts boating, fishing, and paddling enthusiasts each summer. Look in the village for large-scale beautiful murals depicting storytelling scenes masterfully bringing heritage to life – and be sure to stop at Willard’s Bakery for some cookies! Across the world, Athens, Greece, is home to The Parthenon – the Temple of Athena atop the Acropolis, one of the oldest historical landmarks in Athens, dating from the 5th century B.C.

Ontario, Canada – Ontario, California

South Eastern Ontario is a region that stretches from the Bay of Quinte region all the way to Prescott-Russell past Cornwall. But did you know that this large and unique swath of stunning scenery shares the Ontario moniker with a city in California? It’s true! Ontario, California is known as a model community. Interesting to note is that Ontario, California, was founded by Canadian engineer, George Chaffey, and first developed as an agricultural community, largely but not exclusively devoted to citrus. A few of the lovely Victorian “grove houses” still survive, but the city’s focus is now more industrial and manufacturing-based.

Kingston, Ontario – Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston, Ontario is a walkable city and the home to Ontario's oldest public market and Canada's hippest live music scene!  Find intrigue and heritage in Kingston’s hidden alleyways that open up to antique markets and patios. From walks to boating and from diving to sipping and sightseeing it’s a flavourful city that begs delightful days and dreamy nights. The character is also strong in Jamaica, as Kingston is a total vibe! Strolling through the bustling streets of this vibrant Caribbean city, experiencing local art and history, as well as the island’s mouthwatering cuisine -  with scenic drives up to the Blue Mountains, where lush coffee plantations and cascading waterfalls await. It all adds up to an unforgettable adventure!

Winchester, Ontario – Winchester, UK

You won’t find medieval cathedrals, but you will find an epic harvest! Close to home, Winchester is known for its agricultural roots, hosting the annual DairyFest with farms such as Vanderlaand Barnyard Zoo, welcoming families to meet the animals and learn about farming. In Hampshire, England, Winchester is a cathedral city known for the medieval Winchester Cathedral, with its 17th-century Morley Library. The Great Hall of Winchester Castle houses the medieval round table linked to King Arthur and one of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century.

Wellington, Prince Edward County – Wellington, Capital of New Zealand

These two are more alike than we thought! Located in Prince Edward County, our Wellington is known for its award- winning wineries, a beach with a boardwalk to a lighthouse, cozy lakeside retreats, art studios and even ice cream! Across the pond, Wellington New Zealand is also known for its nature, arts creatives, and incredible culinary scene, with tucked-away bars and café culture around every corner.

Westport, Ontario – Westport Connecticut and Westport, Ireland

You won’t find rugged ocean beaches, but you will find an appreciation of music and nature! Nestled in the heart of the Rideau Canal and steeped in heritage, Westport, Ontario, is a small town that’s big on boutique shopping, epic live music events, great food and showcasing nature at Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Look out over it all – especially during fall colours – from the stunning vantage point of Spy Rock. Be sure to check out the other trails at Foley Mountain too! Similarly, Westport, Mayo County, Ireland is a nature lover’s dream. Westport's rugged beach-laden coastline compliments its mountains and stunning scenery and we hear a bike ride on the Wild Atlantic Way is a must-see. Of course, there’s also live music every night of the week at some of the local pubs and eateries.  Closer to home, Westport, Connecticut in the United States is best known as an artist’s enclave when artsy folks flocked to the inspiring town in the early 1900s, building arts schools and attracting talent from all over America to publish novels and produce plays and movies.

Whether you’re heading to Lancaster or over to Foxboro, ignite the spark of curiosity and see if your SEO destination has an international doppelganger!