Regions
Ontario has some fantastic tourism regions (RTOs). These independent, industry-led, not-for-profit regions are currently being developed across the province to help boost local economies through thriving tourism destinations.
Guelph-Wellington
By OCTA
Guelph Wellington Local Food is an initiative of the Guelph Community Health Centre
Guelph Community Health Centre (CHC) recognizes that a regional food system that supports sustainable production and broad access to healthy food for its population is a significant determinant of health.
A regional food system is important for personal health and wellbeing, economic development for the region and contributes to a healthy community and environment. The Guelph CHC addresses many different aspects of health through community engagement, clinical care and community programs.
The Guelph-Wellington Local Food Initiative (GWLFI) mandate is to promote the procurement of local food by citizens and businesses. Guelph Wellington Local Food provides leadership through networking and promotion of our local food producers since 2005.
The initiative and scope of our various projects continues to grow and expand to meet the needs of both local food producers and consumers in the region for enhanced capacity for local food. The initiative as a whole has evolved into a very successful and well established campaign to increase the appetite for local food as well as provide support that enables local food businesses and partnerships to grow.
About Taste Real
Discover taste • real, the new branding initiative of Guelph Wellington Local Food being launched this spring at the Local Food Fest in June. When you see the taste • real logo, you know that you are experiencing food grown close to home! When you see the logo at farmers markets, farm gate stalls, on-farm stores, at your favourite retail outlets, restaurants and places to stay you will know it is home to real local food. The brand exists to support local businesses and farms and represents a group of people who are ….Passionate about the way local food is grown, prepared, presented and enjoyed, and how real it tastes!
This new branding strategy has been developed with stakeholder engagement over the last year and is built upon the many successes of promoting local food that have taken place across the region. Working together, we are growing one of the most vibrant, local food economies and food tourism destinations in Ontario.
Why Local Food First?
Because Supporting the Local Community allows for business retention and expansion
1. When stores are kept in business, it keeps jobs in town.
2. Money spent in your town in a local small business is spent again locally, often another five to seven times. Money spent at the big-box stores leaves town immediately and goes to the headquarters of said company.
3. You get better customer service from small businesses. And you can say “hi”, knowing the face behind the counter, which builds customer loyalty.
4. Supporting local businesses keeps your community alive. It keeps the local economy alive which helps with local events, and local community organizations, which small businesses are more apt to sponsor and support.
5. Supporting local food and farming helps make our communities more sustainable – economically, socially, environmentally and culturally.
taste • real puts local food first by making it easy to bring to the table.
taste • real is sharing the passion for the way Wellington County food is grown, prepared, presented and enjoyed, and how real it tastes!
taste • real undertakes the marketing of local food initiatives, saving organizations and businesses many advertising dollars, by developing new products and marketing local farm and food businesses so that members can focus on their own product. We are laying the foundation to increase production in the area to satisfy the demand of the public sector, having recently been awarded a grant to get local food into local hospitals, day cares and schools. We are also growing culinary tourism opportunities.
In Wellington and Waterloo Counties combined, $452.5 million is spent on food. If 10% of that was spent on local food, we would see an additional $45 million spent locally. We are building connections by networking between stakeholders and establishing new partnerships to achieve this. Working closely with Guelph Tourism and the Economic Development Officers of 6 of Wellington’s municipalities, together we are growing one of the most vibrant, local food economies and food tourism destinations in Ontario.
Taste • Real Trails
taste • real has three year-round culinary trails:
For more information:
Guelph Wellington Local Food Initiative
c/o Taste- Real
176 Wyndham St. N
Guelph, ON
N1H 8N9
519-821-6638 x 404
tastereal@gmail.com
Ottawa
By OCTA
The Ottawa region is a unique culinary destination, boasting the largest agricultural land base in the country: the city has more agricultural land than any other major city in Canada.
Savour Ottawa, a partnership between Ottawa Tourism, Just Food and the City of Ottawa, is working with the regions growers, producers, farmers markets, chefs and retailers to promote the food culture of the region. An enchanting combination of fantastic food, culture and history come together in the beautifully scenic Ottawa region.
To learn more about the Savour Ottawa program contact heather@justfood.ca
Web Site: www.savourottawa.ca
Toronto
By OCTA
The Greater Toronto Area sets the culinary stage with more than 9,000 restaurants plus farmers’ markets, on-farm markets, pick your own farms, agricultural fairs, food stores featuring local and gourmet ingredients – all complemented by a variety of food festivals. The Savour Toronto initiative continues to work collectively to highlight the unique neighborhoods, ethnic flavours and events in the GTA.
For more information, please see: www.seetorontonow.com
Norfolk
By OCTA
Norfolk County is the top producing area for farm-fresh foods in Ontario. Norfolk’s growers supply major markets across North America with strawberries, asparagus, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, sweet corn and much more. The warmer climate and sandy soils provides Norfolk County with the opportunity to grow unique crops such as peanuts, popping corn and ginseng. The climate also allows for bio-diverse plantings that feed Texas Longhorn cattle and other livestock. Wineries are the newest additions to this region with more in the works.
Prince Edward County
By OCTA
Prince Edward County’s passion for food has made it a gastronomic destination for over a hundred years. While market stands overflowing with the County’s bounty still line the roads, viticulture and fine dining have enriched agriculture in the County.
From the self-guided culinary experience – the Taste Trail, to events such as Maple in the County and TASTE! a celebration of regional cuisine and the buy local agricultural initiative Harvestin’ the County. Prince Edward County is ready to greet the culinary tourist.
To learn more about culinary tourism in Prince Edward County contact tastethecounty@bellnet.ca
Web Site: www.tastethecounty.ca
Niagara
By OCTA
The Niagara Region is renowned for its wines and fresh fruit production. As culinary tourism evolves, the supply chain that consists of partners including farmers, wineries, producers, and culinary colleges are growing and building stronger linkages. All have assumed distinct roles in preparing the region for further market readiness, and work together to create unique experiences for the visitor.
Educational institutions such as The Niagara Culinary Institute and Brock University provide essential education and training resources to build and maintain a strong culinary tourism industry in the Niagara region.
Durham
By OCTA
Renowned for its pleasant mix of rural charm and urban sophistication, Durham Region offers a variety of equally unique culinary tourism experiences.
With some of the richest soil in Ontario, a lake-moderated environment for growing and strong partnerships with all partners in the supply chain, Durham boasts a thriving agriculture sector that includes the province’s top apple producer, the largest commercial blueberry grower east of Toronto and award-winning wineries. Here you’ll find produce, crops, livestock and everything in between.
Peterborough & Kawarthas
By OCTA
The Kawartha Region has long been associated with producing world-class agricultural products. An abundance of clean air, fresh water, and rich farmland provide for products that rival the best in the world. From beef to buffalo, honey to maple syrup, and apples to sweet corn as well our historic roots that lead back to indigenous products like Red Fife wheat, first planted in North American soil in Peterborough County, and wild rice harvested by our aboriginal community. Agriculture and related businesses generate in excess of $409 million in economic activity throughout the region.
Stratford
By OCTA
Stratford and Perth County has been cultivating a local culinary heritage and pleasing palates since 1832. From one of Ontario’s oldest farmers’ markets operating since 1855 to the influential Stratford Chefs School – training chefs for over 25 years, some would say we have been passionate about food longer than we have been for theatre.
Savour Stratford Perth County is a partnership between Stratford and Perth County tourism and economic development organizations and is working with the regions’ farmers and chefs to build a strong authentic food culture and promote culinary tourism in Stratford and Perth County.
For more information, please visit www.savourstratford.com or contact Danielle Brodhagen at 519-271-5140.
Grey Bruce
By OCTA
About the Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Association
Founded in 2007, the Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Association (ACA) is a non-profit association dedicated to the promotion of – Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Grey Bruce – by linking Grey Bruce farmers, processors and restaurants to deliver an authentic culinary experience. ACA is supported by its members and funded in part by the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Grey and Bruce Counties and the surrounding municipalities.
ACA is overseen by a 7 member Board of Directors elected at the annual general meeting held each spring. The work of the Association is carried out by Board members, part time contract staff, and various volunteer committees. The Association applies for grants to hire staff to conduct research and implement specific events and projects. Members include an interesting and diverse array of farmers, restaurateurs, food processors, food distributors, farmers markets, tourist operations and many families choosing to support their community by buying local food.
The Goals of the ACA
1. Finding solutions to problems facing the local food system,
2. Increasing economic development opportunities for members and communities,
3. Developing agricultural and culinary tourism, marketing strategies, services and products to benefit the Grey Bruce region through membership involvement,
4. Education and awareness of the local food movement,
5. Supporting the development of infrastructure for easier distribution of local product.
ACA Activities, Projects and Field to Fork Feasts
In 2010, the Association will be promoting local food at 2 major area events: Summerfolk, and Pumpkinfest, as well as Field to Fork Feasts in Owen Sound, Wiarton, and Ripley.
Annually, the Association will produce The Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Map. In 2010, 25,000 copies of this map will be distributed across the region. The map pinpoints over 140 local food businesses from across the counties and lists their hours of operation and contact information on the back.
Local Food Celebrations: In summer and fall, ACA will be looking to membership to help coordinate smaller local food events in communities across the counties, such as local picnics, BBQs and banquets. These events can be stand alone or in conjunction with other events/festivals.
The ACA produces a newsletter to keep its members informed about opportunities, activities and events in the local food system. All issues of our newsletter are available on this website by clicking the news/newsletter button at the bottom of this page.
In conjunction with the Grey Bruce Local Food Project, Grey Bruce ACA is working to grow and improve the Foodlink website, the most comprehensive local food directory in Grey & Bruce.
Grey Bruce ACA cannot realize its goals without the volunteer support of its members. If you can contribute to some of our activities, or have ideas that you would like Grey Bruce ACA to consider, please come forward.
Help us to help Grey Bruce revitalize its rural communities through the celebration of our local food culture.
Join Grey Bruce ACA and receive our newsletter of events and activities: 1-888-396-4591 or email info@greybruceaca.com
Kingston
By OCTA
Rich cultural heritage meets gastronomic experience in Kingston, an area that has all the ingredients needed for a delicious culinary adventure!
Together the Downtown Kingston! BIA, the Kingston Public Market Vendors’ Association, Tourism Kingston, the City of Kingston, the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, local restaurateurs, retailers and farmers, are excited to showcase all the culinary treats that Kingston and the region have to offer. We are pleased to be raising awareness of the abundance of regional food products, producers and chefs.
Huron County
By OCTA
Huron County, 
Ontario’s West Coast, is located along the shores of Lake Huron. This vibrant rural community is the most agriculturally productive county in Ontario, and a leader in numerous areas of agricultural technology and innovation. Huron hosts many food related events across the County as well as helping to promote local food and culinary initiatives. The 2010 Huron Perth Buy Local! Buy Fresh! map guides you through the amazing Farm Gates, Markets and local food restaurant throughout the region, check out http://huronperthfarmtotable.ca/ for more information. Taste of Huron is an annual Culinary festival, which highlights local food, farmers, culinary experiences and more in August every year, check out www.tasteofhuron.ca for information.
Simcoe County
By OCTA
There are so many delicious ways to get a taste of Simcoe County!
Take a trek to one of the many farmers’ markets found throughout the area. Breathe in the unmistakably fresh scent of just-picked corn, carrots, tomatoes, onions and more. Experience the satisfying crunch of a crisp, ripe apple, each bite bursting with mouth watering flavour.
Creemore Springs Brewery & Creemore 100 Mile Store
By OCTA
Tucked in among the hills, a stone’s throw off the “beaten track” is the Village of Creemore. Just 90 minutes northwest of Toronto, this is a place where Mad and Noisy Rivers carve stunning landscapes, where rolling hills invite you to wander. It’s a place where the currents of life move at a relaxed pace; where the smell of fresh cut hay is minutes away from the ancient aroma of the brewer’s craft.
Creemore is simply a beautiful place to be. But there’s something more.
Creemore is a place where all of life’s necessities are provided by people with a passion for what they do. Whether it is delicious foods, little indulgences or other essentials, the hospitality of Creemore’s business community is always close to home.
***
CREE
MORE 100 MILE STORE
The Creemore 100 Mile Store philosophy is to provide local food with a preference for organic or naturally grown.
Our Mission? Supporting small to midsize natural and organic farms, artisinal and fair-trade producers by offering fair compensation and by providing a larger market presence and increased accessibility by consumers to this group and their products.
If you are a grower or producer specializing in organic or naural prodicts from asaparagus to zucchini, meats to cheeses, baked goods to soaps and salves and would like to become one of our quality suppliers please contact us.
For the consumer please visit the store and support your local growers and producers.
(705) 466-3514
176 Mill Street
Creemore, Ontario
L0m 1G0
http://www.100milestore.ca/
CREEMORE SPRINGS BREWERY LIMITED
This is where Ontario’s favourite beer—Creemore Springs Premium Lager—is made, in our century-old main street location right in the heart of this beautiful town.
We always enjoy company, so we hope you’ll stick around for a while and take an online tour of the brewery, see what’s happening on the main street and find out about upcoming events (Creemore Mocks! Film Festival Saturday, October 16). If you’re already one of the thousands who are proud to say Creemore is their favourite beer, then you’ll want to look in on The Loyal Order. Of course, we’d also love to see you in person. You’re always welcome up in Creemore.
1 (800) 267-2240
or (705) 466-2240
139 Mill Street
Creemore, Ontario
L0M 1G0
http://www.creemoresprings.com
Oxford County
By OCTA
Get out of town…in Oxford County, our rural roots are showing! We’re Canada’s Dairy Capital, and at our peak in the 1800s there were 98 cheese factories in Oxford. The connections between our country backroads and our culture are important.
From the freshest tasting Goossens spring-fed rainbow trout, to tangy naturally-aged Bright’s extra-old cheddar made by a local cooperative cheese factory from milk supplied by local dairy farms, to Oak Manor organic grains and flours, bountiful orchards, fruit wineries and market gardeners such as the Godelies near Otterville, to Berkshire pork, and Canada’s best-tasting maple syrup made by the fourth generation of the Jakeman family… we’ve got lots for you to taste. Did you know that famous corn-fed beef was pioneered by Norwich Packers in the south part of Oxford?
Speaking of cheese: did you read in Gurth Pretty’s ‘Canadian Artisanal Cheese’ book introduction, that the first cheese factory in Upper Canada was located in Ingersoll? That James Harris, the owner of that cheese factory, built a stately home in what is now The Elm Hurst Inn’s restaurant? The Inn’s famous Sunday brunch is paired with “Art in the Gardens” on the front lawns of the inn.
Also of note, another cheese factory will be opening mid summer. We’re all looking forward to Gunns Hill Artisan Cheese making it’s debut in 2011.
After a hearty meal, take your camera for a walk on one of the many trails in our Carolinian forests and wetlands, or alongside a lake or heritage river, capturing images of wild mushrooms and birds. While you’re here, get acquainted with the history of our proud Quaker settlements and our important role in the Underground Railroad. Take in music and plays at one of our local community theatres, or at the famous Walters Dinner Theatre, in their renovated 1800s barn. Stop by an Amish roadside stand to purchase vegetables, or visit one of our farmers markets to add local meat, eggs, baking and flowers to your ‘chilly bin’ for the trip home.
Mark your calendar for our famous Oxfordlicious local dining promotion for the entire month of September. On August 14th we’ll be previewing this month-long event with a Savour Oxfordlicious party in the country. The rolling lawns surrounding the ponds at the beautiful Walters’ ranch are the setting for a day of nibbling, sipping and shopping. Local minstrels will serenade you as you watch local chefs, teaming up with local producers, as they grill taste temptations. You’ll also be able to sample local wines and craft beers from within 100 miles. Other highlights of the day include retail therapy, shopping for local produce and local art.
From friendly bed and breakfasts, to a range of attentive hotels and inns, it’s worth a stay in Oxford to explore both the countryside producers and the talented chefs who choose to feature local food.
Become a Facebook Fan or check YouTube on our website for postings about special events featuring local food.
Also check out the Buy Local! Oxford map at www.oxfordbuylocal.ca
Sarnia-Lambton
By OCTA
Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation
The Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation (SLBDC) is located in Southwestern Ontario, directly across the border from Port Huron, Michigan on the shores of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River in beautiful Sarnia, Ontario. The SLBDC is a non-profit community based corporation funded by the Federal Government through the Community Futures Program.
Our mandate is to help small business in Lambton County be more successful, thereby creating and maintaining permanent jobs. Assistance is available to existing business owners as well as those people who are considering starting a new business.
The SLBDC began operations in March 1988 with funding assistance from the Federal Government. The SLBDC provides high-caliber business counselling and consulting assistance for n ew and existing business and operates a loan fund specifically for small businesses. We, at the SLBDC, believe that small business can continually generate new, good employment opportunities if the foundations are there – counselling, consulting and loans.
The SLBDC is governed by a seven-member volunteer Board of Directors. Members represent a cross-section of business sectors, areas of expertise and business locations in the community. The day-to-day activities of the SLBDC are carried out by eight full-time employees an d one part-time consultant. The General Manager, a Chartered Accountant, has excellent financial and management skills. A Business Consultant monitors loans and looks after general inquires while the Business Consultant – Entrepreneurial Programs and OSEB Administrative Assistant oversee the Self Employment Benefit (OSEB) Program, funded by the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). The Community Economic Development (CED) Consultant maintains up-to-date statistics on the community and prepares reports on an as-needed basis.
BLUE WATER EXPERIENCE
In so many ways, it’s water that defines so much of what Sarnia-Lambton brings its residents and its visitors. Welcome to Blue Water Country. You’ll be amazed. You’ll be thrilled. You’ll stand in wonderment as you take in all that the area defined by its massive expanse of water has to offer.
PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK
Generations of park visitors to the Pinery Provincial Park have grown up and brought their own families to experience one of Canada’s most popular facilities. The park, one of Ontario’s most visited recreational spots, has some 1,000 campsites in three distinct campgrounds on more than 6,000 acres.
ATTRACTIONS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
What’s going on? When it comes to Sarnia-Lambton, the answer is simple. Plenty. Starting with a vibrant and prolific theatre scene, with productions from both professional and community companies alike, the area offers a wide selection of timeless treasures and the latest from upcoming theatrical talent.
Tourism Sarnia Lambton
556 N. Christina Street
Sarnia, Ontario
N7T 5W6
(800) 265-0316 Toll Free
(519) 336-3232 Phone
(519) 336-3278 Fax
General E-mail: info@tourismsarnialambton.com
Web Site: www.tourismsarnialambton.com
Tourism Burlington
By OCTA
Come to Burlington for a wonderful variety of culinary experiences and discover our local terroir!
Don your apron and get cooking!
Burlington has several restaurants and retailers that offer cooking classes and demonstrations by award winning chefs from our city. This is a great way to enjoy an informative and delicious culinary experience. Please note that most of these culinary experiences require advance registration.
Chefs of Burlington
Burlington is the hometown of Murray Lloyd who hosts ‘Qscene’ which airs on the A Channel. ‘Qscene’ showcases BBQ cooking and is filmed at different restaurants in Burlington.
Burlington also is proud to have Chris Haworth, Executive Chef of Spencer’s at the Waterfront. Chris has worked his way through some of the finest kitchens of London, England including Marco Pierre Whites Quo Vadis and L’Escargot restaurants. He is a chef who cooks with a conscience and draws influence from the terroir and flavours of Ontario. Chris most recently appeared alongside his good friend Curtis Stone on the Oprah Winfrey show and Iron Chef America against Bobby Flay
Restaurants Abound
From casual fine dining to intimate bistros Burlington satisfies every taste and is quickly becoming known as a dining destination with the variety and unique offerings of larger metropolitan cities combined with the accessibility and service of a small town.
We are also home to two vegan/gluten-free/organic restaurants.
Pair that with a Beverage
Burlington is home to Nickelbrook brewery where you can pre-book a tour the facility, enjoy samplings and then visit the retail outlet to purchase their products on-site.
Pepperwood Bistro also features an onsite brewery and serves their own craft beers from master brewer, John Romano. Brews include Pepperwood Cream Ale, Pale Ale, Monkey Brown Ale, Framboise and Red Ale
For those that prefer grapes, visit Scotch Block Winery in season. Those who visit this 10th Sideroad Winery will be treated to a sampling of wonderful award-winning wines, ranging from dry fruit and grape wines, to ice and dessert wines. Plus with a retail outlet on-site you can bring some home for later.
Events for Foodies!
Burlington also offers a number of events that focus around the theme of food! Some of our signature events include A Taste of Burlington, Downtown Dining, Lakeside a la Carte, Ribfest & Lobsterfest.
“Agro”tainment
For those that want a hands-on experience many of our local farms and parks offer agricultural based events at their locations in addition to a wide variety of Maple Syrup based events in March of every year.
Farm Fresh to your Table
If you wish to take a taste of Burlington home with you, visit the local Farmers Markets. There are also a number of wonderful food producers in the rural area within a short drive where you can purchase or pick your own products, and in some cases participate in tours.
Pick up your copy of Guided Tour of Halton Farms from the visitor centre or online.
The Apple Pie Trail – Collingwood/Blue Mountain, Ont.
By OCTA
Travelling the quiet country roads of the Blue Mountains, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of blossoms in the spring and ripening fruit in the summer and fall.
Welcome to Ontario’s Apple Country – a special place where the moderating effects of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment create perfect conditions for growing amazing apples – and baking perfect apple pies!
Chatham-Kent
By OCTA
Chatham-Kent farmland is known across Ontario for the quality it produces on the table. Visitors can sample this home-grown goodness at area restaurants or fresh from one of many roadside stands that dot the countryside.
Seasoned farm families invite tourists to explore their unique operations and learn the fascinating process that leads to local quality meats, fruits, and vegetables that are shipped across North America.
Visitors can sample award-winning maple syrup on the farm where the tree sap is collected or travel to the blueberry farm to taste homemade goodies filled with fresh blueberries. Guests to Chatham-Kent can tour the vineyards and winemaking operation of the area’s first winery along the scenic shores of Lake Erie.
Tourists may want to visit the local farm markets in search of the flavours of Chatham-Kent with everything from local produce to vegetables to baked and canned goods. For a quick stop, visitors can sample the local harvest at a roadside stand with an assortment of produce and vegetables served up on a smaller scale.
Visitors will find many restaurants serve dishes that highlight the bounty of the region and pair them with a glass of local fine wine.
http://portal.chatham-kent.ca/tourism/thingstodo/Pages/agri-tourism.aspx
Tourism Hamilton
By OCTA
EXPERIENCE HAMILTON!
Visit Tourism Hamilton Visitor Centre to make all your Hamilton plans. Our friendly and professional Travel Counsellor team will help you plan an extra special visit.
Need a map? Want suggestions for dinner? Need help planning activities or booking a tour? We have a complete collection of current information on every aspect of Hamilton.
Tourism Hamilton operates one year round Visitor Information Centre and Tourism Hamilton services are provided at any of the five City of Hamilton Municipal Service Centres.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CULINARY TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES IN HAMILTON PLEASE VISIT: http://www.tourismhamilton.com/whattodo.php?category=3278
Tourism Hamilton Visitor Centres:
- Tourism Hamilton Visitor Information Centre (flagship location)
2 King Street West, Unit 234 (Jackson Square)
Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1A1
905-546-2424 x 5771
Toll Free: 1-800-263-8590Open: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
- Hamilton International Airport Tourist Information Centre
9300 Airport Road
Hamilton, Ontario L0R 1W0Seasonal (May to September)
Municipal Service Centres (MSC):
Ancaster MSC
300 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, ON L9G 2B9
Dundas MSC
60 Main Street
Dundas, ON L9H 5E7
Flamborough MSC
163 Dundas Street East, Highway #5
Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0
Glanbrook MSC
4280 Binbrook Road
Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0
Stoney Creek MSC
777 Highway #8
Stoney Creek L8G 4N9
