If you’re looking for a creative gift that isn’t a ‘thing’, consider giving the gift of a great experience. We’ve put together 15 experiential gifts that are great for making memories with loved ones, or for enjoying alone. From curated beer tours to unique culinary adventures, these gifts are sure to please the special people on your list.
[Note: please check company websites for updates on dates and availability]
1. HOP ON A BREW DONKEY TOUR
Ottawa, ON | brewdonkey.ca
Billed as “Curated Adult Field Trips”, these Ottawa experiences explore the very best drink in the region. We recommend the “Brewers East Tour™” that includes stops at Tuque De Broue, Beau’s All Natural and Broken Stick Brewing.
2. MASTER THE ART OF GLASS BLOWING WITH YOURS OUTDOORS
Haliburton Highlands, ON | yoursoutdoors.ca
Imagine you and your friends gathering layers of glowing molten glass from the mouth of a furnace hot enough to melt sand. That’s just the beginning of this unique experience! Make a weekend of it by booking a Yurt in the region too.
3. A WINTER FOOD TOUR FOR TWO
Across Ontario
There are so many amazing tour operators offering up all sorts of delicious tours in towns across the province. We recommend The Good Food Tour in Almonte & Carleton Place, Kingston Food Tours in Kingston, Taste Detours in Guelph, and New World Wine Tours – which offers experiences in Toronto, Niagara and Prince Edward County.
4. A TASTE OF FARM LIFE IN OXFORD COUNTY
Oxford County, ON | udderlyridiculous.ca
Besides making mind-bogglingly delicious goat’s milk ice cream, the folks at Udderly Ridiculous also offer charming farm experiences where you can pet an alpaca, frolic with a goat or taste the very best of the region.
5. A CULINARY EXPERIENCE ON MANITOULIN ISLAND
Manitoulin Island, ON | wiikwemkoong.ca
Embark on a guided hike through the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail, then conclude with a seasonal culinary experience composed of foraged ingredients and wild game that have been harvested in the area.
6. INDULGE IN SEVEN PERFECT COURSES
Grey County, ON | sumacandsalt.com
Anyone who knows us knows we love everything that Sumac & Salt does. Their intimate, hyper-local dinner pop-ups make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
7. RELAX AT STE. ANNE’S SPA
Northumberland County, ON | steannes.com
Give the gift of relaxation with an overnight experience at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Kawarthas Northumberland. While you’re there, indulge in their gluten-free treats, custom garden grown tea blends and even have your very own Chef prepare a delicious 4-course dinner for you in the privacy of your room!
8. RECONNECT WITH THRIVE TOURS
Ottawa, ON | thrivetours.ca
Thrive Tours offers land-based experiences in the Sault Ste. Marie region that are designed to connect people with each other and Mother Earth’s offerings with respect for the land, water, and all living things.
9. LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE WITH TEREGO
Across Ontario | terego.ca/en
With +1000 safe RV camping spots to choose from, there’s never been a better time to give the gift of #VanLife. You can gift an annual membership which includes free overnight RV parking for one year!
10. A BEE-UTIFUL WAY TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON
Perth County, ON | huckleberryhives.ca
Huckleberry Hives’ Buzz About Bees is a hands-on beekeeping experience that starts off with an introduction to bees, followed by a hive inspection, honeycomb tasting and a 20-minute beeswax candle making activity, all taking about 1.5 hours.
11. EXPLORE ‘EPIC’ WINERIES ON TWO-WHEELS
Essex Pelee Island Coast, ON | windsoreats.com
Enjoy a scenic bike ride to Essex Pelee Island Coast wineries for tastings and a family-style lunch on this guided cycling tour through Canada’s southernmost wine appellation.
12. ‘CONSIDER THE SOUFFLÉ’ WITH FOREST CITY CULINARY EXPERIENCES
London, ON | forestcityculinaryexperiences.ca
Forest City Culinary Experiences offers hands-on, from-scratch cooking classes like this soufflé masterclass led by chef Bryan Lavery and his team of culinary whizzes. Learn how to bake savoury and dessert soufflés, including chef Bryan’s signature Goat Cheese Soufflé and Double Chocolate Soufflé Cake.
13. CUT-YOUR-OWN BOUQUET AT MAKKINK’S FLOWER FARM
Tillsonburg, ON | makkinks.com
Wander around the flower fields, cut your own blooms and bring a beautiful bouquet home.
14. MAKE YOUR OWN COFFEE MUG
Essex County, ON sketchartworkshop.com
A fun introduction to clay, this 2-hour, 2-session workshop will teach you how to mold, paint and fire your own mug. Add a bag of local beans and you’ve got the perfect gift.
15. HOOVER’S MAPLE EXPERIENCE
Atwood, ON | hooversmaplesyrup.com
Embark on a maple syrup journey you’ll never forget! Explore the sugar bush, tap trees, tour the facility, and learn all about how maple syrup is made. The best part? You’ll get to bottle your own Hoover’s award-winning, certified organic maple syrup! For more amazing experiences in Perth County, check Perth County’s Discover More Adventures.
Need more great gift ideas? Check our Holiday Gift Guide!
