How well do you know Waterloo Region? Located in the heart of Ontario’s greenbelt, this region includes three major cities: Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. It also includes many townships and rural communities, such as New Hamburg, St. Jacobs, Elmira, and Ayr.
With so much to see and do in Waterloo Region, it can be tough to know where to start! We’ve put together a list of unique flavours to enjoy during your next visit to the region:
Nith Valley Apiaries
Where: 1041 Christner Rd, New Hamburg, ON (View map)
Established in 1918, Nith Valley Apiaries has had just four owners over the past 100+ years, each of them learning from the previous beekeeper. Their hives dot the countryside throughout Perth, Waterloo and Oxford counties, with 25 bee-yards that house about 20 hives per yard. That’s a lot of hardworking bees!
Each bee-yard produces different types of honey – it all depends on what types of plants and flowers are in the area, as well as the season. The Nith Valley team also produces flavoured creamed honey in intriguing variations like strawberry and pumpkin spice. Stop by their shop to stock up on honey and other products derived from bees, like candles and body products.
The Perth Farmhouse
Where: 4596 Wilmot Easthope Rd, Perth East, ON (View map)
The Perth Farmhouse is a winery & cidery that sits outside of Ontario’s traditional wine regions. Founders Casey and Steve Howanyk are self-described big city escapees who bought the land in 2018 and thought, “Why not turn this patch of dirt into something fancy?” After several years of hard work, they’re now cultivating a 5 acre vineyard planted with five cold-climate grape varietals: Vidal, Marquette, Petite Pearl, Frontenac Blanc, and Itasca.
The Sip & Graze experience includes a flight of wine or cider accompanied by a locally-sourced graze box crafted in collaboration with the neighboring Lynn River Farm. Each box includes delicious local produce and items such as fresh spring rolls, goat cheese truffles, fresh sourdough, tasty desserts, and more. After you’ve enjoyed your goodies, stop by the pasture to say hello to the goat herd!
Barrie’s Asparagus/Blacksmith & Bean Coffee Company
Where: 1236 Kings Rd, Cambridge, ON (View map)
Barrie’s Asparagus Farm & Country Market is run by Tim Barrie, and the farm has a long history in the area: Barrie’s great-grandfather, James King, was the local blacksmith and had his shop on the property. The road to the farm is even named after him!
While the farm produces a number of different vegetables, asparagus reigns supreme. You can find asparagus in everything from pickles and pasta sauce to tortilla chips that are perfect for nachos (yes, really!).
Over in the old blacksmith’s shack, James’s son Will runs Blacksmith & Bean Coffee Company, a high school project that has since grown into a full-scale enterprise. They roast their organic, fair-trade coffee on-site and create other products, such as coffee-infused chocolates and candles.
Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery
Where: 1271 Reidsville Rd, Ayr, ON (View map)
In 2017, fresh out of university, Cameron Formica partnered with brothers Jordan and Nolan Vanderheyden to found Willibald Farm Distillery in the small township of Ayr, Ontario. Since then, they have expanded to include a brewery and farm-to-table restaurant.
Their range of inventive seltzers includes the super-popular purple seltzer, made with vodka and all-natural white & concord grape, and the crowd-pleasing honey gin fizz. The brewery turns out classic beer styles like the Hell Lager and Full Tilt, a double IPA.
Things are just as interesting over in the restaurant. “We didn’t want to just throw a burger on a bun,” says Formica. Instead, you’ll find confit duck wings with gochujang glaze, whipped ricotta with focaccia, and a range of pizzas. Their take on the burger includes Ayrsyde Farms beef, bacon jam, and a Martin’s potato bun. Stop by the shop on your way out to stock up on a few goodies for later!
The Foundry Tavern
Where: 64 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, ON (View map)
The Foundry Tavern is located in a newly-renovated heritage building in downtown Galt. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find a beautiful mix of industrial touches and vintage flair. The appetizer menu includes beef short rib bonbons, a crowd-pleasing snack deep-fried in a light and crispy batter and served with ponzu dipping sauce.
On the drinks side, Foundry serves up cocktail flights, which is a fun way to try a bit of everything! Make sure to save room for the sticky toffee pudding, a pub classic served with a decadent scoop of vanilla ice cream.
271West Restaurant
Where: 60 Charles St W, Kitchener, ON (View map)
271West is a polished Italian restaurant where the motto is ”fresh from scratch.” This means handmade pasta, bread baked on-site, and dishes crafted with local produce and regionally-sourced meats.
The lengthy pasta menu covers all the bases, from classic spaghetti bolognese and grilled chicken linguine to handmade ravioli and a range of seafood pasta dishes. Finish your meal with slow-baked cheesecake or a perfectly caramelized crème brûlée.
