All aboard the food frenzy express on this road trip through Railway City (aka St. Thomas) and Elgin County for its delicious array of food and adventure no matter the season. This southern part of the province is filled with fresh farm food, craft bevies and historic charm.
Let’s check it out!
Always in Season
St. Thomas and Elgin County is the place to be for all your coffee, craft beer, pizza, and sweet treat cravings year-round. No matter the season there’s always something delicious to try.
The surrounding areas offer scenic towns, lakeside villages and historic communities, each with its own special charm. With so many incredible sites to explore you will want to visit every year!
Let St. Thomas put a Spring in your Step!
Where: Discovering the Railway City (St. Thomas)
Blossom out of your winter blues and put a spring in your step with a visit to St. Thomas. We recommend starting your Railway City adventure by grabbing a delicious hot or iced coffee made with locally-roasted Las Chicas coffee from the fabulous Streamliners Espresso Bar and then venturing over to Canada’s first and only elevated park! Don’t forget a treat too- they make a mean butter tart.
This old railway was converted into a park in the sky and built through community donations and volunteer efforts. It offers incredible views of St. Thomas and has a fun playground surrounded by a lush green environment for those travelling with kids (or kids at heart).
After your walk, it’s time to hang up those hiking shoes! Pop into Quai du Vin Estate Winery all year round to taste the latest vintage, tour the vineyards (Saturday when in season), or just relax with a glass of wine on the terrace. Quai du Vin is Elgin County’s first VQA Winery which is pretty cool if you ask us.
Fun Fact: This is Elgin County’s oldest estate winery (aged like fine wine)
Is beer more your thing? Take a ride to the family-owned Caps Off Brewing Company in St.Thomas to end your night on a hoppy note! Explore a delicious variety of craft beer paired with locally sourced charcuterie in this uber tiny but uber charming brewery.
Summer Lovin’ in Port Stanley
Where: Port Stanley, Ontario
At the heart of Elgin County, the picturesque lakeside town of Port Stanley offers delicious food and experiences for the whole family. Explore cute boutiques, restaurants and cafes throughout the downtown core, and spend the day at one of Ontario’s Blue Flag-certified beaches. After all, that’s what summer is all about.
Need a treat to cool down from all that sun? Grab a cone at Lick’s Ice Cream and Milkshake Bar or wander across the sand down to Mackie’s– a local favourite known for their fresh-cut fries and popular orange drink.
When supper rolls around, you have options. If you can’t peel yourself away from that gorgeous sunset, satisfy your tummy rumbles at GT’s on the Beach as you enjoy Lake Erie perch and their famous dessert nachos (perhaps with a side of live music if you’re lucky)!
Craving farm to table? Check out the Feast On® certified Windjammer Inn for Southern squash puppies (a play on hush puppies), delicious roasted duck breast and chestnut gnocchi among loads of other mouthwatering menu items. Psst! This is also a great place to rest your head for the night if you want to make a weekend getaway of your time in the “the port”.
Fall in Love with Aylmer
Where: Aylmer, Ontario
Fall sweet fall…The fall season in Elgin County is full of energy, and whether you want to go apple picking, explore beautiful colours on a trail, or dine at incredible restaurants, there’s an adventure for the whole family waiting for you in Elgin County!
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For fall goodness the whole family can enjoy, point those wheels toward Clovermead Adventure Farm in Aylmer. This honey farm allows adults and kids alike to learn about beekeeping, create lasting memories and get outside together in the fresh fall air. Kids will love the giant foam bit, bee discovery station and animal barn.
Beefore you leave, grab some of their made-on-site honey in The Honey Shop along with other goods worth buzzing about like royal jelly, beeswax and wildflower seeds for your own pollinator garden. If you’re feeling hungry, the Bistro Cafe has hot chocolate, slushies, bratwurst and more to satisfy your craving.
Ready to grab a meal? Aylmer is largely influenced by the Mexican Mennonite population that calls the area home and there’s no better spot to enjoy this than Mennomex. This stop is part restaurant part grocery store so you can enjoy meals like flautas and Gorditas as well as stock up on staple Mexican ingredients like hot sauces and spices, tortillas, candies and much more.
Not ready for the fun to end? Check out Cy’s for a round of bowling and a chicken wing pizza!
Winter Wonder Awaits
Where: St. Thomas, Ontario (Railway City)
The warmth of the Railway City’s hospitality will make you feel right at home for the holidays.
Nothing is cozier than a pizza night at Elgin Harvest, savouring authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza and an Ontario-made drink. They make sure to keep the craft beer fridge stocked with a variety of high-quality brews from Ontario alongside other craft bevies.
Coming on a Saturday? Get into the holiday spirit at the annual Horton Market. Support local and feast on incredible artisan goods and local food from St.Thomas’s favourite growers, producers, makers and bakers. This best-in-class market has brought the farm to the city since 1878.
During the holiday season, Horton Market steps things up a notch with a one-day Christmas Market event that will surely add a sprinkle of magic to your visit. Stay tuned on their social media for the event date!
Enjoy your trip! 🚂
We can’t wait for you to visit St. Thomas and Elgin County, and experience the incredible offerings of this region. So grab a friend and your appetite and hit the road! You never know what you’ll find.
