Located just over an hour away from Toronto, Waterloo Region is the perfect destination for a flavour-packed adventure. Whether you’re planning a fun day trip or looking for a more relaxed extended stay, this region effortlessly blends buzzing urban centres with rich farming heritage, offering the best of both worlds.
Explore the bountiful offerings of farm-fresh flavours, local markets, and charming eateries, where truly local tastes and vibrant agricultural landscapes await. You won’t be able to resist taking home some homemade goodies—so pack your cooler, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable 2-day getaway!
Day 1: A Taste of Tradition and Local Flavours
Kitchen Kuttings Cafe
Where: 40 Arthur St S, Elmira, ON (View Map)
Located in the heart of the region’s rich Amish and Mennonite community, Kitchen Kuttings Cafe in Elmira embodies the simple living, craftsmanship, and farming traditions of its Mennonite founders. This charming store offers a wide selection of locally sourced, handmade products, from fresh cheeses and deli meats to homemade jams and baked goods, making it a must-visit stop for any foodie.
Star your morning off strong with a hot cup of coffee, and a homemade cinnamon roll. For a heartier option we suggest ordering a delicious breakfast platter with eggs, your choice of bacon, farmers sausage or ham, and toast with a side of jam. Before heading out to your next adventure be sure to check out the deli and grocery shop next door to stock up on goodies for the road and of course to try their famous summer sausage!
Fall Harvest Farm
Where: 1011 Gerber Rd, St. Agatha, ON (View Map)
Fall Harvest Farm is a family-run gem known for its wide range of fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal goods. While pick-your-own isn’t available, their farm shop is the perfect place to pick up one of over 30 unique varieties of pumpkins, to bring home with you.
The market is stocked daily with fresh, locally made breads and baked goods from nearby bakeries, and offers a delightful selection of pantry items, fresh meats, cheeses, and freezer treats like goat’s milk ice cream from Udderly Ridiculous Farms, a Feast On favourite— yum!
Puddicombe House
Where: 145 Peel St, New Hamburg, ON (View Map)
Puddicombe House is a beautifully restored Victorian inn offering a blend of historic charm and modern comforts, including fine dining and spa services. Situated in the heart of St. Jacobs Country, it’s the perfect base for exploring local farmers’ markets, unique boutiques, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside.
For a relaxing meal, snag a seat on the covered patio and enjoy a refreshing drink from their impressive cocktail or zero-proof menu, perfectly paired with their standout dishes. Highlights include the Roasted Red Pepper Agnolotti with lemon artichoke pesto and Goat Cheese Potato Crumble, the hearty Short Rib Bolognese with saffron fettuccine, or the light and refreshing Rocket Poached Pear Salad topped with Gorgonzola and candied walnuts.
Nith Valley Apiaries
Where: 1041 Christner Rd, New Hamburg, ON (View Map)
A family-owned business Nith Valley Apiaries has been dedicated to beekeeping and honey production for over 40 years, focusing on sustainable practices and high-quality honey.
Their farm shop invites visitors to explore the rich flavours of honey, each crafted by bees set in unique locations throughout their property to produce a greater variety of honey that offer rich and unique flavours. As you sample their selection of honey you’ll notice they will range in colours from light gold to a deep, rich shade reminiscent of caramel or maple syrup, offering a sweet and educational experience in sustainable beekeeping.
Before leaving stock up on crowd favourites like the Golden Wildflower Honey, and find exciting new products like the pumpkin spiced creamed honey for the ultimate harvest season addition to your pantry!
Perth Farmhouse Cider + Wine
Where: 4596 Wilmot Easthope Rd, Perth East, ON (View Map)
Wine or cider? At The Perth Farmhouse, you don’t have to choose! Located just outside of Waterloo, the winery is the first to be opened in the region and specializes in crafting fruit-forward wines and ciders using locally grown, seasonal fruits.
Guests can spend the day farm-side, enjoying sipping flights of wine, cider, and non-alcoholic mimosas. Pair your drinks with graze boxes curated by Lynn River Farm, all while soaking in the scenic rural setting. For a fun twist, visitors can also participate in the goat social experience, taking the time to visit with the farms many cute goats.
271 West Restaurant
Where: 60 Charles St W, Kitchener, ON (View Map)
Located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, 271 West Restaurant offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a menu featuring authentic Italian-inspired dishes made using fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for a delicious meal to wrap up a dull day of exploring. Between the variety of handmade pasta dishes, gourmet pizzas, and delicious desserts like creme brûlée, the menu at 271 West is a foolproof option with something for every palate.
Day 2: From Farm Market to Table – A Journey Through Waterloo’s Local Bounty
Cafe Pyrus
Where: 305 King St W, Kitchener, ON (View Map)
Cafe Pyrus is a cozy, community-driven café offering a diverse, plant-based menu alongside organic, fair-trade coffee. With a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for those seeking a healthy start to their day with a flavourful meal in an environmentally conscious atmosphere.
The menu at Café Pyrus is perfect for kickstarting your second day with delicious options like the Breakfast Wrap, packed with organic tofu scramble, tempeh bacon, and fresh veggies, or the hearty Breakfast Griller on an organic farmer’s bun. Pair your meal with one of their delicious iced or brewed coffees, and don’t forget to grab some of their freshly baked goods for a tasty treat on the go!
Preston Towne Farmers’ Market
Where: 615 King St E, Cambridge, ON (View Map)
Preston Towne Farmers’ Market operates from June to August in Central Park, Preston, bringing together a selection of fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. It’s a popular community hub where visitors can enjoy the best of the region’s seasonal offerings while meeting local farmers and artisans all within a lively outdoor setting.
If you happen to be in area at a time the market is closed, have no fear! After breakfast we suggest taking a short 15 min walk over to the Kitchener Downtown Market. Open year round every Saturday (the food hall is open Tuesdays-Saturdays) experience the regions urban farm-to-table culture meeting vendors and perusing food stalls filled with locally grown produce, ready-made meals, artisanal goods and more!
If that’s still not enough local goodness for you just down the road make your way to green grocer, Legacy Greens to shop sustainably grown local produce, ciders, wines, and specialty foods to round out your market adventures.
The Foundry Tavern
Where: 64 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, ON (View Map)
Lunchtime! The Foundry Tavern in Cambridge offers a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that blends classic pub fare with modern culinary twists, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Known for its warm ambiance and innovative menu, we suggest starting the meal with the crowd favourite braised beef bon bons. These tender, and flavourful bites are an ideal sharing plate for the table.
For a heartier meal we would definitely encourage you to consider asking your server about the rotating special, which during our visit included a delicious braised beef grilled cheese sandwich served with a stacked tower of seasoned onion rings, and sticky toffee cake for dessert.
Take your dining experience to the next level by pairing your meal with a delicious cocktail or mocktail, ensuring everyone can enjoy creative, and flavourful drinks without any FOMO for those skipping the alcohol. With thoughtfully crafted options that are sure to impress, they even offer cocktail flights, served on tap, making it the perfect way to explore a variety of flavours.
Barrie’s Asparagus Farm & Country Market
Where: 1236 Kings Rd, Cambridge, ON (View Map)
Barrie’s Asparagus Farm is a family-owned operation with deep roots in agriculture, known best for it’s fresh, local asparagus available in the spring at their on-site farm market. Expanding their legacy, the father-son duo behind the farm has launched Blacksmith & Bean Coffee Company, roasters dedicated to crafting high-quality, small-batch coffee.
This new venture blends their passion for delicious coffee with artisanal products, offering a perfect pairing of farm-fresh produce and expertly roasted coffee. At the farm shop you can stock up on fresh seasonal produce and pantry items including asparagus chips, freshly ground Blacksmith & Bean coffee grounds, coffee infused chocolates and more!
Oakridge Acres & Country Meat Store
Where: 2132 Greenfield Rd, Ayr, ON (View Map)
Oakridge Acres is a 175-acre bison farm in Ayr, Ontario, specializing in raising all-natural, grass-finished Plains Bison. Their on-farm market not only features their own bison products but goods from over 40 neighbouring producers, including fresh meats, produce, honey, baked goods, and more. The market includes an in-house certified kitchen which prepares heat-and-serve meals like entrees, soups, quiches, and meat pies using market-fresh ingredients.
On your way up to the farm market, as you enjoy a scenic drive through rolling fields — keep your eyes peeled to spot bison along the way! (Hint: When you do spot a bison, marvel at a distance — that means remaining inside the vehicle and continuing on your way.)
Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery
Where: 1271 Reidsville Rd, Ayr, ON (View Map)
Willibald Farm Distillery and Brewery in Ayr is known for its innovative small-batch spirits like gin and whiskey, along with an on-site brewery and farm-to-table restaurant. This Feast On certified spot is set against a scenic rural backdrop where visitors can enjoy a unique tasting experience that perfectly blends craft drinks with farm-fresh dining. The restaurant’s mouthwatering menu features dishes like Confit Duck Wings with sweet and spicy gochujang glaze and kimchi ranch, or the classic pizza topped with Ezzo pepperoni, mozzarella, and hot honey.
No visit to Willibald is complete without a drink—try the tart and refreshing Hibiscus Limeade, a crowd favourite, or opt for the non-alcoholic Tea Service with cold-brewed Earl Grey tea, grapefruit cordial, and soda water to wind down your adventures in Waterloo.
Ready. Set. Explore Waterloo Region!
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