Up for food and fun this summer? Check out these ideas for trips that pair adventure with delicious eats.
Time to Summer in Ontario!
Kick off your summer with unforgettable adventures and culinary delights across Ontario. From the stunning landscapes of Sudbury to the iconic views of Niagara Falls, each destination offers unique activities paired with fantastic local dining.
Explore Sudbury’s Scenic Views and Sophisticated Flavours
Stop 1: A.Y. Jackson’s Lookout
Where: 45 km /27 mi. northwest of downtown on Hwy. 144 (View Map)
Visit A.Y. Jackson’s Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views. This lookout, made famous by Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson, cascades 55 m into the Sudbury basin.
We recommend you also go for a hike while you’re there on one of three trails, including a self-guided Geological Walking Tour which is wheelchair accessible.
You’ll get to learn about where a meteorite impact 1.85 billion years ago resulted in rich nickel-copper ore deposits that have made the Greater Sudbury Area world-famous.
Stop 2: Time for Craft Cocktails
Where: Crosscut Distillery, 1347 Kelly Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON. (View Map) or The Alibi Room, 113 Durham St, Sudbury, ON. (View Map)
Time for a refreshing summer drink! Enjoy artisanal spirits at Crosscut Distillery like their famous “Pulp-Free Fiction” a zesty upgrade to a classic mule or a classic G&T served up alongside a charcuterie snack.
Celebrating something special or feeling like a date night? You can head over to grab a craft cocktail at Alibi. Alibi is a sophisticated take on a prohibition-era speakeasy, and they offer delicious craft cocktails like the “The Picker’s Fizz”: a bright, balanced and fruity blueberry-infused gin cocktail!
Stop 3: Feast On® Italian Cuisine
Sudbury is home to a large Italian population and diners in the area reap the rewards of that. Visit the Feast On® certified, Verdicchio, for elegant takes on Italian classics. They offer a seasonal al la carte menu and daily features that highlight ingredients grown in their backyard and products crafted in the artisanal method.
Think Cicchetti (small plates to share), tagliata di manzo with Penokean Hills beef striploin and Stringozzi- a pasta dish made with artisan sausage and locally-grown mushrooms.
Extra stop for a special treat: Indulge in unique, locally-made chocolates at Raven Rising. Chef Tammy Maki blends the world of fine chocolates with the rich traditions of Indigenous cultures.
You can expect to indulge in handcrafted bonbons, bars, and confections in a wide range of unique flavours featuring ingredients as varied as birch syrup to white fish and everything in between.
Niagara Parks: Breathtaking Beauty and Fine Dining
Stop 1: Pick Your Adventure at Niagara Parks
Where: On hikes, The Butterfly Conservatory, 2565 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON (View Map); or Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, 2565 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON. (View Map)
Discover the beauty and history of Niagara Parks
Visiting Niagara Parks is the perfect way to see the falls but they offer so much more! Take in the area’s beautiful landscapes and experience it in a new way on one of the parks 15km of scenic trails. Walk Niagara Park’s sprawling parkland, manicured gardens or get in touch with Mother Nature at the Butterfly Conservatory or Botanical Gardens.
One of our favourite ways to enjoy? Embark on a self-guided audio tour hike of the Niagara Glen, Rekindling All Our Relations – An Indigenous Audio Tour of the Niagara Glen, and discover the Indigenous connections to nature all around you!
A Feast On® Certified Dinner at Table Rock House
Where: Table Rock House, 6650 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON. (View Map)
Fun fact: Did you know that Niagara Parks offers nine, full-service and quick-service, #FeastOn Certified restaurants on the Niagara Parkway? Experience exquisite, locally sourced ingredients prepared with international inspiration. Check out the list here!
One of the many gems in this list is the one that brings you closest to the action— Table Rock House! It doesn’t get closer than this. At Table Rock House you will get a falls-side dining experience, offering a menu as spectacular as the view.
We recommend you try the Braised Lamb Shank and the Spicy Greek Yogurt & Harissa Dip and pair it up with a Niagara VQA wine. What more could you ask for?
Orillia & Lake Country: Paddles Up and Culinary Delights
Stop #1: Paddle Lake Country to Your Heart’s Content
There is no better way to explore Orillia and Lake Country than getting out on the water. Whether you brought your own or need to rent you can find a list of incredible businesses to get you ready to head out on the water here!
With paddling for all skill levels on waterways as varied as the Coldwater River Voyage to Wasdell Falls, there really is something for everyone. Not sure where to get started? Check out the routes available online from Orillia and Lake Country Tourism.
Stop 2: Wood-fired Dinner at The Common Stove
Where: The Common Stove, 27 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
A trip to Orillia wouldn’t be complete without dining at #FeastOn Certified restaurant, The Common Stove! Thanks to the talented folks and Head Chef/Partner Ben Kersley, the Common Stove fuels Orillia locals, cottagers and passers-thru alike from a wood-fired grill with delicious farm-to-table dishes that offer a rustic and flavourful taste with every bite.
Consider it dinner and a show as you pull up a seat and watch the action. With a seasonal menu that rotates quite regularly, there’s always a reason to go back. You could also go for brunch and fuel up before that aforementioned paddle.
In more of a tapas or snack-style mood? Check out Feast On® certified Picnic Snack Bar, also in town, for a great wine list, oysters and a swoon-worthy collection of cheeses and meats perfect for sharing
Can’t get enough? Just outside of town, Feast On® certified Quayle’s Brewing Company is a great spot for some delicious farm-to-glass brew and some hit-the-spot pub food.
Norfolk County: Eco Adventures and Relaxed Pub Grub
Before we present the culinary delights of Norfolk County let’s dive into some adventure ideas to build up that appetite.
Long Point Eco Adventures + The Marshview Patio and Pub
Where: Long Point Eco Adventures, 1730 Front Rd, Turkey Point, ON. (View Map)
This Norfolk County destination offers adventure and accommodation all in one! Whether you’re into flying through the treetops in the Carolinian Forest for a thrilling experience with 8 zip lines, or if you prefer a scenic kayak down Big Creek (aka Canada’s Amazon) or just enjoying a beautiful sunset paddle, Long Point Eco Adventures has you covered.
After whatever adventure you choose, it’s time to grab a bite at the on-site Marshview Patio and Pub. Grab a seat and take in the view of an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Turkey Point Marsh. We recommend you order some classic cocktails like the classic Caesar or try some new flavours like the lavender honeybee cocktail rimmed with bee pollen.
Next, dive into their simple but fresh and delicious mains like the Lake Erie Perch Tacos or their mouthwatering Local Biker Burger! If you came with friends, check out their cheese and charcuterie board and don’t forget to wash it all down with a Hometown Brew Co. beer also made right on the property.
In need of some more beer? Head on over to the Blue Elephant Artisan Brewery . This brewpub in downtown Simcoe about 20 minutes away offers another menu of pub food as well as a few other classic dishes like stir fries also crafts their beer in house. If you’re with friends, their flights come on a fun display rack and make for the ultimate tasting.
Cheers!
Culinary adventure awaits in Ontario! Whether you’re seeking a thrill, natural beauty, or mouth-watering meals, there’s something here to spice up your summer. Plan your visits and experience the best of Ontario.
