When it comes to outdoor adventure, two Ontario destinations stand out from the pack with epic hikes, water sports and scenery that leaves little to be desired. Once you’re there though, where do you eat? In York-Durham-Headwaters and Thunder Bay, the options are pretty darn endless. So, skip the fast food joints and big chain restaurants.
Swap them out for locally-sourced picnics by the water, lake-fresh fish and farm to table fare celebrating the best Ontario has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your summer escape now!
Don’t feel like reading the whole thing? Skip ahead by destination.
York-Durham-Headwaters
When it comes to the thrills, York-Durham-Headwaters (YDH) offers up some big ones. Whether you want to enjoy a trail hike, make the big catch with deep water fishing or try your hands at wake surfing, you’ve got options. We paired each of these adventures with fantastic eats so keep reading. Skip ahead by your adventure of choice.
Trail Hub: Hiking, Biking and Bites
Where: 722 Chalk Lake Rd, Uxbridge, ON (View Map)
Get moving at Trail Hub in Uxbridge— an events and recreation destination surrounded by 240 km of trails for mountain biking, hiking and leisurely walks under an hour from Toronto. Whether you sort yourself out with a day pass or a season’s pass (single or family rates available), you can enjoy the thrill of being outdoors and on well-groomed trails. Grab your bike, your family, friends or even your dog for a thrilling day.
Eager for more info? Check out their website.
When you’re done, it’s time to refuel! Trail Hub is Feast On® certified, meaning we audited them to prove they’re sourcing Ontario grown and raised ingredients. Stop by The Nest, their on-site farm-to-table restaurant for fresh, seasonal eats like sumac-roasted Ontario heirloom carrots, a wheel of Feast On® certified Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Brigid’s Brie coated in wildflower honey from Rosewood Estates or a pan roasted duck from Ontario’s own King Cole Ducks.
Looking for a quicker option and eager to stay outdoors? Handlebar Grill operates out of a food truck trailside so you can keep enjoying those fresh Ontario ingredients in everything from a pint of Muskoka Brewery beer to a Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone.
Hot Tip: On June 21st, Trail Hub is hosting The Whole Enchilada— a trail running event with race options ranging from 1km for kids up to 50km!
Hit the Greens + Grab a Brew or Two
Osprey Valley is perfect for those who take their golfing seriously. Host of this year’s 2025 Canadian Open and home to three of Canada’s Top 100 Courses, this spot should be on any keen golfer’s Bucket List. We recommend hitting the green in the morning (choose from three different courses) and when lunch time rolls around…well, let’s just say, we have ideas.
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That of course starts by visiting the on-site restaurant, Two Brothers, for some damn delicious eats. Think everything from chicken wings tossed in Osprey’s own bourbon-BBQ sauce to Montréal-style smoked brisket on house-made sourdough. Drooling yet?
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Two Brothers also brews a selection of their own beers like juicy IPAs and crisp,light lagers. If you’re super keen, check out their Brewmaster’s Dinner series to dive into the craft beer scene of the local area.
Want to keep exploring that aforementioned craft beer scene? Nearby options include Feast On® certified Goodlot Brewing, home to an organic hop farm and solar powered brewery churning out some of Ontario’s tastiest ales like Mellow Gold— and easy going blonde ale— and Country Dark, a German-style Dunkel made with Ontario all-Ontario noble hops.
Also nearby, Sonnen Hill Brewery celebrates a familial tradition of brewing that dates back to 1822! Try their Flower Town saison aged on dandelions from their field and chamomile from their garden for extra funk or the Pils for a clean finish and that lovely malt palette.
Hockley Valley Resort: Mountain Biking + Dome Dining
Where: 793522 3rd Line EHS, Mono, ON (View Map)
Come summer, Hockley Valley is bursting with brilliant greens, running streams and the sounds of birds in the air. Why not book a stay at Hockley Valley Resort to really soak it all in? While they’re known for their ski hills in the winter, summer boasts the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and seasonal dining.
Hockley Valley Resort is perfect for amping up the outdoor fun. Get in a round of golf on their 18-hole course, pump up your adrenaline with 8km of mountain biking trails or keep things a bit more chill with lawn games like badminton, spike ball or giant jenga. It’s vacay after all! The best part? You can recover post-adventure at their on-site spa.
When it comes to dining, Hockley Valley Resort leaves little to be desired by any foodie. Fresh produce from the resort’s two-acre organic farm shines in every dish and an on-site winery makes pairing easy breezy. We recommend starting at one of two on-site restaurants to soak in the magic.
Cabin 1865 boasts dishes like Adamo Estate Winery cured and dry aged speck, beef short rib croquettes and spaghettini with Ontario buffalo mozzarella. Barro, their other restaurant, boasts local dishes like Wellington County dry-aged steak, mista platters with meat and cheese and matcha panna cotta with stewed melon— yum!
Want to try something even more exciting? Their geodesic domes mean you get private-dining in your own see-through dome so you can feel like you’re eating el fresco but with a little more privacy. Cool, eh?
Mansfield Outdoor Centre + Maple Grove Farm & Market
Where: Mansfield Outdoor Centre, 937365 Airport Rd, Mulmur, ON (View Map) and Maple Grove Farm Market, 936215 Airport Rd, Mansfield, ON (View Map)
9-minute drive, 35-minute cycle
Mansfield Outdoor Centre boasts loads of options, whether you’re looking for a new challenge or a leisurely day outdoors with the family. For those looking to kick things into high gear, go for a trail with soft, sandy, and dry soil—perfect for your sneakers or take in 30 kms of single track or double track XC Mountain Biking Trails. The folks at Mansfield have curated the trails with natural and man-made challenges designed to thrill every rider.
More into the fresh air and a simple hike? How about a wee swim? Enjoy one of the easier on-site trail loops, perfect for bringing the whole family if you want, and then kick back with a picnic riverside along the Pine River. It’s a perfect spot to cool off in the water (don’t forget to pack a bathing suit!) and then kick back to take in the view. Ahhhh.
Want to stock up for that aforementioned picnic? Great idea. Maple Grove Market is the perfect spot to do just that. Just an 8-minute drive away, Maple Grove boasts a whole lot of flavour come summer.
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Think juicy strawberries right from the field (and the option to pick-your-own when in season), baked goods featuring seasonal produce like raspberry scones and blueberry cinnamon buns, snacks from Ontario producers like Miller’s Dairy Ice Cream and kettle popcorn from Wild Kernel Co. Wash it all down with Ontario-made beverages like Feast On® certified Sapsucker or skip the grocery shop for their signature pizza made with seasonal eats like fresh asparagus, local meats and more!
Deepwater Fishing in Whitby + Waterfront Dining
Do you love to go after the freshest catch? Are you all about that lake life? Whitby in Durham Region offers several outfitters who can take you out onto Lake Ontario to track down the big one!
Head out at sunrise and enjoy lake views for miles as you try your hand at catching everything from Brown Trout and Coho Salmon to Steelhead Trout, Chinook Salmon and more. Whether you want to do the dirty work yourself or head out with a charter who will bait the hooks for you, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your fishing style.
When the fishing day is done, wash up and head out for some great eats overlooking the water! About 20 minutes from Whitby, PORT Restaurant in Pickering offers sweeping views of Frenchman’s Bay from both the dining room and patio. In the summer months enjoy delightful homemade pastas and fresh salads worth writing home about alongside some of the locally-caught fish.
Looking for something a little more casual? Town Pumphouse is a Town Brewery pop-up on the waterfront of Whitby open only during the summer months. Sip on their house-made craft brews (We love their Easy Tiger non-alc lager), try one of the pizzas the folks at Feast On® certified Lowlands Fire Foods are slinging and even go for a dip! It’s summer after all.
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Water Spots and Dining in Georgina
When it comes to getting out on the water, nobody offers the thrill of Lake Simcoe the way Georgina, Ontario does! Not only is Georgina home to three waterfront parks that offer the opportunity to take a dip and enjoy the water anytime, but they also boast expert guides who can take you out for a day of waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and more!
Want to try something new? Groups like Simcoe Wake Sports offer lessons in wakesurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing with the option to add on a little tubing for fun! Already seasoned and just want to focus on finding a great rental? There are loads of options for that! From boards and boats to jetskis, your fun on the water is just beginning.
As the day winds down and you’ve surely worked up an appetite, Corner House Bistro offers up surf and turf, fresh eats like marinated beet salad and burrata and crispy phyllo-wrapped chèvre, paired with candied pecans— yum!
Fuel Your Adventure in Thunder Bay
This summer, adventure is waiting for you in Thunder Bay. Whether you want to hike Sleeping Giant, dip your toes in Lake Superior or climb the edge of a rock face, there are plenty of places to fuel up or refuel afterwards. Let us guide the way.
Fuel Your Hike at Sleeping Giant
Where: Goods & Co. 251 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
The Top of the Giant hike at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a bucket list hike for many summer adventurers. This 22km hike (round trip) will bring you to one of Ontario’s steepest vertical drops and some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen.
Those looking to speed up the time it takes are able to cycle the first 6 km in and the last 6km out with spots to lock up your bike along the way. Need to rent? Check out Rollin’ Thunder Bike and Ski in downtown Thunder Bay.
Because this hike will take up most of your day, we recommend getting to Thunder Bay the day before and stocking up on some picnic essentials at Goods and Co. This downtown market is made up of loads of local vendors selling everything from farm fresh produce and locally-tapped maple syrup to full meals like jollof rice and veggie protein bowls.
It’s also a great spot to stock up on souvenirs at the end of your trip (think local artwork, sauna essentials and more) or grab a cocktail! Just remember that whatever you bring in should also come out with you!
Bonus Hot Tip: When the day of the hike strikes, we recommend getting your caffeine fix downtown at St Paul Roastery! This local coffee roaster makes a mean cappuccino and if you’re hiking Wednesday-Saturday, scoot next door to grab a quick baked good (no judgement) from Swell Bakery. Seriously, don’t sleep on this!
Post Swim Beers + Pizza at a Local Brewery
Where: Lakehead Beer/Tomlin Subdivision, 206 Park Ave, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Lake Superior: she’s massive, she’s breathtaking and yeah, she’s a wee bit chilly. There’s nobody quite like her! By surface area, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world and so it’s no wonder that swimmers flock to her shores every summer to take a dip, try their hand at paddle boarding or take a crack at other thrilling adventures like wakeboarding or kite surfing.
If you’re one of those nautical fiends, Thunder Bay won’t disappoint. Several beaches in the city proper and surrounding areas offer a great place to kick back in the sand or dip your toes in! Personally, we recommend checking out Wild Goose Beach for family-friendly swims or jump into the waters at Sandy Beach in Chippewa Park!
After a day in the sun, nothing hits the spot like beer and pizza. Are we right or are we right? Head to Lakehead Beer right in the heart of downtown Thunder Bay (walkable from most hotels) and order up a pint of one of three classic brews: a pilsner, an IPA or a light lager. There’s no fooling around here, just clean, simple beer straight from the bright tank and served at the optimal temperature.
If you’re feeling peckish, Tomlin Subdivision is in the same building and serves up unreal Detroit-style pizzas with those crunchy cheesy edges, a collection of classic subs (try the shawarma tofu sub for us, will ya?) and a bunch of sharable snacks like deep fried pickles, mozza sticks and even pork belly.
Refuel After Your Paddle with Epic Burgers
Where: The Eddy Restaurant, 4744 ON-11 #17, Kakabeka Falls, ON (View Map); Dawson General Store, 3130 Dawson Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map); or Tomlin, 202 1/2 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Grab your paddle and hit the open waterways surrounding Thunder Bay if a day canoeing or kayaking sounds right up your alley.
Considered the ultimate launchpad for some of Ontario’s most epic paddling routes, Thunder Bay is a dream for anyone who loves to canoe or kayak. Whether you’re in it for a breezy afternoon float or a multi-day backcountry adventure, the options are endless—and so is the satisfaction of that well-earned post-paddle feast.
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Serious paddlers, get ready to dip your paddles into the pristine waters of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park or take on the legendary 2,000+ lakes of Quetico Provincial Park, where backcountry canoeing isn’t just an activity—it’s a rite of passage.
Prefer a more laid-back paddle? No problem! Stay right in the city and float through history at Fort William Historical Park (bonus: you can even paddle an authentic birch bark canoe!) or soak up the scenery at Boulevard Lake.
Speaking of that post-paddle feast, we think a burger would be the perfect cherry (or maybe pickle) on top of a day of paddling, don’t you? You’ve got options. On your way back into the city, discover road-side burgers at The Eddy or Dawson General Store.
The Eddy is all about doing things from scratch and doing them well. Start with their signature Eddy Burger (we recommend some sweet potato fries on the side) which features a homemade toasted bun and a 5oz pressed-in-house ground beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Slather than in ketchup and mustard? Match made in heaven.
Over at Dawson General Store you’ll be met with just that— a general store. Don’t be fooled though! THis operation is home to one of the best dang burgers we’ve tasted. With two homemade patties smashed right on the grill and popped into a freshly-baked-that-day bun, they keep it simple and delicious. Next, the burger is topped with slide dill pickles, sweet onions, melty cheese and their own house made secret burger sauce.
Finally, if you happen to find yourself in Thunder Bay on a Tuesday, that’s burger night at Tomlin Restaurant downtown! This farm to table restaurant will definitely have a line out the door so show up early and get ready to feast on a great burger (preferably paired up with a craft cocktail).
Celebrate a Great Rock Climb with Margs and Tacos
Where: Norteños Cantina, 235 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
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Summer is the perfect time to take on a new challenge, and nothing says challenge like scaling a rock face. Are we right, or are we right? For starters, Thunder Bay boasts some of the continent’s best granite for climbing (it’s old and it’s hard), and when you reach the top? The views take your breath away.
If you’re new to climbing, we recommend heading out on a guided climb with The Alpine Club of Canada or Outdoor Skills and Thrills. If you’re a beginner, they’ll literally show you the ropes, and no matter your skill level, they’ll guide you through a safe and thrilling climb.
As if the views weren’t enough, we think you’ve earned a post-climb margarita! After all, why not throw in a taco or two? Downtown, just steps from Goods & Co., Norteños Cantina serves up fresh Mexican-style eats in a bright and fun atmosphere, perfect for celebrating.
Dive headfirst into the Birria tacos, served with a beef dip so good you’ll want to bathe in it, or go for the alitas—fried lil’ pieces of chicken wing goodness tossed in chipotle honey sauce. Meanwhile, if crispy pork belly is more your style, try the chicarrones. Honestly, you can’t go wrong.
Now let’s talk margs. We’re big fans of the Frida Marghalo, a mix of Blanco tequila, cherry brandy, watermelon-mint shrub, lime, agave syrup, and pink Himalayan sea salt. But who wouldn’t be? Prefer a classic? No worries—they’ve got that too. Or, give the Tropical Thunder a go for a pineapple twist.
Cheers to more adventures like this one!
Want to keep exploring?
Great idea. Check out this page for more delicious itineraries from across Ontario!
