Greenbelt Discovery Routes | Ontario Culinary
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EXPLORE SELF-GUIDED LOCAL FOOD & DRINK ROUTES IN THE BEAUTY OF ONTARIO AND ITS PROTECTED GREENBELT


Grab your hiking gear or your bicycle and come explore the Greenbelt's beautiful, protected countryside along one of 30 hiking and cycling routes in Ontario. Curated by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, in partnership with the Greenbelt Foundation, the Greenbelt Discovery Routes highlight the unique and diverse food and drink experiences found near Ontario's most picturesque trails.

 

Please Discover Responsibly - Always Use a Designated Driver.


 

hiking routes

 

Waterfall and Winery Route

End a day spent exploring Balls Falls - home to a 19th century hamlet, two waterfalls and lush nature trails - with wine tasting at some of Twenty Valley's best wineries.

TRAIL: BALLS FALLS

Forests, Farms & Feasts

Meander through a magical, century-old oak forest and discover vibrant market stands, boutique hotels and charming restaurants in nearby Cobourg.

TRAIL: NORTHUMBERLAND FOREST

Taste Trails along the Ganny

Experience varied terrain and abundant wildlife on this beautiful trail and sip and savour your way through roadside farms, bakeries and market stands.

TRAIL: GANARASKA FOREST

Robinson's Brew Loop

Follow up this 2.3 mile woodland trail with a cold pint from a local craft brewery and sample delicious duck from a farm in picturesque Stoufville.

TRAIL: ROBINSON TRACT

Terra Cotta Taste Trail

Follow the Credit River past wildflower meadows and wetlands and enjoy apple-picking, fresh farm produce and the best poutine in Halton Hills.

TRAIL: TERRA COTTA

Wine and Dine in Short Hills

Explore Carolinian forests, winding streams, and rare flora and fauna with plenty of handpicked wineries and restaurants en route.

TRAIL: SHORT HILLS

Cape Croker Food Crawl

Traverse through forests and rocky terrain, and enjoy a bird's-eye view from the Escarpment edge on this route that lies entirely within the Chippewas of Nawash First Nations reserve, and visit farm stands, local bakeries and cosy cafes in neighbouring Wiarton.

TRAIL: JONES BLUFF AT CAPE CROKER

Little Cove Taste Adventure

Encounter fascinating rock formations, discover mysterious caves and rugged beaches, and catch a glimpse of a sunken ship on this spectacular hiking trail in Bruce Peninsula. Enjoy a post-hike pint alongside a relaxed candellight dinner in Miller Lake.

TRAIL: LITTLE COVE

Rattlesnake Tipple Trail

There are several trail to explore here, complete with stunning rock formations, towering cliffs, thousand year old cedars and some of the best scenic lookouts around. Post-hike, stop in Milton for craft cider, natural craft mead, small-batch beers and farm-to-fork fare.

TRAIL: RATTLESNAKE POINT

Glen Major Farm-To-Table Route

A gentle walk winding through towering hardwoods and evergreens, hills and wetlands. Stop at picturesque orchards, farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries along the way.

TRAIL: GLEN MAJOR FOREST

Savour the Forks

You'll encounter steep hills, diverse wildlife, a ruined mill and the beautiful Cataract falls on this delightful trail. Visit an organic hop farm and micro brewery, tour a local cidery and taste Caledon's best jerk chicken en route.

TRAIL: FORKS OF THE CREDIT

Tacos, Alpacas & The Beach

Eat fresh tacos from a roadside truck and hang out with cuddly alpacas at a local farm after a day of hiking along the tip of the Bruce, past lofty cliffs, rocky beaches and white pine forests.

TRAIL: TOBERMORY

Mount Nemo Foodscape

Explore one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment alongside pick-your-own farms, bakeries, cideries, and cosy, farm-to-table restaurants.

TRAIL: MOUNT NEMO

Tastes of Crawford Lake

A peaceful 3.1km boardwalk trail that wraps around the unique, meromictic Crawford Lake, with stops at nearby towns for homemade perogies, apple cider, and a guided walking tour through a lavender farm.

TRAIL: CRAWFORD LAKE

Dyer's Bay Culinary Backstreets

Walk past stunning wildlife and varied landscapes and catch an occasional glimpse of the beautiful Georgian Bay. Stop at a local brewery for a tasting flight and shop for farm produce from roadside market stands.

TRAIL: DYER'S BAY

Picnics & Pubs in Hope Bay

Pick up baked treats for a picnic from a roadside bakery before hitting this lush woodland trail filled with rare ferns and wildflowers. Visit nearby Lion's Head and refuel with some traditional pub grub and Ontario beers and wines.

TRAIL: HOPE BAY

Feasts in the Falls

Get up close to a stunning 21 meter cascade waterfall on this easy hike. Lunch at the 'The Mill' in Ancaster and shop for French pastries, seasonal beers and organic farm produce along the way.

TRAIL: TIFFANY FALLS

Brews & Bites in the Bales

Explore 2.5km of dramataic trail that weaves through steep slopes and desiduous forests, and indulge in fish & chips, handcraftd cocktails and seasonal brews.

TRAIL: THORNTON BALES

Colpoys Bay Flavour Trail

Enjoy spectacular views of the Colpoy's Bay as you walk along the edge of The Escarpment. End the day's hike with a visit to nearby Sauble Beach for tacos served from the windows of a 1949 double-decker bus, flame broiled burgers and hand-dipped caramel apples.

TRAIL: PURPLE VALLEY AT COLPOYS BAY

Lion's Head Market Walk

The rugged rocky terrain and steep limestone cliffs of this trail may seem challenging but you'll be rewarded with incredible views of Isthmus Bay from the Lion's Head lookout point. Be sure to visit the Lion's Head farmers' market for fresh produce and local crafts.

TRAIL: LION'S HEAD

Local Tastes in Valens Lake

Stop at a local U-Pick for sun-ripened strawberries or visit the many breweries, cideries, cafes and restaurants in nearby towns for some celebratory eating and drinking after completing this 10km hiking trail and 300-metre wetland boardwalk.

TRAIL: VALENS LAKE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cycling routes

 

The Greenbelt Taste Trek

Connecting Northumberland to Niagara, this epic cycling route will take you through picturesque villages and unspoilt countryside, with plenty of delicious stops along the way, from award-winning wineries, to farm-to-table restaurants, to roadside cafes, bakeries and farm stands offering the best of local food and drink.

TRAIL: THE GREENBELT ROUTE

Edible Escarpment Expedition

Filled with quiet lanes and breathtaking views, this 22km looped route passes through the village of Ancaster, Dundas Valley and Cootes Drive. Enjoy local food, small-batch brews, farm produce, and classic hand-scooped ice cream along the way.

TRAIL: ESCARPMENT EXPEDITION

CRAVINGS ALONG THE CREDIT

Explore the magnificent red hills of Cheltenham Badlands, discover the trails of Forks of the Credit Provincial Park and take in the panoramic view from the Escarpment lookout point as you peddle along country roads dotted with old-fashoined general stores, classic ice-cream parlours, and local breweries and cideries.

TRAIL: CREDIT RIVER RIDE

SNACKS ALONG THE SCUGOG

A scenic 28km ride that starts and ends in the town of Port Perry. Pass through quaint towns, idyllic farmland, lush forests and marshland, and snack on freshly baked pies, buttertarts and just picked fruit in Port Perry.

TRAIL: SCUGOG COUNTRY CRUISE

BEST OF THE LAKE LOOP

A three-day journey through the best of the region, filled with spectacular scenery, historical attractions and authentic food and drink experiences.

TRAIL: OAK RIDGES TO LAKE LOOP

Rice Lake FOOD Ramble

Experience local food, VQA wines and farm tours as you cycle along rolling hills and wide open spaces of rural Northumberland.

TRAIL: RICE LAKE RAMBLE

SIP AND SAVOUR ROYAL CITY

This impressive 182km route spans three days and starts out in the vibrant city of Guelph. You'll find an abundance of attractions en route, from historical sites to culinary delights.

TRAIL: ROYAL CITY MILL RUN

THE GRAND GREENBELT TASTE TRAIL

Enjoy sweeping vistas and iconic landscapes alongside craft breweries, local farms, and unique eateries on this grand 1000km trail that runs along the shorelines of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

TRAIL: GRAND GREENBELT & GREAT LAKES

HOLLAND LOOP TASTE RIDE

Cycle alongside Ontario's 'vegetable patch': The Holland Marsh. This impressive 68km ride will take you through rich agricultural land and picture-postcard villages with stops at artisanal bakeries and wineries and farm-to-table restaurants serving up delicious local fare.

TRAIL: TOUR OF THE HOLLAND LOOP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE GREENBELT

Ontario's Greenbelt is the world's largest, protecting farmland, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes. 2 million acres of protected land work together to provide us with fresh air, clean water, fantastic local food and drink, and world-class outdoor recreation and tourism experiences. The region has a $9.6 billion economic impact every year and supports 177,700 jobs while also protecting 2 million acres of land.

 

THE GREENBELT DISCOVERY ROUTES WERE CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH