Picture this scene: as you walk down St. Patrick Street, a town comes to life around you. In the pub, a bartender pours a pint of Scotch ale, the ruby highlights glinting in the light. Leatherbound volumes by J.M. Barrie and Robert Burns are on display in the window of the secondhand bookstore. And you swear you can hear bagpipes playing in the distance …
No, you haven’t been magically transported to Scotland! You’re in Fergus, an Ontario town with a proud Scottish history. Fergus was founded by Scottish settlers in 1833, and today, it’s a bustling place filled with unique shops, art, history, and of course – great food!
Located just west of the Greater Toronto Area, a stone’s throw from Elora along the banks of the Grand River, Fergus is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re traveling with little ones, booking a romantic weekend away, or on a trip with friends, you’ll find the perfect mix of history and tasty bites in Fergus. Let’s get going!
The Vault Coffee Shop
Where: 101 St Andrew St W Unit #100, Fergus, ON N1M 1N6 (View map)
The Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar is a family-owned and operated community space right in the center of Fergus. The cafe isn’t just a place for exceptional coffee; it’s a slice of history, boasting an original vault from its days as the Imperial Bank, now a cozy nook for guests to enjoy a quiet moment.
To start your day, stop by for a coffee crafted with local coffee beans, mouth-watering pastries made with fresh produce, and light lunch menu items that highlight regional flavours and local makers. Good food, great coffee, and even better company? Sign us up!
Fraberts Fresh Food
Where: 105 Queen St W, Fergus, ON N1M 1S6 (View map)
Fraberts Fine Foods is the passion project of Forager Jackie Fraser and Chef Derek Roberts, a dynamic duo dedicated to all things local. Jackie’s focus is the produce section – she sources fresh fruits and vegetables from the surrounding area as well as Holland Marsh, the Niagara region, and the hothouses of the Leamington area. Fraberts also purchases directly from local farmers; keep an eye out for Paul Collins’ spinach, Floralane’s tomatoes and Van Tols’ sweet corn.
Meanwhile, Chef Derek is passionate about creating soups, sandwiches, and other grab-and-go using local, fresh, quality ingredients. Grab a few ready-made options for an easy and delicious picnic in one of Fergus’s many parks.
I Love Chocolate!
Where: 227 St Andrew St W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N8 (View map)
For over 25 years, I Love Chocolate! has been creating handcrafted Belgian chocolate, fresh fudge, and other tasty treats. Chocolate fans can peer through the glass to watch their favourite confections being made before stocking up on an assortment of chocolate bark, freshly-roasted nuts, and decadent truffles. I Love Chocolate! also carries a wide range of Ontario-made sweet and savoury snacks as well as ice cream and gelato.
The Breadalbane Inn
Where: 487 St Andrew St W, Fergus, ON N1M 1P2 (View map)
The Breadalbane Inn is one of the finest examples of Scottish architecture in the Fergus area. What began as a small stone cottage in 1851 is now a beautiful inn with seven rooms and two restaurants, the Fergusson Room Pub and Scozia Restaurant.
Scozia offers farm-to-table fine dining inspired by seasonal ingredients and the flavours of Italy. Order à la carte or opt for family-style dining options that are well-suited for larger groups. The beverage menu features many Ontario producers, including Elora Brewing Company (a local favourite!).
Outpost Bottle Shop
Where: 216 St Andrew St W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N7 (View map)
Outpost Bottle Shop is a craft beer bar, eatery and bottle shop in the heart of Fergus. The fridges are stocked with beer and cider from beloved Ontario makers – Bellwoods Brewing, Willibald, and West Avenue Cider, to name a few – while the ten draft taps feature a range of beer styles to pique your interest. Check out their Instagram for menu updates and the full roster of upcoming events.
The Goofie Newfie
Where: 105 Queen St W, Fergus, ON N1M 1T7 (View map)
Step into this laid-back pub on the banks of the Grand River for a taste of Newfoundland! The Goofie Newfie’s menu is chockfull of Maritime favourites, like fish and chips, donair, and fries with gravy and Newfoundland dressing (a seasoned bread crumb mixture). For dessert, don’t miss another Maritime classic, the blueberry grunt (made with fruit and lightly sweetened biscuit dough).
Brew House on the Grand
Where: 170 St David St S, Fergus, ON N1M 2L3 (View map)
Brew House on the Grand has been a community staple since the early 2000s. The heritage building has had many lives – first as a private home, then as a flour mill, chick hatchery, and even serving as the Fergus Police Department before being transformed into Brew House on the Grand. You’ll find 18 beers on tap alongside a menu of classic pub favourites, and in the summer, the patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the Grand River’s sights and sounds.
Tapavino Wine & Tapas
Where: 216 St Andrew St W, Fergus, ON N1M 1N7 (View map)
Tapavino is a small and intimate restaurant focusing on tapas, a style of food that is meant to be shared. Their menu celebrates the amazing bounty of Wellington County and Ontario – their stellar supplier list includes Beverly Creek Farm, Hoppy Fields Farm, The Mushroom Ladies, Valeriote’s Butcher Shop, Fraberts Fresh Foods, St Jacobs Market, and Calehills Farm. The selection of cold and hot tapas is designed to be shared, so order a few plates and dig in!
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