Nicknames can really make a place memorable: “The Big Apple” is nearly interchangeable with New York City, and you can’t hear “The City of Lights” without thinking of Paris. Right here in Ontario, a few beautiful cities carry nicknames that might pique your interest. If you’ve ever wondered why London is called the Forest City, why Elgin County is so known for its trains, and whether it really is always sunny in Orillia, these foodie itineraries are for you!
Keep scrolling or click below to jump directly to a specific destination:
- Orillia & Lake Country: History and Seasonal Dining in the Sunshine City
- London: An Array of Tasty Treats in the Forest City
- Elgin County & St. Thomas: A Confluence of Flavours in the Railway City
Orillia & Lake Country: History and Seasonal Dining in the Sunshine City
Orillia and Lake Country is located just 90 minutes from Toronto, but it feels like stepping into another world, where lakeside living rules supreme. The surrounding area is known as Lake Country due to its abundance of (you guessed it) majestic lakes; the region stretches northward from the shores of Lake Simcoe, along the beaches of Lake Couchiching, and up towards Sparrow Lake and the western portion of the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Orillia is known as the “Sunshine City”, taking the moniker from its role as the fictional “Mariposa” in the book Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town by Stephen Leacock, first published in 1912. As you stroll through town, you’ll notice that many local businesses also use “Mariposa” in their names. The Leacock Museum National Historic Site on the shores of Lake Couchiching welcomes visitors to tour the home of Canada’s beloved humorist and learn more about his contributions to Canadian culture.
An ideal escape to Orillia and Lake Country is all about adventure followed by a little relaxation and of course, great food. Diners looking to enjoy the seasonal bounty of the region will be happy to learn that Orillia is home to four Feast On® certified restaurants. This certification is granted to businesses that are committed to supporting Ontario farmers and producers. Restaurants undergo a thorough audit to ensure that they are sourcing a certain amount of Ontario-grown or -produced ingredients.
By choosing a Feast On® certified business, diners are supporting the local food system and getting a true taste of the province. Win-win!
Delicious Dining in Orillia & Lake Country
Whether you’re looking for a fun spot to bring the family or a romantic evening out, Orillia & Lake Country features a wide variety of restaurant options. Ready to enjoy some amazing seasonal, local food? Try these tasty spots:
The Common Stove
Where: 27 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
Owners Simon MacRae & Darcy MacDonell know food: MacDonell was the owner/operator of Toronto’s FARMHOUSE tavern for 8 years, while MacRae’s resume includes The Chase and BlueBlood Steakhouse, two highly-regarded fine dining establishments in Toronto. In 2020, the two joined forces to open The Common Stove in Orillia.
Chef Ben Kersley masterfully uses the wood-fired grill to turn out an exciting menu that includes wood-fired scallops, grilled bok choy caesar salad, and juicy prime-cut steaks. On the beverage side, look for their extensive selection of curated international wines, Ontario craft beer, and innovative cocktails.
PICNIC Tapas & Wine Bar
Where: 140 Mississaga St E, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
PICNIC, the sister restaurant to the Common Stove, is part old-world tapas bar, part old-town grocer. The casual atmosphere sets a perfect stage for cuisine inspired by the tapas bars of Southern France & Northern Spain, where the focus is on delicious small bites and great conversations with friends. PICNIC’s menu includes charcuterie from Seed to Sausage, smoked fish by Milford Bay Trout Farm & SmokeHaus, and cheeses from Orillia’s own Rind & Truckle Cheese Shop. Want to take a picnic to go? Head to the provisions shop for snacks, cheeses, charcuterie, house-baked sourdough, and over 75 world-class wines and local beers from Ontario craft breweries.
The Hog & Penny
Where: 9 Matchedash St N, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
The third sister restaurant to The Common Stove and PICNIC, The Hog & Penny is a passion project to round out three incredible dining experiences. Known as Orillia’s Pub, The Hog & Penny is an authentic British pub in the heart of Downtown Orillia. With a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a pint and some classic bangers n’ mash!
The Ktchn
Where: 3000 Line 11 N, Oro-Medonte, ON. (View Map)
Situated within the clubhouse at Braestone Club, The Ktchn features menus as lively as the views of the valley that extend beyond its bar and dining room. Inspired by the remarkable location, but open to creative interpretations and flavours, The Ktchn’s well-crafted cuisine is characterized by an eclectic perspective expressed through diverse dishes and fare. The maturing beverage program features a curated list of small production wine and beer, and an assortment of thoughtfully craft cocktails, unique gins and bubbly from Ontario and beyond. With engaging guest experiences like a classic steak dinner, shared nachos, and playful dessert options, The Ktchn provides a place to create memories. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants for 2024!
Lighthouse 45 at Rawley Resort
Where: 2900 Kellys Rd, Port Severn, ON. (View Map)
Experience the art of dining at Rawley Resort with a newly revamped menu. Lighthouse 45’s culinary team has curated a selection of dishes that blend the best of local flavors, seasonal ingredients, and sustainability practices. From savory entrees to delectable desserts, every bite is a journey through culinary excellence. Savour a dining experience that celebrates the essence of Rawley Resort, along the shores of the Trent-Severn Waterway.
FARE Restaurant
Where: 50 Museum Dr, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
Nestled beside the grounds of the Stephen Leacock Museum & Historic Site, FARE Restaurant is a destination for heritage and dining! Indulge in delicious cuisine while dining on the stunning waterfront patio at FARE. Explore a diverse menu options and enjoy a memorable dining experience on the intimate shoreline of Brewery Bay, located just off Lake Couchiching.
Rustica Pizza Vino
Where: 132 Mississaga St E, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
Nestled in beautiful downtown Orillia, Rustica Pizza Vino is an open-concept pizzeria serving beautiful Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza that is inspired by Italy and created locally! Rustica sources from neighbourhood farmers, brewmasters & pasta makers to help stock the kitchen with the highest quality local products. These local products combined with specialty meats, cheeses, olive oil, tomatoes & wine imported from Italy allow Rustica to prepare all of their simple yet flavourful menu items in-house. Enjoy a vino from a long wine list, a creative cocktail or one of the region’s local brews on the large European-styled patio during the warmer months. As it cools off, let the cozy interior and a hot Italian beverage warm you up. Whether it is date night or a big family dinner, Rustica has a table for you.
Shine Plant Based Kitchen
Where: 144 Mississaga St E, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
In downtown Orillia, Shine Plant Based Kitchen’s menu is built to cater to taste buds! All of Shine’s menu items are plant-based and almost everything can be made gluten-free. Menu items change on a regular basis in order to include the freshest produce and incorporate what is in season, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible.
Webers
Where: 8844 Hwy 11 S. Orillia, ON. (View Map)
Webers has been an iconic local landmark since 1963! This classic charcoal BBQ spot has locals and tourists alike lining up for burgers and milkshakes. They are one of the few operators left in North America who continue to use the traditional charcoal method. This place is so popular that it even built its own pedestrian overpass over Highway 11! Enjoy french fries, hamburgers and more, end with a delicious milkshake or ice cream cone as you take in the orange bridge and the train dining car. Fun for the whole family!
Satisfying Sips in Orillia & Lake Country
Start your day at an artisanal cafe with unique charm and a warm atmosphere. Check out craft breweries, wineries, and cideries that take farm-to-glass to heart on beautiful farmsteads. End the day with friends discovering a local wine bar or traditional pub steeped in history and specialty experiences. If you’re thirsting for a tasty tipple, Orillia & Lake Country has you covered:
Provenance Wine Bar and Commissary
Where: 11 Peter St S, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
Provenance is an intimate, upscale wine bar and restaurant serving an extensive wine list, paired with creative dishes featuring local ingredients. Owner Doug Cooper’s commitment to local sourcing runs deep; he works closely with Dragon Acres Farm to create a hyper-local, seasonal dish that changes week to week.
Beer and cider is sourced from Ontario purveyors, while the extensive wine list features award-winning wines from Niagara Region, France, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, and the Napa Valley. You can also find this wide selection of wine available for purchase in The Commissary.
Quayle’s Brewery
Where: 4567 Line 12 N, Coldwater, ON. (View Map)
Nestled in the heart of Oro-Medonte, just ten minutes from Orillia, Quayle’s Brewery is a stop for those looking to discover the art of craft brewing while enjoying the rustic charm of farm life. The brewery was built in 2016 as a re-creation of the Musical Barn, a 19th century local landmark that stood for over a century before being torn down in the 1970s.
Today, the beautiful barn is surrounded by 12 acres of flourishing hop-yards that allow the Quayle’s Brewery team to make good on their farm-to-glass philosophy. Stop by the taproom to try one of their 14 rotating taps, or opt for a flight to sample a few core, seasonal & speciality brews.
Couchiching Craft Brewing Co.
Where: 162 Mississaga St E, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Orillia, Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. stands as the quintessential destination for those seeking a rich craft experience unlike any other. Just steps from the shores of Lake Couchiching, Couchiching Craft Brewing Co is your go-to destination for quality food, beer, events and more! CCBC’s cutting-edge production system allows them to brew both large and small-scale batches of award-winning craft beer.
The Taproom offers a full eat-in and bar experience which extends to the patio — one of the largest in Downtown Orillia. Red Seal Chef, Brandon, transforms local and fresh ingredients into delectable bites that pair perfectly with our selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Woodfolk Cider
Where: 151 Warminster Sideroad, Coldwater, ON. (View Map)
At Woodfolk Cider, the philosophy is simple: Great apples make great cider! This new cidery in Oro-Medonte has apples at their core. Growing apples on their home farm and two neighbouring farms with 56 different varieties and counting. Visit the cidery and their farm store for a tasting and enjoy beautiful orchard vistas while you sip the finest farm-to-glass cider.
Lone Wolf Cafe
Where: 10 Matchedash St S, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
This stylish café is a must-see attraction in Downtown Orillia, located just across the street from Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. This friendly specialty coffee shop has a warm atmosphere with summer outdoor dog-friendly patio. Be sure to stick around for Lone Wolf After Dark events, where the café switches from coffee to cocktails with specialty menus, themed evenings and live music.
Em’s Cafe
Where: 16 Coldwater Rd, Coldwater, ON. (View Map)
In downtown Coldwater, Em’s Café features great coffee, grilled sandwiches, and gourmet baked goods in a cozy classic café. In the summer, their outdoor patio sparkles under a rainbow of colourful umbrellas. This cycling friendly café also features boutique items featuring locally made products.
Cabin Trading Post
Where: 3270 Port Severn Rd, Severn, ON. (View Map)
The hidden gem of Port Severn, The Cabin Trading Post it the epitome of a cottage country café. A curated experience of premium coffee & tea, quality comfort food, Cabin cocktails & craft beers in a cozy Cabin by the water in Port Severn. Chill on the patio, dine inside or take your Cabin provisions on your adventure to go.
Tasty Treats in Orillia & Lake Country
The wafting smell of freshly baked goods, freshly poured maple syrup, the sweet treat from a craft chocolatier – taste your way through Orillia & Lake Country at these bakeries, confectionaries, and farmers’ markets:
Poppies Bagel Company
Where: 42 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
Welcome to Poppies Bagel Company, where passion meets dough to create the perfect bite every time. From classic favorites to inventive twists, Poppies handcrafted bagels are made with love and served with a smile. Indulge in the ultimate bagel experience, where every moment is a celebration of flavour, freshness, and community.
DWN Craft Chocolatier
Where: 21 Peter St S, Orillia, ON. (View Map)
A sensation for the senses, DWN Craft Chocolatier has a chocolate flavour for every occasion. To all the midnight stargazers, to the courageous cat herders and campfire singer-songwriters. To the up-all-night vinyl listeners and ice cream truck chasers. To the Olympic dock divers, marathon fiction readers, and tour-de-town bike riders we salute you. Dawn Nita has made a collection of delicious chocolate in flavours that are fun, comforting and familiar, for all your everyday adventures. Visit her storefront nestled in downtown Orillia where chocolate is handcrafted on site!
Chelsea Chocolates
Where: 3239 Penetanguishene Rd, Barrie, ON. (View Map)
Chelsea Chocolates was started in 1995 by two friends with a desire to create “melt in your mouth” chocolates using fresh cream, butter, high quality ingredients and the finest Belgian chocolate. While ownership has changed since then, Chelsea Chocolates’ philosophy of great chocolate remains. Stop into their storefront in Craighurst, Oro-Medonte, just off Hwy 400 and pick up a delectable treat.
Hewitts Farm Market & Bakery
Where: 3331 Town Line, Coldwater, ON. (View Map)
Hewitts have grown their own sweet corn since 1976, baked delicious butter tarts and fruit pies for nearly as long, and produced their own maple syrup since 1994. The amazing owners and products make this an amazing, must-see business!
The Hewitts Family Farm is owned and operated by the Hewitt Family and they are committed to providing amazing baked goods, local quality products, and the freshest Ontario fruits and vegetables available anywhere. The Market includes fresh Ontario seasonal fruits and vegetables, breads and baking, homemade jams and preserves, local artisans, high quality meat, homemade entrées, dairy, local honey and Hewitts maple syrup. It also has a Fun Farm play area and Mini Golf course out back (seasonal with additional entrance fee).
London: An Array of Tasty Treats in the Forest City
If hearing “London” makes you think of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, we don’t blame you – with the Thames River running through the centre of town and Covent Garden Market keeping residents fed and happy, London, Ontario shares many names with London, England. It’s no coincidence, either: London and the Thames were named after the English city and river by John Graves Simcoe, the British-born lieutenant governor of Upper Canada in the 1790s.
Today, London is a large and vibrant metropolitan area in Southwestern Ontario. The city is home to nearly 500 parks and an estimated 4 million trees. With so much greenery, it’s no wonder that London is known as the Forest City. Residents are proud of this nickname, and you’ll spot the moniker in some of London’s most popular experiences, like Forest City ComiCon, the Forest City Film Festival, and the award-winning Forest City Culinary Experiences.
In the fall, London’s canopy turns red and gold, a perfect time to partake in leaf peeping along the accessible trails at Springbank Park or Sifton Bog. After you’ve worked up an appetite in one of London’s many green spaces, it’s time for a snack! Whether you have a sweet tooth or need to satisfy a savoury craving, London has the goods. Let’s hit the trails:
For your sweet tooth: The Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail
The Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail features a plethora of stops that are sure to please casual sweet fans and serious sugar connoisseurs alike! This self-guided experienceallows you to try as many tasty treats as your heart desires. The best part? All of these stops are downtown and within easy walking distance of one another! Simply sign up for the digital passport to access some special offers and rewards. Now you’re ready to start exploring these stops at your own pace:
Black Walnut Bakery Cafe
Where: 724 Richmond St, London, ON. (View Map)
The must-try: The cranberry white cheddar scone and the cruffin, a croissant/muffin hybrid filled with egg custard or whipped cream
Covent Garden Market & Outdoor Farmers’ Market
Where: 130 King St, London, ON. (View Map)
The must-try (inside): Decadent cream puff donuts at Culbert’s Bakery or Zoran’s apple cinnamon dessert strudel at Hot Oven
The must-try (outdoors on Saturdays through November): Gourmet cookies at The Dough Joe Bakery, sweet and savoury baked goods from Jumping Ovens, or Turkish goodies spiced with saffron and cardamom at Polina’s Nostalgic Treats
Grace Restaurant
Where: 211-215 Dundas Street, London, ON. (View Map)
The must-try at the restaurant: Check out this sit-down experience for a gourmet four-course prix fixe meal that concludes with your choice of dessert made with local and seasonal ingredients.
Their brunch is one of the best in the city as well with fun takes on classic eggs bennies, mimosas and more!
Jill’s Table
Where: 115 King St, London, ON. (View Map)
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The must-try: This haven for home cooks and professional chefs carries a huge selection of specialty food items and cookware. Don’t forget to display your trail passport with the purchase of Arva cornbread or cinnamon beer bread mix for your very own spatula to take home!
London Bicycle Cafe
Where: 320 Thames St, London, ON. (View Map)
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The must-try: Stop by this café for a Dutch-inspired afternoon tea service, then rent some bikes to explore the area!
Saisha’s Patisserie
Where: 208 Piccadilly St Unit 4, London, ON. (View Map)
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The must-try: Beautiful mini cakes in every shape and flavour, or the classic salted chocolate chip cookie. Mobile pass users get 10% off their purchases!
Don’t forget: There are more stops on this trail, so don’t forget to register for the free trail passport to collect them all!
For your savoury cravings: The Old East Village Dumpling Trail
If handcrafted dumplings are the epitome of food made with love, then the Old East Village Dumpling Trail is love overload! This self-guided international tour of dumpling goodness features classics like Polish pierogies and Nelapese momos, plus tasty additions from Mexico, Korea, Italy and more. Best of all, the 8 restaurants on this tour are concentrated around Dundas Street, so it’s easy to make multiple stops in one outing. Ready, set, dumpling:
Korean: Bella’s Acacia Catering
Where: 630 Dundas St, London, ON (View Map)
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Bella’s Acacia Catering is a go-to for Korean cuisine. Their vegan kimchi dumplings are stuffed with house-made medium spicy kimchi and spinach. The eye-catching yellow, green, and purple wrappers are dyed using natural ingredients.
Caribbean: Authentic Flavour Restaurant And Catering
Where: 630 Dundas St, London, ON (View Map)
Fry dumplings are a staple of Caribbean cuisine, where they’re typically enjoyed alongside traditional dishes like ackee and jerk chicken. These delicious fried dumplings make a warm, delicious side.
Polish: Unique Food Attitudes
Where: 697 Dundas St, London, ON (View Map)
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Pierogies are a boiled dumpling closely associated with Polish cuisine. Unique Food Attitudes serves up a variety of savoury pierogies; they even have a strawberry pierogi plate for dessert! For a fun Polish-Canadian mashup, try the Polish poutine, which features pierogies topped with goulash sauce.
Chinese: So Inviting
Where: 876 Dundas St, London, ON (View Map)
So Inviting is a traditional Chinese bakery with a variety of delicious grab-and-go dumplings and potstickers. Pick up an order of juicy pork dumplings to snack on while you explore the funky murals around Old East Village.
Nepalese: Momos at the Market
Where: 900 King St, London, ON (View Map)
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Head to the Western Fair Market to try momos, a meat- or vegetable-filled dumplings originally from Nepal and Tibet. Momos at the Market makes their momos by hand and serves them up with a rich tomato, coriander, and garlic sauce.
Mexican: True Taco
Where: 900 King St, London, ON (View Map)
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True Taco has been specializing in Mexican and Salvadorian food since 2009. Their take on dumplings is the empanada, a deep-fried tortilla pocket filled with bean, chicken or chorizo and topped with lettuce, parm, and tangy crema.
Italian: Tony’s Famous Italian
Where: 980 Dundas St, London, ON (View Map)
After immigrating from Calabria, Tony Ianni immediately got to work, opening Tony’s Famous Italian Restaurant in 1961. Italy’s answer to the dumpling is panzerotti, a huge deep-fried pocket filled with your favourite toppings and cheesy, saucy goodness.
Vietnamese: Vietnam Restaurant
Where: 1074 Dundas St E, London, ON (View Map)
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Vietnam Restaurant serves deliciously authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Head to this staple of the London food scene to try hoành thánh tôm cua, a deliciously-balanced wonton soup with shrimp and crab dumplings.
Bonus: Discover London’s Thriving Craft Beverage Scene
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Good news for thirsty folks: London is home to a number of craft breweries that are brewing up a range of beverages for every palate. Grab a few pals and plan a tasting tour of London’s craft breweries:
Anderson Craft Ales
Where: 1030 Elias St, London, ON (View Map)
This 100% family-owned and independent brewery is slinging top-quality craft beer without compromise. Their taproom menu includes classic beerhall snacks and burgers. Join them for Sunday brunch and try the pork belly and eggs!
Storm Stayed Brewing Company
Where: 169 Wharncliffe Rd S, London, ON (View Map)
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Come for the delicious beer, stay for the vibes! In addition to their rotating list of draft beer, you’ll find fantastic American-inspired dishes to a delicious touch to your visit. Get an order of deviled eggs (or two if you’re not big on sharing).
Forked River Brewing Co.
Where: 45 Pacific Court, Unit 4, London, ON (View Map)
Forked River Brewing Company, London’s oldest operating craft brewery, offers a spectrum of craft beer and social events along with award-winning food in the taproom! Kyle’s Fried Chicken is open inside the taproom from Tuesday-Saturday, while Pizza Mane pop up every Sunday.
London Brewing
Where: 521 Burbrook Pl, London, ON (View Map)
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London Brewing is one of very few certified organic independent craft breweries in Ontario, and their beer celebrates the hard work and wisdom of local farmers. On The Move Eats is on hand to dish up local comfort food and simple fare in the taproom.
Beerlab! London (soon to be Supply & Demand Beer & Pizza)
Where: 420 Talbot St Unit 3, London, ON (View Map)
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Beerlab! has been brewing up small-batch craft beer for over 5 years, and they’re currently in the process of expanding their operations to include a full-service restaurant dedicated to pizza! Keep an eye on their social channels for updates.
Toboggan Brewing Co.
Where: 585 Richmond St, London, ON (View Map)
Toboggan offers a small selection of flagship beers alongside an always-changing roster of seasonal beers and one-offs that might never be seen again! Their brew pub serves a full menu of tacos, barbecue meat platters, Neapolitan pizzas, and more.
BackRoads Brews + Shoes
Where: 1295 Riverbend Rd, London, ON (View Map)
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Looking for a unique craft beer experience? Backroads Brews + Shoes offers running shoes, clothing, accessories, gear, and craft beer to-go. The in-store taproom offers a wide assortment of craft beer, wine, kombucha, cider and coffee, perfect for socializing after a run, hike or walk! Check out their own BackRoads Spring Fed IPA in cans or on tap.
Elgin County & St. Thomas: A Confluence of Flavours in the Railway City
Head south of London towards Lake Erie and you’ll find yourself in Elgin County. In the 1800s, St. Thomas was selected as the county seat thanks to its convenient location midway between Buffalo and Detroit, and several railways were constructed through the city in the late 19th and early 20th century. By World War I, there were 8 different railways operating in St. Thomas, with over 100 trains a day passing through the city, thus earning St. Thomas the title of Railway Capital of Canada!
Train buffs, don’t miss the Elgin County Railway Museum and the Canada Southern (CASO) Railway Station. The Museum houses an incredible collection of rolling stock including steam, diesel, and electric engines, cabooses, baggage cars, passenger cars, motor and hand cars, velocipedes and more. CASO Station is a private event venue with beautifully-restored exteriors; they occasionally host ticketed events that allow guests to check out the interior, too.
After you’ve spent a few hours exploring the region’s rich heritage, it’s time to eat! Elgin Tourism and the City of St. Thomas have joined forces to create the Taste Guide, a comprehensive listing of delicious experiences throughout the region. Here are just a few ways to experience the wonderful fall flavours in Elgin County and St. Thomas:
Stock up on pumpkins and fall produce at local markets
Pro tip: Most outdoor farmers’ markets wrap up their season in late September/early October, but these stops are open late into the fall/winter!
Horton Farmers’ Market
Where: 10 Manitoba St, St. Thomas, ON (View Map)
*Closes for the season on Nov. 2
The Horton Farmers’ Market has been an integral piece of St. Thomas since 1878! The local vendors at this market sell fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, plants, herbs, flowers, soaps and lotions, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, artisanal foods and unique hand-crafted items. Save the date for their holiday market on November 16th and stock up on gifts for everyone on your list!
Old Imperial Farmers’ Market
Where: 516 John St N Unit 6D, Aylmer, ON (View Map)
*Open year-round; Saturdays from 8am-3pm
The Old Imperial Farmers’ Market is named after the Imperial Leaf Tobacco Co., which operated in the building from the mid-1940s to 2005. Today, this vibrant local market features a wide array of gourmet food and artisanal goods. There’s even a play area for your little ones. Don’t forget your reusable bags!
Fire Hall Market
Where: 218 Joseph St, Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
*Open year-round; daily from 10am-5pm (closed Tuesdays)
Unlike other beach communities, Port Stanley has a strong community of full-time residents, allowing this market to remain open all year long. Stop by to discover wonderful local flavours and pick up fresh produce for your next meal.
Howe’s Farm Market & Country Bakery
Where: 11143 Highbury Ave S, St Thomas, ON (View Map)
*Closes for the season on Dec. 23
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If it’s in season and grown in Ontario, you can find it at Howe’s! You’ll find a huge array of local produce alongside fresh milk, artisan cheese, and locally-butchered meat. In the prepared foods section, stock up on sauces, dips, pickles, frozen meals, and tasty baked goods.
Explore taprooms for every taste bud
Ready to raise a glass? These great local breweries and wineries are a great spot to take a break while exploring Elgin County:
Railway City Brewing
Where: 130 Edward St, St Thomas, ON (View Map)
Since 2008, Railway City Brewing has been paying homage to the region’s rich past by crafting exceptional brews. They even brew Dead Elephant IPA, a full-bodied ale that memorializes Jumbo the Circus Elephant (click here for the sordid tale). Try a few samples in their taproom or grab a selection of cans to go.
Natterjack Brewing
Where: 25292 Talbot Line, West Lorne, ON (View Map)
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Natterjack Brewing was founded by the family of the late Matt Soos, who passed away suddenly in 2015. Soos was passionate about craft brewing, and his family picked up the mantle, first by bringing Natterjack Toad Ale to market in collaboration with Muskoka Brewery before launching their brewery in 2018.
Proceeds from the brewery support the Matt Soos Memorial Project Brew Scholarship at Niagara College, where Matt was an alumnus. They’re not open every day, so check Instagram for the latest updates.
Caps Off Brewing
Where: 168 Curtis St Unit C, St Thomas, ON(View Map)
What started as Fran Dunseith’s obsession with home fermentation turned into a home brewing hobby for husband Rick. As the home brew setup outgrew the kitchen, then the basement, then the garage, friends kept pushing them to open a craft brewery to make these delicious beers more widely available. Today, Caps Off Brewing produces a small range of classic beers for every palate. Enjoy them in the taproom alongside a lumberjack pizza or soft pretzel.
Quai du Vin Winery
Where: 45811 Fruit Ridge Line Central Elgin, ON (View Map)
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Looking for a unique and memorable wine-tasting experience? Look no further than Quai du Vin Estate Winery (future home of Skye Chase Winery), situated in the stunning countryside of Central Elgin. With its prime location nestled among lush vineyards and rolling hills, Quai du Vin offers and idyllic setting for sipping lovely wines from this emerging region. Enjoy a guided tasting, take in the breathtaking scenery as you sip on a glass of your favourite wine, or explore the vineyards at your leisure.
Discover a confluence of international flavours
Want to get a delicious taste of the world in Elgin County? These tasty spots are open all year long:
Izzy’s Schooners Restaurant & Patio Lookout
Where: 35 Robinson St, Port Burwell, ON (View Map)
Restaurants along the shores of Lake Erie tend to be seasonal, but if you’re craving crispy fish and chips with a view, head down to Izzy’s Schooners! Choose from yellow perch, pickerel, or haddock. Make like a local and stop by on Wednesdays for the weekly fish & chips special.
Riva Italian Restaurant
Where: 191 Carlow Rd, Port Stanley, ON (View Map)
Riva is inspired by the rustic elegance of Italy’s coastal regions. Inside, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces fills the air; outside, the sound of gentle waves sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. On the menu, you’ll find a range of pizzas alongside local ingredients like Lake Erie pickerel. Port Stanley Brewing Company is under construction next door; keep an eye on their social channels to be the first to know when they open!
The Fritter Shop St. Thomas
Where: 779 Talbot St, St Thomas, ON (View Map)
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Founder Kelvin Van Rijn is a Dutch immigrant who grew up in his family bakery, where the apple fritter (a Dutch New Year’s tradition) was the star. In 2016, he launched his own shop dedicated to this delectable treat. Fritters come in a range of flavours, but the classic is a round pastry filled with a fresh slice of apple and a custard middle, then fried and dusted in a cinnamon sugar.
Beach Patties
Where: 29 Wellington St, Port Burwell, ON (View Map)
If you’ve got a hankering for Caribbean patties curries, stews, or jerk meats, head to Beach Patties for a slice of Trinidadian goodness in Port Burwell Beach!
Lotus Thai
Where: 295 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON (View Map)
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At Lotus Thai, Chef Pom Quangvan-Montague takes inspiration from her family roots in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand to create a menu that is true to her heritage. This family-owned and operated restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients to prepare authentic Thai dishes in a beautiful heritage setting.
Sam’s Diner and Pizza
Where: 178 Main St, West Lorne, ON (View Map)
Sam’s Diner is the place to go for Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine in a casual setting. They also serve all-day breakfast, pizza, and gyros, so there’s truly something for the whole family!
The Gordita Shop/La Cocina
Where: 99 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON (View Map)
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At The Gordita Shop/La Cocina, everything is handmade from scratch! This Mexican/Mennonite restaurant is known for its namesake, the Gordita, a corn tortilla stuffed with your choice of delicious fillings. Don’t skip the churros for dessert!
The Clay Oven
Where: 648 Talbot St, St Thomas, ON (View Map)
The Clay Oven serves top-quality authentic Indian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find dishes from all over India, including lamb and beef biryanis, veggie and seafood delicacies, and crowd-pleasing butter chicken.
Ontario is full of surprises
Have you explored Ontario’s Highlands yet? This natural playground where adventure-seekers come to explore is also home to a vast array of different adventures and flavours. Ready to discover a wealth of experiences in Ontario’s only 100% rural tourism destination? Read on:
