Fall road trips are a great time to set off for parts unknown. Grab your besties (or your sweetheart), roll the windows down, turn the music up, and away you go!
Along the way, enjoy the bursts of red and orange fall foliage around every corner. Oh, and did we mention that there are sweet treats at the end of your drive? Just pick the fall flavour that makes your heart sing and let these self-guided culinary trails do the planning!
Ready to hit the road? Keep reading or click below to jump directly to the tour that makes your heart sing:
The Apple Pie Trail in Southern Georgian Bay
Every September, Canadians divide into two camps: those who equate fall with pumpkins, and those who crave all things apple as soon as the air turns cold. If you’re team apple, you’ll be pleased to learn that along the coast of Southern Georgian Bay, there is a trail specifically dedicated to this crunchy fall fruit: the Apple Pie Trail! Put together by Blue Mountain Village, it’s a must-try activity at any time of year, but it’s particularly delicious in the fall.
Where is the Apple Pie Trail?
Intrigued by this idea, but not sure where Georgian Bay is located? This large bay is part of Lake Huron, one of the five Great Lakes, which is split between the province of Ontario and the US state of Michigan. The drive from Toronto is under three hours, and it will take you through a beautiful section of countryside known as the Niagara Escarpment.
What is the Apple Pie Trail?
The Apple Pie Trail includes 28 stops in Blue Mountain Village/Craigleith, Beaver Valley, Thornbury, and Meaford where visitors can sip and savour all things apple all year round. Just hop in your car and visit these stops during their regular hours to experience the crunchy, sweet and tangy goodness.
We’ve broken our list down into types of experiences, so you can choose your destination(s) depending on your mood. While this list isn’t exhaustive, we’ve picked a few of our foodie favs you don’t want to miss out on. Let’s get going!
Cider, Wine & Craft Beer
There is no better way to sample different varieties, seasonal features, and learn more about the process and facility than taking advantage by taking a tour, enjoying a flight, or sampling with the perfect food pairing. Here are six local beer, wine, or cider producers where you can wet your whistle:
Georgian Hills Vineyards
Where: 496350 Grey County Rd 2, Clarksburg, ON. (View Map)
Georgian Hills Vineyards, located in the beautiful Blue Mountains, Ontario, produces cool climate, unique and exceptional wines. During your tour, you’ll enjoy seeing the blossoming vines on the hills overlooking the escarpment. They also produce premium cider on-site at Ardiel Cider House, where the team presses heritage apples such as Cortland, Ida Red, McIntosh, Russet and Spartan to craft traditional, flavour-packed dry cider.
Grey & Gold Cider
Where: 788171, Grey County Rd 13, Clarksburg, ON. (View Map)
Grey & Gold Cider is a sustainable, farm-based cidery in the heart of Grey County’s apple country. They produce a variety of award-winning, farm-to-glass ciders using apples from their six acre orchard. Don’t miss the Wildflower variety, a dry cider steeped with organic chamomile and other wildflowers from the farm.
Spy Cider House & Distillery
Where: 808108, Side Rd 24, Clarksburg, ON. (View Map)
Spy Cider House and Distillery is a mission-driven cidery that aims to pay tribute to the Blue Mountains through the production of excellent local fruit of ciders and spirits. The distillery turns out five types of spirits, including apple brandy and apple eau-de-vie. The estate ciders are made with local apples, pears, and blackcurrants. If you’re feeling snacky after your samples, the taproom has small bites prepared by The Gate, a local restaurant.
Thornbury Village Cider House & Brewery
Where: 90 King St E, Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
The apple packing industry took root in Thornbury in the 1880s, when immigrants discovered that the mineral-rich Niagara escarpment soil made for an excellent location for growing apples.
The Thornbury Village Cider and Brew House was originally an apple storage building, so their apple roots run deep! Thornbury produces ciders that are true to the dry, crisp style of English ciders while remaining Canadian through and through. They serve light snacks for kids and adults in the taproom.
Dining
Taste what the region’s best chefs do with the humble apple. From pizza and and pie to craft cocktails and more, you do not want to miss these stops.
Bruce Wine Bar
Where: 8 Bruce St S, Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
Hint: Bruce Wine Bar is tucked away behind TD Bank, but we won’t blame you for claiming that you discovered this Feast On® certified spot on your own! This wine bar was born out of a love of wine, a passion for food, and an interest in unique spaces.
Items on the globally-inspired menu are sourced from local farms & producers in the community. Enjoy a selection of wood-fired pizzas, seasonal entrees and sustainably-sourced seafood, all paired beautifully with house-crafted cocktails, Ontario craft beer or wines from the sommelier-curated list.
Past fall favourites have included everything from their Squash & Apple Pizza topped with roasted squash, matchsticks of apples from Goldsmith’s, herb ricotta and a cream base sprinkled with pumpkin seeds as well as their ‘Nature’ cocktail featuring reposado tequila, house vanilla liquor, ginger, mulled honey crisp and lemon.
Après Snack Bar at Penny’s Motel
Where: 141 King St E, Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
Après at Penny’s is a must-visit spot on the trail! This charming and eclectic spot isn’t apple-centric per se, but it’s your gateway to all the apple goodness in Thornbury and Clarksburg.
Après Snack Bar serves an array of tasty bites, including oysters, pizzas, seasoned popcorn and elevated Jamaican duck patties. Need a place to rest your bed? These accommodations are seriously cozy.
The Alphorn Restaurant
Where: 209881 ON-26, The Blue Mountains, ON. (View Map)
The closest you’ll get to a real Swiss Alps dining experience in Ontario, the Alphorn is a favourite cozy, kitschy dining spot in the heart of ski country! Don’t miss the raclette, a famous Swiss appetizer made with aged Raclette cheese melted to perfection & served with potatoes, gherkins, pearl onion & cherry tomatoes. Most meals can (and should) be served with a side of tart apple sauce. Top off your meal with apple strudel made exclusively for The Alphorn by Thornbury Bakery!
Firehall Pizza Co.
Where: 162 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON. (View Map)
Modeled after a Northern Ontario firehall, Firehall Pizza Co. offers an authentic Italian menu, creative cocktails, and lots of local beer and cider options. Enjoy the firehall-themed décor while devouring your pie, and don’t miss their seasonal Apple Pie Trail cocktail, the Caramelized Apple, which includes rye, butter ripple schnapps, and Goldsmith’s hot apple cider.
Kaytoo Restaurant & Bar
Where: 176 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON. (View Map)
Kaytoo is a cozy, rustic eatery and nightspot serving up classic Canadian fare in the heart of Blue Mountain Village. Enjoy their Apple Pie Trail dessert of handmade apple pie dumplings made with local Thornbury apples, served with French vanilla ice cream, cinnamon sugar, caramel sauce and apples julienne.
The Pottery Restaurant
Where: 110 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON. (View Map)
Located at the base of the Valley Express, inside the Blue Mountain Inn, The Pottery Alpine Restaurant offers creative menus that focus on local, fresh ingredients inspired by the Georgian Bay Region. For dessert, don’t skip the phyllo-wrapped cheesecake topped with Collingwood Whisky caramel sauce and caramelized local apples – a decadent way to taste the Apple Pie Trail!
Thornbury Bakery Café
Where: 12 Bruce St S, Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
The Thornbury Bakery has been a landmark of the area for over 80 years. This beloved family-run business is famous for its fresh Chelsea loaf, sticky buns and fresh bread made from scratch. The café offers a full breakfast and lunch menu as well as frozen meals to go. Whether you’re dining in or taking your treats on the road, don’t miss the classic Red Prince apple pie (a Trail favourite)!
Arts & Culture
If you want to discover the history of apples in Southern Georgian Bay or you’re looking to enjoy some art along with your snacks, try these two stops:
The Cheese Gallery
Where: 11 Bruce St. S, Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
The Cheese Gallery is a one-of-a-kind cheese shop featuring cheeses from around the world alongside specialty foods, drinks and works of art made by local artists and artisans. Located on Thornbury’s main street, you’ll walk into the Cheese Gallery’s bright space and immediately smell the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, feast your eyes on gourmet foods and enjoy the ambiance. This unique experience offers a “taste of the area” with cozy seating, a wine/tea bar, gourmet foods, and exceptional artisan cheeses.
Meaford Museum at the Harbour
Where: 111 Bayfield Street, Meaford, ON. (View Map)
With over nine thousand artifacts in their collection, Meaford Museum revolves around Meaford’s rich heritage, with a special emphasis on apples! Check out the apple exhibit to discover the history of the local apple industry, from the original farming families of Meaford to the production process to today’s modern technologies. (Closed on Sundays)
Bakeries, Farmers’ Markets & More
Looking to grab a few ready-made goodies or stock up on apples so you can bake and press cider at home? These bakeries and farmers’ markets have the goods:
Blackbird Pie Co.
Where: 236768 Grey County Rd 13, Heathcote, ON. (View Map)
Blackbird Pie Co. serves – you guessed it – pies, pies, and more pies! Apple lovers will be delighted to find three varieties on the menu (classic, Dutch apple, and caramel apple), all made with local Northern Spy apples. Too early for pie? Try the apple crumble muffin, a delicious way to enjoy breakfast before exploring the region.
Farmers Pantry
Where: 788030 Grey County Rd 13, Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
Farmers Pantry is the perfect stop for families! This working apple farm offers a wide variety of activities, such as petting zoo, mini-golf, cedar maze, ropes maze, an obstacle course and tire tower, and apple-picking (naturally!). Stop by the farm store to pick up apples, apple pies, butter tarts, maple syrup, local honey, organic sparkling cider, organic apple cider vinegar, beautiful local pottery and much more. (Open seasonally from June to November)
Goldsmith’s Farm Market and Bakery
Where: 207600 ON-26, Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
Goldsmith’s is owned and operated by the Oakley family, which has been growing apples and heirloom vegetables in their orchard and gardens for generations. Head to the bakery for some apple crisp, or try the Thornberry pie, made with apples, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries with a crumble crust. This trail stop is the perfect place to pick up a few groceries, local and handmade desserts, or an unforgettable apple to go.
Meaford Farmers’ Market
Where: 1 Don Bumstead Dr, Meaford, ON. (View Map)
The Meaford Farmers’ Market is a wonderful opportunity to support local vendors every week! Pick up fresh, local fruits and vegetables, premium meats, delicious preserves and baked goods, beautiful arts and crafts, and other great locally-made products. The market is also home to tasty food vendors and live music. (Fridays from 3-7pm, seasonally from June to October)
T&K Ferri Orchards
Where: 496415 Grey County Rd 2, Clarksburg, ON. (View Map)
The Ferri family has been in the apple business for 92 years! T&K Ferri Orchards practices “super spindle” growing, which has allowed them to far exceed the industry standard in terms of trees by acre; this helps reduce labour costs and pesticide use. Stop by their farm-gate market for fresh apples, cider, and local honey. (Open seasonally during the harvest season in September and October)
Thornbury Farmers’ Market
Where: 30 Mill St, The Blue Mountains, ON. (View Map)
Every Sunday, the Thornbury Farmers Market pops up at Smith Memorial Park, beside the Town Hall! Head over for fresh produce, homemade pastries, and artisanal goods from producers in Thornbury and all over South Georgian Bay. (Sundays from 10am-2pm, seasonally from May to October)
Don’t forget: There are nearly 30 stops to enjoy along the Apple Pie Trail. Print out the map or download the app to make sure that you’re not missing out on any gems!
The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour
Looking for an iconically Canadian way to eat your way through Ontario this fall? The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour is just the trick.
Where is Kawarthas Northumberland + What is a Butter Tart?
The area known as Kawarthas Northumberland is located midway between Kingston and Toronto. It stretches from Highway 401 north past Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, a popular spot for hiking and canoeing. This region is known for offering some of the best butter tarts in Ontario – so much so that they’ve created their own butter tart tour with over 40 stops on the map!
But first: what is a butter tart? These small, round pastries are filled with a soft butter and sugar filling and a crunchy top. Of course, there are endless opinions and variations on this dish – thin vs. thick pastry; gooey vs. more solid filling; not to mention the inclusion of nuts or raisins. No matter how you like your tarts, though, just know that you’re enjoying a classic Canadian delicacy.
While the origins of the butter tart are hazy, most agree that the tarts stem from a combination of European origins brought over by early colonists in the 1600s. Today, “The butter tart is 100 per cent Canadian,” says Chef Anna Olson.
What is the Butter Tart Tour?
The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour is a year-round self-guided tour that includes dozens of stops throughout the region. Thankfully, the tour includes a nifty map that lists every stop, so you can plot a route and try tarts along the way. Try a couple of stops on route to your destination or stay at local hotels or inns to turn your visit to this beautiful area into a multi-day vacation.
Ready to start tracking down your ideal butter tart? We’ve made a handy list of stops by region, just for you. While we won’t list every stop on the tour, we’ve picked a few we think you’ll love. Start the car!
Just off Highway 401
Pulling over for a quick roadside snack? These stops are just moments from Highway 401. No guarantees your steering wheel won’t be a little sticky though. #WorthIt
Betty’s Pies and Tarts
Where: 7380 County Rd 2, Cobourg, ON. (View Map)
Betty’s specialties are their butter, fruit and cream pies and tarts – including their award-winning butter tart! They also carry a variety of squares, cookies, sausage rolls and meat pies, so there’s something for everyone.
Ste. Anne’s Bakery
Where: 252 Academy Hill Rd, Grafton, ON. (View Map)
Ste. Anne’s Bakery was born from a desire to extend the nourishing experience of Ste. Anne’s Spa. Starting as a small initiative to offer gluten-free goods to spa guests, it quickly became a beloved bakery and café cherished by locals and visitors alike. Check out this certified gluten-free bakery for butter tarts, breads, cookies, cakes and scones, using ingredients sourced from local suppliers wherever possible!
The Big Apple
Where: 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne, ON. (View Map)
If you’re driving along Highway 401’s eastern side, you can’t miss a huge red apple sitting in a field near Colborne village. That’s Mr. Applehead, the world’s largest apple-shaped structure! You can venture inside Mr. Applehead and climb up to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of Cramahe township. When you’re done enjoying the views, head inside to try their classic butter tarts alongside all things apple.
Lalies & The Dutch
Where: 7 King St W, Cobourg, ON. (View Map)
Lalies is committed to using high-quality ingredients in their baking. The fridges are full of fresh grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, and the pastry case is overflowing with croissants, danishes, and of course, butter tarts! Sweet tooth? Try their turtle tart variant with pecans and chocolate.
A Few Near Peterborough
The word is out — we love visiting Peterborough. Headed that way? Check out these stops in and around the city to pick up butter tarts as a perfect gift for your host if you’re visiting friends (or a crushable snack for yourself, best enjoyed on the shores of the Otonabee River.
Blackhoney Café, Bakery, & Catering
Where: 221 & 217 Hunter St W, Peterborough, ON. (View Map)
Blackhoney is a Feast On® certified café and bakery in the heart of Peterborough. A favourite hangout for university students looking for something a little less cafeteria-inspired, they serve brunch and lunch in the café, while the bakery carries a range of grab-and-go pastries, including their award-winning butter tarts. Gluten-free folks, rejoice: the bakery also produces gluten-free butter tarts!
Kawartha Buttertart Factory – Peterborough
Where: 1135 Lansdowne St W Unit 20, Peterborough, ON. (View Map)
The Kawartha Buttertart Factory & Bakery specializes in traditional and decadent tarts, tea biscuits, pies, breads, cookies, muffins, squares, and fritters. Their butter tarts come in regular and mini sizes for those who just want a bite-sized treat. Try the maple bacon tart for an unusual salty and sweet combination.
The Good Baker Café
Where: 590a Skyway Drive, Peterborough, ON. (View Map)
You can find The Good Baker at the Peterborough airport (yes, Peterborough has an airport!). Check out this spot for breakfast or lunch, then grab a butter tart or two to enjoy while watching planes come and go.
Silver Bean Café
Where: 130 King St, Peterborough, ON. (View Map)
Silver Bean Café has two locations in Peterborough: a seasonal spot in Millennium Park, billed as a waterfront cottage in the city, and a year-round location in the Canadian Canoe Museum atrium. Is there anything more Canadian than enjoying a butter tart at the Canoe Museum?
Alongside the butter tarts, you’ll find a full brunch and lunch menu that features traditional ingredients like manoomin (Canada’s only native cereal, which can be found locally in Pigeon and Rice Lakes).
In Lakefield
Stuff’d Ice Cream, Bakery and Café
Where: 18 Bridge St, Lakefield, ON. (View Map)
Stuff’d is located in the historic Hamblin’s building beside the river in the beautiful village of Lakefield, Ontario. Pair your butter tarts with a scoop or two of Central Smith Creamery pumpkin pie or Dutch apple pie ice cream to truly immerse yourself in fall flavours.
The Nutty Bean Café
Where: 33 Queen St, Lakefield, ON. (View Map)
The Nutty Bean offers great coffee and delicious food in a cozy atmosphere in downtown Lakefield. In the café, they feature organic, fair-trade, shade-grown coffee by the cup or beans by the bag, which pairs perfectly with a classic butter tart.
Lakefield Bakery On Queen
Where: 127 Queen St, Lakefield, ON. (View Map)
At Lakefield Bakery, Baker “T” (Theresa) takes butter tarts seriously! Her family were bakers in Holland before immigrating to Canada, where they became bakers in Whitby in the 1950s.
Today, the bakery carries a range of artisan bread and pastries, including many gluten-free options. Pro tip: Take your treats down to the picnic tables at the marina to enjoy a nice moment by the water.
Around the Kawartha Lakes
Argyle Farm Market
Where: 264 Glenarm Rd, Woodville, ON. (View Map)
Argyle is a classic farm market that carries homemade pies and other goodies alongside their range of produce. From a distance, you can spot a large sign advertising “butter tarts” – they turn these popular treats out by the hundreds every day! Passing through on the weekend? Pop into the antique store across the street for a perfect small-town experience.
Buttertarts ‘N More
Where: 1037 Little Britain Rd, Little Britain, ON. (View Map)
Listed as a destination on the Kawarthas Nothumberland Butter Tart Tour is Little Britain’s Buttertarts’ N More! Don’t forget to stop by and indulge in a sweet treat!
The Little Pie Shack
Where: 6 Francis St E, Fenelon Falls, ON. (View Map)
You can’t miss the Little Pie Shack’s vibrant hot pink exterior! The menu features fresh, delicious pastries and sandwiches made with bread from the nearby Kawartha Bakery. They carry three versions of their best-selling butter tarts: plain, raisin and pecan.
In Bobcaygeon
Bobcaygeon Bakery
Where: 9 King St E, Bobcaygeon, ON. (View Map)
Bobcaygeon Bakery offers sweet and savoury baking, including seasonal specialties and cottage-country classics. Head baker Theresa also runs Lakefield Bakery On Queen! Whether you’re team walnut, raisin, or plain, their butter tarts make the perfect afternoon snack.
Don’t forget: There are over 40 stops on the Butter Tart Trail, so use the map to plot your own itinerary and get ready for a sugar rush!
Have a Delicious Fall
No matter which trail you choose (although … why not both?), we think you’ll have a very delicious fall!
