Home > Where Trails Meet Tastes: A Bruce County Escape

Where Trails Meet Tastes: A Bruce County Escape

Skip the crowds and soak up the good vibes, visit Bruce County Sunday to Thursday for shorter lines, quieter beaches, and a more relaxing getaway!

Come take an adventure and wander through charming towns and the countryside of Bruce County. From the welcoming streets of Mildmay and Teeswater to the charming towns of Ripley and Lucknow, each stop offers its own story waiting to be discovered.

Mildmay

When you arrive in the small town of Mildmay, you’ll be welcomed by its beautiful views of farmland and warm small-town feel. First stop, the Mildmay Cheese Haus where you can buy over 200 specialty cheeses and locally sourced products like Voisin’s Maple Products made in Formosa or Crust & Cackle Bread from Sauble Beach…and many more! Want to grab coffee for the road? Head over to Harley’s Pub for a fresh cup of coffee or get some lunch while you’re there. Try out their irresistibly flaky butter tarts! Fun fact, Owen Riegling grew up on a farm in Mildmay and named his first album “Bruce County”.

Teeswater

Discover the small-town charm of Teeswater, where the Teeswater River winds it way through the town. Take a leisurely walk along the riverbank or check out the nearby lavender fields at Essential Lavender. Essential Lavender Farms offer self-guided tours through the beautiful purple fields which create a stunning countryside experience, along with beautiful photo opportunities to preserve the memories of the glowing purple fields.

While in Teeswater, stop in at Gay Lea Country Store. You can find a variety of specialized dairy, like the Gold Sour Cream, cheese and a selection of home décor. Settle in for a relaxing breakfast or lunch topped off with a scoop of fresh ice cream for dessert from the onsite restaurant. While in Teeswater, make a stop at The Healing Arc for local sea buckthorn. Bring your own containers and pick your own berries. Sea buckthorn is fantastic to make jellies, juices, sauces and more.

Before you head out, make sure to swing by Hometown Pizza, a local favorite serving high-quality pizzas with unique one-of-a-kind topping combinations.

Lucknow  

As you drive into Lucknow, you’ll be greeted by a mural of Paul Henderson. Paul Henderson was native to Lucknow and scored the winning goal in Moscow (1972) for Team Canada!

Walk along the main street of Lucknow and make a stop and grab a freshly made butter tart from the noteworthy bakery Armstrong’s Home Bakery. Stop at Grassroots Farms (open Friday and Saturday evenings from June to September) for homemade woodfired pizza made from locally milled flour and produce. While you’re at Grassroots, take in a game of cornhole while having farm animals in the background. Pick up some farm- fresh eggs and flour at the farmstand (open daily) to enjoy at home!

Ripley

Tucked between farmland and the shoreline of Lake Huron, Ripley is full of local experiences and small-town hospitality.

Stroll through the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens and view the many rare and unique varieties of organic fruits and veggies growing!  Take some of the produce home to enjoy for a small donation!  Check out the Back Forty guide, Gather and Graze for the best spots to pick up everything you need for the perfect charcuterie spread while in town.  Make your way to FIG Studio Kitchen to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by local chefs.

Remember to Explore Safely and Sustainably

Remember that parks, beaches and farms are carefully managed eco-systems, not just awesome Instagram backdrops.

It’s our responsibility to leave nature untouched and preserve its beauty for future generations. When visiting Bruce County, prioritize sustainable travel practices. Here are a few tips to help you leave no trace:

1. Pack in, pack out: Be mindful of the waste you generate. Bring reusable water bottles, food containers and bags to pack out any trash and minimize your impact.
2. Stay on designated trails: Stick to marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent damage to flora and fauna. Resist the urge to venture off-trail.
3. Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed or disturb them. Remember, they are the rightful inhabitants of this land, and our presence should not disrupt their natural behaviour.
4. Capture memories, not souvenirs: Take plenty of photographs but resist the temptation to collect natural souvenirs like rocks or seashells. Leave them where they belong, as each element plays a vital role in the delicate ecosystem.

Remember to reduce your environmental impact while still exploring and having fun. Let’s make every adventure count for our planet!