From Farm to Table
What better way to see and learn how our food is grown and processed than with agritourism opportunities right here in Bruce County.
We are fortunate to have a number of markets and farms where we can do just that. Here are some fantastic options for agritourism in Bruce County.
NOTE: Dates and hours are subject to change without notice. It’s best to look online or call ahead to ensure that the establishments on this list are open during your visit.
Pick Your Own Farms
One easy way to support the local community and know exactly where your food comes from is to visit one of the Pick Your Own Farms in Bruce County.
Smiths’ Apples and Farm Market in Port Elgin
Address: 470 The River Rd, Port Elgin, ON
Apple might be in the name but you’ll find much more than that at Smiths’ Apples and Farm Market! Visit this family-run venture with friends and family in tow as you pick your own apples and pumpkins in their bountiful orchard. Pop by the farm store and peruse the variety of local produce, freshly baked pies and plenty of other tasty treats. Smith’s Apple Farm also has a corn maze and plenty of room for the kids to run and climb over hay bales. There’s even a play area with a giant tube slide!
Keyzer’s Fruit Farm in Paisley
Address: 3584 Bruce Road 1, Paisley, ON
A stroll through the rustic pick-your-own trees is a fall staple for many in Bruce County. Keyzer’s Fruit Farm awaits you with open arms as you choose from 14 different varieties of apples as well as pears. Carefully select from Ambrosias, Mutsus, Crimson Crisps and more as you let the world stop for a moment and enjoy the natural beauty around you. Of course, you can always pop in and grab a bushel that’s already been picked, but the experience is in doing it yourself! Plus, you never know what feathered or furry friends you may meet along the way.
Farrell’s Pick Your Own in Ripley
Address: 1347 Concession 12, Ripley, ON
Farrell’s may be a dairy farm but they’ve taken the leap into becoming a pick-your-own farm and as such, a pillar in the agricultural community of Huron-Kinloss! This is the place to be come October for pick-your-own pumpkins, bales, corn stalks and mums. Inside their farm store, you’ll find even more goodies like honey and maple syrup. There’s plenty of fun to be had for the kids with wagon rides, a corn maze and their beautiful sunflower field. Or, come visit on a Friday night for a spooky walk through the maze… if you dare!
Visit a Local Farmers Market
Did you know that Bruce County has over ten farmers’ markets for folks to visit? Take a look at this list and see what market is close to you for a visit during your time in our region!
Lion’s Head Farmers Market
Address: 1 Forbes St, Lion’s Head, ON
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from Victoria Day until Thanksgiving
More than just a market, the Lion’s Head Farmers Market transforms the beach into a weekly event full of festive fun and live music. Kids can enjoy the slides and swings while the adults mix and mingle to catch up with one another and make new friends. You’ll find a wide range of local and organic eats, plenty of baked goods and treats, as well as crafts. Between the produce, meats, cheeses and baked items, you’ll easily have your groceries for the week before you’ve even seen the whole market!
Garden in Thyme Country Market
Address: 3088 Bruce County Rd 9, Lion’s Head, ON
When: Hours fluctuate, open April until December
On your way to and from town along County Road 9, Garden in Thyme Country Market has a wide range of produce, natural health products, honey, maple syrup and more. They also carry a number of local artisans and vendors as well as a gorgeous selection of plants. Folks that do their own baking say Garden in Thyme has some of the best baked goods around, especially their pies and scones!
Georgian Bay Country Market on Highway 6
Address: 267 Highway 6, Wiarton, ON
When: Sunday-Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. May to October. Windmill Cafe is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you’re driving with the windows down along Highway 6, you just might smell the delectable aroma of baked goods from Georgian Bay Country Market. It’s the perfect spot to pick up ingredients you may need for your getaway in Bruce County. Fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season, bread, buns, muffins, locally-made sausages, beef, pork and even game meat can be found here! Enjoy a coffee and bite to eat at their Windmill Cafe with a beautiful pond backdrop and browse their greenhouse and purchase items from local artisans!
Wiarton Farmers Market
Address: Parkette at 590 Berford Street, Wiarton, ON
When: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving weekend
The Wiarton “Parkette” is the place to be every Friday morning from May to October as you mix and mingle with the locals to find the best ingredients at the Wiarton Farmers Market. Snag your local produce, plants, maple syrup and more while supporting the local community. Plus, you’ll find some incredibly talented artists with a variety of handmade items that will make your home or cottage extra cozy.
Lakeview Vendors Market – Wiarton
Address: Bluewater Park at 400 William Street, Wiarton, ON
When: Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving weekend
Say hello to our iconic groundhog as you head to Bluewater Park right on Georgian Bay for the Wiarton Vendors Market. While the farmers market has a heavy emphasis on food, this market is more about antiques, candles, clothing and jewellery. There are certainly some snacks to be found though! Admire the handiwork of local vendors and then enjoy the hustle and bustle of the harbour for a lovely way to spend your day in Wiarton.
Lakeview Vendors Market – Sauble Beach
Address: Sauble Town Square at 5 Lakeshore Boulevard North, Sauble Beach, ON
When: Monday, Thursday and Friday in July and August from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Head to the heart of Sauble Beach where you’ll find rows of colourful tents to greet both locals and visitors alike. The Town Square happily welcomes over 30 vendors with items like candles, handmade soaps, honey, second-hand books and a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods. It’s the perfect way to start your day before setting up shop on the beach for some fun in the sun!
Hi-Berry Farm
Address: 5639 ON-21, Port Elgin, ON
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from May to October
As you drive down Highway 21, your eyes will gravitate to giant signs for asparagus, strawberries and more. This is where you’ll find the sprawling fields of Hi-Berry Farm that grow delicious fresh produce. What you see is what you get because everything they sell is what they grow… but that does mean limited quantities so if you see their sign for your favourite fruits and vegetables, make sure to pull in right away because it might not be there later on!
Port Elgin Farmer’s Market Downtown
Address: Corner of Bricker and Green Street
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays from June to September
Port Elgin is one of the area’s biggest towns and the Farmer’s Market has some of the biggest variety you’ll see in Bruce County! Pop by on Wednesdays to check out what the local farmers and artisans have to offer in the heart of town. From soaps to olive oil to wood products, paintings and more, you never know what you may find at this downtown market!
Artisans & Tastes Market
Address: 26 Albert St S, Southampton, ON
When: Fridays from 9a.m. to 2 p.m. from July 1 to September 2
Hosted by the Marine Heritage Society which runs boat tours to Chantry Island, the Marine Heritage Market Square is a lively place to be on Fridays in the summer! Meander the tents of over 40 gifted artisans and vendors, each bringing their own unique skills and products to Southampton. There’s certainly something for everyone, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike!
Kincardine’s Market in the Park
Address: 707 Queen St, Kincardine, ON
When: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Victoria Day to Labour Day
The majority of us may loathe Mondays but they’re a great day to be in Kincardine! Head to Victoria Park for the town’s Market in the Park where you’ll find vendors offering local produce, baked items, woodworking, toys and crafts… the possibilities are endless. Plus, its close proximity to town means it’s easy to make a full day of it as you hit up a patio and pop into the local shops! Don’t forget to soak up the sun a bit at Station Beach so bring along a bathing suit and towel.
Farm to Table Restaurants
Of course, if you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else then farm-to-table restaurants are certainly a fantastic option. Treat yourself to a meal or grab some takeout at these amazing spots in Bruce County.
Bonfire on Queen in Paisley
Address: 342 Queen St N, Paisley, ON
As the only FeastON certified restaurant in Bruce County, Bonfire on Queen offers a fabulous Italian-inspired menu with unique twists that speak to British roots and a global experience. Centred in the agricultural heartland of Bruce County, here you’ll find weekly pizza and pasta specials that showcase the best seasonal ingredients you can find locally. Paired with a forever-changing assortment of local craft beers as well as an expertly curated wine list, you’ll find flavours here that you can’t get anywhere else. We hear the meatballs are unreal!
Grassroots Farm in Lucknow
Address: 760 Bruce Road 86 RR#1, Lucknow, ON
Living on the farm is a way of life as you live based on the season, eating what’s garden grown in the summer and what has been preserved for the colder months. Grassroots Farm offers a way for folks to slow down, even if it’s just for a short while, to appreciate the little things in life with their wood-fired pizzas. This isn’t just any pizza however as it’s a unique food experience celebrating good, sustainable food. Working seasonally with local farmers and producers, these hyper-local, nutrient-dense pizzas are all about sharing the backyard bounty with those who visit – and it’s certainly a pizza you won’t forget!