Ready for an epicurean adventure this fall? Take a drive through the scenic countryside of Ontario and Quebec to sip and savour regional specialties from local producers and farmers.
From craft beers and artisanal chocolates to fine wines and fancy fromageries, these six gourmet food and wine tours are sure to awaken your taste buds.
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Prince Edward County Wine Tours (Prince Edward County, ON)
Prince Edward County is home to more than 40 wineries, each producing their own signature varietals that reflect the unique terroir of the region. From the cool-climate chardonnays at Closson Chase to Hinterland’s signature sparkling wines and award-winning Pinot noir from Stanners Vineyard, it’s easy to spend an afternoon sipping tasting flights from the County’s celebrated winemakers. Those who want to imbibe en route can plot out a personalized gourmet food and wine tour by hiring a private driver and guide for the day. Reduced capacity and enhanced sanitation measures are currently in place at all wineries in the region.
Eastern Townships Cheesemaker Circuit (Eastern Townships, QC)
Fabulous fromage awaits cheese lovers in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Take a gourmet food tour through the region and visit more than a dozen cheesemongers and dairy farms along the official Cheesemaker Circuit. Sample and shop for unique varieties of milk, sheep and goat cheeses from homegrown producers such as Fromagerie Cornes et Sabots – an ecological estate known for its friendly farm animals – and Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a picturesque Benedictine monastery on the shores of Lake Memphremagog.
The Chocolate Trail (Stratford, ON)
Satisfy your sweet tooth in the storybook town of Stratford, Ontario by taking a gourmet walking tour along The Chocolate Trail. Offered year-round, this seriously sugary self-guided tour offers visitors the chance to sample decadent take-away treats and confections from Stratford’s renowned bakeries, cafés and chocolatiers, including original creations like cocoa-infused porter beer and dark-chocolate balsamic vinegar. Popular stops along the route include old-fashioned bonbons from Rheo Thompson Candies and buttery shortbread from MacLeod’s Scottish Shop.
Chemin du Terroir (Laurentians, QC)
Take a drive through Quebec’s stunning Laurentians and get a true taste of the region along the official Chemin du Terroir. This signposted trail is one of Quebec’s most popular gourmet food and wine tours, taking visitors on a winding 226-kilometre trek through the enchanting landscape to discover handcrafted provisions from local artisans. From microbreweries to bakeries to boulangeries, this tasty gourmet tour highlights the bounty of this bucolic region.
Original Hamilton Beer Tour (Hamilton, ON)
Hamilton (aka: Steeltown) might be known for its industrial past, but the city is gaining notoriety as a key locale within Southern Ontario’s unofficial Beer Belt. Embark on an urban beer crawl and visit craft breweries like Grain & Grit, Collective Arts, and Merit Brewing to sample tasting flights and pints while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Private bus tours can be chartered for groups of up to 10, with all participants required to undergo a health screening before boarding and use masks and sanitizer throughout the duration of the tour.
The Cider Route (Montérégie, QC)
For apple fans, the Montérégie Cider Route is an absolute must when visiting the south-western part of Quebec. Spanning 140-kilometres, this rural cider trail features 10 apple-themed attractions, including cideries, orchards, wineries, distilleries and sprawling farm estates. Embark on a gourmet tour and meander through the scenic countryside while stopping along the way to get to know some of the hardworking farmers and producers behind some of the province’s best ice ciders, sparkling ciders and apple spirits.
