Local Love Ontario: Where to Eat & Wander with your Family -

Local Love Ontario – Where to Eat & Wander with Your Family this Summer

It feels like forever-ago since we did a family travel post. I’ve missed it. All these life restrictions weren’t on our family vision board! 😉 Like many of you, we’ve had to post-pone/cancel Summer travel plans. So, we won’t be resorting or jet-setting to some of the exciting destinations we’d hoped (yep, our California dreamin’ getaway, among others, was squashed), but what a beautiful opportunity to soak in the gems right here in our province of Ontario we normally take for granted. We’ve been enjoying spontaneous day trips – most under or just over an hour from Toronto – and will share some of our favourites here: Local Love Ontario – Where to Eat & Wander with your Family this Summer!

*At the time of writing this, most destinations have specific safety protocols in place to operate responsibly due to COVID-19, including modified time openings, occupancy restrictions, sanitization/ requirements, crowd-control measures, etc., which may change over the course of the Summer. Definitely have a peek at their social channels (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) or main websites on the day you plan to day trip to avoid disappointment*

*If you’re not up for a full read, we’ve also shared tips + itineraries on our LocalLoveON highlight on Instagram and rounded up suggestions from fellow travel writers under our “Ontario Travel” board on Pinterest*

Disclosure: this post contains some recommendations from previous/current partnerships, meaning we earned/earn compensation and/or complimentary travel incentives. As always, opinions are our own.

Port Perry, ON (Scugog Township)

We’ve passed through Port Perry (about an hour from north Toronto) on the way to the family cottage for years without more than a quick pit stop at a local coffee shop. It was about time to give more attention, and I think your gang will be happy you do too.

There’s lots of FREE parking in the historic Downtown area (*we parked in Lot 4 off of Mary Street tucked behind the Post Office*) and all amenities suggested here accessible by foot.

Ontario Day Trip Family Port Perry Local Love

Suggested Itinerary (Saturday visit):

Grab takeout at one of the eateries off Queen or Water Street (most open at 11 am) & enjoy a family picnic in Palmer Park (*lots of shaded areas & picnic tables/benches*). We devoured the eats from Captain George’s Fish n’ Chips (*we got the Halibut family pack for 3 which was enough for the 4 of us*). For licensed patio dining, The Boathouse Grill on Water St. had the best waterfront view of Lake Scugog.
Take a stroll around the marina (or bring your lures along to fish), and cool off at the Palmer’s Park Splash Pad (*note: this part of Lake Scugog was not deemed safe to swim at the time of our visit*).
Pick up some farm-fresh goodies from the lakefront Farmers’ Market (opens at 8 a.m. every Saturday beginning in June).

If a frozen treat is an essential part of your day trips too, The Perfect Scoop across from Palmer’s Park will more than satisfy every flavour preference in your crew & then some. An array of handmade gelato & ice cream, smoothies & shakes are on the menu, including “Sorbetto” – a dairy-free option for lactose intolerant folks. Flavours we tried: Buttertart, Chocolate & Vanilla Gelato, double scoop of Pink Grapefruit + Green Apple Sorbetto (“Georgie’s Special”), and Strawberry Sorbetto – all verified dee-lish!

The “Georgie Special” – Green Apple + Pink Grapefruit Sorbetto combo @ The Perfect Scoop © House of Kerrs

Don’t leave without a pit stop into Hank’s Pastries – their cinnamon buns are world famous (DadChef’s fave dessert) & their apple fritters will melt in your mouth. (*Note: you can pre-order from Wed-Fri to avoid weekend line ups*)
Hit up Willowtree Farm before/after your downtown perusing – great quality in season fruit/veg, baked goods & locally sourced meats! Alternatively, pre-order your groceries online & do curb-side pick up!
If you’re looking for a great family resto in the area away from the downtown core, try out the legendary Haugen’s Chicken & Ribs (*featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here*). They have a nice selection of chicken & ribs meals paired with their well-loved dipping sauces, and even some vegetarian options. Fries & pies are made fresh onsite and the kids love their milkshakes. If you’d rather pick up then dine in, they have take out too!

We didn’t have time to explore some of the local gems accessible by car – Ocala Winery, Christel Lake Lavender Farm …but we’ve got them on our radar for the next time we pass through.

Terre Bleu Lavender Farm (Campbellville, ON)

Inspired by a trip to a lavender field in Quebec, The Baird family left urban life in Toronto to farm Ontario’s largest organic lavender grounds sprawling over 160 acres set in the middle of the Grand River Conservation area. How lucky are we for this magical, serene place tucked in the rural area of the Town of Milton (*about an hour west of the City*).

Terre Bleu Barn Photo Local Love Ontario

Three stunning, well-maintained fields in total to explore (*bring your wandering shoes*), plus the Yellow Bench Trail through the centuries-old cedar forest (*pause at the meditation circle*), an equestrian showcase, & on-site Apiary (*Honey-bee House*) and Distillery where they make the Essential Lavender Oils they sell in their shop.

NOTE: tours are self-guided & some activations were closed due to safety protocols. Limited tickets available exclusively to Email Subscribers & entry times controlled.

In addition to the over 50,000 different Lavender plants in bloom that make a gorgeous backdrop for finding calm, tranquility & photo opps, there are art installations like the famous Yellow Door, the symbolic large circle, Galena Gardens, and a large swing with a view. Sunflower gardens are strategically grown as a beautiful yellow complimentary hue to the purple haze.

Before you go, pop into the lavender-infused everything boutique for some giftables. We picked up some of their culinary delights – the Lavender Gouda Cheese, Culinary buds, pints of Lavender Ice Cream, Bleum Sparkling Water & Lavender Maple Syrup. *Optional: You can order goodies online & do curb-side pick up.

Sunflower Fields are at peak season Mid-August © House of Kerrs

Tidbits:

July through August (*high season*) are the best times to visit for bloom maturity; The sunflower fields are at peak bloom mid-August
Naturally, there are lots of bees pollinating throughout the grounds and in the lavender plants (be cautious when smelling up close)
Controlled entry times, sanitization stations & social distancing were well respected
There are 3 fields – 1 is stand-alone (the one with the Swing & Galena Garden*), and the other 2 about 100 metres away (*you’ll have to park twice if you want to see them all*).

The farm grounds are wheelchair & stroller accessible, although given the natural environment, some areas may be a bit more challenging to navigate.
Personal photography is welcome, but commercial photographers will require a permit
Leave your furry friends at home, this is a people-only farm.

Cobourg, ON

About an hour & ½ east of Toronto, the Town of Cobourg is a wonderful spot for family focused fun & food in Northumberland County. Our visit happened late Summer last year & remains one of our most favourite day trips. The retro lifeguard towers that line the beach evoke a feeling you’ve teleported to Cali or the Caribbean. Here’s the loose itinerary we followed:

We stopped at Burnham Family Farm Market for fresh produce & baked goods (cookies, biscuits, breads & fruit) to enjoy picnic style on the beach. It’s under 10 mins away from the beach core.
We parked adjacent to Victoria Park (paid lots) which gave us walking access to all the amenities we wanted to experience – beach, boardwalk, marina & shops/eateries
We spent about 3 hours on the Lake Ontario beach – nice white sand, the shore large enough families weren’t on top of each other and well-maintained. The beach is accessible for all with a mat stretched from the boardwalk to the water’s edge. You’re also within a short walk to public restrooms, a snack bar, small playground & splash pad which we enjoyed once the kids were beached-out (*check website/social channels before your visit to see how things have been modified for Covid-19*).

Cobourg Beach Marina Family Travel Ontario Local love

A jaunt down the boardwalk to the Marina from the beach was a highlight to boat-watch and get some family pics in front of the lighthouse.
We ended our day with some good eats – a late lunch at the newish Cucina Urbana (kid-approved options like pastas & the Eggplant Parm was delizioso!) & frozen treats from Harbourlight Delight right across – 24 soft serve ice cream flavours, slushies, funnel cakes & more…indecisive dessert pickers will be challenged 😉

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

A region that has stolen my heart and is good for the soul, just 1.5 hours from Toronto, soak in the sights, eats & historical culture amidst Ontario’s stunning Wine Country. I have suggested itineraries for:

Couples

Girlfriends

Mom-Daughter Date

Each of them including food & attractions options that could be modified to a family-friendly version. Tip – off-peak weekday trips highly recommended.

Pillitteri Estates Winery Niagara on the Lake

Grey County, ON

A family favourite region for all-seasons and just 1.5-2 hrs from the GTA, depending on how deep into Grey you go. And there’s so much more to experience than the popular Blue Mountain Resort (which we absolutely love…we’ve stayed at every on-property lodge & you can find our family favourite here) like the Apple Pie Trail, Conservation Areas, Water Falls, Cideries/Wineries & foodie haven that are scattered around the region in Meaford, Thornbury, Owen Sound & the outskirts.

The Resting Place Air bnb would make a fantastic, secluded oasis for your family’s stay, and pit stops to Thornbury Bakery & The Cheese Gallery on Bruce Street are a MUST!

The Resting Place Air BnB Grey County Ontario

The Resting Place Cottage Grey County, ON © House of Kerrs

If you’re looking for time to unwind sans kiddos, how does an exclusive dining experience with a 9-course Chef prepped tasting menu of Aboriginal cuisine in a natural, magical setting sound? Renowned Ojibway Chef Zach Keeshig with his talented culinary interns at Elephant Thoughts is now offering this one of kind, intimate dining experience at Riverstone Retreat in Durham Grey County. All courses are prepped using foraged/locally sourced ingredients. The first 3 courses are served outdoors by the Saugeen River (beautiful!) & from a restored wood-burning oven.

Wood Oven Sour Dough with Maple Syrup infused butter – Chef Zach Keeshig

Add on an overnight stay at one of Riverstone’s charming accommodations (either The Stone House, Eco-Nest or Authentic Restored CN Caboose Rail) with a feel good factor – all proceeds from bookings support developmental programming at Elephant Thoughts for disadvantaged youth. Book your immersive NAAGAN Foraged Feast dining experience ($100 pp) directly with Chef Zach via his Facebook page @Chef-Zach-Keeshig.

The Stone House Riverstone Retreat Ontario

Kawartha Lakes Region

Known as the “House Boat Capital of Ontario”, the Kawartha Lakes region is breathtaking & comprised of well over 200 lakes + rivers & roughly 1.5 hours north-east of Toronto. I’ve been travelling with hubs to this region since teenagehood & many Summer weekends spent at his family cottage near Coboconk (“Coby”).

We don’t usually venture far from the cottage, but some of our favourite spots to eat & wander are:

Butter Tarts n’ More – Little Britain, ON (a traditional family pit stop for tarts & veggie bread! They’re 1 of 50 stops along Ontario’s Butter Tart Tour!)
For families with the need for speed, you may enjoy Coboconk Go-Karts, Mini Putt, Candy Shoppe & Ice Cream Parlour (*offering just what their name says!*). We did not eat on premises, but did enjoy a 10 minute family ride ($20 pp) around their small, but fun go-kart track. Kids under 52″ must ride with an adult. (*disposable hairnets were offered to each rider & only one family was allowed on the track at a time).

The Pattie House (I’m laughing inside a tad adding this one – once a spot hubs & I let loose when we were young, wild & free, now a spot you can pick up or stay for family eats)
“Coby” is home to Canada’s Smallest Jailhouse – it’s now been converted to a craft shop & you can catch a glimpse of it running errands in town or visiting Thompson’s marina.
Balsam Lake Provincial Park – a short jaunt from downtown Coby up HWY 48, a very popular activity rich provincial park with a clean, gorgeous beach awaits. Definitely check the park’s website/social channels the day of before heading there to check on capacity restrictions.
The Kinmount Farmers’ Market (when restrictions from COVID lift, add the Kinmount Fair to your list too).
Hit The Butter Tart Bandits’ favourite four stops along The Buttertart Tour and head to the Farmers’ Market in Fenelon Falls

Kayak or SUP Board around the Trent-Severn Waterway
Visit the Beach Park, Just for the Halibut & Kawartha Dairy Headquarters in Bobcaygeon, ON – shoe lovers will also want to pop into the region’s famous Bigley Shoes & Clothing

Gallucci Winery – Piazza Dining in the GTA

A little taste of Tuscany just 30 mins outside of Toronto in Stouffville, Ontario, Gallucci Winery was a fabulous place for a family wine + dine. We had our son’s birthday dinner here last week – a special way to celebrate at a unique spot. Reservations are a must & tables are for 6 people max out on the Piazza (a la distancing) [*weather permitting – rain means cancellations*].

Gallucci Winery Ontario Fiat Fountain | Local Love Ontario

The menu is basic Italian fare with the usual suspects like antipastos, salads, brick-oven pizzas, paninis (no pasta) & Gelato for dessert [*mid-range prices $15 – 22 per item*]. The wine list is comprised of the vineyard’s offering – highly recommend the Donna Nella vino bianca (a nice blended white wine). There’s a pretty fountain, pond & lots of picture opps among the vines. Overall, a family-friendly spot, with satisfying casual dining amidst a unique ambiance & nice change of scene. TIP – book about a week ahead from when you want to go.

Friday Harbour Resort, Innisfill, Ontario

When it rained on birthday boy’s go-karting parade, we detoured and checked out Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfill which turned into a fun, spontaneous day trip. We parked along Sunreef Avenue (*FREE*) & grabbed take-out from The Beach Club for a beachy family picnic near the playground (*we tried the Turkey Burgers, Fish Tacos & Chicken Fingers + Fries – satisfied the hunger pangs but don’t expect fine dining quality*) *Reservations only for dine-in*. After, we went for a stroll along the wrap around boardwalk through the marina for fish & boat gazing then grabbed dessert at Beaver Tails & coffees at Starbucks.

NOTE: The beach loungers, pool & splash pad are for guests/owners use only. While we didn’t take advantage, there were bike & PWC rentals available. Hubs got googly-eyed for The Nest golf course on-site, which also has a clubhouse & other amenities. Overall, a nice spot to go for a stroll & dine {you can also stay at one of their rental units if you’re resorting this Summer}. One of our favourite restos is on premises – Fishbone – but is closed on Sundays & Mondays so we “missed the boat” ;).

King Township – Oak Ridges Trail at Seneca College

Some of our most favourite places to wander don’t cost a thing! For a few years now, hubs and I have been intentionally avoiding hyper-stimulating family activities & enjoying exploring the natural playground right in our own backyards via family hikes a whole lot more. One of our top picks for families is the Oak Ridges Trail at Seneca College in King, ON. It’s a mostly flat provincial recreational trail running the full length of the protected Oak Ridges moraine. It was a level “easy” according to AllTrails (which is an app to find trails suited to what you seek) and even with a bit of elevation very manageable for kids and all skill levels.

Best Family Hikes Ontario Oak Ridges Trail at Seneca College | Local Love Ontario

Eaton Hall – nature & Canadian history in one beautiful trek!

We entered from the Dufferin Street side and bypassed $2.50 parking at Seneca’s King Campus by parking along the road by the trail entrance (which is legal & many do). Lots of little streams and small bridges and a neat little stone-built fire hut the kids had fun chasing each other around.

Stumbling upon Eaton Hall overlooking Seneca Lake (former residence of Lady Eaton, gathering place for many Eaton Family celebrations & backdrop for several movies) made for a great history lesson and photo opp around the 1.5 km mark. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on a leash. The 9km trail is well marked. With kids ages 5 – 12 years old, we’ve still only conquered about 3 km of it so far, but we’ll keep trekking on as we grow.

Said to be best hiked April – October, we really enjoy a less busy experience in the Winter months too. With lots of little wetlands throughout, bring your bug spray if visiting in the warmer months. For more of the Best Hiking Trails for Families in Southern Ontario, check out our friends in family travel’s post over on Kathryn Anywhere Blog.

We’ve got some short getaways planned (including our first secluded overnight anywhere since lockdown to Tobermory), so we’ll keep adding to this as the Summer goes on. Note: Our kids range in age from 4 -12 years old, so all these recos were age appropriate for this bracket.

We’d love to know your family’s favourite spots to eat & wander responsibly in Ontario to get your Local Love ON!

Keep well,