Exploring the farm-to-fork movement in South Eastern Ontario
In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the tourism industry that has captured travellers' hearts and palates— the farm-to-fork experience.
This innovative approach to food tourism connects visitors with the origins of their meals, promoting sustainability, local economies, and an enhanced culinary experience.
Let’s take a closer look at what farm-to-fork tourism is all about and why it’s a must-try for your next travel adventure in South Eastern Ontario.
Farm-to-fork tourism, also known as farm-to-table, emphasizes the journey of food from its source to your plate. This concept prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, sustainable farming practices, and transparency in the food supply chain. It’s about knowing where your food comes from, how it’s grown, and who’s behind its production. By connecting travellers with local farmers and producers, farm-to-fork tourism offers an authentic and immersive culinary experience that is delicious and educational.
When you choose farm-to-fork dining, you’re supporting local farmers, artisans, and businesses, strengthening the local economy, creating jobs, and sustaining farming communities. Every bite you take contributes to the well-being of the region you’re visiting.
Farm-to-fork tourism champions environmentally friendly farming practices. This includes organic farming, reduced use of pesticides, and sustainable water management. By opting for farm-to-fork experiences, you support efforts to protect our planet and promote biodiversity.
Locally sourced food often means fresher and higher quality ingredients. Farm-to-fork restaurants prioritize seasonal produce, ensuring that your meals are bursting with flavour and nutrients. It’s a culinary delight that’s hard to beat.
Imagine dining at a restaurant where the chef can tell you the story behind every ingredient on your plate. Farm-to-fork dining offers a unique and intimate connection to your food, making your dining experience richer and more meaningful. You’ll leave with not only a satisfied belly but a deeper appreciation for the journey your food has taken.
Eating farm-to-fork means consuming whole, unprocessed foods packed with nutrients. This focus on fresh, natural ingredients contributes to a healthier diet and overall well-being.
From the scenic shores of the St. Lawrence River to the bustling farmers' markets, South Eastern Ontario is home to various farm-to-fork destinations.
Top spots to explore and events to mark on your calendar.
Open Farm Days in Frontenac County and Kingston, is the biggest annual event in South Eastern Ontario that supports agri-tourism. It’s an opportunity to explore rural roots and make a lasting connection with farmers, producers, and chefs in the region. Create memories while learning, and experiencing hands-on where food is grown. Open Farm Days connects farming and food in Frontenac and Kingston to help educate consumers about small-scale agriculture and increase awareness of farms and restaurants that serve local food. It’s also an opportunity to form connections between producers and consumers, and it provides opportunities for producers to start long-term relationships with other producers, restaurant owners and customers. Open Farm Days is held from mid-August through September. Check the website for up-to-date information as it becomes available.
Aug. 24: Farm to Table dining event at the historic Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre which will celebrate the partnership between Frontenac Counties and Kingston through a local culinary journey. Executive Chef Kevin Peters brings the farm to your table in an exclusive seven-course small-plate dinner experience.
Check out some of these fun-filled country experiences, including the Kingston Fall Fair, and the Frontenac County Plowing Match, where you can get up close and personal with some tools of the farming trade and enjoy some authentic country fun. Take note, the Canadian Plowing Match will be held Aug. 26-30 on Wolfe Island.
Visit the Frontenac Farmers’ Market in Harrowsmith and see what’s on the menu. An open farm day on Sept. 13 will feature a food and drink pairing event.
For that flavourful culinary experience, visit Bloom Farm and Rampart Kitchen as part of Open Farm Days on Sept. 14. Enjoy delicious food, local vendors, and a celebration of community—tour eight different stations offering food and drink pairings with ingredients from local farms in Frontenac County. Chef Elisa Corrigan from Rampant Kitchen will utilize local food from various farms in the region to serve a delicious selection for guests. Special offer for our readers enjoy 25% off tickets with the coupon code Gather.
The historic city of Kingston is a hub for local food and farm-to-table dining, with a vibrant culinary scene. Enjoy meals at Chez Piggy, AquaTerra, and Days on Front, where menus feature locally sourced ingredients.
Visit the Kingston Public Market, one of the oldest markets in Ontario, for fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
Looking to stay in Kingston? Check out a curated selection of Stay + Play packages to help you enjoy the Limestone City a little longer. Visitors staying at host hotels will receive complimentary Kingston Trolley shuttle service to and from MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company.
A Feast On® signature event will be held on Sept. 28 at Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Company from 5 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, this event will feature six talented Feast On® certified chefs, each showcasing their unique creations using the best seasonal produce and ingredients from the region, perfectly paired with Mackinnon Brothers’ craft brews and beverages from other local producers. Enjoy an evening outdoors, savouring delicious food and soaking in the autumn vibes on the farm as you wander the hops field. Bring your appetite and join fellow foodies for an unforgettable evening of farm-to-table delights and community spirit. Get tickets!
Known for its wineries, artisanal cheese, and farm-to-table restaurants, Prince Edward County is a top destination for food lovers.
Littlejohn Farm in Picton, is dedicated to cultivating a deeper connection between people and the food they enjoy. Through immersive experiences, guests are guided in understanding the journey of food from farm to table, with a strong emphasis on wholesome, healthy, and sustainable practices. The culinary experiences at Littlejohn Farm are crafted with the finest ingredients, all nurtured and harvested right on the farm in the heart of Ontario's scenic wine country. Discover upcoming events.
Visit renowned wineries like Rosehall Run Vineyards, Sandbanks Estate Winery, and Closson Chase Vineyards for wine tastings paired with local produce.
Dine at acclaimed restaurants such as Angeline’s Inn, and the Drake Devonshire.
Explore local farmers’ markets like the Wellington Farmers’ Market, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
The Waring House in Picton offers cooking classes for those inclined to do a little magic in the kitchen with some local ingredients.
Farm-to-fork dining options include Dinkel’s Restaurant, Courtyard, and Burger Revolution in Belleville, which focus on using locally sourced ingredients. Belleville Farmers’ Market is also a must-stop market when in the area. Visit farms like Grills Orchards for fresh produce and apple picking (in season).
Gananoque & Area
Known as the "Gateway to the Thousand Islands," Gananoque offers unique farm-to-fork experiences in a beautiful riverside setting. The Purple House Cafe and Stonewater Pub & Restaurant feature locally sourced ingredients and provide a cozy dining atmosphere.
The Gananoque Farmers' Market offers local produce, baked goods, and crafts, making it a great stop for farm-to-fork enthusiasts.
Visit Thousand Islands Winery for local wines and tastings that showcase the region's agricultural bounty.
There are many things to see and do while in this area of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
Enjoy a unique meal at the Furnace Falls Farm and pick up some local ingredients at Wendy’s Country Market, located in Lyndhurst.
Miller’s Bay Farm in Lombardy offers great options for homegrown goodness. Seasonal favourites include corn, squash, cucumbers, beans and even berries in spring and fall. The Miller family has been growing fruits and vegetables for 125 years. Their roadside vegetable stand is always a cornucopia of colours and flavours bursting at the seams.
No. 9 Gardens is a beacon of sustainable living and environmental education. This innovative farm-to-fork destination offers hands-on workshops and immersive experiences in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-friendly building practices. Visitors to No. 9 Gardens can explore permaculture gardens, participate in farm tours, and engage with community projects, all designed to inspire a deeper connection to the land and a commitment to sustainable living.
Kemptville offers a rich blend of rural charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for farm-to-fork tourism. The community is deeply connected to its agricultural roots, providing visitors with a variety of local food experiences.
The Kemptville Farmers’ Market is held on Sundays from May to October and features a wide range of local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts. It’s a perfect place to experience the local flavours and meet the farmers and artisans behind the products.
The Brigadoon Restaurant and Hard Stones Grill are known for their commitment to using fresh, local ingredients to create classic Canadian dishes with a contemporary twist.
If it’s a creative culinary experience you’re craving, check out Maison Maitland and learn to cook and experience a remarkable getaway.
The Brockville Farmers' Market, held downtown, offers a wide array of local produce, meats, and handmade goods. Enjoy a meal at The Mill Restaurant or 1000 Islands Restaurant & Pizzeria, which highlight local ingredients in their menus.
Visit local farms like Tincap Berry Farm for fresh berries and other produce during the growing season.
SDG Counties & Prescott-Russell
Save the Date, Sept. 7: Check out Savour East Ontario events when various farms in the community will open their gates to a fun day, Savour the Field: au cœur du champ. Participants will be able to see the map of participating places to visit as well as enjoy some recommended itineraries. Some stops will have snack boxes ready for purchase beforehand and others might have items available to buy once there. Each stop will have an activity or attraction.
Sept. 8 is the Festival of Flavours 2024, held on Main Street, Vankleek Hill. Come and enjoy food from local producers and around the globe during this free yearly foodies event!
Visit Marlin Orchards & Garden Centre for fresh produce and the Avonmore Berry Farm for berry picking and other seasonal flavours.
Dine at Sheep’s Head Bistro. This place is known for its commitment to using local ingredients and creating innovative dishes.
Springfield Farm Organics in Apple Hill, is an adventure waiting to happen. By showcasing its century-old barn buildings, picturesque family farm, market garden produce, maple syrup and honey, visitors will come to anticipate and return to Springfield Farm knowing they are welcome. A Yurt for a Glamping Stay is available for booking on AirBnB and Glamping Hub.
Visit during their annual event, Field and Feast September 14 & 15 for culinary delights, cultural experiences and fantastic music. This year’s food will be locally sourced and expertly crafted by Chef Margaret McCormick and her team. Plus, don’t miss a second day of Sunday fun disc golf tournament and vendor market. As a special offer for our readers enjoy 15% off tickets with the coupon code FeastOn. Get tickets!
Ferme Butte & Bine Farm is another neat spot to visit and stay overnight. The farm offers more than just a place to stay. There is a commitment to sustainable living and eco-friendly practices.
Dentz Orchards and Berry Farm near Iroquois offer a variety of seasonal favourites like corn, apples, and berries. This family-owned and operated business has been operating since 1957. They take pride in serving customers with fresh produce that offers exceptional taste and value.
Les Vergers Villeneuve and Blueberry Farm will host a local feast dinner on Aug. 27. This multiple-course meal is prepared by a professional chef using local products only and will include Héloïse Yelle providing entertainment during the meal. Les Vergers Villeneuve and Blueberry Farm hosted its first local producers’ market this spring. Visit the farm-to-table restaurant featuring prepared food and a newly added wine bar. From farm to wine, they not only grow some of the fruits but also collaborate with local farms to keep the freshness real. Come see for yourself.
Enjoy agritourism at Prescott-Russell Tourism. Experience authentic local food and drinks with the Broue & Chew Road Trip. Here’s the map to get started on a fun-filled day.
South Eastern Ontario is a haven for farm-to-fork enthusiasts, with each region offering unique experiences that celebrate local agriculture and sustainable practices. Whether you’re exploring Cornwall’s markets, dining in Brockville, touring farms in Gananoque, or enjoying the culinary delights of Belleville and Quinte, you’re sure to find fresh, flavorful, and locally sourced food that delights your palate and supports the community.
Take a delicious culinary journey through these charming towns and cities and discover the true taste of Eastern Ontario.
You can discover more stories and what's on the table at Ontario Culinary.
Bon appétit and happy travels!