2-Night, 3-Day Farm-to-Table Edible Road Trip
Good things grow in Ontario’s Highlands! From farm to table our growers and makers are crafting delicious artisan cheeses, meats, wines, ciders, beer, chocolates, and incorporating local ingredients into menus across the region.
Be inspired by this list of must visits for local food and experience the abundance of the region from a local perspective. You won’t even need to wait for a long weekend to follow this leisurely two-night, three-day farm-to-table edible road trip.
Day One
Today would be a good day for stretchy pants because you will neck-deep in excellent food and drink as you travel from Lanark County to the Ottawa Valley. Beginning in the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario, Lanark County, you can expect to find this natural sweetener to be front and centre in menus and ingredients.
For a more curated food and drink experience check out Lanark County's Sip & Savour Trail, a curated food and drink trail that highlights the best places to find excellent food and drink in Lanark County.
Start of Day One
Start Here: Carleton Place
Carleton Place has burst onto the food and drink scene these days, and is home to award-winning and inspiring eateries and specialty producers. Bring your appetite – today is a good day to skip breakfast so you can savour it here.
What to do here
• Freska is a popular breakfast spot in Carleton Place – order one of their thick and hearty waffles.
• The trending and award-winning Black Tartan Kitchen is a must-try while in Carleton Place.
• This satellite location for The Carp Custom Creamery (founded in nearby Carp) has the same fabulous choices for ice cream and sorbet, all made from scratch. Order one of their milkshakes for an old fashioned, hot summer day treat.
• The Good Food Co. is a local favourite for locally-sourced menu items made from scratch. Head here for a homemade soup and sandwich to eat-in or take on the road or to a prime picnic spot.
• Speaking of prime picnic spots, head to Riverside Park to picnic beneath one of the towering maple trees here.
• There are two breweries in town – check out Stalwart Brewing Co. and Braumeister Brewery, both found in the downtown core.
About the area
Park the car and still explore Carleton Place! The Chamber of Commerce rents out bikes from its downtown office for $5 a day. Call ahead and reserve to make sure one is available, and grab the free local cycling map to guide your trip.
Time Spent Here: You could spend the whole day here, but you will need to be on the road for your next stop by early afternoon to stay on track.
12 km • 11 mins
Next Stop: Almonte
Just 10 minutes from Carleton Place is the charming boutique community of Almonte, and they have plenty going on here in the food and drink scene, including some award-winning destinations. With the mighty Mississippi River as your backdrop, every bite will taste extra good.
What to do here
• A must visit is Dairy Distillery, where they are producing alcohol from dairy permeate. Try one of their cream liqueurs for something new (and sustainable).
• The award-winning Hummingbird Chocolate Maker is another must in Almonte. They source their cacao beans from sustainable growers all over the world, and use them to make their delicious bean to bar chocolates.
• The Sterling is a new and trending casual fine dining restaurant in downtown Almonte whose seasonally changing menus are sourced from local vendors, and small craft beers and wine from independent vineyards.
• The European-style bodega North Market's menu makes out of this world sandwiches with a European twist. Check out their bottle shop for unique ciders and craft beers.
• Stop and have a chat with the life-sized bronze statue of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball while you munch.
About the area
Dr. James Naismith, the founder of basketball, was born in Almonte, where the original homestead still stands today. Visit the Dr. James Naismith memorial statue on Mill Street, and get your picture taken with this Canadian legend.
Time Spent Here: Plan on at least two hours here.
17 km • 15 mins
Next Stop: Pakenham
Are you full yet? We hope not because there is more yet to come in this cute small town between Almonte and Arnprior.
What to do here
• Visit Cartwright Springs Brewery, just a few minutes outside of the village, and see what craft beer tastes like when made from sweet tasting artesian spring water.
• 1840s General Store can be your go-to for local products and when you're craving a made-from-scratch baked goods.
• Keepers Coffee Bar makes really good coffee and dishes up locally made baked goods (with gluten).
• Get some of your edibles to go and sit in one of the picnic tables at the Five Span Park overlooking the Mississisppi River and the historic Five Span Bridge.
• Keep your eyes open for farm stands in and around this area to pick up some fresh from the farm goodness as you travel.
• Visit Fulton’s Sugar Bush & Maple Shop before leaving the Pakenham area and pick up some of their maple syrup (check ahead for hours for the maple shop).
About the area
Cartwright Springs Brewery takes locally-made to a whole new level, using natural water from an artesian spring located on the property, just 15 metres away.
Time Spent Here: Plan on an hour to an hour and a half here.
78 km • 56 mins
End Your Day: Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to live off the land, Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork can help. These small farmers create gourmet foods from ingredients grown on their property (think organic pierogi or grass-fed beef sausage rolls). They also operate an accommodation option that sleeps up to six people and are a great place to spend the night. Waken with the birds and try out being a farm hand for a day. Pro tip: Pack a pair of old jeans and long sleeve shirt to do the “farm chores.”
What to do here
• Check out the farm and ask how you can help out! These folks offer a “Farmer for a Day” option as well, and you can even learn to milk a goat. Check their website for booking details.
• Check in with Brooker’s Cider and see if they are doing tastings or are open for sales so you can plan when you will make a trip out there.
• Book a dinner picnic in the pasture (or in your accommodation) for a farm-fresh meal from the farm.
• Crack open a cider and sit outdoors and bask in the quiet and fresh air.
Time Spent Here: Try and get to the farm at least a couple of hours before dark so you have enough time to explore.
End of Day One
Day Two
If you aren’t still feeling full from the day before you were doing something wrong. Don’t worry, you will have another chance today as you travel through the farming communities of the Ottawa Valley. Day two will be an agriculture-oriented foodie immersion in the Ottawa Valley.
The Tap & Cork Route is another great resource for excellent food and drink in the Ottawa Valley.
Check the schedule for the Ottawa Valley’s renowned foodie event, Taste of the Valley, to see if there is an activity happening during your stay here.
Start of Day Two
Start Here: Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork
Waken with the birds (or roosters!) to an old fashioned farm-to-table breakfast made with fresh eggs at Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork. If you planned your journey to coincide with the weekend then today could be market day for you – visit one of the farmers’ markets (a few notables are the Cobden, Pembroke, and Deep River markets, to name a few) as you head deeper into the Ottawa Valley.
65 km • 47 mins
Next Stop: Arnprior
You can’t travel through the Ottawa Valley without spending some time in the ‘Prior. This town is fast growing which means their food and drink experiences are growing, too. Situated on the outskirts of some prime farmland, you can expect to encounter some excellent farm-to-table goodies here.
What to do here
• Plan your lunch to include a stop at the Feast On certified gastropub, Lumbertown Ale House, in Arnprior. These folks are committed to including local ingredients in their menus and you’ll love the farm-to-plate experience.
About the area
Historically known as a lumbertown due to its towering white pines, you can explore a small piece of this history in the old growth forest at Gillies Grove, including a 47-metre behemoth that was officially recognized as Ontario's Tallest Tree.
Time Spent Here: Don’t dally here for too long to make sure you have time to squeeze everything in before you end your day in Deep River.
82 km • 60 mins
Next Stop: Pembroke
The drive from Arnprior to Pembroke takes you through some of the most beautiful spots in the Ottawa Valley, and the Ottawa River to accompanies you along the way. Take some time to explore Pembroke’s food and drink scene before heading on to your last stop of the day.
What to do here
• Local is at the heart of Ullrich's, a German-inspired deli where you can find products from area producers and processors to get a true flavour of the region, from a German perspective.
• Courtyard Bistro’s outdoor patio will make you feel like you are dining in a forest setting. Ask what they have on the menu that's locally sourced (hint, their soups are delicious).
• If you have time, connect with the owner of Mapleside Sugarbush, Ray Bonenberg, to see if you can swing past for a tour (and to pick up maple syrup straight from the valley).
• For authentic Mexican fare, visit Nomada Tacos, in downtown Pembroke.
About the area
Stroll the Pembroke's downtown and take in 30 historic murals celebrating the history and character of the city, from steam engines to logging. Pembroke has more murals than almost any city in Canada.
Time Spent Here: Plan for one to two hours in Pembroke.
53 km • 38 mins
Next Stop: Deep River
The small community of Deep River is known for its fabulous sand beaches and community spirit. This is your last destination before reaching your accommodation, so feel free to take some time to walk along the waterfront and watch the boats travel along the Ottawa River.
What to do here
• During Farms Open in September you can do a farm tour at Ottawa Valley Food Co-op to get a behind-the-scenes perspective on farming in Eastern Ontario.
• Visit Hexagon at the tennis club where you can try dishes made with ingredients from local farms.
About the area
Deep River is located on a section of the Ottawa River referred to as "La Riviere Creuse' by 17th-century French explorers. This section of the river is 75 metres deep at it's deepest point. Today, the clear water, beautiful beaches, and great multi-use travels are just a few of the attractions that visitors and locals love about Deep River.
Time Spent Here: Make sure you leave in time to reach Anupaya Cabin Co., where you will be spending the night, before the sun sets.
8 km • 7 mins
Last Stop: Anupaya Cabin Co.
Your last stop of the day is at the minimalist and sustainably-minded Anupaya Cabin Co., located on the shores of the Ottawa River. When you stay at Anupaya you are supporting their permaculture farm dedicated to regenerative agriculture, and to sweeten the experience, every cabin here has phenomenal views of the 1,200-foot white sand beach.
What to do here
• Watch the sun set from their pristine white sand beach while sipping cider or beer from your journey today.
• Anupaya’s on-site garden is open for guests to graze from for garden-fresh fare still warm from the sun.
• Visit with their Nigerian Dwarf goats or their hens which deliver the farm’s eggs each day.
End of Day Two
Day Three
This is the last day of your trip and a good time to catch up on what you didn't have time for on your journey. On your way home stop and pick up some of Ontario's Highlands' artisan and small farm products from one of the destinations you visited along your way. Take home cider, craft beer, local meats, cheeses, eggs, and more.
