Farm markets, bakeries and roadside stands in Ontario
Kawartha Lakes | Fred Thornhill
Sometimes it’s as simple as a farmer selling corn off the back of a pick-up truck. But it’s guaranteed to be the tastiest corn you’ll have that season.
Here is a selection of on-the-farm food stalls, roadside stands and farm markets across Ontario to put on your radar for your next summer road trip.
Note, operating hours vary with the season so double check before you visit.
York, Durham and Headwaters
Farm Market at Forsythe Family Farms
Forsythe Family Farms is known as one of the best strawberry farms in Ontario, but you can also buy quality seasonal fruits and vegetables from their farm market.
Look for onions, potatoes and asparagus in the spring and sweet peas, gooseberries, tomatoes and peaches in the summer. In the fall, enjoy apple cider, corn stalks and pumpkins. Stock up on apples, squash and sweet Nantes carrots in the winter.
In addition, pick up fresh eggs, honey, jams and home-baked pies.
Location: 1025 Cragg Road, Uxbridge
The Farm Store at Niemi Family Farm
Located about an hour’s drive north of Toronto, this family farm sells organic vegetables, garden supplies, plants and seedlings and mouth-watering farm-baked goods in the farm store.
You’ll love homemade treat such as pulla (Finnish cardamom bread), old-fashioned sugar doughnuts, scones, pies or bread. While your kids will enjoy seasonal activities, like the Easter Bunny Trail and the summer private campfire with s’mores kits.
The store operates from March through October, and on select dates during the holiday season.
Location: 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert
Elmgrove Organic Collective Farm Gate
Elmgrove Farm is a grassroots farming organization on the shores of Lake Simcoe that first began in 1949.
With a focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, the farm provides the local community with fresh, organic produce such as arugula, radishes, green onions, spinach, peas and more. It’s also well-known for its delicious garlic, featuring over 20 varieties of garlic from around the world and harvesting more than 50,000 bulbs every year.
Stop by the Farm Gate from May to October, on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: 535 Catering Road, Georgina
Pingle’s Farm Market
This family-fun farm market has expanded to offer farm fresh produce from the fields and orchards at Pingle’s Farm as well as from neighbouring farms. You’ll also find a great selection of pickles and preserves, protein, freshly baked goods and a refillable honey station.
The market is open daily and year-round, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 1805 Taunton Road, Hampton
Niagara Region
Walker’s Country Market
Located on the Niagara River Parkway between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, Walker’s Country Market is a great spot to stop for a visit.
Open since the 1930s, this family-owned and operated business specializes in quality farm-grown seasonal fruit, including cherries, peaches, apricots, apples and plums.
You’ll also find a wide selection of award-winning jams, jellies and preserves, as well as sweet and savoury treats like handcrafted pies, butter tarts and even boxed picnic lunches and sandwiches.
As a bonus, you can visit Wayside Chapel, the “world’s smallest chapel”.
Walker’s Country Market is open daily between March and December, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Cristan Farms Fruit Stand
Stop by the roadside fruit stand at Cristan Farms for a selection of season product and fruit such as corn, cherry tomatoes, peaches, apples, pears and more. You may also find pressed jams, honey, sauces and apple cider.
The fruit stand operates daily between July and November from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 494 Winston Churchill Boulevard, Oakville
The Market & Ice Box at Chudleigh’s Farm
What began as an apple farm in 1967 has now flourished into a popular, family oriented agri-tourism destination with kids’ play area, farm animals to visit, nature trails, special events and of course, seasonal apple picking.
There’s a wide assortment of food and drink onsite. Enjoy soft-serve ice cream at the Blossom Café, a refreshing hard cider at the licensed Silo Bar or barnboard pizza and fire roasted corn at the Windmill Restaurant.
Shop the onsite Market & Ice Box for wonderful goodies including homemade jams, maple syrup, dressings, spreads, sauces and mustard.
Chudleigh’s Farm is open daily from June to October, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: 9528 Regional Road 25, Milton
Springridge Farm Barn Market and Bakery
Visit this well-preserved post 19th century post-and-beam barn to stock up on tasty products and fresh produce.
You’ll find fine foods and preserves such as honey, signature sauces, marinades, handmade jams, chutneys, relishes and more. Seasonal fruit and veggies include sweet peas, cherries, blueberries, apples, corn and pumpkins. And don’t miss an array of pies and tarts baked using recipes passed down in the Hughes family for generations at the bakery.
The market opens daily during the spring and summer from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 7256 Bell School Line, Milton
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Herrle’s Country Farm Market
Farmers Howard and Elsie Herrle first started their retail business in 1964 by selling sweet corn out of their garage just outside of Kitchener. By 1988 they had expanded to build the Farm Market and today it is a local hotspot for farm fresh produce.
You’ll find an array of pickled vegetables, sweet corn, cucumber, beets, spinach, squash, pumpkins and fresh peas grown on the farm. Also shop for homemade jams, preserves and maple syrup, as well as homemade baked goods such as muffins, Chelsea buns and cookies.
The Farm Market is open from late May or early June to October, Tuesdays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturdays and Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 1243 Erbs Road, St. Agatha
Bruce Peninsula, South Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe
Murphy’s Farm Market & Bakery
A fifth-generation, award-winning family farm, Murphy’s Farm Market & Bakery offers seasonal produce and handmade baked goods.
Find field fresh asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sweet corn, pumpkins and potatoes as well as delicious pie, butter tarts, cookies and more baked goods.
Starting in May, Murphy’s Farm Market & Bakery operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: 5141 County Road 10, Alliston
Southeastern Ontario
Miller’s Bay Farm Roadside Stand
Recognized by the Rideau Lakes municipality in 2019 with the “Business Innovation” award, Miller’s Bay Farm has been growing local, healthy produce for over 125 years.
The farm’s roadside vegetable stand is located near the village of Lombardy, just outside of Perth and Smiths Falls.
Throughout the growing season, you will find everything from asparagus, snap peas, radishes, lettuce, pickling cucumbers, turnips, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, beets to watermelons, cantaloupes, strawberries and pumpkins.
The stand generally operates from June through October, Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 65 Rideau Ferry Road, Lombardy
Rutherford’s Farm & Roadside Market
The original roadside stall at Rutherford’s Farm on County Road 2 just east of Colborne has grown into a farm market, bakery and greenhouse. Stop in for an assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits and baked goods like carrot cake and pecan butter tarts.
Rutherford Market is open daily from April to December, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 205 King Street East, Colborne
Vicki’s Veggies Roadside Stand
Run by eighth-generation family farmer Vicki Emlaw, Vicki’s Veggies is a small roadside farm stand situated just outside Black River in Prince Edward County.
Look for the charming white and green tiny house and pick up seasonal vegetables such as heirloom tomatoes, spinach, lettuce and sweet peppers, as well as herbs, sauces, vinaigrettes, and locally made dips.
You can also purchase local chilled lemonade crafted by Lemonade Dave.
Vicki’s Veggies is open daily from May to October, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 81 Morrison Point Road, Milford
Southwestern Ontario
Farm Store at Simpson Orchards
Located in the southwestern corner of Windsor Essex, Simpson Orchards is a favourite among locals for flavourful apples and wide variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
The fourth-generation family farm grows over 30 types of apples, including common varieties like McIntosh, Golden Delicious and Granny Smith, and rare kinds like Ambrosia, Crimson Crisp and Northern Spy. You’ll also find pears, cherries, onions, garlic, potatoes, sweet corn and much more throughout the year.
The farm store opens year-round Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: 237 Mersea Road 5, Municipality Of Leamington
Hawksview Honey Retail Store
Hawksview Honey is a natural honey farm just south of Windsor that’s dedicated to sustainable beekeeping and providing top-quality honey.
This family-owned business offers a variety of honey products including jars of pure honey, chocolate honey, beeswax candles, homemade honey baked goods and more in the retail store onsite.
The store is open for visitors seasonally on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: 2017 Concession Road 2, Harrow
Berrylicious Fruit Farm Stand
Just south of Woodstock, Berrylicious Fruit Farm grows a variety of juicy berries, with their specialty being elderberries.
Elderberries are a native Ontario berry filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They have long been used for preserves, baked pies, wines and healthy syrups. You’ll also find seasonal blueberries, raspberries, honey, jams, jellies and syrups sold at the fruit stand.
The fruit stand operates on Fridays from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 425533 Substation Road, Burgessville
Generations Marketplace
Dating back to the late 1800s, Generations Marketplace is a sustainable and bio-diverse farm and learning centre in Norfolk County. Stop in at the Marketplace to shop for breads, baked goods, preserves and produce.
Starting early May, the Marketplace opens Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Fridays stay open until 7:00 p.m.)
Location: 200 Concession 13 Townsend, Simcoe
Thames River Melons
Originally an experimental melon farm, Thames River Melons now sells a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as preserves, honey and baked goods from the Farm Kitchen.
The retail market operates seasonally between May and late October, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 775530 Blandford Road, Innerkip
Kawarthas Northumberland
Aird Family Farm Country Store
Located halfway between Toronto and Kingston, the Aird Family Farm is a fifth-generation organic and regenerative farm producing and raising natural and sustainable food.
The farm also specializes in pickled vegetables made in a brine recipe with a special vinegar base that’s been passed down in the family for generations. Visit the Country Store for a wide selection including dill pickle, pickled beets, zucchini relish, dill green and yellow beans and dill carrots. In addition to the pickled vegetables, shop for pure maple syrup, oils and vinegars, honey, popping corn, mustard, organic flour and loose tea leaves.
The Country Store’s summer hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Winter hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: 10481 Community Centre Road, Baltimore
Northern Ontario
Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm and Winery Giftshop
Enjoy fresh and delicious blueberries from Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm near Wawa north of Sault Ste. Marie. Blueberry season usually runs from early July to late August.
The farm’s location on an old Lake Superior beachfront with high acidity levels makes it perfect for growing wild blueberries. Visit the giftshop for blueberry and strawberry jam, butter, syrup, barbecue sauce, frozen blueberries and wine.
The shop is open daily from 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 1 Pinewood Drive, Municipality Of Wawa
Last updated: August 22, 2023