Ontario’s barn quilt tales and trails
Stocks Rainbow Burst | Tourism Simcoe County
On a crisp winter night, nothing’s cozier than a warm, quilt crafted with care. But there’s more to appreciate from the tradition of quilting. The unique designs and motifs showcased in this form of textile art tell a story of people and place, both past and present.
Many rural communities have gone a step further by displaying painted replicas of fabric quilt designs painted on large, durable boards and mounted to barns, fences and other buildings such as museums, churches and cideries. Both traditional and innovative, the distinctive folk art designs pay homage to the art of fabric quilting and represent the history and farming culture of the local communities.
Note that many of Ontario’s barn quilts are on private property. Unless open to the public, please admire the artwork safely from the roadways along these fascinating rural trails.
Southeastern Ontario
Prince Edward County Barn Quilt Trail
The County’s largest outdoor gallery boasts over 100 barn quilts, including Crown and Stars at Hagerman Farms outside of Picton, Carpenter’s Wheel in Wellington and Bee Creative in Bloomfield.
Consider a stay at the Saylor Café House Café and B&B in Bloomfield. Near Picton, The Waring House Restaurant, Inn & Cookery School is another great option.
Greater Napanee Area Quilt Trails
Local artist Pat Dubyk has been instrumental in designing and painting the quilt-inspired barn quilt in Greater Napanee. Admire the barn art at family business Janssens Orchard, located close to Kingston. Purchase fresh produce from the farm. Make sure to call ahead for farm tours.
Stop by Santorini Mediterranean Grill for a meal and snap a photo of the restaurant’s barn quilt.
Check out the Greater Napanee Area Quilt Trails map to see other barn quilts in the area.
Port Hope Historic Barn Quilt Trail
Explore over 20 heritage barns throughout urban and rural Port Hope that have been recognized for their architectural significance. Use the Interactive Driving Tour on your smartphone for directions and points of interest along the route, or download the PDF map.
Stay in the heart of old Port Hope at Hotel Carlyle, a chic, boutique retreat with stylish suites and enjoy a meal at The Social Bar + Table or Turtle John.
Durham Region
Just a short drive from Toronto, the Durham Region offers a quick escape to rural adventure.
Admire the barn quilt that represents the proud heritage of the Passafiume Family, the owners of Applewood Farm Winery, where you can also enjoy fireside chats with friends over mulled wine, moonshine or hot cider.
Download a map to explore the barn trails in Durham Region.
Southwestern Ontario
Elgin County Barn Quilt Trails
History buffs will appreciate the barn quilts that tell the agricultural story about people who settled in the region, and the ports and railway communities that followed.
In Aylmer, enjoy a meal at the Green Frog Tea Room at Pinecroft Pottery Studio and Giftshop. Experience the charm at Inn on the Harbour in Port Stanley.
Just north of Elgin Country, Country Patchworks in Woodstock is a full-service quilt shop.
Barn Quilts of Chatham-Kent
The roots of rural life and quilt culture run deep in Ontario’s Southwest.
View ornate and interesting barn art designs along the East Chatham-Kent Barn Quilt Trail and Longwoods Barn Quilt Trail. Check out the Thames River Barn Quilt Trail on Facebook for more rural art.
Combine a barn quilt trail visit with events at Pastime Pieces, a two-story barn converted into a quilt shop in Blenheim. Catch up on the latest in quilting products, fabrics and inspirational project ideas.
Wardsville Barn Quilt Trail
“Old Country Church,” “Battle of Three Rivers,” and “Bounty From the Thames” are some of the eye-catching barn art in Middlesex County’s rural reaches.
Formally a post office, the Clock Tower Inn and Bistro in Strathroy is a welcoming oasis with comfortable accommodations and elevated pub fare. ABQ Sewing Studio has all the supplies you’ll need for your own quilting project.
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Cavan Monaghan Barn Quilt Trails
Local quilters, artists and craftspeople in this Peterborough County township have collaborated to produce various barn quilt installations that showcase the history and value of agriculture in the community.
Tour the charming village of Millbrook on foot to see the barn quilts displayed by local businesses. Self-guided walking and driving tour maps are available.
Visit the quilt shop Kawartha Quilting and Sewing. Field Day Art and B&B offers cozy accommodations and an artist retreat in a heritage home in Millbrook.
Grey, Bruce and Simcoe
Barn Quilts of Simcoe County
Over 150 barn quilt displays by Simcoe County artists and farmers celebrate the rich farm-based stories of the region with art locations in and around Oro-Medonte, Severn and Ramara. Use the interactive barn quilt trail map to guide your route.
Stop by Thimbles & Things in Severn for quilting supplies and find a place to stay in Barrie, the perfect home base from which to explore Simcoe County.
Muskoka
Ryde Barn Quilt Trail in Gravenhurst
Follow the Ryde Barn Quilt Trail to learn about the history of the former Ryde Township, now part of the town of Gravenhurst. Over 25 quilt sites were erected in 2014 in celebration of 135 years of settlement in Ryde. Explore the trail with downloadable maps and a digital tour guide.
Afternoon tea or High tea at The Blue Willow Tea Shop in Gravenhurst is a delight with a selection of fancy sandwiches, savouries and scones
Choose from elegant suites, lofts and villas at Muskoka Bay Resort.
Barn quilt trails continue to grow, transforming the barns and farmcapes into works of art. Visit barnquilttrails.ca to find more quilt trails in Ontario.
Last updated: September 2, 2025