Celebrating women-led tourism businesses in Ontario

Chefs and restaurateurs

From MICHELIN-recognized restaurants to cozy kitchens where comfort food reigns, women chefs and restaurateurs across Ontario are telling their stories through food, creating dining experiences as memorable as they are meaningful.

Jen Agg, owner and chef, Grey Gardens

Bringing her bold energy to her kitchens, menus and spaces, Jen Agg offers distinct flavours, designs and vibes to Toronto’s dining scene. Visit one of her popular restaurants across the city. 

Locations: 

• Grey Gardens, 199 Augusta Avenue, Toronto
• Rhum Corner, 926 Dundas Street West, Toronto
• Bar Vendetta, 928 Dundas Street West, Toronto
• Le Swan, 892 Queen Street West, Toronto
• General Public, 201 Geary Avenue, Toronto

Suzette Foucault, founder and chef, Manitou Bistro

As an Indigenous and French Canadian, Suzette Foucault set out to cook food that reflects her unique identity and heritage. Every recipe on Manitou Bistro’s menu is her own, learned from childhood and throughout her culinary journey. 

Location: 297 Raglan Street South, Renfrew

Ambica Jain, co-owner and restaurateur, Adrak Yorkville

One of Toronto’s youngest and most dynamic women restaurateurs, Jain aims to redefine Indian fine dining by elevating the hospitality and cuisine at Adrak Yorkville to a MICHELIN-recognized experience. 

Location: 138 Avenue Road, Toronto

Nuit Regular, owner and chef, Sukhothai

Since moving to Canada from Thailand, Nuit Regular has launched some of Toronto’s best Thai dining destinations, ranging from upscale MICHELIN-recognized venues such as Kiin to casual spots focused on regional flavours at Sukhothai, PAI, Chaiyo and Tha Phae Tavern.

Locations:

• Sukhothai, Multiple locations in Toronto
• PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, 2335 Yonge Street, Upper Level, Toronto
• Kiin, 326 Adelaide Street West, Toronto
• Chaiyo, 81 Bay Street, 4th Floor, Toronto
• Tha Phae Tavern, 221 Richmond Street West, Toronto

Michelle Lee, owner and chef, Kimchi Korea House 

Michelle Lee and her nephew Jin opened Kimchi Korea House to share Korean comfort classics, including bibimbap, bulgogi, jap-chae and kimchi stew. Her online videos garnered popularity on social media as “Mama Lee.”

Location: 149 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Paula and Jayde Naponse, co-owners and chefs, Beandigen Cafe 

Mother-daughter duo Paula Naponse and Jayde Micah-Naponse designed Beandigen Cafe to be a welcoming space for Indigenous people and for non-Indigenous people to learn and engage with their culture. 

Location: 106-900 Exhibition Way, Ottawa

Bea Gonfa, owner and chef, Niagara Samosa Factory

Bea Gonfa’s business started as a booth at the local farmers’ market. Since then, she expanded to numerous other farmers’ markets and eventually to a storefront location. 

Location: 562 Central Avenue, Fort Erie

Tabitha Cranney, chef, The Wood Owl 

As head chef at The Wood Owl, Tabitha Cranney leads the kitchen with a seasonal, technique-driven approach that complements a curated wine program and the cozy Danforth setting.

Visit The Wood Owl on Instagram for more information about the restaurant.

Location: 1380 Danforth Avenue, Toronto

Briana Kim, chef, Antheia

Dining at this intimate, 16-seat fermentation lab and chef’s counter restaurant is a culinary journey. Chef Kim draws on her Korean heritage and fermentation research to create a tasting menu that celebrates the cool-climate terroir of Canada.

Follow Antheia on Instagram for more information.

Location: 861 Somerset Street West, Ottawa

Bakers and chocolatiers

Behind many of Ontario’s most beloved women-led bakeries and pastry shops are techniques, treasured recipes and passion passed down through generations. 

Mariane Oliveira, owner and chocolatier, Mary’s Brigadeiro

Mariane “Mary” Oliveira discovered her passion for chocolate while learning family recipes and techniques from her mother. Now, she uses that knowledge in the creation of handcrafted chocolate treats, including brigadeiros, made of condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder and fine chocolate.

Locations:

• 1912 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
• Chef’s Hall, 111 Richmond Street West, Toronto

Atonye Jim-Akaya, owner and baker, Aty-Jimil Cakes 

Atonye Jim-Akaya learned to bake as her mother’s kitchen helper in Nigeria. Now she serves up sweet treats like cookies, donuts and pies as well as giant tiered wedding cakes from her own bakery kitchen. 

Location: 509 Guelph Street, Georgetown

Amanda Sutton, owner and baker, The Baker’s Bench

Fuelled with passion and experience, Sutton experimented with flavours and textures as a chef before attending George Brown College for Baking and Pastry Arts Management. This led her to realize her dream of opening her own bakery. 

Location: 321 Main Street, Unit F-1, Wasaga Beach

Stephanie Duong, co-owner and baker, Roselle Bakery

For Stephanie Duong, co-owner and baker of Roselle Bakery, opening this French-style pastry shop in Toronto’s east end was a dream years in the making. Created with partner Bruce Lee, Roselle crafts sweet treats and pastries inspired by moments of joy.

Location: 362 King Street East, Toronto

Outdoor guides and outfitters

The world of outdoor adventure in Ontario is being reimagined by women outfitters, guides and leaders, creating experiences that are more inclusive and approachable for everyone.

Stefi Van Wijk, director, Madawaska Kanu Centre

Spending time outdoors is a must for Stefi Van Wijk, who developed a deep connection with nature during her childhood. She seeks to share the beauty of rivers by enriching people’s relationships with whitewater canoeing and kayaking.

Location: 247 River Road, Barry’s Bay

Tori Baird, owner and founder, Paddle Like a Girl 

An outdoor enthusiast, Tori Baird, noted the lack of BIPOC representation in outdoor spaces. This led her to create Paddle Like a Girl, a guided company for women (especially BIPOC women) to embrace water recreation and experience the empowering nature of canoeing and kayaking. 

Location: Magnetawan

Jenifer, Sharon and Lana Rudski, owners and founders, Oceah Oceah 

First Nation sisters run this Toronto-based stand up paddle boarding, yoga and kayak business with the goal of creating a connection and community on the water.

Locations:

• 1575 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
• 1 Brimley Road South, Scarborough

Innkeepers and hoteliers

While each of these women-led accommodations has its own distinct character and sense of place, they share a genuine approach to hospitality that makes every stay feel thoughtfully cared for.

Kristen and Kathryn Groom, co-owners, The Rose Manor

Born and raised in Niagara, sisters Kristen and Kathryn Groom's extensive travel led them to a career in hospitality. They invested in Rose Manor in 2022 and converted it into a beautiful bed and breakfast, with the goal of highlighting Welland as a prime tourist destination. 

Location: 41 Frazer Street, Welland

Erica Herbert, co-founder and co-owner, Ode Hotel

A shared family vision led to the creation of Ode Hotel, a modern, Black-owned boutique hotel in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighbourhood. Rooted in pride of place, the property features uniquely designed rooms that reflect Herbert’s commitment to community and creative expression.

Location: 1417 Dundas Street West, Toronto

April Brown and Sarah Sklash, co-owners and co-founders, The June Motel

Bonded by a shared love of travel, good wine and creative design, friends April Brown and Sarah Sklash took a leap of faith and bought a roadside motel, the first June Motel. Today, the brand has grown to three Ontario locations, thanks to Instagram-worthy interiors and stylish, experience-driven stays.

Locations:

• 12351 Loyalist Parkway, Picton
• 11 Sauble Falls Parkway, Sauble Beach
• 235474 Grey County Road 13, Kimberley

Harsha Manani, co-owner, Lakeview Haliburton 

The Lakeview has become a leading operator in the Haliburton tourism landscape, providing unique and comfortable accommodations that celebrate the natural beauty of Haliburton Highlands. Harsha Manani brings warmth and elevated customer service to this family-owned business. 

Location: 4951 Haliburton County Road 21, Haliburton

Tara and Lisa Carr, owner, Cypress Sleeper Barrels

A somatic breathwork practitioner, energy healer and nervous system educator, Tara Carr invites guests to slow down and reconnect with the natural world at Cypress Sleeper Barrels. This one-of-a-kind accommodation offers group yoga and sound-healing experiences in the tranquil natural setting of northwest Ontario. 

Location: 1 Nipigon Bay Road, Thunder Bay

Winemakers and brewers

Across Ontario’s vineyards and breweries, more women are stepping into the craft, bringing fresh perspectives, expertise and approach to flavour that’s shaping a new generation of wines, beers and other celebratory beverages.

Lydia Tomek, head winemaker, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

At just 23 years old, Lydia Tomek became one of the youngest winemakers in Canada. She’s demonstrated her talent and expertise at several wineries, currently delivering a sustainable and innovative approach to Ravine Winery’s red, white, Icewine and peach, apple and pear ciders collection.

Location: 1366 York Road, St. Davids

Kelly Mason, head winemaker, Domaine Queylus

After interning under a Burgundian winemaker in Napa Valley, studying winemaking at Brock University and working at several wineries in the Niagara Peninsula, Kelly Mason joined the team at Domaine Queylus, where she refined the production of elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Location: 3651 Sixteen Road, Saint Anns

Emma Garner, winemaker, Thirty Bench

Emma Garner found her way to Thirty Bench, a small-lot winery on the Niagara Escarpment's Beamsville Bench, after gaining winemaking experience in Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany. With Garner at the helm, Thirty Bench has earned gold and platinum at both national and international competitions.

Location: 4281 Mountainview Road, Beamsville

Katie Dickieson, winemaker, Peller Estates

Katie Dickieson credits her appreciation for agriculture and her love of the harvest season to growing up on a farm. Since taking on the winemaker role at Peller Estates, Dickieson has led the winery to several awards, including Winery of the Year.

Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sue-Ann Staff, owner and winemaker, Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery

Fifth-generation grape grower Sue-Ann Staff has won numerous national and international awards, including Ontario Winemaker of the Year. She runs her family’s 200+-year-old winery estate.

Location: 3210 Staff Avenue, Jordan Station

Amélie Boury, VP of winemaking, vineyard and operations, Château des Charmes

Amélie Boury brought her cool-climate winemaking expertise from Alsace, France, to Canada in 2011, eventually settling in the Niagara Region. Her passion and innovation led her to the helm at Château des Charmes, a renowned multi-generational Ontario winery established by French winegrowers.

Location: 1025 York Road, St. Davids

Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, co-proprietors and founders, Two Sisters Vineyards and Stone Eagle Winery 

Siblings Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli run Two Sisters Vineyards, a vast estate located at the northern tip of the Niagara River featuring dining, tasting and tours. They’ve also founded Stone Eagle Winery, a luxurious destination serving ultra-premium wines and elevated food pairings. 

Locations: 

Two Sisters Vineyards, 240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Stone Eagle Winery, 2080 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Robin Ridesic, founder and CEO, The Exchange Brewery

An avid beer enthusiast, Robin Ridesic has a special appreciation for hoppy IPAs and sour ales. Her brewery, The Exchange Brewery, is located in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake and features a selection of beers from traditional to niche on tap.

Location: 7 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Mackenzie Brisbois, winemaker, Trail Estate Winery

Mackenzie Brisbois has travelled and worked at wineries in Ontario, British Columbia, New Zealand and South Africa before returning to her roots in Prince Edward County. She draws on her extensive experience to produce flavourful Chardonnay, Riesling and sparkling wines perfectly suited to the local terroir.

Location: 416 Benway Road, Hillier

Sherry Karlo, co-founder and owner, Karlo Estates

Sherry Karlo and her late husband, Richard Karlo, founded the Karlo Estates Winery and built the brand into an award-winning, critically acclaimed business. Karlo serves as the estate’s vintner and curates a unique, artisanal collection of hand-harvested, naturally fermented wines with minimal intervention.

Location: 561 Danforth Road, Wellington

Allison Christ, winemaker, Colio Estate Wines

Allison Christ gained experience at small-batch vineyards and large winery operations before joining the award-winning team at Colio Estates in Southwestern Ontario’s picturesque wine country.

Location: 1 Colio Drive, Harrow 

Tanya Mitchell, VP and winemaker, Sprucewood Shores

Tanya Mitchell embarked on a global journey to hone her winemaking expertise, drawing inspiration from diverse vineyards and traditions. Since joining the Sprucewood team, she has become known for crafting versatile and balanced wines—a reflection of her dedication to quality and innovation. 

Location: 7258 Essex County Road 50 RR #5, Amherstburg

Andrea Smith and Eleanor Charlton, co-founders and owners, Split Rail Brewing Co.

What started as a brewing project in a garage has blossomed into a successful, small-batch craft brewery on Manitoulin Island with a taproom, patio and retail sales outlet. Under the direction of owners and longtime friends Smith and Charlton, Split Rail produces quality beers and soda using local, hand-picked ingredients like hawberries, grapes and sumac. 

Location: 31 Water Street, Gore Bay

Mary Beth Keefe, head brewer, Granite Brewery

Granite Brewery, founded in Toronto in 1991 by Halifax natives and brothers Ron and Kevin Keefe, has been popular with craft beer lovers ever since. In 2011, Mary Beth Keefe followed in her father’s footsteps to become head brewer, crafting innovative flavours alongside Granite’s signature English-style ales. 

Location: 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto

Mallory Jones and Jessica Nettleton, co-founders and co-owners, Matron Fine Beer 

A comprehensive knowledge of beer-making using local ingredients results in elegant farmhouse ales, aromatic IPAs and lower-alcohol lagers at Matron Fine Beer. Friends and co-owners, Jones and Nettleton, selected a name that reflects a strong, feminine and authentic character.

Location: 65 Barker’s Lane, Bloomfield

From chefs and bakers to winemakers, outdoor guides and innkeepers, women continue to lead the way in creating welcoming, flavourful and inspiring experiences across Ontario.