Food trails and festivals

Rather than one defining culinary style, Ontario offers a vibrant mosaic of flavours shaped by rich farmland, freshwater lakes and the many cultures that call it home. The result is an inventive and ever-evolving food scene that reflects its land, people and traditions. Savour, celebrate and explore Ontario’s favourite flavours.

Get the inside scoop on guided food tours and self-guided culinary trails. Visit acclaimed restaurants, charming cafes and bustling markets. Meet local growers, makers and bakers whose passion and craft infuse each community with character.

Every season brings new reasons to celebrate. Warm up with good food at winter carnivals, savour the sweetness of spring maple syrup season, indulge in summer’s cultural culinary festivals and toast the bounty of fall harvest events at local fall fairs and the annual cranberry festival.

Whether you’re touring a sustainable farm or apiary, sampling your way along a culinary trail or lingering over a picnic basket filled with locally made treats, Ontario’s food trails, festivals and experiences offer a delicious way to connect with the province.

Tours and trails

Join a guided food tour to uncover hidden gems, local treats and the stories behind every bite. Or set your own pace on a self-guided culinary trail road trip or walking adventure. Follow the flavours to Ontario’s finest artisanal cheeses, handcrafted chocolates, iconic butter tarts, pure maple syrup and farm-fresh apple pies.

Festivals

Great food brings people together. Across Ontario and throughout the year, communities gather to celebrate diverse cultural cuisines and local specialties. Bond over flavourful fare at city-wide dining events, bustling night markets, sizzling ribfests, fruit-filled celebrations and festivals devoted to dishes from around the world.

Warm up at a winter festival in Ontario

Embrace the magic of winter at Ontario’s unique seasonal festivals, which celebrate art, culture, food and outdoor fun.

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Ontario 2025

Each fall, Kitchener and Waterloo host the largest celebration of Bavarian culture outside of Germany.

Top summer cultural events and food festivals in Ontario

Take a culinary tour around the world, in one province.

Cranberry festivals and flavours in Ontario

Not only is fall the perfect road trip season for viewing fall colours, it’s also the time of year to celebrate cranberries in Ontario.

Celebrate maple syrup season in Ontario 2026

Experience Ontario’s sweetest season at maple syrup farms, festivals and events.

Food experiences

Deepen your appreciation for Ontario’s culinary culture and taste of place with curated experiences. Spend a day as a beekeeper, roll up your sleeves for a chef-led cooking or baking class, tour a local farm or pick your own berries and apples at the source.

Sample the best Ontario-made cheese

Ontario’s top cheese makers invite you to visit, sample and savour classic and new flavours of cheese.

Farm tours and rural culinary events

Explore Ontario’s diverse agricultural landscape, from farm tours to garden workshops and on-the-farm dining experiences.

Discover the wonder of honeybees and beekeeping in Ontario

Experience the fascinating world of honeybees on a guided tour or hands-on workshop at one of Ontario's honey farms and apiaries.

Picnic experiences in Ontario

From casual to luxurious, alpacas to helicopters, there are awesome picnic experiences in beautiful locations that cater to all your needs across Ontario.

Cooking and baking classes in Ontario

Learn new skills in the kitchen, master delicious recipes from around the world and discover the joy of baking at a hands-on cooking or baking class in Ontario.

Where to go apple picking in Ontario 2025

Apple picking is a popular family-friendly activity in the fall, specifically from late August to the end of September.

Know before you go

Plan ahead with important tips and information.

Double-check dates and times

While many events are held annually, exact dates and times may vary from year to year. Be sure you have the most up-to-date information before setting out.

Bring cash

Smaller vendors, food trucks and food pop-ups may not have wi-fi or accept credit cards. Bring some cash just in case. It can also help speed up transactions.