2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide by Elgin County Tourism

@elgincountytourism

TOP 10

Family Trips

UNIQUE

Experiences

elgintourist.com

Sweet

TREATS

2024 VISITOR'S GUIDE

NATURAL Areas

24 EVENTS Not to Miss

Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism Office Open Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas 519-631-1460 x163 tourism@elgin.ca elgintourist.com Tourism Kiosks Open Victoria Day through Labour Day Port Stanley Visitors Centre 199 Carlow Road, Port Stanley 519-631-1460 x321 Mobile Tourism Kiosk at events in Elgin and surrounding area. The 2024 Elgin County Official Visitor's Guide was designed by AE Graphics Group. Reproduction of any material without the written permission of Elgin County is strictly prohibited.

TRAVEL TIMES TO ELGIN from TORONTO (2 hours 15 minutes) from LONDON (20 minutes) from WINDSOR (2 hours) from SARNIA (1 hour 15 minutes)

There is more Elgin County than we can fit into these pages, but we have done our best to share Elgin County through your eyes. So please don’t stop sharing your photos with us, tagging @elgincountytourism, and Instagramming your photos with #ElginCounty. Who knows, you might just see your Elgin County photo in next year’s guide!

@elgincountytourism

/elgincounty

#elgincounty

#fallforelgin

elgintourist.com 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

SENSATIONAL SHOPPING

CHARMING HOME AND COTTAGE FINDS

Avoid long lines and crowded parking lots by doing your shopping in the idyllic towns and villages of Elgin County. Explore quaint boutiques for trendy clothing and jewellery pieces, select fine local wines, pick up handcrafted home decor pieces, fresh flowers, natural skin care products, hand-made pottery, homemade fudge, sweet local honey, artisan candles and more!

CAMPBELLS II

174 CURRIE Dutton

ANYTHING USED & SPARTA COUNTRY CANDLES

Sparta | spartacandles.com

THE DECORATING DIVA

Rodney | thedecoratingdiva.ca

BEAR FRIEND FACTORY HOME OF THE WHISTLE STOP PEDDLERS

Sparta | bearfriendfactory.com

CAMPBELLS II

Aylmer | campbells2.myshopify.com

CANADALE NURSERIES

St. Thomas | canadale.com

FAMILY FLOWERS INC.

St. Thomas | familyflowers.ca

THE HARVEST TABLE RUSTIC DESIGNS St. Thomas

JOSHUA + COMPANY

Port Stanley | joshuaandcompany.com

MENNONITE FURNITURE GALLERY Aylmer | mfgi.ca

online shopping available

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

CHIQUE SHACK BOUTIQUE

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

SENSATIONAL SHOPPING FUNKY FASHION FINDS BELLA BOOTEK

Aylmer | belabooteek.com

CHIQUE SHACK BOUTIQUE Port Stanley

shop like a local

DURKEES

Aylmer | durkees.ca

LADY SAVANNAH FASHION BOUTIQUE Port Stanley | ladysavannahfashion.com

SELF CARE BUTTER ME UP

Aylmer | buttermeupsoapcompany.com

FROM THE MEADOW

Belmont | fromthemeadow.com

GROOVY MOON

Aylmer | groovymoon.com

THE STOREHOUSE Port Stanley

#shopelgin DURKEES

WILDFLOWERS FARM

St. Thomas | wildflowers.farm

online shopping available

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

GATHERED 6

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

ARTS, CULTURE

HERITAGE

Explore Elgin County’s vibrant history and culture through its museums and cultural attractions, preserving the tales of Attawandaron villages, Colonel Thomas Talbot, the 1850s railway boom, and our agricultural heritage with

ARTISAN ALLEY

captivating artifacts and historical collections. ART EMPORIUM PORT STANLEY Port Stanley | artEmporium.ca

GATHERED

Sparta | spartagathered.ca

JULIA HANSFORD STUDIO Sparta | juliahansford.com

MINERVA

Aylmer | minerva-art.com

PETER ROBSON STUDIO Sparta

PINECROFT POTTERY Aylmer | pinecroft.ca

ST. THOMAS-ELGIN PUBLIC ART CENTRE St. Thomas | stepac.ca

VILLAGE CRIER GALLERY Dutton

THE WILD GOAT CAFÉ & METAL ART STUDIO Rodney | wildgoatfarm.com

YELLOW BRICK POTTERY

Port Stanley | yellowbrickpottery.ca

online shopping available

Gathered is the home of 10 award-winning artists, housed in a stunning

heritage building, nestled in the heart of Sparta’s picturesque village

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

LIVE THEATRE AYLMER PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL Aylmer | artsinaylmer.com

ELGIN THEATRE GUILD

St.Thomas | elgintheatreguild.ca

PORT BURWELL PERISCOPE PLAYHOUSE INC. Port Burwell | periscopeplayhouse.com

PORT STANLEY FESTIVAL THEATRE Port Stanley | psft.ca

WEDS THEATRE Dutton | weds.ca

THE PORT BURWELL PERISCOPE PLAYHOUSE 8

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

ARTS, CULTURE

HERITAGE

BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE MUSEUM

The Port Burwell

Periscope Playhouse

is delighted to offer live theatre performances and music events throughout the year, making it the hidden gem of the North Shore!

VILLAGE CRIER GALLERY 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

Welcome to Backus-Page House Museum in John E. Pearce Provincial Park, where history comes alive. Explore the 1850s Georgian-style house, heritage gardens, and Agricultural Centre. Join in on the fun at special events, including paranormal investigations and the Heritage Farm Show!

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

H I STORY LIVES HERE

ARTS, CULTURE

HERITAGE

AYLMER-MALAHIDE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES Aylmer | aylmermuseum.ca

BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE MUSEUM Wallacetown | backuspagehouse.ca

BAYHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY/ THE EDISON, VIENNA & AREA MUSEUM Vienna

ELGIN COUNTY ARCHIVES St. Thomas | elgincounty.ca

ELGIN COUNTY HERITAGE CENTRE St. Thomas | elgincounty.ca

FORGE AND ANVIL MUSEUM Sparta | villageofsparta.com

GAY LEA DAIRY MUSEUM

Aylmer | cec-dairymuseum.com

HMCS OJIBWA SUBMARINE Port Burwell | hmcsojibwa.ca

PORT BURWELL MUSEUM & HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE Port Burwell | bayham.on.ca

SOUTHWOLD EARTHWORKS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Fingal

ST. PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Wallacetown | stpeterschurchtyrconnell.org

BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE MUSEUM

HMCS OJIBWA SUBMARINE

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

discover the

EXPLORE THE POPULAR SPOTS YOU KNOW, AND THOSE YOU WANT TO KNOW BETTER.

@railwaycitytourism

tourrailwaycity

1 - st. thomas elevated park

3 - jumbo the elephANT monument

An iconic railway bridge converted into Canada's first elevated park. Visit the park for stunning views of the Kettle Creek Valley & public art.

Imagine circus crowds marveling at the elephant said to be the "largest ever held in captivity". In 1985 St. Thomas dedicated this 38-ton statue upon the 100th anniversary of Jumbo's tragic death, having been struck by a locomotive.

2 CENTRE ST | ELEVATEDPARK.CA

2 - CASO Station Travel back to the year 1873 when the largest station of its type was the hub of the Railway City - explore it today at the CASO Station. 750 TALBOT ST | CASOSTATION.CA

local DINING

76 TALBOT ST | RAILWAYCITYTOURISM.COM/JUMBO

4 - elgin county railway museum See some epic trains, an impressive collection of artifacts and the inner workings of a 1913 railway shop, the oldest of its kind in North America. 225 WELLINGTON ST | ECRM.CA

explore our trails Follow the code to our Trail Guide including maps from St. Thomas & area.

5 - murals Discover murals on everything from boxcars to buildings! Explore how street art showcases the tapestry of St. Thomas today. Everything is on display, from evolving industries to experiences with the people & places we call home. VARIOUS LOCATIONS | RAILWAYCITYTOURISM.COM/MURALS

6 - public art centre Be inspired by this inviting art hub for the region. View rotating exhibits, take part in a class, or attend a special event!

301 TALBOT ST | STEPAC.CA

7 - historic parks Pursue tranquil or active leisure in either of St. Thomas' historic parks, Pinafore & Waterworks. Both have splash pads, natural areas, and plenty of multi-use trails. 95 ELM ST & 2 S. EDGEWARE | RAILWAYCITYTOURISM.COM/PARKS

8 - horton farmers' market Find farm fresh produce & meat, home-made preserves & baking, and artwork at this Saturday morning meeting place. Open year round with limited winter market. 10 MANITOBA ST | HORTONFARMERSMARKET.CA

9 - downtown Victorian heritage & modern culture sum up downtown St. Thomas. Discover our grit in everything from unique boutiques to parks, murals, local dining, a brewery, plus an array of art studios & museums. TALBOT ST | RAILWAYCITYTOURISM.COM/DOWNTOWN

Find everything at the code. #ExploreRailwayCity

st. thomas events St. Thomas welcomes many unique events annually celebrating everything from trains to music & the arts. Follow the code to find what's currently on!

MAY

25-26

Wartime Homefront Backus Page House 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown

MARCH

9-17

Experience life on the homefront during both The Great War and WW2. Music, dancing, food rations, farming, fashion, authors and historians, car show, children’s zone, exhibits and more.

backuspagehouse.ca

Springwater Maple Syrup Festival

Enjoy wagon rides throughout the Springwater Forest. Tour the old-fashioned sugar shanty for demonstrations on maple syrup production. Maple products are available for sale. Dine at our pancake house which is operated by local community organizations.

9-10

Rosy Rhubarb Festival Shedden Keystone Complex 35921 Talbot Line, Shedden

JUNE

Springwater Conservation Area 8079 Springwater Road, Aylmer

JUNE

Community yard sales Saturday, vendors, food trucks, groups and businesses display and sell at Complex grounds. Entertainment for all ages, classic car show Sunday.

Vienna EdisonFest Vienna Memorial Park 6226 Plank Road, Vienna

rosyrhubarbfestival.com

BBQ/Food options, vendors, lotteries, silent auction & free draws. Kid games, air bouncers, contests, music & much more!

catfishcreek.ca

bayham.on.ca

24 EVENTS Not to Miss

JUNE

Kettle Creek Food Truck Festival Dan Patterson Conservation Area The Kettle Creek Environmental Trust is serving up some real must-eats. Enjoy great food trucks, live music, lawn games & more! Admission is free.

kettlecreektrust.com

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND JUNE

Shedden Truck and Tractor Pull Shedden Keystone Complex 35921 Talbot Line, Shedden It’s fun, it’s loud and it’s exciting! Come for the pull, stay for the party! Visit sheddentruckandtractorpull.com for more details.

EVENTS Visit elgintourist.com for a full calendar of event happenings in #elgincounty

JULY

AUGUST

Nostalgia Nights Car Show

Calipso Festival

2-5

Village of Port Stanley

Downtown St.Thomas Visit Downtown St.Thomas to view 1,000’s of classic cars and take a free ride on the L&PS Train. Great music and food makes this a perfect family event.

nostalgianights.ca

JULY

Colours On The Beach Port Stanley Main Beach Presenting Holi Festivals of Colour. Colours On The Beach! A celebration of culture with music, dancing, and food.

Events, exhibitors, art show, boat parade, and more! Explore all that Port Stanley has to offer.

JULY

Pawsitively Elgin Dog Festival Springwater Conservation Area 8079 Springwater Road, Aylmer Come out and see Ontario Dock Dogs in action, agility dogs running their courses, and even take the opportunity to give your dog the chance to try all the events that are coming. Food, prizes, draws, entertainment, Family activities to last the day.

pawsitivelyelgin.com

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

AUGUST

3-4

AUGUST

Bayham Beachfest

3 Port Tour Bicycle Ride

Village of Port Burwell

Start/Finish at East Elgin Community Complex

Bayham Beachfest, connecting people and community. Enjoy a fun filled Civic Holiday weekend in beautiful Port Burwell. Something for everyone including a fantastic fireworks display.

50, 100 and 160 km routes throughout Elgin County’s quiet, challenging and scenic roads. Fully supported ride includes lunch at Port Bruce and a t-shirt. Best ride in Southwestern Ontario.

bayhambeachfest.com

AUGUST

threeporttour.com

17-18

AUGUST

15-19

Elgin Historical Show Dan Patteson Conservation Area Highbury Ave

Railway City Music & Arts Festival

The Elgin Historical Show is always the second full weekend in August. An antique show to demonstrate how farming was done during the pioneer days.

Pinafore Park, St.Thomas Gather up the entire family for a fun-filled day of activities, including food and artisan vendors, a classic car show, free arts and crafts in Children’s Village, live muisc feautring amazing artists, and much more!

kettlecreekconservation.on.ca

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

9-11

24-25

20-22

27-29

Aylmer Fair Grounds 139 Pine St E, Aylmer

Keystone Complex, Shedden

Rodney Recreation Centre 135 Queens St, Rodney

Wallacetown Fairgrounds 24 Argyle Street, Wallacetown

Something for everyone! Cattle show, homecrafts, midway, food, demo derby, 4H exhibits, and lots of local vendors.

Fair food, tug of war, demolition derby, cattle and horse shows, poultry display, craft exhibits, baby show and much more!

The Fair includes a tractor pull, parade, sheep show, miniature horse & cattle show, demo derby & lots of entertainment.

aylmerfair.ca

sheddenfair.com

rodneyfair.ca

Come on out for three days of fun at the Wallacetown Fair! There will be: vendors, demolition derby, Junior Ambassador Competition, car & antique show, dairy exhibit, face painting, balloon artists, talent show, tractor pull, freestyle motor-cross & much more!

Aylmer Fair

railwaycitymusicandartsfestival.ca

Shedden Fair

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

Rodney Fair

Wallacetown Fair

EVENTS AUGUST

Straffordville Watermelon Fest Straffordville Community Centre 56169 Heritage Line Fire Hall breakfast, silent auction, food & craft vendors, face painting, free kids activities, petting zoo, music, midway rides & more! Family movie at dark.

bayham.on.ca

NOVEMBER

Country Holiday Tour

Rodney Night Market

Rodney, West Lorne, Dutton & Wallacetown

Downtown Rodney

8-10

Enjoy shopping at unique, small businesses in West Elgin County and Chatham-Kent

westelgin.net

Downtown Rodney will be transformed into a fun outdoor holiday shopping event for the whole family! Vendors, food trucks, storytime and more.

Facebook: kiwanisclubofrodney

SATURDAYS SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER Clovermead Pumpkin Festival Clovermead Adventure Farm 11302 Imperial Road, Aylmer Celebrate the wonderful world of pumpkins this fall! Enjoy a wagon ride, visit the farm animals, get lost in the corn maze, go pumpkin picking, and enjoy the fall decorations and family photo spots. Bee sure not to miss the Pumpkin Cannon Show and Candy Cannon Show!

clovermead.com

DECEMBER

Rural Roots Christmas Market

Christmas Spirit Walk

Springwater Conservation Area 8079 Springwater Road, Aylmer

Dutton Dunwich Community Centre Indoor and Outdoor local vendors, Free Admission to public with donation of non perishable item. 50/50 draw, non-profit displays and more!

Facebook: Rural Roots Public Market

Stroll through the candlelit paths at Springwater Forest and let the sound of seasonal music under the stars put you in the Christmas spirit. Enjoy the story of the Grinch and Hoppy the Magician. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and meet Santa.

catfishcreek.ca

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

JOE’S BUSH 18

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

NATURAL AREAS OF ELGIN AYLMER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

112 acres with 4 wildlife viewing stands and trails throughout 10594 Hacienda Rd, Aylmer

DALEWOOD CONSERVATION AREA

In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful. – Alice Walker

10.2 km loop trail around the Dalewood Resevoir Moderate trail 10518 Dalewood Rd, St. Thomas

DAN PATTERSON AREA

2 loop trails totalling 5.8 kms Moderate trails 44014 Mapleton Line, St. Thomas

EM WARWICK CONSERVATION AREA

Short moderate hiking trail down ravine to lakeshore 26135 Warwick Line, West Lorne

FINGAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 724 acres 27 km of easy accessible trails 34469 Fingal Line, Fingal

JOES BUSH

50 acre site 2 kms of easy accessible trails 21597 Silver Clay Line, Rodney

Didyouknow? An updated Elgin-St. Thomas Hiking and Cycling Map is now available!

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

JOHN E. PEARCE PROVINCIAL PARK 3 km Easy accessible trails 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown

LAKE ERIE SALMON AND TROUT CLUB 8 acres Short easy accessible trail RR #2 4255 Thomas Rd, Port Stanley

PEARCE WILLIAMS SUMMER CAMP & RETREAT FACILITY 170 acre site. 7 km of trails Moderate hiking 8009 Iona Rd, RR#1, Fingal

SPRINGWATER CONSERVATION AREA

370 acre Carolinian Forest with various lengths of trails Easy to moderate accessible hiking 8079 Springwater Rd, RR #5, Aylmer

SOLITUDE NATURE RESERVE 3.5 km’s with various loops Easy accessible trails 45388 Dexter Line, Sparta

YARMOUTH NATURAL HERITAGE AREA

208 acres of forest, ponds, wetlands and streams 3 km of easy-moderate accessible trails 47502 Sparta Line, Sparta

DALEWOOD RESERVOIR TRAIL 20

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

NATURAL AREAS OF ELGIN

YARMOUTH NATURAL HERITAGE AREA

The Springwater

Conservation

offers a full service campground, day use facilities, hiking trails, year-round special events, and facility rentals. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Springwater Conservation. AYLMER WILDLIFE AREA 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

CYCLING ROUTE ATTRACTIONS

Two wheels and twice the fun! From the Waterfront Trail to off-road trails at Springwater Conservation Area, cycling through Elgin County’s beautiful countryside is sure to impress!

St. Thomas Elevated Park

Start/Finish: Southwold Earth Works (7930 Iona Rd, Fingal • St. Stephen's Church/Cemetery (33105 Fingal Ln, Dutton/Dunwich • Site of Talbot's Home (32109 Fingal Ln, Wallacetown) • Talbot Cairn (32109 Fingal Ln, Wallacetown) • St. Peter's Cemetery (29613 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown) • St. Peter's Church (29596 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown) • Backus-Pae House (29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown) • John E. Pearce Park (29551 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown)

Start/Finish: Port Burwell • Trinity Anglican Church (25 Pitt St, Port Burwell • Grey Gables B&B (22 Erieus St, Port Burwell) • Marine Museum (20 Pitt St, Port Burwell HMCS Ojibwa Submarine Museum of Naval History (3 Pitt St, Port Burwell) • Port Burwell Provincial Park (9 Wilson Lane, Port Burwell) Start/Finish: West Lorne • Lorne (earlier name, SE corner of Graham Rd & Pioneer Ln, West Lorne) • Bismark (earlier name, NW corner of Graham Rd & Pioneer Ln, West Lorne) • West Elgin Nature Reserve (24514 Downie Ln, West Lorne) • Centreville/Old Rodney (Furnival Rd & Downie Ln, Rodney) • Canada Southern Railway (south end of Rodney, tracks gone) • McKillop Homestead (24810 Talbot Ln, Eagle) Start/Finish: Elm St & Wilson Ave, St. Thomas • Mackies (124 William St, Port Stanley) • John Bostwick House (216 Cornell Dr, Port Stanley) • Christ Church (283 Colborne St, Port Stanley)

Scan to read Paul's Guide online at the QR Code here.

Memorial Park

SPRINGWATER CONSERVATION 22

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

CYLCLE MURAL, PORT BRUCE

CYCLING

Talbotville Optimist Sports Park

Talbotville Optimist Heritage Park

Corsley Park Fingal Heritage Park

Solitude Nature Reserve Pearce Williams Hawk Cliff Woods

Beach

LEGEND

& Pickleball

This map has been developed as an aid to cyclists and walkers. The Southwestern Public Health Unit, Elgin County Tourism and Railway City Tourism, assume no responsibility for the accuracy of this map or for the safe conditions of traffic, roads & facilities. Users are solely responsible for any risks encountered in the use or operation of facilities and for their own safety and for any loss, costs & Pickleballor expenses incurred by the Southwestern Public Health Unit as a result of user acts or omissions. Note: routes & facilities shown require different skill levels and are subject to change without notice.

& Pickleball

Hike, cross-country ski, boat, paddle, bird watch, ride a horse, cruise (via bike, motorcycle or car), fish or swim all here right in Elgin! Let the Elgin County Cycling and Hiking map guide you along the way. Ride, run, roam your way through kilometres of lush landscape stretching all the way from the historic Railway City to the harbour of Port Stanley. Elgin is proud to be a part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a signed route connecting 155 communities and First Nations along 3600km of the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes region. Ride a piece of Elgin’s history along the Highwheel Way from Aylmer down to Port Bruce. Learn about Doolittle, an Elgin County native who was a famous Highwheel bicycle racer! 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

TARANDOWAH GOLF COURSE

ST. THOMAS GOLF AND COUNTY CLUB

Didyouknow? Elgin County is home to the exclusive REDTAIL GOLF CLUB, where the Queen herself once enjoyed a stay, adding to its allure.

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

G LF Tourists and residents alike relish the opportunity to golf at Elgin County’s top-notch private and public courses scattered throughout the region. These courses provide a variety of challenges that cater to players of all skill levels.

take your best shot...

fore

COURSES BELMONT GOLF CLUB

Belmont | belmontgolfclub.com

THE BLUFFS GOLF CLUB

Port Stanley | thebluffsgolfclub.com

EDEN GOLF CLUB

Eden | edengolfclub.ca

FORE GOLFERS ONLY LTD.

St. Thomas | foregolfersonly.on.ca

IRON CREEK GOLF AND COUNTY CLUB St. Thomas | ironcreek.ca

KETTLE CREEK GOLF + COUNTRY CLUB Port Stanley | kettlecreekgolf.ca

PALMER WOODS GOLF CLUB Dutton | duttonmeadows.com

PUTTING ZOO

St. Thomas | puttingzoo.ca

RAILWAY 1856 INDOOR MINI GOLF St. Thomas | railway1856minigolf.ca

ST. THOMAS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Union | stthomasgolf.com

KETTLE CREEK GOLF CLUB

TARANDOWAH GOLF COURSE Springfield | puregolf.net

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

Didyouknow

that the PORT STANLEY BEACH HOTEL offers beachfront tranquility? Overlooking Main Beach, this unique hotel and its onsite restaurant provide beach access just steps from each room, making it the perfect lakeside retreat.

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

STAY

LONGER

From lavish to rustic, charming to contemporary,

CAMPING & RV

there is a perfect spot waiting for you in Elgin County. DUTTONA FAMILY CAMPGROUND Wallacetown | duttonapark.com

THE LAKEWOOD RV RESORT

Rodney | thelakewoodrvresort.com

PORT GLASGOW TRAILER PARK New Glasgow

PORT BURWELL PROVINCIAL PARK Port Burwell | ontarioparks.com

RED OAK TRAVEL PARK

Eden | redoaktravelpark.com

SOLITUDE NATURE RESERVE

Port Stanley | solitudenaturereserve.com

SPRINGWATER CONSERVATION AREA Aylmer | catfishcreek.ca

SOLITUDE NATURE RESERVE

PORT BURWELL PROVINCIAL PARK 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

B AND B’S AND INN’S

WINDJAMMER INN

CONNY’S B & B ON THE FARM St. Thomas | bbcanada.com

GREY GABLES BED AND BREAKFAST Port Burwell | bbcanada.com

INN ON THE HARBOUR & LITTLE INN Port Stanley | innontheharbour.net

KETTLE CREEK INN

Port Stanley | kettlecreekinn.com

LUMLEY & CO. B&B

Iona | AirBnB.ca - Lumley & Co

NATURE’S OASIS RETREAT Southwold | naturesoasis.ca

TELEGRAPH HOUSE HERITAGE INN Port Stanley | telegraphhouse.com

THE WINDJAMMER INN

Port Stanley | thewindjammerinn.com 28

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

STAY

LONGER

NATURE’S OASIS RETREAT

MOTEL/HOTEL CARDINAL COURT MOTEL St. Thomas | cardinalcourt.ca

COMFORT INN

St. Thomas | comfortinnstthomas.ca

HOLIDAY INN

St.Thomas | ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

NEW ELGIN MOTEL St. Thomas

PORT STANLEY BEACH HOTEL

Didyouknow? NATURE’S OASIS is a luxurious Bed & Breakfast and wedding venue located just minutes from London. An indoor pool, hot tub, ponds, bridges, nature trails, and ensuite rooms await you.

Port Stanley | portstanleybeachhotel.com

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

TWO FORKS 30

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

TASTE

SWEET TREATS

Sip and savour your way through locally-inspired farm-to-table restaurants, wineries and breweries to experience the best Elgin County has to offer.

ABBY MAE’S GLUTEN FREE BAKERY Aylmer abbymaes.square.site

KNEADED KNOOK BAKERY AND CAFE Straffordville

BRODERICK’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR

LICKS ICE CREAM & MILKSHAKE BAR

THE CANDY GRAM

MISTYGLEN CREAMERY

GRANDMA’S OVEN BAKERY AND CAKES INC.

PICARD’S ORIGINAL

Port Stanley brodericksicecreamparlour.com Port Stanley thecandygram.ca

Aylmer grandmasoven.ca

HARBOUR CHEESECAKE Port Stanley harbourcheesecake.ca

Port Stanley licksicecream.ca

Belmont mistyglencreamery.com Talbotville picardsoriginal.ca

THE RODNEY SCOOP

Rodney msha.ke/therodneyscoop

SHAW’S ICE CREAM St. Thomas shawsicecream.com

SIMPLY SCOOPS Port Burwell simplyscoops.ca

WALKER DAIRY BAR Aylmer walkerfarms.ca

SIMPLY SCOOPS

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

RESTAURANTS CORNER VIEW CAFÉ Port Bruce GTS ON THE BEACH Port Stanley | gtsonthebeach.com JOHNNY’S RESTAURANT Aylmer | johnnysaylmer.com KETTLE CREEK INN Port Stanley | kettlecreekinn.com NEW SARUM DINER St. Thomas | newsarum.com OUT TO LUNCH CAFÉ West Lorne RUBY’S COOKHOUSE

PINECROFT Aylmer | pinecroft.ca RUBY’S COOKHOUSE Aylmer | rubyscookhouse.com

Didyouknow? MISTYGLEN CREAMERY produces a full fat decadent chocolate milk with seasonal milks such as mocha and strawberry.

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

SHORS PUB & EATERY Port Bruce | shors.ca TWO FORKS Port Stanley

TASTE

GTS ON THE BEACH 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

Coming Soon

PINECROFT

Port Stanley Brewing Company TO THE PORT STANLEY HARBOURFRONT!

Get ready for an exciting addition to the area as the Dominion of Canada building transforms into a craft brewery and restaurant. Enjoy picturesque views of the harbor and a diverse menu, featuring seasonal beers and delicious dishes. This will be a must-visit destination!

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

TASTE WINERIES, CIDERIES & BREWERIES CAPS OFF BREWING

RAILWAY CITY BREWING

GREAT LAKES FARMS CIDER

RISE AND RUIN CIDER

NATTERJACK BREWING COMPANY

RUSH CREEK WINES

St. Thomas | capsoffbrewing.com Port Stanley | greatlakesfarms.ca West Lorne | natterjackbrewing.ca

St. Thomas | railwaycitybrewing.com Sparta | riseandruin.ca

Aylmer | rushcreekwines.com

QUAI DU VIN ESTATE WINERY Sparta | QuaiduVin.com

NATTERJACK BREWING COMPANY 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

TOP

10 Family

BLUE GROVES FARMS Eagle | bluegrovesfarms.com

Bring your family to the certified organic blueberry farm for a day of berry-picking fun, and enjoy a range of delicious blueberry treats in a picturesque countryside setting.

2 36

elgintourist.com | #ElginCounty

Must Dos

PORT STANLEY TERMINAL RAIL Port Stanley | pstr.on.ca

Experience family-friendly fun with a scenic train ride through Kettle Creek Valley. Journey over 7 km of the historic London & Port Stanley Railway route, powered by diesel locomotives. Enjoy holiday-themed, murder mystery, and live music events running from May to December!

CLOVERMEAD ADVENTURE FARM Aylmer | clovermead.com

Visit Clovermead Adventure Farm for family-friendly fun, including rides, animals, zip lines, and summer beekeeper events. Don’t miss the Pumpkin Festival in October at this heritage honey farm near Aylmer, open from June to October.

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

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MACKIES Port Stanley

Discover this family tradition at Port Stanley’s Main Beach since 1911! Enjoy fresh-cut fries, their famous homemade sauce, Orangeade, and an exciting kids’ arcade.

SOLITUDE NATURE RESERVE

Near Port Stanley | solitudenaturereserve.com Experience serenity at Solitude Nature Reserve, where your family can reconnect with nature amidst six free, well-equipped campsites and picturesque trails.

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GREAT LAKES FARMS

Near Port Stanley | greatlakesfarms.ca At Great Lakes, enjoy a family-friendly outing with pick-your-own fruits like strawberries, apples, peaches, pears, and pumpkins, along with an exciting fall adventure farm. Don’t miss the daily fun at the apple barn!

OTTER BE HERE

Aylmer | otterbehere.com Discover Elgin’s full-service canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rental at Otter Be Here. Explore the scenic Big Otter Creek with convenient drop-off and pick-up options, just a call away.

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

HORSESHOE J DUDE RANCH Fingal | duderanchontario.com

Enjoy seasonal guided horseback rides on beautiful scenic trails suitable for riders of all ages!

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HIT THE BEACH Explore 100+ km of Lake Erie’s shoreline in Elgin County, featuring 4 ports; Port Stanley, Port Burwell, Port Bruce, and Port Glasgow. Enjoy sun, sand, activities, shopping, and delicious Lake Erie Perch with a stunning sunset view.

SPRINGWATER MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL Aylmer | catfishcreek.ca

Enjoy wagon rides, maple syrup demonstrations, and delicious pancakes at the communityoperated pancake house, with special weekend attractions – a perfect March getaway! 2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

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ST. THOMAS DRAGWAY

Sparta | stthomasdragway.ca

Rev up your adventure at Canada’s inaugural purpose-built drag strip, St. Thomas Dragway – the top motorsports destination in Southwestern Ontario, featuring drag racing and off-road events from April to October

YELLOW BRICK POTTERY | Port Stanley | yellowbrickpottery.ca Unlock your creative potential with pottery wheel lessons at Yellow Brick Pottery, nestled in the countryside outside of Port Stanley. All age groups are warmly welcomed!

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CHURCHVILLE OUTFITTERS | Port Glasgow | churchvilleoutfitters.com

Experience the thrill of Rainbow Trout and Walleye fishing with Churchville Outfitters, a family-run operation in Port Glasgow, offering guided expeditions seven days a week

PEPPER TREE SPICE CO.

Port Stanley | peppertreespice.com Enhance your culinary skills with cooking classes at Pepper Tree Spice Co and explore their selection of over 300 fresh spices, artisan blends, and daily crafted organic, gluten-free products.

SPARTA LAVENDER FARM | Sparta | spartalavender.ca Visit the most stunning lavender gardens in Ontario’s South Coast region, stroll among the lavender flowers, and take in the magnificent views. The gift shop offers natural, locally made lavender products.

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

LEGENDS OF LAKE ERIE BOAT CRUISES | Port Stanley | legendsoflakeerieboattour.com Explore Port Stanley’s charm from the water with Cruise & Dine. Enjoy private charters, themed cruises, and make unique memories for special occasions, connecting with the local culture and cuisine.

7 FULL CIRCLE RANCH | Central Elgin | fullcircleranch.ca Founded with the vision of creating a safe, natural environment that promotes self-discovery, healing and transformation through the use of horses. Counselling, life skills and horsemanship lessons are provided.

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HMCS OJIBWA

Port Burwell | hmcsojibwa.ca Discover Canada’s hidden gem, HMCS Ojibwa – the silent submarine unveiled. Embark on the region’s most unique adventure with tours available seven days a week, and book large group visits by appointment. Dive into the Museum of Naval History.

ST. THOMAS FLIGHT CENTRE SIGHTSEEING TOURS | St.Thomas Airport | learntofly.on.ca

Explore Elgin County from the sky with St. Thomas Flight Centre’s exciting sightseeing tours, featuring stunning coastal views and the area’s rural beauty.

WINTER WINE AND DOME EXPERIENCE AT QUAI DU VIN WINERY | Sparta | quaiduvin.com Embrace the magic of winter at Quai du Vin Estate Winery (future home of Skye Chase Winery) with an exclusive Winter Wine Dome experience. Step into your private winter wonderland and discover a world of warmth, wine, and wonder. The winery is open 7 days a week, year-round, and also hosts live music in the summer months.

2024 Elgin County Visitor's Guide

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