Haldimand County: Where Stress Melts Away
Nestled in Southwest Ontario, just 90 minutes from Toronto, Haldimand County beckons travelers with its quiet charm and intimate experiences. As I drove off the 403 onto Highway 6, the pace immediately slowed and the stress of urban life progressively melted away. Here, the future of tourism lies not in bustling crowds but in hidden gems waiting to be discovered. When I arrived in Haldimand County, I immediately hopped on an exclusive self-guided Door 25 & Tasty Road Trips Adventure, which was the recipient of a “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program for innovation in tourism. Experiences can be booked through Door 25 by adding them to your stay as an add-on, or book them on their own through their website. As someone who is always planning events, I love it when I get to just sit back and go from place to place not having to make any decisions. When we arrived at each location on the itinerary, we just needed to share a specific phrase and the fabulous hosts knew just what to do. Are you wondering where I visited? The tour took me to the following locations:
The Social Coffee House and Market
My first stop was The Social Coffee House and Market in Selkirk. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me as I stepped inside. I immediately fell in love with their classic Hamilton Beech milkshake machines and the homey feeling of this café as many local bike riders, students, and residents made their way in and out, all warmly greeted by the staff who seemed to know everyone by name. They also have an adjoining retail store that carries a nicely curated collection of local products. I love discovering local gems and always appreciate stores that support local artisans. The tour included a beverage of choice from here and I had one of their delicious iced lattes. Now that I was caffeinated up and breathing the fresh air, I was ready to explore the county.
Public Art Tour Haldimand and Waterfront Way
Coffee in hand, I made my way to Waterfront Way for a beautiful view of Lake Erie. Whatever remaining stress I may have had dissipated as I listened to the water lapping against the shore. I could have sat here for the entire day but after a few minutes, my wanderlust and love of art had me wandering through the county, in search of colorful strokes of creativity scattered across the landscape by the way of painted paddles on the Public Art Tour Haldimand. Local artists are using wooden paddles—hand-made by high school students in Caledonia and Dunnville—to create art portraying the area’s natural landscapes, wildlife, history, and much more. I began to build up a bit of a hunger again before heading to the next destination.
The Carolinian Café and Eatery
Fun fact, did you know that the Carolinian forest makes its way as far north as Southern Ontario? It is a biodiverse, deciduous woodland region with rare species and a unique climate that locals strive to preserve. This family-run café strives to be as vibrant and enriching as the forest region it is named after. From their locally sourced live-edge wood aesthetics to their farm-direct meat and produce, they are local through and through. The tour included baked goods from this location, but word is that in addition to the delicious baked goods, their sandwiches are legendary, including one named for former local hockey player, Marty McSorley. I was beyond happy to see some of these sandwiches land on my picnic spread later that day. I had the most delightful time talking art, business, and hearing all about the passion for the café with one of the owners, Whitney. I could have sat and chatted all day. She also told me that art has always been a big part of her life and how important it is to ensure that the walls of the café are adorned with local art that supports the community. I will definitely be back to taste my way through more of this menu. Now, off to burn some calories!
After indulging, it was time to move around again. In between the Carolinian Café and lunch, I made my way to the award-winning Cayuga Grand Vista Trail, which guides pedestrians and cyclists on a scenic loop from the beautiful historic courthouse over the Grand River, on the restored CN bridge, to King George St. and Maple Rd., and back to the courthouse via Talbot St. E. and Munsee St. N. Two lookout platforms on the east and west sides of the bridge offer picturesque views of the river and its natural surroundings. After burning some energy, I was ready for lunch.
You had me at smash burger. If you know me, a delicious burger may be my death row meal. It is the first thing I order anywhere that is known to have a good one, and this burger did not disappoint. The Talbot Street Grill in Cayuga, Ontario, set in a refurbished train coach by the bridge and Grand River, offers craveable comfort food with a twist. From mac’n’cheese to five types of specialty poutine and smash burgers, it’s not your average chip wagon. The portions are generous, and the food is quick with excellent flavour. The tour had us tasting a full poutine and smash burger. I accepted the challenge and ate every last bite. If you’re in the area, swing by this cozy spot by the bridge!
Ruthven Park National Historic Site
I have to say I was really enjoying the curation of this tour, which balanced the right amount of eating and sightseeing. The next destination was Ruthven Park, a historic gem that transported me to another era. Ruthven Park is a preserved mid-19th-century estate in Cayuga, Ontario, featuring a Greek Revival villa, outbuildings, and archaeological remains. It spans approximately 1,500 acres along the banks of the Grand River and offers mansion tours, workshops, and special exhibits, as well as beautiful grounds including a butterfly trail. As if the venue is not stunning enough, our guided tour with Brittany raised the experience to a new level. Her passion for the site came through and I hung on her every word as she guided me through the mansion. If you are a fan of Bridgerton, break out your most regal outfit and come live out your dreams here.
At this point, we had one last stop on the tour and after walking the estate, I had just enough room left for one last tasting. Off I went to Purple Haven Lavender, where I was immediately immersed in serenity. The tour included a unique lavender tea experience including the most delicious earl grey lavender tea, served alongside homemade scones and jam. The experiences do not end there. This farm has an ever-growing list of unique experiences including forest bathing, date nights, picnics, yoga and more—the lavender-infused air naturally works its magic to elevate every experience. They also have a retail outlet full of products made with their lavender, ranging from a men’s line of grooming products to jams, a fragrant reminder of tranquility.
Picnic by the Lake – Door25 and Once Upon A Picnic & Events
After a full day of eating and sightseeing, I was ready to kick my feet up and chill at my beautiful property rental from Door25 named The LakeHouse. The first thing I noticed was the gorgeous patio overlooking Lake Erie with unobstructed views from east to west and a hot tub offering the perfect amount of privacy to take it all in. In addition to their cozy-chic accommodations, what I really like about Door25 is how much they partner with local businesses to offer unique experiences for relaxation and exploration, from the food tour we just completed, to bikes that you can rent from Dixon Cycle to explore the lakefront, to the incredible picnic we had from Once Upon A Picnic & Events. Can we talk about the picnic? It featured the best local goodies including sandwiches from Carolinian Café, sweet treats from Sweet Retro-Spect and My Sweet World, and beverages from Bains Road Cider, Concession Road Brewing, and Oranje Son. The picnic setup was beyond romantic and so well designed and curated. I have been lucky to partake in my fair share of gourmet picnics and this one ranks as one of the best. I had the pleasure of sharing my picnic with one of the owners of Door25, Nat, and the owner of Once Upon A Picnic & Events, Sarah, and enjoyed great conversation while eating and drinking for hours, until the sun began to set. It was the perfect end to the perfect day.
Rev Up Your Engine – Toronto Motorsports Park
After an incredible day of unwinding and discovering Haldimand County, I was ready to get my adrenaline racing again before returning to Toronto, so it made sense to end my experience at what I think may be the best track in all of Ontario: Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, home of drag racing in Ontario since 1955 and a premier sports and recreation facility with a drag strip and 3km road course.
First, after a safety briefing, I took part in an unforgettable Exotic Car Experience at TMP. Buckle up! I stepped into the driver’s seat of a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Nissan GT-R, feeling raw power as I tore around the track. The adrenaline surged through my veins as I was encouraged to push these machines to their limits, hearing the engine roaring as I ripped around the track.
But that’s not all. The real magic happened during the hot laps and drag strip with Uli Berri, the owner of TMP. As I rode shotgun in his Porsche 997 Turbo, I could feel the love he had for this place, the stories etched into every curve of the track. Uli’s passion for his craft and the community is palpable. He does not just run a racetrack; he weaves it into the fabric of the community. What really came through is that his events are not just about speed and horsepower, they are family-oriented gatherings that bring people together.
So there I was, hurtling down the straightaways, wind whipping through my hair, and Uli sharing tales of TMP’s history, while I tried not to lose my breakfast as he showed me how to rip through a course as only an experienced professional driver can do. It wasn’t just about racing; it was about camaraderie, shared memories, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. As I took it all in, I realized that TMP wasn’t just a racetrack—it was a passion project, a community hub, and a place where memories are formed with reach tire mark. Next time you’re in Cayuga, don’t miss the chance to experience TMP. Whether you’re behind the wheel or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll feel the heartbeat of this remarkable place.
Beyond Our Journey
I would be remiss to not highlight a few locations that I was not able to visit this time but are on my list for a future visit:
Cottonwood Mansion
The historic Cottonwood Mansion stands proud, its gardens echoing tales of bygone days. The Victorian House Guest Experience was just selected as an OSW Signature Experience! I promised myself a visit next time.
Grand River Rafting
For adventure seekers, Grand River Rafting beckons. One of the newest attractions in Haldimand County, you can paddle through scenic landscapes, feel the river’s pulse, and let nature embrace you.
Twisted Lemon (Getaway Partnerships)
Twisted Lemon is an innovative, award-winning restaurant and boutique accommodation, offering delicious meals and
culinary escapes. Their exclusive getaway packages promise memories waiting to be made.
Haldimand County whispered its secrets—the laughter of locals, the taste of award-winning beer and cider, and the promise of quieter, more meaningful moments, led by incredibly passionate people. Come, let stress melt away, and embrace the warmth of this hidden gem. Want to find out more about Haldimand County and Ontario’s Southwest? You know what to do.