Farms & Flavours in The Kawarthas
There’s a certain kind of magic that unfolds when the first bite of something fresh tells a deeper story—of soil tended with care, of hands that know the land, of traditions passed down through generations. In The Kawarthas, that magic isn’t rare. It’s rooted in the way food is grown, shared, and celebrated. From sun-warmed berries picked by hand to farmstead cheeses and pasture-raised meats, every flavour is grounded in integrity and shaped by the people who call this place home. Here, farms nourish more than appetite. They offer an invitation to slow down, savour the season, and reconnect with the source of it all.
At Millen + Smith Acres, the joy of spring is embodied in the playful antics of piglets and the gentle curiosity of lambs, welcoming you to experience the rhythms of farm life firsthand. For a truly special encounter with nature’s gentlest souls, Wanderlight Alpaca offers an unforgettable experience. Stroll among the friendly alpacas, whose soft fleece and calm demeanor make every visit a peaceful escape.
In the warm summer sun, fields begin to blush with ripening strawberries. At McLean Berry Farm, families and food-lovers alike return to the rows each year. Not just to pick berries, but to participate in something timeless. The warmth of the sun, baskets of fresh fruit, juice staining your fingertips; this simple ritual marks the start of a season that celebrates taste, touch, and time well spent. As the vines begin to stir, Rolling Grape Vineyard reopens its hilltop patio, where panoramic views pair perfectly with bold wines and woodfired pizzas. To the north, Kawartha Country Wines offers something entirely its own. Fruit wines, ciders, and preserves crafted with local produce, alongside a charming tasting room, a hidden gem waiting to be found.
As the days stretch and the sun warms, The Kawarthas enters a season of abundance. The four regional farmers’ and community markets—in Lakefield, Havelock, Millbrook, and Norwood—become weekly rituals, each one offering a curated experience with lasting local connections. Baskets overflow with heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, and fresh herbs. Artisans offer hand-poured candles, freshly baked bread, and carefully crafted preserves. These are the places where conversations matter, where origin is a point of pride, and where every purchase tells a story.
Just beyond the market stalls, the farms themselves welcome you in. At Harley Farms, regenerative agriculture isn’t just a practice, it’s a philosophy. Here, ethical animal care and thoughtful land stewardship intersect, resulting in pasture-raised meats, vibrant produce, and a sense of pride that can be shared by the producer and consumer. That same spirit of care and connection continues into the kitchens and wine cellars of The Kawarthas. Cheeky Duck Vineyard offers elegant wines crafted with minimal intervention and maximum respect for the earth. Home to a Michelin-trained chef, their patio opens up onto rows of vines, inviting you to savour every moment with all your senses. Further south on shores of Rice Lake, Elmhirst’s Resort brings the farm-to-table ethos to life through their Elmhirst’s Own program. The resort sources nearly everything it serves from its own farm and gardens, from pasture-raised beef to heirloom vegetables and honey harvested just steps from your cabin.
As the air sharpens and the leaves begin to turn, The Kawarthas bursts into colour and harvest celebration. Fields are coloured with pumpkins, orchards rich with apples, and families gather once again for the joy of the harvest.
At Leahy’s Farm Market, the flavours of fall are gathered with gratitude. Crisp apples, savoury pies, warm conversation, and the comfort of returning to a place that feels familiar and alive. Close by, the Norwood Fair, an iconic Thanksgiving weekend tradition for over 150 years, welcomes thousands with a heartfelt blend of rural pride and old-fashioned fun. Livestock shows, art exhibits, an expansive midway, and animal exhibitions pay tribute to the enduring legacy of farming and community. Here, autumn is more than a season – it is the grand finale of another fruitful year that honours the land’s generosity, before it settles into winter’s rest.
All year round, The Kawarthas tells a story rooted in the land. Written through changing seasons, fresh harvests, and the dedicated hands that plant, tend, and gather with care. Here, the land feeds more than your appetite. It feeds your sense of place, your desire for authenticity, and your love of sharing something beautiful with the people who matter most. Let this be the season you follow the rhythm of the land and discover just how deeply it can nourish your soul.
Submitted By: The Kawarthas Tourism
www.thekawarthas.ca
Photo Credits: Peterborough County Tourism
