Magical Maps: Taste, Culture, and Art Trails in Ontario's Southwest

What do artisanal coffee, murals, and cheese have in common? You can find trails throughout southwestern Ontario dedicated to them! 

Now, it's important to keep in mind that these aren't your typical trails. They are themed routes, maps, and guides that will help you eat, learn, and explore your way through Ontario's Southwest. 

Make Delicious Memories

I like to plan my road trips around artisan bakeries, cafés, and locally-made food and beverages that I can grab along the way. Can you relate? Then you're going to love these flavour-focused trails! 

The Chatham-Kent Bakery Trail

Locations: From Bothwell to Wheatley
Walkability: Driving recommended
# of Stops: Over 15
Nearby Stays: The Lux Hotel in Blenheim, Retro Suites Hotel in Chatham, or Willow Barrel Retreat in Erieau.

Downtown London's Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail

Locations: Downtown London
Walkability: Can walk or use public transit. Want more information on public transit routes in Ontario's Southwest? Click here.
# of Stops: Over 10
Nearby Stays: Hotel Metro, The Park Hotel London, and Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries are all in London.

Oxford County Cheese Trail

Locations: From New Hamburg to Tillsonburg
Walkability: Some parts are walkable but to visit all of the stops, you'll need to drive. Want more information on transit routes? Click here.
# of Stops: Over 30
Nearby Stays: Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Woodstock South in Woodstock, and Spruce Lea Gatherings in Thamesford.

Windsor Essex Artisanal Coffee Trail

Locations: From Kingsville to Windsor
Walkability: This route isn't walkable. You can take public transit or drive. Want more information on public transit routes in Ontario's Southwest? Click here.
# of Stops: Over 5
Nearby Stays: Hotel STRY in Amherstburg (opening soon), Distinctive Inns of Kingsville, and Caesars Windsor.

Cheers to the Coast Trail in Ontario's Blue Coast

Locations: From Grand Bend to Corunna
Walkability: This route isn't walkable. To visit all stops you can take public transit or find a designated driver. You can also book a tour through Wave Limo & Tours. Want more information on public transit routes in Ontario's Southwest? Click here.
# of Stops: Over 10
Nearby Stays: The Kiwi Motel in Grand Bend, Frog Point Inn in Courtright, and The Insignia Hotel in Sarnia.

Toast the Coast Trail in Norfolk, Elgin and Haldimand County

Locations: From Jarvis to St. Thomas
Walkability: This route isn't walkable. You may wish to book a tour with Ride the Bine or find a designated driver. 
# of Stops: Over 15
Nearby Stays: Clonmel Castle in Port Dover, Windjammer Inn in Port Stanley, and The Reeve Bed & Breakfast in Dunnville.

EPIC Wine Country

Locations: From Kingsville to Amherstburg
Walkability: This route isn't walkable. You may wish to book a tour with Grape Vine Tours or find a designated driver. 
# of Stops: 15 (10 stops are included on the EPIC Wine Country Tasting Pass, which gets you 6 wine tastings).
Nearby Stays: The Grove Motel in Colchester, HoriZen Bnb in Leamington, and Green Heart Inn in Kingsville.

Craving Culture Trails

When I'm travelling and a local resident assumes I'm from the area because of my knowledge of the destination's secret gems, I know I've done my research well. If you also love surprising locals by fully immersing yourself in the local culture and art, these trails are for you!

Middlesex County's Grassroutes Trail

Locations: From Lucan to Newbury
Walkability: This route isn't walkable. Driving is recommended.  
# of Stops: Over 100
Nearby Stays: Clock Tower Inn in Strathroy, Fernwood Hills in Komoka, and Jireh Hills Family Homestead in Brooke-Alvinston.

Haldimand County's Public Art Tour

Locations: Port Maitland to Townsend
Walkability: Parts of this tour are walkable but to visit all stops, driving is recommended.  
# of Stops: Over 20
Nearby Stays: Carrousel Bed & Breakfast, The Broecheler Inn, and Twisted Lemon Boutique Inn are all stays located in Cayuga.

St. Thomas Mural Map

Locations: All within St. Thomas
Walkability: This is a great walking tour!
# of Stops: Over 50
Nearby Stays: Cardinal Court Motel, Comfort Inn, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites are all located in St. Thomas.

Looking for even more new and exciting things to see, do, taste, and experience in Ontario's Southwest? Browse our collection of experiences and itineraries that have been specially curated for those who are endlessly curious and love to learn about the hidden gems others may overlook.