Join me on the Rural Makers Tour for a day filled with legends, flavours, and the serene beauty of Ontario’s rural treasures. The last time I took a day trip from Toronto with Rural Route Tour Company, we were on the Sideroad Sippers Tour in the Durham Region (read all about it here!). This time we are in Dufferin County. Dufferin County is a gem in Ontario, brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities. Located in the heart of the province, this region boasts pristine forests, wide open spaces and scenic farmlands that create a picturesque landscape perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Dufferin County’s unique blend of rural charm and cultural sophistication sets it apart from other regions. Just northwest of Toronto, there is a city influence in the county. On the Rural Makers Tour, we will get to experience a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at a rural apiary. Then, we will follow up with an exclusive two-course prix-fixe lunch at a hidden culinary gem and then tour a lavender farm. If this sounds like an amazing day tour from Toronto for you, then read on!
From the legends of Mulmur’s hills to the thriving arts scene in towns like Orangeville, there’s an undeniable magic in the air. The county’s commitment to preserving its natural environment, alongside its welcoming community spirit makes Dufferin County a special place where new memories are made.
Whether you’re drawn to this tour by the promise of outdoor adventures, artisanal creations, or simply the tranquillity of rural life, this day trip from Toronto that you don’t even have to drive yourself will offer you an unforgettable experience.
Who Are A Guided Day Trip From Toronto For?
A guided day trip from Toronto on Rural Route Tour Company is for all groups of adults who are looking to find something new just outside of Toronto. Geared towards Toronto residents or visitors to Toronto, the pick-up location for the tour you are on is a central downtown Toronto location.
On the Sideroad Sippers tour, my friend, Soraya (she used to be my neighbour in Toronto) travelled from Collingwood to spend the way with me. She’s an awesome hairdresser and I still only trust her with my hair (along with her being a great friend). It was a perfect day for us as a girl’s trip. There was also a husband and wife duo in the group, so I would say that these tours are great for girls’ trips, couples and those looking for something different than the hustle and bustle of the downtown day-to-day.
On the Rural Makers Tour, it was an all-female crowd, showing that girl’s trips rule supreme. That said, I can see older couples really enjoying this day as well. There is a really good chance that I would take my mom and her friends on this day trip.
Please note that currently, minors are not permitted on the tours due to alcohol service and offerings as well as the restrictions of car seats for transportation. There are non-alcohol options for the tours as well if beer, wine and cider are not a desired experience.
What Is Rural Route Tour Company?
In my previous post, you can find here on the Sideroad Sippers Tour – I wrote a whole section on the Rural Route Tour Company and its wonderful driver/guide/founder – Tamara.
Tamara is the face of the Rural Route Tour Company and a very enthusiastic animator. She’s so keen to share with you her knowledge of the area and bring you to her preferred suppliers who as equally excited to meet you. No matter which tour you take, whether you find yourself in Dufferin County or on a sideroad in the Durham Region, you’re going to have a great time with Tamara.
The Rural Makers Tour
After the group got picked up in a downtown Toronto location and I joined them from a carpool parking lot just off of the 410 as I was coming from Bruce County, our journey departed to the legendary Hills of Mulmur. The Hills of Mulmur in Dufferin County are a visual feast of rolling landscapes and lush greenery. The legend in these hills is the story of Jesse James, the infamous American outlaw, bank and train robber, who is rumoured to have hidden a fortune within this very area. As of right now, the tales of treasure supposedly buried by Jesse James and his gang have instigated numerous treasure hunts to which there is no concrete proof or verification, so it must be hidden really well!
Ontario Honey Creations
In the Hills of Mulmur, we head to Ontario Honey Creations and meet Sarah, where the sweet allure of honey products and the tantalizing taste of raspberry mead beckon us. Ontario Honey Creations is a woman-owned and led business dedicated to producing high-quality honey and honey-based products. Sarah has been working with bees full-time since 2012 and also founded the Toronto Bee Rescue. At Ontario Honey Creations, they specialize in creating artisanal honey, meads, and bee-related products that highlight the natural flavours and benefits of local honey.
Ontario Honey Creations is committed to sustainable beekeeping practices and supports local agriculture, ensuring that its products are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly. Visitors to Ontario Honey Creations can enjoy tastings, tours, and a firsthand look at the fascinating world of homesteading and small farming, making it a lovely destination for anyone interested in the art and science of honey production.
We got to do a honey tasting followed by a meade tasting and what I can say is wow. The HiveMinders Mead is made from raw and unpasteurized local honey. There is nothing, and I mean nothing nearly as good as locally-made honey. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water and sometimes adding fruits, grains, apice or hops.
Sarah not only led us through the honey and made tasting, but she also personally walked us back through the property to introduce us to her chickens and pigs. I’m not normally one to fawn over mead, but for the mead produced at Ontario Honey Creations, I’d take a drive for it!
Mono Cliffs Inn
From Ontario Honey Creations, we depart for the town of Mono. If that sounds familiar, maybe think about a place called Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.
The Mono Cliffs Inn, located in the charming village of Mono Centre in Ontario, is a historic establishment with deep roots in the community. The Inn, which dates back to the 1850s, has served as a gathering place for locals and travellers alike for over a century. It has seen history as a bar and restaurant, a farm and a General Store. The inn itself is a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture, with its rustic charm and historic ambiance preserved through careful maintenance and restoration. Over the years, Mono Cliffs Inn has built a reputation for its excellent cuisine, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. So many patrons are lured from some of the scenic stretches of the Bruce Trail that pass through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park to the Inn for a meal that will more than refuel after a day of hiking.
The inn’s restaurant and special wine cellar have become destinations in their own right. While we were fortunate enough to dine in the wine cellar on this particular day, please note that it is an added special experience on a regular tour. The wine cellar at the Mono Cliffs Inn has been known for attracting food enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs who appreciate the blend of history and fine dining.
On our day I ate a mixed green salad and the short rib burger, which is a Rock View Farms beef patty, braised short rib, old cheddar, baby arugula, & special sauce on a brioche bun with hand-cut French fries, very yummy! As a personal note, I will almost always default to a burger when given the option!
Hereward Farms
Driving through the picturesque Grand Valley, the last township in Ontario to go dry during the Temperance Movement and Prohibition in the early 1900s, we arrive at Hereward Farm. Here, the soothing scent of lavender invites us to unwind and appreciate the unique topography of Dufferin County. Hereward Farms is a family-owned lavender farm located in the picturesque landscape of Dufferin County, Ontario. Renowned for its lush lavender fields and high-quality lavender products, Hereward Farms has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking a fragrant and tranquil escape. We meet Julie here, she and her husband started their business with 40 lavender plants and a whim.
The farm produces artisanal lavender products, including essential oils, sleep scents, soaps, lotions, and chocolate. These products are small batch crafted with care, using the farm’s own lavender, known for its purity and potency. The unique qualities of Hereward Farms’ lavender make their products sought after for both their therapeutic benefits and delightful scents.
The visually stunning lavender fields, especially when in full bloom in June and July, create a breathtaking landscape that attracts photographers, artists, and nature enthusiasts. The picturesque setting of Hereward Farms makes it a popular spot for photo sessions, picnics, and leisurely visits. When you book your space, you’re welcome to stay and play as long as you wish.
While I didn’t catch a glimpse of any in bloom – sunflowers are next to come up and there is a giant field for them!
One other attraction here to mention is a wind phone. It’s a phone booth with a telephone in it and you can “call” a loved one who is long gone to speak with them. the concept originated somewhere else, so Hereward Farms can’t take the credit for the idea, but having the phone booth there with the ability to “place a call” to someone whom you’d like to speak with but cannot take your call, is therapeutic.
Why Should You Take The Rural Makers Tour?
One of the best parts about taking a guided day trip from Toronto is that you don’t have to do the driving. For those (like me) who get stressed by the traffic, congestion and construction, you gift yourself with a wonderful guide, happy to share knowledge of the area and entertain you along the way.
Embarking on the Rural Makers Tour with Rural Route Tour Company is the perfect day trip from Toronto, offering an unforgettable blend of adventure, history, and relaxation. From the legendary Hills of Mulmur into the delightful tastes of Ontario Honey Creations’ honey and raspberry mead, every stop is a unique experience. Enjoying a charming lunch in the historic wine cellar at Mono Cliffs Inn was a highlight on a summer day, and breathing in the tranquil lavender fields at Hereward Farms was an excellent respite from the city.
Each destination provides a unique glimpse into the rich heritage and natural beauty of Dufferin County. The Rural Makers Tour captures the essence of rural charm, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a delightful day out, this tour promises a day filled with memorable experiences and scenic wonders. With every stop carefully curated to showcase the best of the region, the Rural Makers Tour is a day trip that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and eager to explore more.
What Is Included on a Rural Route Tour Company Day Trip From Toronto?
Gratuities for tours, tastings, and food service are included in the price of the tour. So that means you don’t need to worry about tipping at the different stops you are making. Gratuities for your all-in-one driver/guide/host are NOT included. Should you wish to show your appreciation for the great service received throughout the day, gratuities are at your discretion.
Happy Exploring!
Special thanks to Tamara from Rural Route Tour Company for her gracious hosting and knowledgeable commentary. While she did host me on tours not once, but twice, I was able to take two very different day trips from Toronto geared towards two different audiences. I highly recommend you check out a tour this summer (or fall)!
