Six Ontario Experiences That Will Supersize Your Love for Locals
A local craft beer suggestion shared by your server. A tip on the best cup of coffee in town overheard at the gas station. Directions from your inn’s owner to a special spot to catch the sunset. There’s just something about getting the inside scoop from people who live in the place you’re visiting that makes a trip feel extra special.
The residents of Ontario’s Southwest are incredibly proud of the small towns and friendly communities they call home and embrace the role of “local guide” with gusto. The growing number of hands-on experiences offered in the area speaks to the passion locals feel for helping guests really get to know the communities they’re visiting. Here are six excellent examples of immersive experiences in Ontario’s Southwest led by hosts who go above and beyond to help travellers forge a lasting connection with our region.
Grand River Rafting’s Steamboat Alley Experience
Make a splash with Grand River Rafting’s Steamboat Alley Experience, a peaceful paddle through one of the Grand River’s most scenic and serene stretches. Travel the same path as steamboats from 1832, when the Grand River Navigation Company was founded to build locks and canals along the Grand River to Lake Erie. This York to Cayuga River trip is excellent for all skill levels, and along the way, there are spots to stop and swim. Also, along this route, you will see the famous mansion called Ruthven Park NHS, once owned by one of the River Barons. There are lots of bird sightings from bald eagles to blue herons, as well as turtles, fish and other wildlife, as you are surrounded by the Carolinian forest.
While You’re in the Area: Enjoy a meal before or after your paddle at a beloved local spot like Twisted Lemon, Debb’s Cuisine on Queen, Hoover’s Marina and Wharfside Restaurant, The Minga or The Carolinian Cafe & Eatery.
Stay a Little Longer: Reserve a cozy room at Twisted Lemon, Carrousel Bed & Breakfast, Broecheler Inn or Door 25 Stays.
The Experience: Big Creek Eco-Adventure in Norfolk County
Having paddled two oceans, a few seas, and countless rivers and lakes, Jamie Kent knows a thing or two about the conditions that make for a fantastic float! On his five-hour Big Creek Eco-Adventure paddle, Jamie broadens his guests’ perspectives by sharing access to a seldom-travelled waterway that is so spectacular it’s known as Canada’s Amazon. As guests make their way down the small river hidden under a canopy of ancient trees, Jamie points out birds, animal tracks, and plants while sharing stories of Big Creek’s history. He’s also happy to point guests toward the local craft breweries that best suit their tastes at the end of the trip! Book this paddle.
While You’re in the Area: Fuel up after your paddle with a relaxed meal at Charlotteville Brewing Company, The Mule Port Dover, David’s Restaurant, The Bunkhouse, Barrel Pizza & Spaghetti House Restaurant.
Stay a Little Longer: Settle in for a night or two and get to know the Lake Erie shore a little more! Excellent local spots to stay include Homegrown Hideaway, Long Point Eco-Adventures, The Dover George and Clonmel Castle.
The Experience: Transitions Equine in Oxford County
If you are looking to spend time with animals, Transitions Equine offers experiences for friends (Cowgirl Kickback), couples (Horse Play), and families (Happy Herd). These activities blend relaxation, connection and horses! Start off with grooming and learning about horse body language. Then, as a team, take your partner horse through a series of obstacle courses. Your experience wraps up with laughter and snacks around the campfire. This experience perfectly combines nature, tranquillity, and camaraderie, making it an unforgettable escape for those seeking rejuvenation and cherished relationships. This experience does not involve horseback riding.
If you plan on staying in the area, taste for yourself why Oxford County is known as the Dairy Capital of Canada by enjoying decadent dishes at local hotspots like farm-to-table SixThirtyNine, Finkle St Tap and Grill or roadhouse eats at Louie's Pizza and Pasta.
Keep the zen vibes going at a Nordic Spa or cozy up with an overnight stay at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, a family suite rental at Spruce Lea Gatherings, or camping at Nearby Willowlake Campground.
The Experience: Legends of Lake Erie Gourmet Picnics and Sunset Cruises in Port Stanley
Whether their guests choose to enjoy a relaxed picnic on a sandy beach, a Lake Erie sunset cruise, or an immersive Great Lake eco-adventure, the passionate crew at Legends of Lake Erie is always eager to share fascinating points of local interest and the inside scoop on the area’s history and wildlife. Plus, with a portion of profits given back to the community and environmental projects, this is fun you can feel extra good about! Book a Legends of Lake Erie experience.
While You’re in the Area: Take advantage of Legends of Lake Erie’s Cruise and Dine package, and you’ll receive a gift certificate to keep the local love going at a popular nearby restaurant like GT’s On The Beach, Two Forks, The Edible Journey, Riva Italian, or the Port Stanley Brewing Company.
Stay a Little Longer: Why limit your Lake Erie beach escape to a day trip? Settle in for the evening at Inn on the Harbour, Kettle Creek Inn & Restaurant or Windjammer Inn.
The Experience: Yaya's Kitchen's Sahel to Soul: A Culinary Experience in London
Yaya’s Kitchen isn’t a restaurant—it’s a story told through food. Created by Maryam and Malvin, Sahel to Soul, an Ontario’s Southwest Signature Experience, incorporates a blind tasting menu that doesn’t just nourish your appetite, it feeds your curiosity. Each dish is a doorway into the Global Black Experience, with stories and traditions woven through every bite. This one-of-a-kind experience blends community, culture, and conversation in a way that few places can. You’ll arrive as a guest, but you’ll leave with a full belly, a full heart, and a new understanding of how food can build bridges.
While You’re in the Area: London is the perfect spot to catch an after-dinner show. Check out what’s happening at Grand Theatre, Canada Life Place or London Music Hall while you’re in the city.
Stay a Little Longer: Beyond its vibrant culinary and entertainment scene, London offers scenic walking trails, a thriving craft brewery scene, and charming neighbourhoods to explore, making it an ideal spot for an overnight getaway. Excellent accommodation options include Hotel Metro, Idlewyld Inn & Spa, and The Park Hotel London.
The Experience: Awaken Your Spirit: A Spirit Horse Encounter at TJ Stables
Gain a more accurate understanding of Indigenous traditions on this three-hour experience that will leave you with a heightened sense of reverence and respect for the enduring bond between humans and horses. Stable owner Terry Jenkins has dedicated countless hours to help save the endangered Ojibway Spirit Horses, which is thought to be the only existing breed of horse developed by Indigenous people in Canada. In addition to learning the fascinating story behind the breed, participants are invited to walk amongst the magnificent creatures before stepping into an authentic Métis fur trade encampment to hear stories and enjoy Métis fiddle music and Indigenous drumming. Book this experience.
While You’re in the Area: Fuel up with a tasty meal after your educational and engaging afternoon at a local favourite like Mamma Maria’s Ristorante, Sons of Kent Brewing Co., or Churrascaria Steak House.
Stay a Little Longer: If your Spirit Horse Encounter leaves you longing to spend some more time at this special place, book a night in one of TJ Stables’ authentic Indigenous-made Tipis or their Little Cabin In The Woods. For an overnight stay that’s less rustic, consider Retro Suites Hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham, or Willow Barrel Retreat.
In Ontario’s Southwest, the concept of arriving as guests and leaving as friends is not just a slogan but a heartfelt promise woven into the fabric of the region. Through six remarkable hands-on experiences, visitors are not spectators but active participants in a journey of discovery guided by passionate locals who generously share their knowledge, heritage, and love for their communities. After your trip, you’ll be glad that you took the time to get to know the locals because you’ll have an accurate understanding about the culture, traditions, and way of life in the in Ontario’s Southwest. And hopefully you’ll have made some friends along the way!
