Off The Radar & Out Of The Ordinary: A Multi-Day Tour in Middlesex & Sarnia-Lambton

Exploring the road less travelled can be a tall order for those with limited vacation days. Fortunately, with a little advance planning, it’s possible to pack a whole lot of fun into just two days. It starts with picking a destination that doesn’t take too long to reach. This two-day itinerary showcases a scenic spot that’s just a short drive from Toronto that will make you feel like you’ve escaped to another world.

A family walks hand in hand through a large sunflower field beneath a bright blue sky.

Day One Morning Activity

Middlesex County is home to several friendly farms and greenhouses that welcome guests with open arms. Best-bet picks to give you a taste of country life include:

A cuter-than-words can describe alpaca or goat experience at S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca Farm or Laughing Goat Yoga.
Berry, sunflower or pumpkin picking at Kusterman’s Berry Farm during the summer and early fall months.
Apple picking with a slice of swoon-worthy apple pie on the side at Apple Land Station – get a sneak peek in this Next Stop: Taste video.
Strolling through row after row of all things green and gorgeous at Heeman’s, a massive indoor-outdoor garden centre with thousands of plants, great shopping, an on-site coffee bar, a pick-your-own strawberry patch and its own cidery and meadery.

Seasonal Bonus: Visiting between June and August? Add a stop at one of Middlesex County's spectacular flower destinations. Check out the Find Your Bloom article and discover a variety of flower farms from around the County, such as lavender farms like Little Brown Farm and RnB Lavender. Looking for even more seasonal farm experiences? Explore our Find Your Harvest article that lists all of Middlesex County’s u-pick places, such as picking the freshest blueberries at Arrowwood Farm.

Two smiling women interact with a white alpaca outdoors on a sunny day.

Day One Mid-Day Meal

Farm fun in the morning calls for a hearty fuel-up to help you power through the afternoon. Restaurants to put on your radar include:

Rusty Wrench Brewing Company, where you can enjoy a delicious selection of pub fare favourites in addition to tasty craft beer.
Thai Pad, a family-owned restaurant in bringing delicious and authentic, from-scratch Thai cuisine
The Still Bar & Grill, a growing local favourite offering elevated comfort food and handcrafted beverages.

A plated Thai noodle dish with chicken, vegetables, shredded carrots, cilantro, lime, and crushed peanuts served on the side.

Day One Afternoon Activity:

Whether you're looking to hit the links or reconnect with nature, Middlesex County offers plenty of ways to spend an afternoon.

Tee off at one of Middlesex County's beautiful golf courses like Dorchester Golf and Country Club and Pine Knot Golf Club. From challenging championship layouts to relaxed rounds with friends, you'll discover why golfers are choosing these courses in Middlesex County. For a full list of fairways, check out the article Find Your Fairway.
A leisurely paddle at Fanshawe Conservation Area, where canoes and kayaks are available for rent on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from late spring through mid-October.
An afternoon stroll along the Thames River at Komoka Provincial Park. The Komoka White Trail is a nine-kilometre loop suitable for all skill levels with picture-perfect river views.
A hike through the Carolinian arboretum at Longwoods Road Conservation Area. This conservation area is also home to the Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum, an interactive museum that preserves and interprets Haudenosaunee culture.
Unwind with a guided horseback trail ride at Willow & Water, where beginner-friendly rides take you through picturesque countryside, ponds, and wooded trails just minutes from London.

ska-nah-doht village & museum

Night One Accommodations

Leave some time in the afternoon to book in promptly at check in to enjoy the amazing amenities at these one-of-a-kind places to stay:

Laughing Goat Yoga Studio has an adorable on-site cottage that offers easy access to nearby hiking and biking trails.
The Clock Tower Inn has beautiful rooms and suites steeped in history that are just steps away from the shops of downtown Strathroy.
Texas Longhorn Ranch offers gorgeous glamping in covered wagons, but that’s not all. You can also explore the shorelines of the Sydenham River on a horseback trail ride.
A stay in the light-filled loft or cozy tiny cabin at Fernwood Hills will put you smack-dab in the middle of a gorgeous green space.
Glamping at Jireh Hills Homestead provides access to fun on-site activities like watching goats and alpacas play and exploring their Blue Heron Lagoon by paddleboat.

Day One Dinner

Settle in for a delicious dinner that will give you a true taste of the place you’ve been exploring all day.

Tia’s Place uses an ever-changing selection of local produce in authentic Portuguese favourites.
Chef Mark Graham makes locally sourced produce and proteins sing in his outstanding menu at the Clock Tower Inn Bistro. For a sneak peek, watch our Next Stop: Taste video, also shown above.

Day One Evening Activity

If you’re travelling in the late spring, summer, or early fall, discover just how much bigger and better movies are when enjoyed under the stars. The Mustang Drive-In, just outside London, is a local icon.

Cars at Drive In

Day Two

Day Two Morning Activity

Start your second day with a scenic drive toward Sarnia’s stunning shorelines. When you arrive, grab a fresh cup of coffee to fuel a stretch-your-legs stroll around this beautiful city. Alternate Grounds’ Dockside location at Sarnia Bay Marina or Blackwater Coffee Co. are both perfect places to start.

Exploring a new city is a great time to try a new-to-you experience. Fun activities for the remainder of your morning include:

A look at the beautiful art exhibits at the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery.
Spotting warblers, sandpipers and falcons at Canatara Park, which also happens to be home to a best-in-class beach.

Canatara aerial

Day Two Mid-Day Meal

You can’t visit Sarnia without making a stop at Original Alberts for some of their legendary fries. This beloved fry business has been going strong for 90 years. If the lineup is longer than you’re willing to brave, head to Burger Rebellion for your burger and fry fix.

Day Two Afternoon Activity

If you’re travelling in the late spring, summer, or early fall, you’ll definitely want to spend some time enjoying Lake Huron and the St. Clair River.

Adventure seekers will love trying out the sport of wakeboarding at Boarder Pass, a cable wakeboard park on Sarnia Bay or get out on the water with a kayak or paddleboard rental from Gordon's Watersports, where you can explore the shoreline and enjoy a fun, active afternoon on Lake Huron.
If you’d rather be on the water than in it, Duc d’Orléans offers excellent scenic boat tours.

border pass

Night Two Accommodations

Sarnia is home to several excellent hotel options, including Insignia Hotel, Hampton Inn by Hilton and Holiday Inn Express. If you’d prefer something that’s close enough to the beach to hear the waves crashing, Point Perfect in Point Edward has four gorgeous two-bedroom condos.

Insignia Hotel Room

Day Two Dinner

For your evening meal, follow the Sarnia Lambton locals to one of the restaurants they love.

Lola’s Lounge is famous for its Oysters Rockefeller and maple-glazed rack of lamb.
For fine Mexican cuisine, Mexican and craft beer, and delicious margaritas, head to Point Edward’s Los Puntos Cantina.
A longtime local favourite, Tangs China House has been serving authentic Chinese cuisine in Sarnia since the 1970s.

Tangs China House

Day Two Evening Activity

With Sarnia’s friendly, welcoming vibe, you’ll want to spend a few hours living it up like a local. Fun things to keep you busy after the sun sets include:

Axe throwing at Valley Axe.
District Beta’s blast-from-the-past Arcade Bar featuring retro and current video games, virtual reality fun, and a fully stocked bar.
Rock climbing or laser tag at The Arena.
The wide assortment of entertainment offered at Refined Fool Brewing Co.’s three locations, including live music, trivia and bingo nights, and at their newest location 'Sports', fun games like Bocce ball, cornhole, shuffleboard and more. Get a preview of all the fun in store in this Next Stop: Taste video.

Throwing Axes at Valley Axe

If you're not inspired enough already, check out Going Awesome Places two-day weekend getaway itinerary with even more cool spots in Sarnia-Lambton & Middlesex County.

How do I book the tours, accommodations, or activities mentioned in this article?

To book any of the experiences, dining reservations, or accommodations listed in this guide, please follow the links provided throughout the article to visit each individual operator's official website. Please note that Ontario's Southwest is a regional tourism organization and does not process bookings or reservations directly

When is the best time of year to try this itinerary?

While the charming small towns, coffee shops, and boutique accommodations are wonderful to explore year-round, this specific itinerary is best experienced from late spring to early autumn (May to October). Outdoor-focused activities—like paddling at Fanshawe Conservation Area (rentals available late spring to mid-October), apple picking at Apple Land Station, catch-a-wave beach visits at Canatara Park, and catching a flick under the stars at the Mustang Drive-In—are highly dependent on warmer seasonal weather.

Is this itinerary pet-friendly?

It features a great mix for pet owners! Outdoor strolls along the Thames River at Komoka Provincial Park or the hiking trails at Longwoods Road Conservation Area are excellent for leashed dogs. However, because this trip heavily features working animal properties—like S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca Farm, and Laughing Goat Yoga—standard pets are generally not allowed on the premises to ensure the safety of the resident farm animals. Indoor dining spots and museum spaces also restrict pets, so we highly recommend verifying individual animal policies on each operator's website before setting out.

How accessible are the stops featured in this itinerary?

The accessibility on this hidden-gem tour varies considerably depending on the stop. Urban locations in Sarnia—such as the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery, modern hotels, and paved walking paths at Canatara Park—offer excellent ease of access for mobility devices and strollers. Conversely, rural properties, farm settings (like walking among the alpacas), and specific accommodation styles like the glamping wagons at Texas Longhorn Ranch or the rustic trails at Fernwood Hills feature uneven terrain, grass, or gravel that may pose challenges. We recommend clicking the official links within the article to contact individual rural hosts directly regarding your specific accessibility needs.

How far apart are the Day 1 (Middlesex County) and Day 2 (Sarnia-Lambton) regions?

This itinerary is designed to be a progressive road trip moving west. The driving distance between the core areas of Middlesex County (like Strathroy or the outskirts of London) and the waterfront in Sarnia is roughly an hour to an hour and a half via Highway 402. Because it’s a direct and easy drive, you can comfortably spend all of Day 1 exploring the farms and trails in Middlesex, stay at a unique local property overnight, and take a scenic morning drive to Sarnia to start Day 2 fresh.

What kind of gear should I pack for this specific trip?

Because this trip balances rugged farm fun, outdoor recreation, and casual city nightlife, you'll want to pack a versatile bag:

Footwear: Closed-toe walking shoes or boots are essential for Day 1 farm tours (walking with alpacas) and hiking the trails at Komoka or Longwoods Road. Sandals or flip-flops are perfect for Day 2 at Canatara Park beach.
Outdoor Gear: Bug spray and sunscreen for the trails, a reusable water bottle for paddling at Fanshawe Conservation Area, and a blanket or lawn chairs if you plan to watch a movie under the stars at the Mustang Drive-In.
Casual Wear: Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little dusty on the farm, and a light jacket for breezy evening patio dining or axe throwing in Sarnia.

Do I need to book the alpaca farms, animal yoga, or glamping experiences in advance?

Yes, advanced booking is highly recommended and often required for the unique farm experiences like S.A.M.Y.'s Alpaca Farm, or Laughing Goat Yoga. Because these are working farms that prioritize small-group, hands-on interactions for safety and animal welfare, they do not generally accommodate drop-in visitors. Similarly, the highly unique overnight stays mentioned—like the glamping wagons at Texas Longhorn Ranch or the tiny cabins at Fernwood Hills—have very limited capacity and tend to book out weeks or months in advance, especially for summer weekends.