3 Ways to Get a Taste of Kawarthas Northumberland

Think local craft beers, gooey butter tarts and farm-fresh ingredients from this beautiful Ontario region

By  Beverley Ann DCruz

Posted: February 11, 2021 09:02 AM ET

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Thanks to a wide array of fresh ingredients and a spirit of culinary creativity, Kawarthas Northumberland boasts a bounty of gourmet experiences that should put it at the top of your future travel list. Combined with activities in its picturesque outdoors, there’s plenty to keep visitors busy during a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Here’s where you’ll want to take a bite (or sip!) out of the region, once it’s safe to travel again. Plus, ideas for how to get a taste from home.

Local breweries and cideries

At one of Kawarthas Northumberland’s many breweries and cideries, you can delve deeper into the production process with the makers and sample products before buying. On the Cheers Tour, you’ll visit Kawarthas Northumberland’s first microbrewery, Church-Key Brewing, as well as the 401 Cider Brewery located by the smiling—now masked—Big Apple (don’t forget a photo op!). Until road trips are on the weekend itinerary again, look for brews from the region at the LCBO or order online directly from the brewery.

Culinary tours dedicated to butter tarts

These sweet treats are taken seriously here and for good reason—Kawarthas Northumberland is home to the biggest butter tart culinary tour in Ontario. The self-guided tour takes you across 50 locations in three regions—including bakeries, cafes and restaurants—to savour their unique take on the Canadian classic. And don’t let travel restrictions stop your cravings. Just follow the butter tart tour online and note your favourites to try out at a later date. Raisins or no raisins? We’ll leave you to decide.

Farm-fresh ingredients

Thanks to the lush soil and distinctive microclimates, it’s easy to source high quality farm-to-table ingredients in Kawarthas Northumberland. Take your pick of fresh produce, honey and artisanal cheese at one of the many farmers’ markets, featuring goods from small family-run businesses like South Pond Farms. While a visit to South Pond may be on hold for now, you can still enjoy the fruits of their labour by ordering scones and pickled peppers online through Green Circle Food Hub, a virtual famers’ market.

Stay connected

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