The Oxford County Cheese Trail weaves its way through Oxford County, the Dairy Capital of Canada, with a 30+ stop, self-guided tour featuring the county’s best cheese producers, mongers, restaurants, and heritage sites.
Located at the crossroads of two of Ontario’s major highways, Oxford County has made a name for itself through a love for local and a celebration of its heritage. As the “Dairy Capital of Canada,” this southwestern county has created the ultimate foodie destination - the Oxford County Cheese Trail.
This 30+ stop, self-guided tour provides the ultimate dairy-centric experience featuring Oxford County’s best makers, mongers, restaurants, and heritage sites. Whether it’s a day in the country or a rural getaway with packages from The Elmhurst Inn and Spa, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail has curated the perfect itinerary. With over 24 trips planned by town, theme, or group, you’re sure to find the perfect fit - and even if you don’t, Tourism Oxford will customize one for you!
Whether it’s tours, tasting or shopping, the maker stops are made for you. From full factories to family farms, five of Ontario's best dairy producers are located right in Oxford County. Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Mountainoak Cheese, Bright Cheese & Butter, Red Dragon Dairy, and Golspie Dairy are found on the trail, each with special ‘Cheese Day’ offers every Saturday in May for those taking part in the tour. Get the most of your experience with Affinage 101 at Gunn’s Hill where you can learn the art of cheesemaking with their highly experienced and passionate cheesemakers.
If tasting isn’t enough, you can choose from a variety of restaurants on the trail, each with menus full of high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s a casual bite or a luxury dining experience, these restaurants don’t disappoint. Featured restaurateurs include the Elmhurst Inn and Spa, Charles Dickens Pub, Louie’s Pizza and Pasta, SixThirtyNine, The Olde Bakery Café, Brickhouse Brewpub at Upper Thames Brewing, and The Oxford Hills. If you’re looking for the wow factor with a front row seat to your meal’s preparation, reserve the Chef’s Table experience at SixThirtyNine. Owner and chef Eric Boyar is centre stage creating the ultimate dining experience, with only the freshest local dairy, meats and produce.
Fun-filled experiences and educational opportunities are also plentiful on the trail from heritage sites to family farms. Turn back time with the Norwich District Historical Society’s private or group pioneer lead butter churning class or get a taste of farm life from vivacious stories, time in the field and playing with the animals at Udderly Ridiculous. Other stops include the infamous Springbank Snow Countess monument honouring her 21-year world record for butterfat production, the cheese themed playground in Ingersoll, tree to table charcuterie board building with Ottercreek Woodworks and shopping, picnics, and camping at Greener Pastures Eco Farm.
Supporting local doesn’t have to be time consuming! These quick stop shops on the trail each have beautifully handmade goods and sustainably sourced treats: Habitual Chocolate, Thames River Melons, Your Farm Market, Coyle’s Country Store, Jakeman’s Maple Farm, Ingersoll Wine Cellar & Cheese Shop, Patina’s Gifts of Art & Craft, and Wild Comfort Body Care!