Introduction

Haldimand County, where the waters of the Southern Grand River meet
Lake Erie, offers travellers the experience of both "Grand River Country"
and "Ontario’s South Coast."

Farm families have deep roots in the community and many have long-term investments in the
ecological and cultural heritage. Haldimand has a fascinating geology: a mix of heavily textured clay,
exposed limestone pavement and deep subterranean catacombs in the limestone bedrock. A wide variety
of fruits and vegetables prosper in this terroir. Livestock raised includes beef cattle, dairy cows, poultry,
pork, bison, ostrich and emu. Traditional and specialty crops also thrive in Haldimand County.

Haldimand County was opened for general settlement in 1832. In 1835,
Ranald McKinnon arrived in what was primarily wilderness, with only a
tavern and two log houses. He soon began building mills, whose
products could be transported down the Grand River by barge,
and the area developed quickly under McKinnon’s leadership.
He engineered the Plank Road, later to become
Highway 6, linking Hamilton and Port Dover. The
Grand River continues be a valuable asset to
Haldimand, not as much for transportation, but for
irrigation, canoeing, boating and water sports,
outstanding sport fishing, and the tranquil
beauty it brings to the farms, villages and the towns
of Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville straddling its
shores. The Grand gracefully meanders the breadth
of the county before spilling into Lake Erie. Its gentle
but powerful presence does much to enhance the
friendly, small-town atmosphere that is Haldimand
County’s strongest asset.

 

Restaurant Sound Bites

  • Twisted Lemon

    Twisted Lemon

    Located in the picturesque village of Cayuga, the Twisted Lemon is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Chef Dan Megna and Laurie Lilliman. Megna worked for 4 years under the tutelage of Mark McEwan at North 44 in Toronto. The open-concept kitchen offers seasonal and locally-inspired cuisine with monthly features. Cindy Presant’s breads, desserts and unique sorbets are made from scratch in house. Megna and Lillman source ingredients almost exclusively from Haldimand County. Thursday night features a prix fixe menu
    3 Norton Street West, Cayuga

  • Flyer’s Bakery & Café

    Flyer’s Bakery & Café

    Flyer’s Bakery & Café is open seven days a week in the heart of Dunnville. The marketplace is home to local artwork, paintings, crafts, antiques, organic fruit, vegetables and more. Breads, pies, cakes, pastries and soups are made on site and main dishes make use of local meats. The Shared Harvest Community Farm Market is held every Wednesday, (8 to 3), featuring organic produce and staples. Breakfast is served all day.
    144 Queen Street, Dunnville

  • Argyle Street Grill

    Argyle Street Grill

    The Argyle Street Grill was nominated for a 2010 Haldimand County Tourism Award. Co-owner/chef Wade Taylor oversees the kitchen and sources many locally gathered ingredients such as Jensen’s cheeses, V.G Meats, Port Dover perch, Hagersville Bakery products, Hewitt’s Dairy as well as Canadian lobster, mussels and haddock. Meat comes from the European Edge Butcher in Caledonia.
    345 Argyle Street South, Caledonia

  • River’s Edge Dining Room

    River’s Edge Dining Room

    River’s Edge Dining Room is found at the Dunnville Golf and Country Club, on the banks of the Grand River just outside Dunnville. River’s Edge offers a scenic view of the Grand River and golf course in their sunroom, a scenic view over the 18th hole in the dining room and a casual setting in the Club Room. The menu highlights local produce in dishes that range from classic comfort food to internationally inspired specialties. Open from April 1 through October 31, seven days a week.
    159 Regional Rd. 17, Dunnville

  • Grand Island BBQ

    Grand Island BBQ

    In 1953, Jim Williams, proprietor of his family’s meat market in Dunnville, was impressed by the large number of tourists passing by his farm and decided to open a small hamburger stand. From this simple start, Grand Island BBQ has become a favourite pilgrimage for both Canadian and American tourists. The featured item is their fresh-ground hamburgers, which contain no additives. On their extensive menu, 40% or more of the products are purchased and sourced locally.
    7336 Rainham Road, Dunnville

  • Gingerbread House Country Inn and Restaurant

    Gingerbread House
    Country Inn and
    Restaurant

    The Inn is the former Post Office/Town Hall of the old village of Indiana, dating back to the 1830s. Today, the 52-seat dining room (and 48-seat patio, weather permitting) provides a unique, historic setting on the Grand River. Enjoy casual gourmet dining prepared with time-honoured methods and historical recipes.
    311 Haldimand Highway 54, Cayuga

 

Haldimand Festivals

  • Dunnville Mudcat Festival

    Dunnville Mudcat
    Festival

    Named one of the Top 100 festivals in Ontario! Parade, midway, crafts, fireworks, dances, Bavarian Gardens and parade (Sat.), children’s entertainment, car show, strong man contest, musical acts, pony rides, food & much more! Contact 905-774-3183 or email chamberofcommerce@mountaincable.net for more information.
    www.dunnvillechamberofcommerce.ca

  • Fisherville FunDay Festival

    Fisherville FunDay
    Festival

    Enjoy music, fastball, parade, beer garden, BBQ, fish fry, kids games, car show, video dance, cash draws and much, much more! Contact the Fisherville Lions Club for more information, call 289-369-0369 or email jimrohrbach@hotmail.com

  • CayugaFest

    CayugaFest

    A "GRAND" community event with something for everyone! Parade, river activities, live entertainment, family events, artisans, vendors, food and more! Come celebrate with us! Contact 905-912-6641, email cayugafest@hotmail.com or visit www.cayugafest.com

 

Farmers’ Markets

  • Dunnville Farmers’ Market

    Dunnville Farmers’ Market

    Open from May to December, the Dunnville Farmers’ Market is open every Tuesday
    and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Locally grown fruit and vegetables, meats, baking
    and more are on offer.
    Market Street (Beside Dunnville Arena), Dunnville)

  • Caledonia Farmers’ Market

    Caledonia Farmers’ Market

    The Caledonia Farmers’ Market features home baking, flowers, fresh meats,
    and locally grown vegetables and fruits every Thursday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.,
    May to October.
    365 Argyle Street South (Canadian Tire parking lot), Caledonia

  • Hagersville Farmers’ Market

    Hagersville Farmers’ Market

    Hagersville Farmers’ Market has been offering fresh fruits, vegetables,
    flowers and bedding plants since 1892. It’s open every Wednesday
    morning from May to November.
    1 Main Street South, Market Square, Hagersville

  • Jarvis Country Market

    Jarvis Country Market

    Located in a 150-year-old mill, the Jarvis Country Market has over 15,000 square feet
    of vendors selling fresh produce, deli meats, baked goods, jewellery, leather goods,
    maple syrup and more. The market operates year round every Friday and Saturday.
    2095 Main Street North, Jarvis

Getaway Culinary Packages

Enjoy one of these culinary packages that will
inspire and recharge you, from romantic
getaways to an escape with friends.

  • Spring Package

    Spring Package

    Enjoy the first harvest of the season! This package includes a farm experience at Richardson’s Corn Maze and Farm Market. Enjoy a pancake and sausage brunch in the pancake house on Saturdays, and learn how maple syrup is made on the sugar bush tour! Stay overnight in the Carolinian countryside, at the Gingerbread House and Country Inn, surrounded by tall pine trees overlooking the Grand River in Cayuga. People go to the Gingerbread House to relax, forget their troubles, enjoy fine local gourmet meals, stroll along quiet wooded trails, sit by the water, and sleep in beautiful bedrooms.

    For
    Pricing

    Contact:
    tourism@haldimandcounty.on.ca

  • Summer Package

    Summer Package

    Get your hands dirty and enjoy the treat of picking your own berries at Blueberry Knoll Berry Farm; blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and sweet corn. Or step inside the market and find home baked goods, jam and frozen fruit. Take advantage of the late sunset and go for a trail ride at Big Creek Stables! Stay at the Heron House B&B in Caledonia and enjoy your breakfast on the deck overlooking the Grand River.

    For
    Pricing

    Contact:
    tourism@haldimandcounty.on.ca

  • Winter Package

    Winter Package

    Get out and learn a new skill! The Twisted Lemon Restaurant and Flavour Junkies offers a number of cooking classes Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. Reap the benefits of your own personal chef while comfortably sitting in an intimate group setting. Each class features three dishes, full-service dining, and includes informational notes and original recipes for you to take home with you. Warm up at the Broecheler Inn and take advantage of the Jacuzzi tub and wake up to fresh baked goods using the finest and freshest ingredients and with no preservatives.

    For
    Pricing

    Contact:
    tourism@haldimandcounty.on.ca

  • Fall Package

    Fall Package

    Join us in November for two weeks of the River Arts Festival; a creative multidisciplinary shindig proudly presented by members of the arts community, and hosted throughout downtown Dunnville, Ontario. Explore the streets of Dunnville and warm up in local café’s and restaurants serving the best of local produce. Spend a relaxing evening and discover the historic ambiance of Lalor Estate Inn. Enjoy four elegant guest.

    For
    Pricing

    Contact:
    tourism@haldimandcounty.on.ca

For More Information Visit:

  • Haldimand County - A Grand Experience
  • Grand River
  • Ontario's South Coast Feel The Warmth