A self-driving tour to explore a variety of unique food shops featuring local delights and exciting imports, guaranteed to satisfy every foodie's adventurous palette. Perhaps you'll find something you've never tried before, or a fresh take on a long-time favourite!
When you shop at Merrickville's health foods store, you'll find a wide range of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, organic and other whole-food offerings. The shop’s staffers are passionate about supporting local and carry grass-fed meats, non-GMO poultry, organic dairy, eggs, produce, coffee, teas and more from over 20 farms and producers in Leeds Grenville and Lanark counties. They also stock healthy beverages and grab-and-go snacks for those on the fly—perfect for camping or a treat by the locks!
118 Brock Street West, Merrickville, Ontario
Just off the main street in the heart of a bustling historic shopping destination.
613-269-4341
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday to Sunday; closed Sunday from Thanksgiving to Victoria Day
Proudly celebrating Over 30 years in business and six international awards, Mrs. McGarrigle’s offers 14 handmade mustards, plus chutneys, vinaigrettes and spice blends, all made on site. Featuring local ingredients in products and local products in store, the shop loves to put the spotlight on other small producers. The 3,000-square-foot store not only features local producers, but also imported olive oils, British treats, and a selection of housewares and kitchen tools. Passionate about food, the company has also launched cooking classes, take-home meals and to-go charcuteries.
311 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville, Ontario
In the heart of a bustling historic shopping destination.
613-269-3752
Hours: Year-round, daily
So, why is a shop that specializes in caramels called Pickle & Myrrh? Well, those were the nicknames of the original co-founders’ daughters! Today, the charming shop—located in what was once a 19th-century law office, complete with a documents vault—sells a dizzying array of handmade caramels and caramel sauces. Founder and now owner Erin Kergen says the sea salt caramels are the stars, outselling all others by 10 to one. Look for gift baskets filled with caramels and other local foods. You’ll also find fine foods from local and other independent makers.
110 Main Street East, Merrickville, Ontario
Steps from Merrickville Blockhouse National Historic Site and the shopping district.
613-621-4141
Hours: Year-round, daily
A bit off the beaten path is this tasty surprise: a store selling high-quality Spanish pantry goods, cheeses and meats. Marc Gomez Segu’s carefully curated stock includes bomba rice—ideal for making paella—and Joselito ham, which is sliced to order in house. You’ll also find imported almonds, mineral water, extra-virgin olive oil from a centuries-old vineyard, premium chocolate and gourmet tinned seafood. Leave time for tasty tapas or a full meal in the onsite restaurant.
991 Industrial Road, Unit D, Prescott, Ontario
Just off Highway 401, within a short drive of the RiverWalk District and parks.
613-918-0702
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday to Saturday
Hall’s sells 22 varieties of apples, presses its own apple cider and makes apple butter. You can also buy butter tarts, cookies and 20 types of pies from the onsite bakery. On the shelves and in the coolers, you’ll discover local and regional foods ranging from quiches and cheeses to maple syrup, sunflower oil, jam and Mrs. McGarrigle’s mustards. A short country drive east of Brockville, this charming, family-owned shop has been a popular road trip stop since 1947.
2930 2nd Concession Road, Brockville, Ontario
A country store and bakery in a scenic location surrounded by orchards.
613-342-6320
Hours: Year-round, daily
Planning an epic barbecue? Pick up anything from a few hamburgers to a whole pig. Steaks, roasts, marinated skewers, chicken, store-made sausages, turkeys and more are available. The store offers a large selection of rubs, sauces and condiments. Owners Tanya and Rick Orr also stock local honey, cheesecakes, baked goods, maple syrup, salad dressing, eggs, pierogi, gluten-free items and more. Don’t miss the cheese and deli counter, plus the freezers filled with take-home meals. The Butcher Shop is also well known for its freshly made subs and sandwiches.
595 Stewart Boulevard, Brockville, Ontario
Just on the edge of the city, with a friendly cow statue waiting to greet you.
613-342-0664
Hours: Year-round, Monday to Saturday
“I’m always pushing the envelope,” says Luke Thomas of his house-made sauces, syrups, bakery items and other treats. The raspberry-shiraz compote and apple-whisky barbecue sauce are among his top sellers, but you’ll also find delectable goodies like jars of vanilla-poached plums with in-house vanilla bean paste and shiraz. You can pick up a freshly brewed cup of java infused with one of Luke’s own coffee syrups, complemented by European-style baked goods like strawberry-lime tarts and chocolate brioche knots.
29 Main Street East, Athens, Ontario
A chic-rustic shop surrounded by historic murals in a quaint village.
lukeseuropeanstylemarket.com
613-924-1844
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday to Saturday
The shelves in this sleek shop brim with unique food products—80 percent of them made in Ontario and half by women-owned businesses. Look for fresh bread from Gananoque’s Beraka Farm, as well as take-home containers of Lighthouse soups in flavours like Thai carrot, pumpkin and red lentil. Artisanal cheeses and butcher-quality meats—including sausages, smoked duck breast and dry-aged steak—are other highlights. Create a memorable picnic with made-to-order sandwiches and craft beverages.
5 King Street East, Gananoque, Ontario
In the historic downtown, opposite the Gananoque River and Confederation Park.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042936591432
613-463-9332
Hours: April to December, Thursday to Monday
First, Cindy Healy and Derek Ouellet bought a Victorian doctor’s house in tiny Seeley’s Bay. There, they started making chocolates as a “fun retirement project.” And then, the plan expanded! These days, the doctor’s former waiting room is an opulent chocolate shop, where every visitor gets a free sample of goodies made with Belgian Callebaut chocolate. House-made sponge toffee is also a top seller. In summer, homemade ice cream coated in Belgian chocolate is a popular treat and available in many flavours, including dairy-free choices.
159 Main Street, Seeley's Bay, Ontario
A distinctive Victorian home, a short drive from scenic Haskins Point on the Rideau Canal.
613-532-4468
Hours: Year-round, Friday to Sunday
Located in a former schoolhouse at a quiet rural crossroads, Wendy’s stocks products from more than 70 producers within a 100-mile area. Shop for cured meats, artisanal cheeses, preserves, produce, eggs, dairy, frozen entrées and more. Don’t miss the in-house baked goods, which include gluten-free options and Wendy’s popular sourdough bread. The market and farm also organize farm-to-table dinners, cooking classes, gardening classes, concerts and other events. You can even buy plants!
408 Fortune Line Road, Lyndhurst, Ontario
A winding countryside drive to a local foodie haven.
613-561-2177
Hours: Thursday & Friday 11:00 am to 5 pm, Saturday between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, Sundays 10:00 am to 3 pm. Year-round.
Small, local factories supply large blocks of aged cheddar cheese to this homey country store, where staff cut and package the cheese for retail sale. Squeaky-fresh curds are also delivered throughout the week—if you’re looking for a change from the ordinary, pick up some garlic or salsa curds, which are flavoured on site. Imported cheeses are available, too, and you can build a beautiful gift basket by adding local pickles, jams, sauces and maple syrup to your cheese selections.
1536 County Road 42, Portland, Ontario
A country stop that shares a location with the Sunflower Bake Shop.
613-272-3444
Hours: Year-round, daily
Customers are so keen for Rosie Yumski’s gourmet foods and housewares that the shop recently moved to bigger premises. Local foods—including coffee from Shabean Coffee Roastery in Seeley’s Bay, maple syrup from Little Rideau Farm in Westport and Mrs. McGarrigle’s mustard from Merrickville—are available. You’ll also find jams, cocktail syrups, dressings, dips, hot sauces and other products from across Ontario and beyond, along with quality cookware, tea towels, utensils, teapots and more.
1 Bedford Street, Westport, Ontario
In the heart of a vibrant shopping village.
613-273-8750
Hours: Year-round, daily