Things to Do in Oxford County During Summer

Experience life in the slow lane with a visit to Oxford County in Southwestern Ontario. The area is brimming with charm and hidden treasures for you to discover. Summer is a special time for a visit, below are some of the top things you can do in Oxford County.

I. Outdoor activities

The Oxford Thames River Trail

Explore the 10.3 kilometer Oxford Thames River Trail that offers spectacular views of the Thames River. Walk amidst a mix of grassland and native trees as you enjoy the wildlife that darts in and out of your path that is a mix of crushed stone, grass and concrete boardwalks.

Address: 454779 45 Line, Beachville

Southside Park

Experience the wonderful colors, manicured lawns, and all-around peace with a stroll at the popular Southside Park. Take in nature, watch a baseball, or cricket game, and relax in the gazebo. It is also a great destination for a tasty homemade picnic.

Cost: Free
Where: 192 Old Wellington St S, Woodstock

Hickson Trail

For an easy 10km walk, Hickson Trail is a great option. Traversing through the forest, bushes along an old railway. It was recently renovated locally and now features many locally made benches for breaks and bites to eat along the way.

Cost: Free
Where: Hickson Trail East Zorra-Tavistock

Embro Park Conservation Park

Manicured to a high degree, Embro Park Conservation Park is a lovely outing for the entire family to enjoy. The trails total a short and easy 2.4 km.

Cost: Free
Where: 843968 Rd 84, Embro

Lake Lisgard Waterpark

Splash around at Lake Lisgard Waterpark! There is something for toddlers to seniors at this park which features a waterslide, inflatable rafts and slides, tubes and so much more. Make a day of it with the on-site eatery, picnic benches and changing room. Make the most of the summer heat!

Cost: Adult (age 13-59) $5.00, Senior (age 60+) $4.00, Child (age 2-12) $3.75, Toddler (under age 2) FREE
Where: 16 Ross Street, Tillsonburg

Pittock Conservation Area Kayak & Canoe

Rent a kayak or canoe at the lovely Pittock Conservation Area! Located near the reservoir of Thames River, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day, getting a bit of exercise while enjoying the sights. Take your boat for the day or a few hours!

Cost: Varies
Where: 221 Pittock Park Road Woodstock

Craigowan Golf Course

An exciting 18-hole course in Woodstock, Craigowan Golf Course is enjoyed over more than 6,000 hectares of glorious outdoor space. The course is described as a good space for both beginners and pros alike!

Cost: 18 Hole Green Fee – $65, Afternoon – $50, Twilight – $38, Junior Rates – $35
Where: 595838 Hwy 59 N R.R. # 6 Woodstock

 

II. Arts & Culture

Woodstock Museum National Historic site

Explore the rich history of the city of Woodstock with a family-friendly visit to the highly regarded Woodstock Museum. Explore the ages with both permanent exhibits, featuring the fire brigade and barbershops and the changing exhibits including the current brick by brick exhibit.

Cost: By donation
Where: 466 Dundas St, Woodstock

Woodstock Art Gallery

Marvel at the wonderful art pieces created by local, regional, and national artists with a visit to Woodstock Art Gallery. In addition to appreciating the art, the Woodstock Art Gallery also offers adults, teens and young kid’s classes, workshops, and programs to grow your unique artistic skills! There is also an onsite gift shop, where you can take home local artisans.

Cost: Free to visit.
Where: 449 Dundas St, Woodstock

Old Paul’s Anglican Church

Relish in the history of Old Paul’s Anglican Church, a building that dates to 1834! Enjoy the classic Gothic architecture, with pointed arches, stained glasses, and dramatic red brick. Interestingly, in the late 1800s, the church was used as a temporary jail! Take it all in with a visit!

Cost: Free
Where: 723 Dundas Street, Woodstock

Annadale House

Entering Annadale House is your pathway to a modern-day time machine. Transport yourself back to the 1800s in this well-preserved home, built in the 1880s by Edwin Delevan Tillson, the first mayor of Tillsonburg which took 7 years to complete! The home is extravagant, featuring hand-painted ceilings, elaborate inlaid floors, mantles, stained glass, and more to enjoy.

Cost: Varies
Where: 30 Tillson Ave Tillsonburg

Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum

Are you a cheese lover?! You are sure to enjoy a visit to the one-of-a-kind Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum, an interesting replica cheese factory for visitors to enjoy and learn as a nod to Oxford’s diverse history in cheese and cheese production. With over 20,000 artifacts and many awards won, go have a visit to see what all the cheesy hype is.

Cost: $5
Where: 130 Oxford Street (2nd Floor), Ingersoll

 

One of a Kind Antique Mall

You know what they say… one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! Find surprises at Canadas largest antique shopping spot, the One of a Kind Antique Mall, an 80,000 square foot mall stocked full of cool antiques – this includes clothes, furniture, books and so much more.

Cost: Varies
Where: 101 Wilson St, Woodstock

III. Farms and Gardens

Bre’s Fresh Market

Acting as ‘your local food connection,’ Bre’s Fresh Market works hard to provide only fresh farm and local produce for you to enjoy. At the market, you’ll find farm-fresh produce, local artisan and pantry items, and fresh cheese and ice cream!

Cost: Varies
Where: 224276 Ostrander Rd, Tillsonburg

Bickles Orchard Park

Apples, anyone?! Bickels Orchard Park is the spot to get a large variety of fresh apples, jam, jellies, relishes, and pickles! They pride themselves on their fresh local produce while ensuring a welcoming vibe, to connect you to nature again.

Cost: Varies
Where: RR 6 596633 County Rd 59 LCD Main, Woodstock

Potters Road Berrys

Choose local with a visit to Potters Road Berrys, a large and very beautiful spot to pick your own fresh strawberries and raspberries – or you can opt for already picked, just drop by and purchase a bundle.

Cost: $5.50/pint
Where: 145476 Potters Road Tillsonburg

Bentum Family Farm

Bentum Family Farm offers local, freshly grown produce with a focus on organic and pesticide-free food. The farm has a large offering of over 35 produce varieties, so you can savour summer with the best-tasting dishes.

Cost: Varies

Koteles Farm

With a motto of “from our field to your home,” Koteles Farm has over 100 acres of fresh asparagus! Asparagus is an extremely versatile vegetable and is best enjoyed when grown in the healthy soil of Koteles Farm.

Cost: varies
Where: 164700 New Rd, Tillsonburg

Makkinks Flower Farm

With charming flowers such as sunflowers, dahlias and zinnias, Makkink’s Flower Farm offers seasonal flower plants, often over 30 stunning varietals. At Makkink’s Flower Farm you can pick your own, wander through the gorgeous fields, shop or take a class on making a bouquet!

Cost: Starts from $10
Where: 164604 Kellett Rd, Tillsonburg

The Garden in Harrington

Enjoy the beautiful flowers, gardens, farm shop and large acreage at The Garden in Harrington. There are flowers for u-pick, for sale or join in on a bouquet making class, so you can craft your own perfect bouquet or cater one for a memorable gift.

Cost: Varies. $65 – two bouquets
Where: 336813 33rd Line, Embro

IV. Drink and Dining

Elm Hurst Spa & Inn

Enjoy a fabulous stay, enjoy a spa or have a Sunday brunch at this fabulous inn located in Ingersoll.

Where: 415 Harris Street, Ingersoll

Cheese Trail

For years Oxford County has been synonymous with high-quality cheese. The county has been referred to as Canada’s Dairy Capital, which is a befitting title for an area that was once home to 98 cheese factories. While they may not be as many today, Oxford is still the place to sample signature cheeses. Explore Oxford County Cheese Trail on a self-guided tour of 24 stops featuring cheese, dairy and related offerings for visitors to experiences. Visit cheese makers, restaurants, local food producers, museums, artisans and boutiques for a pleasant afternoon, day or weekend in Oxford.

Upper Thames Brewery

Sip beer made “as close as home as possible” at the unique Upper Thames Brewery, a consistently popular microbrewery offering live music nights, a tasty menu and a lovely patio.

Cost: varies
Where: 225 Bysham Park Dr #9, Woodstock

Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm

A brewery on a farm?! That’s right, Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm is Ontario’s first rural hybrid farm/brewery, which offers 4 tasty beers, with all the ingredients grown on-site. They even offer a DPA Potato Ale!

Cost: Varies
Where: 2970 Swimming Pool Rd, La Salette

Habitual Chocolate

Chocolate lovers, rejoice. At Habitual Chocolate, there is something for everyone and their taste buds to savour and enjoy (this includes vegetarians, vegans and celiacs!) This chocolate shop has over 15 types of scrumptious chocolate, truffles and more. The best part is you can sample their wonderful chocolates.

Cost: Varies
Where: 389 Dundas St, Woodstock

Mountainoak Cheese LTD

Indulge in tasty award-winning varietals of gouda cheese with a visit to the fabulous Mountainoak Cheese LTD. Here you can sample and tour the amazing cheese plant to see how they do what they do up close and personal.

Cost: Varies
Where: 3165 Huron Rd, New Hamburg