If you’re looking for a getaway that’s close to Toronto but feels like you’ve travelled far away, I’ve got a unique itinerary for you!
I truly believe this itinerary features something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax, find adventure, try something new, or just eat delicious food.
Where to Stay
Harmony Resort in Grand Valley is a cozy place to stay along the Grand River. You can camp, stay in an RV, or a tiny cottage! We spent a weekend in a tiny cottage along the river, it was such an adorable property and the tiny cottage was much roomier than I expected!
The resort also features a swimming pool, sports facility, picnic area, hiking trails. They host events weekly and it’s right along the Grand River where you can fish, float in a tube, or wade in the water.
I recommend packing a life jacket, camp chairs, a s’mores kit, and a bathing suit.
What to Do
The area has a variety of experiences for you to explore!
Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area
This is one of the best birding spots in Ontario! There are over 263 types of birds that have been spotted here.
This is also a great spot to hike, cycle, fish, and certain times of year you can launch motorized and non motorized boats.
It runs off a self check in, so you can pay at the front with cash or use your phone to check in electronically upon arrival.
Belfountain Conservation Area
This is one of my favourite places to hike. It’s family friendly, and features plenty of boardwalks, a fountain, a suspension bridge, a waterfall, and a cave!
Take your time to soak in all the beauty here. Don’t forget to pack some water!
Go Tubing in the Grand River
The Grand River is known for how enjoyable it is to tube on! You can use it as a lazy river, or go for a more exciting tube ride with rapids at Elora Rapids.
Enjoy a Meal by the Water
The tiny cottage we stayed in was equipped with a full kitchen! We made such a delicious burger (recipe at the end of this blog post!) and it was so peaceful to eat it by the water.
It’s also the perfect spot for a morning coffee – just saying!
Where to Eat
Landman Gardens and Bakery’s Blackhouse
Ever heard of a blackhouse? I hadn’t until this experience! A blackhouse is a small house made of stone commonly found in Scotland. Landman Gardens and Bakery has a replica of one that you can reserve to have lunch in. It’s so beautiful, and reminds me of a Hobbit House!
Heartwood Farm and Cidery
This was my first time ever at a Cidery! There are farm animals you can see when you park, and you follow a path to the Cidery where you can order a flight, 9oz glasses, or goat milk ice cream (YUM, I might like this more than regular ice cream now).
My favourite ciders we had:
- Raspy Poet – (6.8%) unfiltered, bottle conditioned raspberry cider. Bone dry.
- Forest Garden – (6.4%) classic, straight-ahead apple cider, back-sweetened with maple syrup.
The Tin Roof Cafe
If you’re looking for where to get your coffee, a nutritious breakfast, fancy beverages or take photos for Instagram, this is the spot!
We had a Flat White and a Salted Caramel Macchiato, paired with an Oatmeal cookie and Yogurt. Everything was so delicious and fresh!
The Busholme
The Busholme is a great option whether you want to eat inside or on the patio! They have a simple menu that offers delicious foods, tasty beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic), a kids menu, and desserts!
Dave’s Diner
This is a great spot close to Harmony Resort to get a classic breakfast. I always look for the best Eggs Benedict I can find, and this diner made some of the best hollandaise sauce I’ve ever had!
I also can’t brag enough about how wonderful the service was here. Everyone was so friendly and the food came quickly, I’ll definitely be a returning customer whenever I’m in the area!
Where to Shop
Landman Gardens and Bakery
They offer more than just lunch at the Blackhouse! You can check out their shop for food made right in their kitchen (baked goods, full meals, meats, milk, eggs) as well as some local goodies (honey, candles, etc!).
Pssst…the recipe at the bottom of this blog post features ingredients we got from here!
Don’t forget to take a walk through their gardens here, it’s a mix of art and plants. So much beauty! Even if you don’t eat at the blackhouse, touring the outside of it is amazing!
Other Things in the Area:
- Lions Club Park in Erin (playground for kids)
- Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon
- Mono Cliffs Provincial Park in Shelbourne
- Bellwood Lake Conservation Area in Centre Wellington
- Grand Valley Splash Pad in Grand Valley
Try This Recipe:
I said earlier that we made our own burgers during our stay at Harmony Resort in Grand Valley. Well, we shopped at Landman Gardens and Bakery for some of the ingredients! Nothing beats shopping local.
Here’s what you need:
- 1lbs ground beef
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder + any other seasoning of choice
- large bowl
- air fryer or preferred way to cook them (BBQ, stove top, oven)
Steps:
- chop your fresh dill and parsley
- put beef in large bowl
- add plain greek yogurt, cheese, dill, parsley
- mix in with clean hands
- add the rest of the ingredients
- mix again with clean hands
- cook or air-fry at 400° for 15-20mins flipping halfway through
- enjoy!
These patties have so much flavor – try them how they are before adding condiments!
So, when are you planning your trip to the York Durham Headwaters Region?
Until next time,
Keep exploring!
Katie
yourmatiekatie 