Shakespeare to the Shoreline 
Explore the treasures of the western regions of Southern Ontario. Beautiful Huron and Perth Counties invite you to discover an intriguing landscape and warm people, with their themed self-guided driving tours. The seven themes are: Antiques and Collectibles; Artisans and Art Galleries; Farm Markets; Gardens and Gardeners; Dreams, Historic Stops and Attractions; Live Theatre and Performances; and Nature Walks. With Provincial Highway 8 as the main route, visitors will be guided along the original Huron Tract, with side trips to the north and south of Highway 8. Highway 8 leads you directly from Shakespeare/Stratford, to the Port of Goderich on Lake Huron. Each and every tour is packed full of the best of Huron and Perth Counties - try one them, try them all - happy touring from Shakespeare to Ontario's West Coast.
One Tank Tours in Historic Brantford 
Hop in the car and journey through time at Brantford's many historical museums and cultural sites! Easy to find and approximately 10 minutes from Highway 403, located in the north end of the city of Brantford, you will find Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant, at 20 Ava Rd., featuring this spring, the works of artist Ken Danby - "Canadian Icon: Wayne Gretzky". Just five minutes driving time from Glenhyrst is Myrtleville House Museum located at 34 Myrtleville Dr., just off Balmoral Dr., which is an 1837 homestead with costumed interpreters ready to tell the story of one of the first families to settle in Brantford. From there follow Paris Rd. to downtown Brantford to the Brant Museum & Archives/Museum in the Square, where their feature exhibit "The Ups and Downs of a Boomtown: Images of Brantford's Downtown Past" is on display. Round out your tour at the Canadian Heritage Military Museum located at 347 Greenwich St. in the south east part of the city, which showcases military artifacts and a vintage motorcycle collection. All these attractions have directional signage through the city of Brantford. Estimated touring time: 4 to 5 hours. There are minimal admission fees charged at some locations.
Southworks Antiques are Worth the Drive 
Experience a day on the road enjoying the picturesque scenery of Grand River Country. Enter Cambridge from Highway 24 S., then stop at Southworks Antiques, Grand Ave, S. on the west bank of the river, and spend an afternoon recalling yesterday's memories. You will discover 30,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles and 28 factory outlets all housed in a historical old stone factory. This beautiful building was built in the mid-1800's and was originally used as a foundry and machine shop called South Works Of Babcock & Wilcox. They manufactured boilers, steam engines, heat exchangers, walk-in safes and many other industrial products. As you walk around these old limestone buildings take a look at the fine craftsmanship of the pioneer Scottish stonemasons and carpenters who were the builders. The limestone was quarried nearby, some is from the banks of the Grand River. You'll find various artifacts of the foundry still around the buildings. Two large overhead cranes in the main building are still in working order, and were used as recently as 1987. Our Antique Market is like a living museum. It continually changes as collectors from all across Ontario and the northern United States scour its shelves and cabinets for their latest treasure. Get ready to feast your eyes on: Furniture - primitive to formal, Art, Vintage Lighting, Clocks, Fine China, Depression Glass, Ceramics, Pottery, Silver, Jewellery, Vintage Clothes, Books, Sports Items, Architectural Items, Advertising and Nostalgia, Toys, Coin Operated Games, Bottles and Jars. During your stay, visit The Grand Café and indulge in specialty baking and salads. Lunches are served to your table or you can order to take-out and enjoy it on the banks of the Grand River across the street. Make this a memorable day of shopping for treasures from the past while fulfilling your current modern-day needs.
Tour like Royalty along Kitchener's King Street 
Kitchener is in the heart of Southern Ontario, close to other city centres and is an easily accessible destination. Located one hour from Toronto and London; 45 minutes from Hamilton; three hours from Kingston and five hours from Montreal...spend a day exploring Kitchener! Travelling westbound - exit Highway 401 at interchange 278 (Sportsworld Dr). Turning right will take you past Sportsworld & McDonald's. Eastbound - exit the 401 at interchange 278. Stay right & travel under the 401 overpass. Continue along King St. E. past Sportsworld Dr. & McDonalds. Turn onto Deer Ridge Drive to observe the incredible view from the lookout at Pioneer Tower. Follow King St. E. into Kitchener's downtown. You will cross the Freeport Bridge, spanning the Grand River - a Canadian Heritage River since 1994. Visit "Canoeing the Grand" canoe rentals. Past Fairview St. and at the next light, turn right onto Weber St. At Montgomery Rd. turn left, then right, onto King St. Along King you will pass Rockway Gardens. And further along is the First Mennonite Church. Read the historical plaque marking the resting place of Kitchener's early settlers. At Cedar St., visit the new Kitchener Farmers' Market. At King and Queen you can tour the historic Walper Terrace Hotel or visit the Waterloo Region's Children's Museum and Theatre & Co. Drop in to Your Kitchener Store/KW Tourism at Gaukel St. for additional tourism information and to take in a walking tour of Kitchener City Hall.
La Crème of the Countryside Tours 
Spring is in the air, it's time to get out and experience Guelph and Wellington County! Our downtown shops and main street boutiques are great places to spend an afternoon wandering and shopping. Travel either Highway 6 or 24 to get to the centre of activity. Visit La Crème, located in Guelph's Old Quebec Street Shoppes to take care of all of your fashion and home décor needs. From there enjoy the charming rural countryside while making the short drive north to the historic town of Fergus. While in Fergus, you can spend hours of shopping adventures exploring the historic Fergus Market, just a short drive from downtown Fergus. On your return to Guelph, be sure to stop in to Cox Creek Cellars Winery, where on Sundays you can enjoy a gourmet dinner and winery tour. Stay the night at the Holiday Inn, and enjoy their special Guelph Getaway packages or take pleasure in one of the many luxury rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites.
Fabulous Food for Family and Friends 
Norfolk County is closer than you think! Located in Ontario's South Coast along the north shore of Lake Erie, it's home to quaint villages, hamlets and welcoming communities. Start your tour on Highway 24 S. just off Highway 403 and visit the town of Simcoe. Shop in our downtown and visit the Eva Brook Donly Museum for the history of Norfolk County. Continue south along Highway 24 and turn left onto Highway 6, this will take you into Port Dover. This quaint town is famous for foot long hot dogs, fresh perch and refreshing golden glow. Stroll along the pier or visit the Harbour Museum. A stop at Len's Mill Store is a must for bargain hunters. Those wishing to visit Vittoria for apple cider, peanuts and white chocolate popcorn can continue along Highway 24 S. Don't forget the great beaches and birding in Long Point, the shopping in Port Rowan and Delhi or the antiques in Waterford. We've got great beaches, food and fun for the entire family.
A Self-Guided Tour Through Mennonite Country 
Starting at the St. Jacobs visitor centre on King St., travel over the bridge, and turn immediately left onto Northside Dr. Turn left at the top of the hill onto Hawkesville Rd. 17. Old Order Mennonite families own most of the farms in your view - some have electricity and phones in their homes. Travel along Hemlock Hill Dr. 22, which runs beside the Conestogo River. Turn left on Broadway St. 11A. The village of Hawkesville is home to many businesses, such as harness makers, buggy makers, wood benders, foundries, small construction crews and many furniture makers owned by Old Order Mennonites. Off of Hergott Rd., you've entered the farming area where the most conservative Mennonites live. Their numerous shops, where they produce metal, wood, pipes, and plastic items are provided with electrical energy by generators. They do not use tractors on their farms, only horses. Take the time to travel towards the village of Wallenstein, and stop by the Wallenstein General Store - owned and operated by Old Order Mennonites. Back from the main road is a large wooded area made up of mainly maple trees and hidden among the trees is a sugar shanty. Each spring the farmers collect and boil the sap from the trees to make maple syrup. Close to Elmira, Covered Bridge Dr. takes you over the Grand River - it's a favourite spot for guests and locals. Then turn left onto Jigs Hollow Rd. and take note of the small red schoolhouse and Old Order farms. Off of Northfield Dr. 22, you will arrive at the village of Conestogo, where settlers operated flourmills along the river. At the blinking light at Sawmill Rd. 17, the route leads you back to the village of St. Jacobs.
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