Norfolk County is made up of beautiful charming towns each with their own unique vibe.
This fall, come and explore rural life in quaint Waterford!
Once a major railway hub, Waterford is now an amazing destination for agritourism, culture and active lifestyle.
Plan a day in Waterford to find farms, a gorgeous walking trail, culture, history and some good eats!
Black Bridge in Waterford
How about starting your day with a pit stop at Austin’s Pick Your Own Farm Market? Located on Cockshutt Road, they are open 7 days a week until November 1st and then on weekends up to December. It is pumpkin time so get your own orange gem and shop for fresh roma tomatoes and peppers!
From there, make your way into town, park for free and plan on staying the day. Stop at Kerry’s St. James Street Eatery on Alice Street for a tasty breakfast and a very good cup of coffee. This should fuel you up for the next activity!
Leave your car where it is and make your way to the Waterford Heritage Trail which you can access from down the road. The trail is paved so it is very user friendly. It is fantastic for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, walking and running. It is a gorgeous trail! The panoramic views from Black Bridge overlooking the Waterford Ponds are spectacular. As you stroll along the trail expect to see various crops as Norfolk is the home of an amazing variety of farms. From this trail, you could travel to Delhi, Port Dover, Simcoe or Brantford if you wanted to!
Are you hungry again?? I suggest Ritzy Cakes & Eatery on Alice Street. This location is within walking distance too. Visit this small family-run bakery to try the daily homemade soup with a panini or sandwich! Don’t leave without your sweet treat.
Deer Park
What’s next? Waterford Deer Park! Walk east on Alice Street, take a left on Main Street, and walk up to Lions Play Park for a few minutes of fun. Then, you are ready to explore Waterford’s unique attraction, the Deer Park! This is a fun, family friendly activity that is totally free! Check out the herd in action!
Time for a little retail therapy? Make your way back to Alice Street (yes, back on Alice, the action is there 🙂 ) and plan to spend some time at the Waterford Antique Market. This is one of Ontario’s best antique shopping locations. If you are looking or furniture, glassware, textile, gadgets or just want to jump back in history, this is where you want to be! They are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Another must do while in Waterford is a stop at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum (WHAM). This museum is only a short walk away on Nichol Street. They host many exhibits by donation only. Check out the “The Lake Erie & Northern: 100 years of the Electric Train in Waterford” exhibit to learn more about the town’s history. Tour a newer exhibit called “Stiff-Legged Bear Monster: Legends of Norfolk County” to discover Norfolk’s connection to world class band members, bootleggers, marsh beasts & more.
Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery
While this is nearly a full day’s excursion, there are still many cool spots to visit! As you head back, plan to stop at one of our stunning lavender farms. There are two in close proximity to Waterford and although the lavender itself is not in bloom at this time a year, a stop at Apple Hill Lavender or Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery is totally worth it! Take some time to walk around the property or get started on your Christmas shopping. Each location has very unique items for sale, all locally made. From soaps and bath products, lavender essential oils to lavender crafts and candles, they have many interesting options. Stop at Apple Hill for some exquisite pottery items or Bonnieheath to sample their wines and ciders.
Waterford is welcoming and totally worth the detour! Come and spend a fall day in Norfolk !
Facebook Live Oct 27
I will be live from Waterford on the Norfolk Tourism’s facebook page Friday October 27th at 11:30am. Tune to get a feel for this amazing tight-knit town!
So get off the couch and start exploring Norfolk County! I encourage you to post your pictures of you being active in Norfolk by using the hashtag #GoNorfolk. Empower others to move in Ontario’s Garden!
As always, I encourage you to post your pictures of you being active in Norfolk County by using the hashtag #GoNorfolk. Empower others to move in Ontario’s Garden!
About the blogger
Amélie Chanda is a Norfolk County based wellness coach with a passion for active living. She works with individuals and organizations that are ready to make a commitment to a healthy life. She provides support, tools and motivation to help her clients reach their health goals. In 2017 she launched the #GoNorfolk community initiative to empower people to get off the couch and to explore Norfolk County. She is now the Active Living Ambassador for Norfolk County.
