After visiting Oxford County on four separate road trips I've fallen in love with the friendly farm community, dubbed “Canada’s Cheese Capital.” And it’s not just because I’m a fromage fan, Oxford County is a short 90 minutes drive from Toronto, making it the perfect weekend getaway destination for those looking to explore a new corner of Southwestern Ontario.
2SLGBTQIA+ friends, couples and families looking to plan a rural romp will find plenty to do in the picturesque communities of Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tillsonburg.
You can plan your holiday around the annual Oxford County Pride Festival in June and join proudly locals in waving the rainbow flag.
After scouring the region for the best hotels, restaurants and attractions here’s a list of my favourite must-dos to help plan the perfect gay-friendly getaway in Oxford County.
Ultimate Oxford County Getaway
Stay
The regions best accommodation is the Elm Hurst Inn, a gorgeous luxury boutique hotel that boasts historic architecture, spacious suites, onsite spa and award-winning restaurant.
For rural glamping with alpaca views book the luxury RV at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life
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Since the region is dubbed the Dairy Capital of Canada, the best way to explore is by grabbing an Oxford County Cheese Trail Guide. There are over 25 local businesses on the trail connected to the local dairy industry with our favourites being Gunn’s Hill, Mountainoak and Golspie Dairy.
In recent years Oxford County has become one of Ontario’s hubs for wellness travel thanks to its 3 boutique spas: Spa at Elm Hurst Inn, Terra Nova Nordic Spa, and Wave Nordic Spa. The two Nordic spas are fun to enjoy year round, especially in the winter when you can sit in an outdoor hot tub as snow flakes dance over your nose.
Udderly Ridiculous is a must-do for animals lovers, offering plenty of unique experiences where you can interact and take pictures with cute alpacas, goats and mini highland cows.
Jakeman’s Maple Farm is Ontario’s largest maple producer. Plan your visit in March/April to enjoy the harvest experience or visit year round to explore their cozy shop selling Canada’s favourite sweet treat in the form of syrup, fudge, candies and cookies.
Habitual Chocolate crafts artisanal bars and truffles on Woodstock’s main street. Cocoa lovers should book the “Become A Chocolatier” experience where you can make your own chocolate bar to take home. Don’t skip the hot cocoa!
Art lovers are spoilt for choice in Oxford County! Our favourite spots to find inspiration in all things creative include the Woodstock Art Gallery and Stations Arts Centre in Tillsonburg.
Theatre Woodstock is the perfect place to enjoy a night out. The community theatre puts on professional plays and musicals with an impressive live orchestra. During my visit I enjoyed the queer themes of Cabaret, which originally starred diva and gay icon Liza Minnelli.
If you’re a shopaholic and like to support local makers enjoy a stroll through Patina’s, Betty’s Marketplace and Coyle’s Country Store.
I’m a obsessed with sweet smelling soaps and lotions so a visit to Wild Comfort Body Care is a must! The cute shop sells locally crafted goat soaps and offers unique experiences like a Felting Soap workshop.
Who doesn't love antique shopping so bee-line it to One Of A Kind Antique Mall, ranked as Canada’s largest! You can spend hours here browsing through vintage furniture, lamps, books, magazines, comics and other knickknacks.
Love a bouquet of freshly plucked flowers? During the warmer months of the year Makkink’s Flower Farm offers an endless array of fresh blooms, from massive sunflowers to multi-coloured tulips. You’ll be given scissors and a bucket then encouraged to wander through the onsite gardens to assemble your very own arrangement to take home.
History buffs with a penchant for snooping around the luxurious bedrooms of the rich and famous should pay a visit to Annandale National Historic Site. The historic mansion was built in 1880, allowing visitors to travel back in time to see how elite locals slept, ate and lounged. Ask museum staff how Oscar Wilde inspired the building of this iconic home.
Feast
SixThirtyNine is ranked as the best fine dining restaurant in Oxford County, offering an unforgettable fine dining experience. If you’re on a romantic getaway or celebrating a special occasion splurge on the tasting menu and book the chef’s table so you can peer into the kitchen as you wine and dine.
Finkle Street is a casual yet classy local eatery serving some of the best craft cocktails in Woodstock. The menu features elevated fare with global flavours like Togarashi Calamari, Sweet Potato Beignets, and Lemon Grass Iberia Pork Chop.
Craft beer lovers during the hot days of summer eagerly descend onto the patio at Brickhouse Brewpub. Upper Thames Brewing operates an onsite microbrewery, retail bottle shop and boasts 25 taps featuring independent Ontario craft beers (with 13 from their own tanks). The pub inspired menu features beer infused ingredients and locally sourced products like Gunn’s Hill curds.
The Mill Eatery is a culinary landmark in Tillsonburg, boasting a spacious dining room and outdoor patio that get packed with local families. If you’re visiting for dinner and looking for evening entertainment skip down the stairs to Paddy’s Underground Gastropub to enjoy a frothy pint while listening to live music. Pair the good vibes with finger foods and a glass of local Ontario wine or beer.
Early Bird Coffee is a must-visit for proud card carrying members of the cappuccino club. The popular cafe features an onsite coffee roaster and stacks of canvas bags filled with quality imported beans. Sign up for The Roasting Lab and you’ll enjoy a coffee education, tutored sipping experience and opportunity to roast your own batch to take home.
Fans of flying will adore the Skyway Cafe, which offers a classic Canadian diner vibe overlooking the Tillsonburg Airport runway. If you’re traveling with kids a visit during breakfast is a must, but to be honest even adults will go gaga. It’s a truly unique experience as you can watch planes take off and land while noshing on syrup soaked pancakes, crispy bacon and oozing sunny side up fried eggs.
Andrew John Virtue Dobson is a travel journalist from Toronto who has visited over 100 countries. Andrew has a specialty in writing stories about luxury, culinary and 2SLGBTQIA+ travel. Read more of Andrew's stories at www.DobberNationLoves.com
