Looking for artisan flavours, heritage experiences, & charming rural shops?
Explore the southern area of Oxford using this Oxford Handcrafted Trail trip itinerary
About this route:
Designed for those who appreciate heritage, craftsmanship, and authentic rural experiences. Explore fascinating museums featuring unique historic homes, remarkable architecture, and stories of early makers, then discover skilled artisans, handcrafted goods, and locally produced cheese and maple products. Perfect for a leisurely day of learning, shopping, and connecting with the people, places, and traditions that help shape Oxford County.
6 stops on this route - 55 minute drive time (60.5 km)
Things to pack:
- Oxford Handcrafted Trail Zine, Notebook for ideas, patterns, designs or maker inspiration
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring shops, museums, and galleries
- Reusable water bottle, tote bag, travel mug
Stop 1: Jakeman's Maple Syrup
Sweetened by five generations of maple-making expertise, this iconic Oxford County stop offers a delicious taste of local craftsmanship. Browse a wide selection of maple products, from classic syrup and maple spread to candies, cookies, and coffee, then explore the gift shop featuring handmade goods from local artisans.
As you wander the property and head towards Trillium Woods for a stroll, watch for the whimsical faces artistically mounted on the trees, adding a playful and creative touch to the landscape. It's the perfect place to discover unique gifts and savour a tradition that has been perfected for more than 140 years.
Stop 2: Norwich Museum
Step back in time and experience more than 200 years of rural life in Southwestern Ontario as you explore historic barns, a blacksmith shop, the Main Street Gallery, and the Quaker Meeting House. Discover Norwich's entrepreneurial spirit through stories of Canada's first cheese factory, the largest broom factory in the British Empire, and the area's rich Quaker and dairy heritage.
This fascinating stop celebrates the ingenuity, skills, and maker traditions that continue to inspire the Oxford Handcrafted Trail today.
Click to learn more about the Houston family's story of transforming ash trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer into beautiful handcrafted creations.
Read this story and more about Oxford's woodworking history.
Stop 4: South Norwich Historical Society
Discover the stories, craftsmanship, and ingenuity that helped shape rural Oxford County at the South Norwich Historical Society's heritage sites. Explore the Historic Otterville Station Museum, a beautifully preserved 1875 railway station featuring exhibits on local rural life, transportation, and community history, then step next door to Woodlawn Place, a remarkable octagonal home inspired by 19th-century architectural innovation.
Just a short distance away, the Otterville Mill stands as a reminder of the community's industrious past. While the historic mill is not open for tours, visitors can admire the building from the grounds and enjoy the nearby pavilion, a perfect spot for a picnic or to take in the picturesque surroundings.
Stop 5: New Galma Dairy
Handcrafting extends beyond art at New Galma Dairy and Creamery. This family-owned farm creates artisan Gouda cheese, premium grass-fed meats, milk and more with care, offering visitors an authentic taste of the skill, dedication, and local pride celebrated along the Oxford Handcrafted Trail.
Reach out to New Galma Dairy to schedule a Barn Tour or get a behind-the-scenes look at how their cheese is crafted.
Stop 6: Solid Edge Wood Products
Crafted from locally sourced Ontario hardwoods, this family-owned business creates beautiful cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other handcrafted wood products that showcase the natural beauty of the material.
Browse the shop for unique gifts, including family-made honey and handcrafted soaps, or roll up your sleeves and take part in a woodworking workshop to learn new skills and create something of your own. For DIY enthusiasts, a selection of hardwood lumber and live-edge slabs offers plenty of inspiration for future projects.
Looking for spots with sips, eats, and treats in Oxford?
Learn more about these stops, get a map, and find a shareable URL.
