Markets, Farm Fresh & Local Food Finds in Rideau, Brockville & Gananoque

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario

The 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterway region offers many opportunities to meet farmers, learn how they do their work, and taste their products fresh from the fields at markets and farmstands. Specialty retailers sell a wide range of local goods, including sauces and frozen meals packaged at their peak.

One of the best ways to experience the region is to follow the back roads and stop wherever something catches your eye. A roadside flower stand, a farm market stocked with seasonal produce, or a small shop filled with locally made products can quickly become the highlight of your day. These businesses offer a direct connection to the people who grow, raise and create the foods that define the region.

From the fertile farmland surrounding the Rideau Canal to the communities along the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands, agriculture continues to play an important role in the local economy and culture. Markets, farm shops and specialty food stores make it easy to bring a taste of the region home while supporting local farmers, producers and entrepreneurs.

Farmers' markets

Adair Gardens Flower Farm: Fresh blooms are available in season at this farmstand in North Augusta.
Beking Family Farm: Stop by this Oxford Station farm store for pasture-raised, organic and free-run eggs.
Beraka Farm: You’ll find baked goods, eggs, meat and body care products in this Gananoque farm shop.

Briarlea Farms: Pick up fresh or frozen blueberries at this Lyndhurst farm.
Flowers of the Field: Greenhouse- and field-grown flowers are available from this Prescott farmstand.
Flowers and Fleece: Jams, herbal blends, and alpaca clothing and fertilizer are sold in this Johnstown farmshop.
Flycreek Farm: Pick up garlic, tomatoes, peppers, greens and other produce in North Augusta.
Forgotten Orchard Farm: This self-serve flower stand in Delta is stocked with fresh-cut bouquets in season.
Forman Farms: A range of fruits, vegetables, flowers, preserves and floral décor is available at this Seeley’s Bay farm.
Fox Family Farm: Stop at this North Augusta farmstand for all sorts of produce.
Gunnebrooke Farms: Maple syrup, maple butter and maple sugar candies are available at this Elgin sugarbush.
Harmony Farm: Pick up the farm’s produce—as well as cheese, meat and more from other local producers—at this Brockville farm shop.

Little Foot Alpacas: Shop for alpaca yarn and knitwear at this Spencerville farm.
Little Rideau Farm: Maple syrup, candy, sugar, mustard and even vinegar are available in this self-serve farm shop near Westport, along with honey.
Luna Moth Blooms: This roadside stand in Portland is stocked with fresh vegetables and flowers.
Maple Hill Farm Stand: Shop for fruits and vegetables in season at this roadside stand in Portland.
Miller’s Bay Farm Market Garden and Berry Patch: Pumpkins, berries and other produce are sold at this Lombardy roadside stand.
Revolve Farms: The farmgate stand at this Lombardy regenerative farm sells produce, eggs, sourdough bread and more.

Food stops

Bee Good Shop: Swing by this Cardinal boutique for sustainable, eco-friendly gifts and foods, many sourced from Ontario producers.
The Butcher Shop: Along with a huge range of meats, this Brockville store also stocks local honey, cheesecakes, baked goods, maple syrup, cheese, salad dressing, eggs, pierogi, gluten-free items, and more.
Forfar Dairy: This Portland business stocks local cheddar and cheese curds, pickles, jams, sauces, and maple syrup, and its restaurant serves East Coast and Asian dishes.

Hall’s Apple Market: Shop for a wide range of produce, packaged foods and baked goods at this Brockville market, surrounded by orchards.
Healthily Ever After: This Merrickville health food shop sells grass-fed meats, non-GMO poultry, organic dairy, eggs, produce, coffee, teas and more from more than 20 local farms and producers.
Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop: This local landmark sells 14 varieties of handmade mustard, plus chutneys, vinaigrettes and spice blends, all made on its Merrickville site.

My Local Markets: Based in Kemptville, this company sells food products from dozens of local and Canadian small producers.
Pickle & Myrrh: Pick up a wide variety of handmade caramels and caramel sauces in this pretty Merrickville shop.
Ridgway Confections: This small, beautiful shop in Seeley’s Bay is known for handcrafted chocolates, sponge toffee and ice cream.
Rosie Yumski’s Fine Foods: In this Westport shop, you’ll find products made nearby and across Ontario, including maple syrup, mustard, jams, cocktail syrups, dressings, dips and hot sauces.
The Village Store: This grocer in Athens stocks a range of local products.
Wendy’s Country Market: Located in Lyndhurst, Wendy’s stocks products from more than 70 producers within a 100-mile area, including cured meats, artisanal cheeses, preserves, produce, eggs, dairy and frozen entrées. The shop runs culinary events, too.

Take your time as you explore. Some of the best finds are tucked away along quiet country roads or hidden in small villages. A conversation with a farmer, a freshly picked basket of berries, or a specialty food made just down the road can offer a memorable glimpse into the region's agricultural roots and rural way of life. Be sure to leave a little extra room in the car. Chances are you'll head home with more local treasures than you planned.

Markets, Farm Fresh & Local Food Finds in Rideau, Brockville & Gananoque

Farmers' markets

Food stops

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