It’s not hard to understand why Waterloo Region has a love affair with food!
Farmland is plentiful throughout our four rural townships, and our farmers are proud to produce food on some of the best agricultural land in Ontario. Take a trip to Waterloo Region and spend time exploring gravel roads and rural routes that are off the beaten track – it’s there that you’ll discover farm-fresh bounty around every corner, and producers who invite you to sample the food and stories that make this area a true farm-to-table destination.
We’re Known for our Farm Gates
As you drive through our scenic township countrysides, you’ll begin to notice roadside stands called farm gates.
Farm gates feature everything from freshly picked fruits and vegetables to colourful flower bouquets and mouth-watering baked goods. Stopping at a farm gate not only provides you with an opportunity to take home fresh foods, it also provides a chance to meet the producers growing the food, and to see where the food is grown. Our farm gates make it easy to understand why farm-to-table isn’t just a catch phrase in Waterloo Region: it’s a big part of our cultural and culinary DNA!
Shopping at Waterloo Region Farm Gates
Local producers grow a wide variety of crops that are available in season on farm gate stands. Some of the foods you’ll find include:
- Fresh vegetables including carrots, onions, asparagus, lettuce, beets, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, pumpkins and more
- Sweet corn
- Fresh fruits including strawberries, blueberries, rhubarb, apples and more
- Maple Syrup
- Honey
- Fresh flowers
Larger, on-farm markets (sometimes called “country markets”) offer even more local flavour, including:
- Locally raised meats
- Locally produced cheeses
- Freshly baked goods
- Craft items, including locally made quilts
Farm Gates: What to Know before you Visit
- Payment
Payment methods vary at each farm gate.
Some simply leave a cash box so shoppers take what they want and leave money in an honour system. Other stands are manned by staff who will take your payment.
While some larger farm gates are set up to accept electronic payments, many do not. It’s best to make sure you have cash ready for your farm gate purchases. - Parking
Farm gates are often located on gravel backroads that weave throughout our townships.
Where parking is not provided, remember to park on the shoulder of the road so you’re safely out of the way of traffic. - Farm Gate Hours
Many farm gates operate seasonally and do not have posted hours. Their produce is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s better to shop earlier in the day to get the best selection of fresh-from-the-field produce and other farm gate offerings.
Larger farm gates and on-farm markets may post hours of operation. They may also have visible Open/Closed signs to indicate when you are welcome to stop in.
- Mennonite Culture
Waterloo Region has deep Mennonite roots (learn more at The Mennonite Story, located at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market).
You’ll discover many Mennonite farm gates throughout the region where you can pick up local specialties including summer sausage and homemade baking, including pies!
Please be respectful as you visit these Mennonite farm gates. Do not venture onto farm property beyond the farm gate stand: remember that the Mennonite community leads a simpler and quieter lifestyle, and often prefer not to be photographed. - “No Sunday Sales”
Some farm gates in Waterloo Region will have signs indicating No Sunday Sales. This often indicates the farm is owned by an Old Order Mennonite family who observe Sundays from a religious perspective, and not as a day of business. - Horse and buggies
Mennonites travelling by horse and buggy are a common sight on rural roads in Waterloo Region. Please remember to slow down as you approach them. If you pass a horse-drawn vehicle, remember to provide adequate distance between your vehicle and the horse.
Do not approach a horse and buggy that has stopped or is tied up: please be respectful of these working animals.
More Farm Fresh Goodness
Farm to Fork TV
Want to learn more about our farms and what’s growing in Waterloo Region? FARM TO FORK is a locally produced TV series that introduces you to the farms and farmers in our region, hosted by Waterloo Region chef and culinary entrepreneur, Nick Benninger.
Farmers’ Markets in Waterloo Region
Farmers’ markets are abundant in Waterloo Region! They’re another great way to take home the fresh produce that is plentiful in this area, and an even better way to meet the people responsible for growing your food.
Waterloo Region has three year-round farmers’ markets (including the largest year-round market in Canada- the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market), along with seasonal markets that you’ll find in all of our cities and townships.
Waterloo Region Food Map
Get ready to Taste the Countryside in Waterloo Region!
Discover farms, farm markets, garden centres, retailers and brewers/ distillers.
Download the Waterloo Region Food Map using the link below.
Where to PYO in Waterloo Region
Find out where to pick-your-own berries, apples and more in Waterloo Region.
