Things To Do
in Grey Highlands

A classic Ontario sweet—small pastry tarts with a gooey filling; find them at bakeries and farmers' markets throughout the region.

Must-Try!

Maple syrup, maple candy and maple-glazed goods are seasonal must-tries, often available at farms and roadside stands in spring and year-round at specialty shops.

Local lakes and rivers supply trout that appears on menus at local inns and restaurants—simple preparations highlight freshness.

Seasonal mains featuring local beef, pork, root vegetables and artisan cheese; menus rotate with harvest and local availability.

Weekly farmers' markets offering fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, meats and artisanal products—ideal for picnic supplies and local treats.

Roadside stands and farm shops sell seasonal fruit, eggs, maple products and preserves—great for quick tastings and souvenirs.

Locals are friendly and polite—greeting shopkeepers or staff and saying 'please' and 'thank you' is standard.

Follow Leave No Trace principles, stick to marked trails, respect private property and observe local fishing/hunting regulations.

Acknowledge and respect the region's Indigenous history—be mindful of signage about sacred sites and follow requests from local Indigenous communities.

Appointments and tours generally adhere to scheduled times; being on time for bookings and guided activities is appreciated.

Tipping is customary in Canada: expect to tip 15–20% in restaurants for good service, $1–2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip taxi drivers and hairdressers; small cash tips for exceptional service at farmers' markets are appreciated.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments; smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash—carry some Canadian dollars, and note that mobile banking/ATMs are less common in rural pockets.

Warm, often sunny days with comfortable evenings; busiest season for hiking, cycling and festivals—expect more tourists on weekends and book accommodations in advance.

Crisp air and peak fall colours make it prime season for scenic drives and photography; cooler mornings and the possibility of early snow late in the season.

Cold and snowy, ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing at nearby resorts; roads can be icy—pack warm layers and check road conditions.

Mud season and thawing trails are common; maple syrup season is a highlight and wildflowers start to appear—bring waterproof boots and dress in layers.

Long-standing agricultural families and working farms form the backbone of the local community.

An older demographic is common, with many retirees attracted to the quiet lifestyle and natural surroundings.

Visitors, weekenders and cottagers who come for recreation and second homes are a visible seasonal group.

The area is within the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples; local Indigenous communities and Nations have cultural and historical ties to the land.

Community hockey is very popular—local rinks host youth leagues, adult leagues and community events through the winter.

Curling clubs are a staple of small-town Ontario culture and active in winter months.

Nearby ski hills draw locals and visitors for downhill sports, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are common in conservation areas.

Beaver Valley and surrounding trails offer varied terrain attracting mountain bikers and trail runners in warmer months.

Vegetarian options are increasingly common at cafes and bistros, often centered on seasonal vegetables, salads and cheese plates; calling ahead to confirm options in smaller pubs is recommended.

Limited but available—bigger towns and some cafes offer vegan soups, salads and sandwiches; pack snacks if you have strict needs and check menus ahead of time.

Many bakeries and restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but variety is smaller than in big cities—advise staff of restrictions and consider bringing specialty items if required.

Most places are accommodating but smaller kitchens may have cross-contamination risk; communicate clearly and carry necessary medications or epi-pens if needed.