Winter Feast On® Certified local escapes | Ontario Culinary
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Winter Feast On® Certified local escapes

When winter’s chill settles in, it’s time to trade snow boots for soup spoons and discover Ontario’s coziest culinary escapes. These Feast On® certified destinations showcase the best of local food and drink, offering everything from festive farm experiences to luxurious wellness retreats. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a foodie road trip, these Ontario spots will warm your heart and appetite.

1. Heeman’s – A Festive Farm Experience

Where: 20422 Nissouri Rd, London, ON (View Map)

Step out of the cold and into the warm, welcoming world of Heeman’s, where winter is a celebration of flavour, fun and festive greenery. Famous for its berry fields, innovative greenhouses and small-batch cidery, this family-run farm is a cozy escape filled with local charm.

Warm up with seasonal sips from their café, like a White Chocolate Macadamia Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Eggnog Latte or the Windmill Cookie Latte made with espresso, oat milk, spiced syrup and a festive cookie.

Heeman’s greenhouse café with festive drinks

Before you go, pre-order the Cellar Club Holiday Box ($55) featuring two exclusive small-batch releases: Dry Spy Winesap Hard Apple Cider and Apple Butter Bochet Mead. Whether you are shopping for gifts, sipping something special or snapping a photo with the Grinch, Heeman’s is a perfectly cheery retreat from the frosty outdoors.

2. Cambridge Mill 

Where: 100 Water St N, Cambridge, ON (View Map)

Take refuge from winter’s chill at Cambridge Mill, a stunning historic venue where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Nestled in a 19th-century industrial mill, this dining destination invites you to relax by the fire or take in panoramic views from their all-season patios while savouring dishes crafted from Ontario’s finest ingredients.

As a proud Feast On certified restaurant, Cambridge Mill celebrates the best of farm-to-table dining. Each dish highlights the richness of Ontario’s local producers, offering comfort food elevated with sophistication. Whether it’s a romantic evening out or a gathering with friends, Cambridge Mill is a cozy and elegant retreat perfect for escaping the cold.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the all-you-can-enjoy brunch, served from 9 AM to 4 PM — $77 per adult and half-price for children.

3. Dimensions Algonquin Highlands – A Culinary Retreat for Body and Soul

Where: 1218 Canopy Ln, Algonquin Highlands, ON (View Map)

For those seeking a peaceful, transformative escape, Dimensions Algonquin Highlands offers a unique retreat where well-being and world-class dining come together. Operating on 16 hectares of pristine woodlands along the shores of Maple Lake in Stanhope Township, this luxurious retreat combines the serenity of nature with innovative wellness programming.

Located just under three hours from Toronto, it’s accessible via Highway 400 North, Highway 11N, and 118 West, or by a quick one-hour flight to nearby Stanhope Municipal Airport. Dimensions Algonquin Highlands provides a serene and luxurious escape into nature. Designed to foster well-being and healing, this destination combines warm hospitality with nutrient-rich, locally sourced cuisine that nourishes from the inside out.

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands invites guests to immerse themselves in healing and self-growth, inspired by the natural world and timeless plant ceremonies. With evidence-based wellness rituals, personalized service, and nutrient-rich meals crafted from organic, locally sourced ingredients, this retreat fosters a profound reconnection with oneself and the surrounding environment.

Every dish at Dimensions is thoughtfully prepared to cleanse, nourish, and inspire, blending sustainably foraged vegetation, Ontario-raised proteins, and seasonal produce. Guests can enjoy moments of quiet reflection, luxurious hospitality, and a sense of renewal in this tranquil setting, just 6 kilometres from Carnarvon and 20 kilometres from Minden, Ontario. Whether you’re enjoying the healing properties of nature or indulging in their extraordinary culinary creations, Dimensions offers an unparalleled winter sanctuary.

4. The Springwood 

Where: 1645 Dundas St E, Unit #1, Whitby, ON (View Map)

We all know that heartwarming feeling of visiting family for the holidays — the laughter, the good food, and the comfort of being surrounded by people who make you feel at home.

That’s exactly the spirit you’ll find at The Springwood, where their motto “Come Over for Dinner” isn’t just an invitation, it’s a promise. This Feast On® certified Whitby gem radiates warmth and charm, blending rustic comfort with refined flavour.

Every dish celebrates Ontario’s harvest and feels like sharing a cozy meal with friends — only better, because someone else is doing the dishes.

The menu at The Springwood is a love letter to Ontario’s seasons, balancing indulgence and comfort with creative flair. Start with the Raw Bar, featuring the Tuna Tartare “Big Mac” or a dozen Oysters with seasonal mignonette. Then dive into small plates like Brussel Sprout Toast with stracciatella and honey or Curried Lamb Scotch Egg with Branston pickle.

Each year, their house-made eggnog is aged for two months, starting in October, so it’s perfectly smooth and complex by December. Think of it as their own winter vintage. Pair it with something new, like the Yuzu-Oolong Old Fashioned, made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Pluck Yuzu-Oolong Tea, orange and bitters, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to come in from the cold and stay awhile.

For the full experience, choose their signature Come Over for Dinner menu, a rotating selection of seasonal dishes offered in three levels of indulgence ($60/$80/$100 per person). With its warm glow and heartfelt hospitality, The Springwood makes every visit feel like coming home, only with better wine and no dishes to wash.

 

Why Feast On® Matters

Each of these businesses hold a Feast On® certification, a symbol of their commitment to supporting local farmers, producers, and sustainable practices. By visiting these spots, you’re not only treating yourself to incredible food and experiences—you’re also championing Ontario’s vibrant culinary community. They’re not just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk.

Find Your Winter Sanctuary

Whether you’re sipping cider at Heeman’s, enjoying a fireside feast at Cambridge Mill, finding serenity at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands, or settling in for a cozy dinner at The Springwood, these destinations make winter something to celebrate. Escape the cold, savour local flavours, and let these Feast On® certified gems turn the season into a warm and delicious retreat.