Oxford County, located in southern Ontario between Kitchener and London, is a region steeped in agricultural heritage and shaped by Mennonite, Dutch, and German influences. While many food lovers make the well-trodden journey to St. Jacobs in nearby Waterloo Region, fewer venture just a little farther to discover one of Ontario’s most rewarding culinary experiences: the shorter version of a cheese tour – Oxford County Cheese Trail (Destination Ontario) or extensive option at Cheese Trail (Tour Oxford).
Both of these self-guided routes are a dream for anyone who appreciates artisanal food, farm-to-table craftsmanship, and the stories behind what ends up on the plate. With over thirty stops along the trail—including working dairy farms, small-batch creameries, local restaurants, and museums—it offers an immersive look into a region where tradition and innovation meet in every bite.
Whether you plan a full weekend getaway or a carefully curated day trip, the Cheese Trail invites you to slow down, explore, and indulge. It’s best to map out your stops in advance, especially if you’re hoping to join guided tours or tastings. Bringing a cooler with ice packs is essential—you’ll quickly discover that resisting purchases is nearly impossible.
We opted for a one-day adventure, selecting a handful of creameries and pairing our tastings with a leisurely lunch stop. Even within just a few hours, the experience felt rich, varied, and deeply satisfying.
A Celebration of Cheese: Big Cheese Days
Plan to visit in May for an extra treat. Every Saturday throughout the month, Oxford County hosts its “Big Cheese Days”—a series of events across the region celebrating local cheesemakers and their craft. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to meet producers, sample exclusive varieties, and gain deeper insight into the artistry of cheese-making.
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But even outside of festival season, the trail delivers a memorable experience year-round. Here are some of the gems we visited:
Location: 3165 Huron Road, New Hamburg
Our journey began at Mountainoak Cheese, located in New Hamburg. Founded by Adam and Hannie van Bergeijk, who emigrated from the Netherlands in 1996, this family-run creamery specializes in authentically crafted Gouda using traditional Dutch techniques.
A visit here offers more than just a taste—it’s an education. During their “Tour and Tasting,” held on select Saturdays, visitors can follow the entire cheese-making process, from fresh milk arriving from the barn to wheels aging carefully on wooden shelves.
The tasting was a highlight. Their lineup included creative varieties like Black Truffle and Wild Nettle, alongside classics that showcased the depth of Gouda. The Toasted Onion and Mustard Gouda stood out in particular—rich, savory, and beautifully balanced. Each bite reflected both craftsmanship and a deep respect for tradition.
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Location: 455259 45th Line, Woodstock
Next, we made our way to Golspie Dairy, a fifth-generation dairy farm near Woodstock. This stop felt quintessentially rural in the best way—unpretentious, welcoming, and deeply rooted in family heritage.
Golspie offers a unique experience with its milk vending machines, allowing visitors to purchase fresh products directly from the farm at any time. Inside the shop, we found a range of British-style cheeses alongside fresh milk and dairy products.
We picked up their Red Chesterfield cheese—a Canadian interpretation of a British classic. It was creamy with subtle notes of hazelnut and caramel, making it both comforting and complex. We also tried their Crowdie cream cheese, which we later used in stuffed jumbo pasta shells instead of ricotta. The result was lighter, tangier, and absolutely delicious.
Of course, no dairy visit is complete without cheese curds. Enjoyed simply on toast, they were fresh and squeaky—but we couldn’t help imagining how perfect they’d be atop a homemade poutine.
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Location: 445172 Gunn’s Hill Road, Woodstock
Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese is proof that small-scale production can yield big results. Owned by Shep Ysselstein and Colleen Bator, this creamery draws inspiration from Swiss cheese-making traditions learned in the Alps.
Their cheeses are made using milk from their nearby family farm, ensuring freshness and quality from start to finish. A guided tour here is well worth the time, offering insight into how European techniques are adapted to Ontario terroir.
We sampled several varieties, including Oxford’s Harvest, a mild and creamy cheese modeled after Swiss Mutchli. It was approachable and versatile—perfect for everyday enjoyment. Look in our Recipe section for the Oxford Harvest Fondue that we made and enjoyed.
More distinctive was the Handeck cheese, which has earned national recognition, including Best Farmhouse Cheese at the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix. It had a firmer texture and deeper flavor profile, reflecting the skill and care that goes into each batch.
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Location: 284059 Daniel Road, Mount Elgin
Continuing along the trail, we visited New Galma Dairy in Mount Elgin. The Zeldenrijk family brought their century-old Dutch cheese-making traditions to Canada, and their commitment to authenticity is evident in every product.
The farmstead store offers a variety of Gouda-style cheeses made from milk produced by their own herd. We sampled several options, including pesto, Italian, nettle, and medium-aged varieties—some of which were finalists at the 2024 Royal Winter Fair.
The mild young Gouda was particularly memorable. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor made it incredibly easy to enjoy—one of those cheeses you keep reaching for without realizing how much you’ve eaten.
One of the most charming features of New Galma is the viewing space above the store. Overlooking the production area, it’s furnished with comfortable seating where visitors can enjoy a charcuterie board or even host small gatherings. It’s a thoughtful touch that turns a quick stop into a lingering experience.
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Location: 383723 Salford Road RR#1, Salford
Red Dragon Dairy in Salford offers more than just cheese—it’s a full culinary destination. Operated by the Morris family, who immigrated from West Wales, this farm-turned-artisan shop blends British tradition with local ingredients.
In addition to a wide selection of cheeses, the store features baked goods, British snacks, and hearty prepared foods. We couldn’t resist trying the Beef & Guinness pie and Scotch eggs—both were comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a mid-day indulgence.
Their cheese selection did not disappoint. The Welsh Snowdonia “Green Thunder,” infused with roasted garlic and herbs, was bold and aromatic—ideal for elevating any charcuterie board. Another standout was the Caramelized Onion Cow Cheddar, which quickly became a family favorite thanks to its mild profile and subtle sweetness.
With the added convenience of an LCBO outlet, this stop makes it easy to assemble everything needed for a picnic or a relaxed dinner.
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Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum
Location: 290 Harris Street, Ingersoll
No culinary journey is complete without understanding its history, and the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum provides exactly that.
This fascinating stop tells the story of Oxford County’s dairy legacy, including the famous 7,300-pound wheel of cheese that was once sent to New York City. It’s a quirky and memorable piece of history that speaks to the region’s longstanding reputation for cheese production.
Inside, over 20,000 artifacts are on display, including original equipment from the turn of the century—some still operational. It’s both educational and engaging, offering insight into how cheese-making has evolved over time. Admission by donation (bring cash!).
For families, the cheese-themed playground in nearby Centennial Park adds a fun and interactive element to the visit.
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After a morning of tastings, we stopped for lunch at The Joker’s Crown in Ingersoll. Their French Onion Soup, made with local cheese, was rich, comforting, and exactly what we needed to recharge.
Just across the street, The Wine Cellar & Cheese Shop offered a curated selection of regional products—perfect for picking up a few extra treats to take home.
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Location: 415 Harris Street, Ingersoll
For those looking to extend their stay, Elm Hurst Inn & Spa provides a luxurious retreat with deep historical roots. Located on the site of Oxford County’s first cheese factory, it blends heritage with modern comfort.
The on-site Mansion Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Philippe Coeurdassier, showcases seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine that highlights local ingredients. Their Oxford County Cheese Trail package includes a deluxe room, breakfast, sparkling wine, chocolates, and a cheese and cracker tray featuring local artisans—an indulgent way to fully immerse yourself in the region’s culinary offerings.
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Final Thoughts
The Oxford County Cheese Trail is more than a collection of stops—it’s a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and culinary passion. Each creamery tells a story, each product reflects a tradition, and every bite connects you more deeply to the land and the people who shape it.
Whether you’re a dedicated cheese enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates good food and meaningful travel experiences, this trail offers something truly special. It invites you to slow down, savor each moment, and perhaps even fall in love with cheese all over again.
To explore the world of cheese further, take a look at these books:
Inspired by the incredible variety of cheeses we encountered, we turned to The Cheese Lover’s Companion by Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst. This comprehensive guide explores more than 500 cheeses from around the world, offering insight into their origins, production, and best uses. Try the Burrata Salad in our Recipe section – serve with chunks of baguette and you have a hearty lunch! Purchase the book at Books – HarperCollins Canada or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
If you’re really crazy about cheese, learn how to make your own dairy delights with 200 Easy Homemade Cheese Recipes in our Book Review section. This book is for the adventurous who want to try their hand at being a cheesemonger in it’s fullest experience.
And speaking of cheesemongers, take a look at Michael Finnerty’s The Cheese Cure in our Canadians + Food section where his mid-life questions are answered by working with cheese in London, England.
Life is Gouda!