The Bruce Hotel hosts October farm tour showcasing Perth County’s farmers and makers

Margaret Walton, holding freshly picked beets, stands beside Jessica Wynne of Pfenning’s Organic Farm during the Bruce Hotel’s recent Farm Tour.

The Bruce Hotel is hosting its last farm tour of the season this month. The tour offers guests and community members a curated, luxury experience celebrating the rich agricultural heritage, passionate producers and sustainable food systems throughout Perth County.

The final farm tour will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and guests must have a ticket to participate. Guests will meet at the Bruce Hotel shortly before 9 a.m. and take a luxury bus along the roads of Perth County, stopping at different farms along the way. The experience lasts about four and a half hours.

"This has been a great year for the farm tours, people really love them,” said Chef Nick Benninger, culinary director at the Bruce Hotel. “Whether it be people from outside of the community visiting the hotel who get a chance to explore this region in a really authentic way, or locals who have driven by these properties before, and just never really had the chance to stop in, it’s a great experience for everyone."

This October’s itinerary includes stops at Pfenning’s Organic Farm, Nith Valley Apiaries and Silvercreek Nursery. Each visit offers behind-the-scenes access, tastings and stories of stewardship and sustainability in action.

The Bruce Hotel staff provides picnic-style dining, which coincides with each farm and is shared along the way at each stop.

“That’s the charm of the event,” said Benninger. “Guests will get to visit and talk to each of the farmers and myself and learn about the connection we have with each other and learn about the different dynamics of relationships throughout Perth County.”

As a Feast On-certified establishment, granted by the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Bruce Hotel is recognized for its ongoing leadership in supporting the local food economy and reducing its environmental footprint.

“For me, hospitality has always been about connection. Connection is at the heart of everything we do at the Bruce,” said Jennifer Birmingham, owner of the Bruce Hotel.

“Perth County continues to be one of the best places to eat anywhere in the world, not just because of the quality of what’s grown here, but because of the people who bring it to life,” said Benninger. “Experiences like our Farm Tour help guests connect to that story with all their senses – it’s food tourism at its most genuine, and it reflects everything the Bruce stands for.”

Guests are encouraged to reserve early by contacting events@thebruce.ca or visiting thebruce.ca for details.