Things To Do In Woodstock Ontario Year Round
The city of Woodstock is located in the heart of Oxford County, a rural region located between London and Kitchener Waterloo, 130 km from Toronto.
Our favourite time of year to visit Woodstock, Ontario is in the Summer and Fall.
Between June and September the weather is warm, drawing tourists who are keen on farm hopping, outdoor patio dining, picnics in the park, scenic cycles and river rides.
In the Fall, Woodstock transforms into a cavalcade of colour as rural roads light up with colourful red, orange and yellow coloured trees. During the harvest season just before Thanksgiving you’ll find farms offering kid-friendly corn mazes, spooky Halloween Fear Farm, and pretty pumpkin patches.
In the Winter keep cozy with a good book on a spa getaway at Elm Hurst Inn. You can also keep warm when visiting local breweries, cheese farms, restaurants, museums and Nordic Spa.
In the Spring visit Woodstock to attend the annual Jakeman’s Pancake Breakfast, Big Cheese Days, Oxford County Pride and Wienerfest.
Woodstock Ontario Annual Festivals
If you’re planning your first visit to Woodstock in Ontario Southwest we suggest planning your trip around one of Oxford County’s fun annual festivals.
- Embro Highland Games
- Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show
- Ingersoll Harvest Festival
- Tillsonburg Turtlefest
- Drumbo Fall Fair
- Cowapolooza – Woodstock
- Wienerfest Home County Festival
- Downtown Woodstock Street Fest
Fun Things To Do In Woodstock
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Woodstock Ontario you’ll want to plan a road trip, exploring attractions within the pedestrian-friendly downtown as well as in neighbouring Ingersoll.
Woodstock has long been known for its dedication to preservation and continued use of heritage buildings. History buffs should check out the Oxford County Courthouse & Gaol, City Hall, and Woodstock Museum, best enjoyed on a self-guided walking tour.
Foodies know Woodstock best for its cheerful cheese culture and Farmer’s Market, which has been in operation for 160 years. The majority of local restaurants feature the fresh produce and locally produced cheese on their menus too!
Meredith Maywood from Tourism Oxford offered the following advice to first time visitors to Woodstock, “Pack a cooler as you are coming to an area that has a rich farming history. With all of the amazing items produced here we have a thriving culinary scene, from roasted coffee to artisanal cheeses. Be sure to pack your closed toe sturdy shoes if you’re planning on visiting a farm or enjoying a behind the scene cheese tour. During the warmer months of the year, bring a picnic basket and blanket to enjoy an al fresco meal at Roth Park, Pittock, or Southside Park.”
If you like an active adventure Woodstock offers scenic cycle trails for road and mountain biking at the Pines. You can also plan a 3-5 km hike on the Thames River Trail in Beachville.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Woodstock for kids make sure to visit Young Children Jax Jungle Playground, Udderly Ridiculous Goat Recess and Oxford County Drive-In.
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Oxford County Hotels
While you can visit on a day trip from Toronto we suggest booking a long weekend to enjoy all that Woodstock has to offer.
Oxford County is home to one of our favourite Ontario Luxury Boutique Hotels as well as historic inns and budget options for families.
- Elm Hurst Inn & Spa: plan a romantic getaway at this scenic luxury boutique hotel near Ingersoll. Elm Hurst Inn features a full-service spa, fine dining restaurant, bar & lounge and contemporary suites. Check Reviews.
- Holiday Inn Express Woodstock: this corporate hotel in Woodstock is perfect for families as it offers an indoor pool featuring a slide. There’s also access to a 24 hour gym. Check Reviews.
Oxford County Cheese Trail
The Oxford County Cheese Trail is one of our favourite culinary weekend getaways in Ontario.
Oxford County is known as the dairy capital of Canada, home to a high concentration of cheese producers such as Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Mountainoak Cheese, Red Dragon Dairy and Bright Cheese and Butter.
Visitors can easily enjoy the Oxford County Cheese Trail on a romantic weekend getaway or as a tasty educational adventure with kids. Visit over 25 businesses in Woodstock and Ingersoll including cheese producers, organic farms, award-winning restaurants, craft brewery, historic museum, artisan gift shops, spa and luxury boutique hotels.
If it’s your first time visiting Oxford County we suggest planning your visit during Big Cheese Days, which is held every other year in May.
Restaurant Hopping
If you’re a foodie looking for the best things to do in Woodstock, enjoying local craft beer, fresh cheese and stellar restaurant meals is likely at the top of your must-do list.
Woodstock and Ingersoll offer a diverse dining scene, perfect for every budget. You’ll find kid-friendly menus at affordable prices as well as fancy fine dining ideal for special celebrations or a romantic getaway.
Here are some of our favourite restaurants in Oxford County:
- Brickhouse Brewpub: Brickhouse Brewpub is a popular restaurant for beer lovers in Woodstock. It’s located in a historic power station and has a spacious outdoor patio in the summer. It offers diners locally inspired food paired with 25 taps that pour award winning craft beer from across the province. The pub inspired menu features plenty of dishes infused with fresh beer such as The Moe Dog, Beer Poached Pear Salad, Beer Cheese Dip and Waffle Nachos.
- Charles Dickens Pub: Charles Dickens Pub is located in the heart of downtown Woodstock. The friendly British Pub serves classic English fare like Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash and Cottage Pie.
- Louie’s Pizza & Pasta: This family-friendly restaurant is casual serving kid-friendly dishes like pasta, pizza and wings.
- Elm Hurst Inn: Is a luxury boutique hotel in Oxford County featuring an tranquil spa and fine dining restaurant. The menu features Prime Rib, Pork Chops, Salmon, Arancini and selection of salads.
- Finkle St Tap & Grill: this casual and classy local eatery serves some of the best craft cocktails in Woodstock.
- Sixthirtynine: Is ranked as the best fine dining restaurant in Woodstock. The modern and cozy interior offers upscale New Canadian eats, as well as an intimate chef’s table serving an intimate tasting menu.
- Tandoori Knight: Oxford County’s most popular Indian restaurant can be found in downtown Woodstock. Tandoori Knight features a cozy dining room and an extensive menu feature curries, tandoori, vegetarian dishes and Hakka cuisine.
Upper Thames Brewing
225 Bysham Park Dr #9, 519-290-0053
Upper Thame Brewing Company opened in August of 2016. There were originally 5 owners, which have now been reduced to three; Carl Bloomfield, Michael Morris and Drake Merritt.
Upper Thames Brewing Company’s GM Erica Hughes shared, “The owners really loved craft beer, did lots of research travelling around to other Ontario craft breweries and finally put dreams to reality with the first (and currently only) craft brewery in Oxford County. They are proud of their roots here in Oxford and have made that a focus of the business by producing local, using local ingredients where possible, employing local staff and giving back to the community, where possible.”
Visitors step into an open concept taproom with a view overlooking the brewery. You can also ask for a tour and talk to the brewers first hand. The Canadian themed taproom offers a full menu of fresh beer, guest taps and light snacks. You’ll also find a full retail section where you can purchase brews to go and merchandise.
Visitors can also enjoy an in depth experience called Brewed Exploration. It’s a behind the scene tour highlighting local cheese collaborations and the brewing process, from grains to glass.
Plan your visit to Upper Thames Brewing on Friday or Saturday night to enjoy live music.
Terra Nova Nordic Spa
596145 Oxford 59, 226-796-9181
Looking for fun things to do in Woodstock on a girlfriends getaway?
Terra Nova Nordic Spa is the perfect place in Oxford County to indulge in a few hours of rest and relaxation.
Skip inside Terra Nova and you’ll find a cute cafe serving loose leaf and British afternoon tea.
Downstairs there’s a locker room, mens and womens change rooms with showers and well-appointed therapy rooms offering massage therapy, osteopathy, reflexology, manicures, pedicures, facials, and body wraps.
After your treatment skip around Terra Nova’s al fresco Nordic Spa. Tranquil pathways in the backyard lead to a relaxation room, hammock adorned garden, eucalyptus steam room, Scandinavian-style cedar sauna, frigid plunge pool, bubbling hot tub, and fireplace that flickers within a sky-high tipi.
The Roasting Lab at Early Bird Coffee
815 Juliana Dr, 519-532-3127
Attention all java junkies! Early Bird Coffee in Woodstock offers a fun Roasting Lab experience.
Join Elio Caporicci at the popular Woodstock cafe to sip a selection of coffees from light to dark, alongside local baked goods.
Visitors learn about the origins of Earl Bird’s coffee beans and each roasts unique flavour profile, affected by terroir and roasting techniques.
The Roast Lab finishes with a fun collaboration as you select what type of roast you’d like to create. Go home with a 1/2 lb bag to bring home and enjoy with friends and family.
Shopping Local in Woodstock
Looking for things to do in Woodstock for shopaholics?
Downtown Woodstock offers plenty of local shops selling everything from edible delights to great gifts. You’ll also find treasures throughout Oxford County worthy of a credit card swipe.
Highlights from Woodstock’s shopping scene include Wild Comfort Body Care, Nerds Teas, Reel Treats, Floral Occasions, Two Guys and A Whisk, Chick Boss Cake, Dee-lights, Soulful Spoon, Noods, Jarful Refillery, Sodapop + Marigolds and Habitual Chocolate.
Jakeman’s Maple Farm
454414 Trillium Line, 519-539-1366
Jakeman’s Maple Farm is currently owned by Mary and Robert Jakeman, as well as two of their children Devin and Chad.
A small farm gift shop has been operating for as long as the Jakeman family, offering warm maple syrup as a taster for the Maple Syrup Festival held yearly, put on by the Women’s Institute.
Mary shared, “My niece initiated a small pancake house on site in the late 70’s along with the farm gift shop to give people a chance to taste the product, which turned out be a successful. Bob and I were married in June, 1981 and we continued operating the pancake house with his Brother Bruce and wife Lynda.”
The Jakeman family felt highlighting their maple syrup was a great way to promote the first crop of the year. Agritourism allowed visitors to get first hand experience visiting a maple farm, walking through the pretty trails during different seasons and buying quality maple syrup and maple goodies for personal use and special occasions and gifts.
Thames River Melons
Alex Chesney is Thames River Melons’ Registered Dietitian and Farm Market Manager. Chesney shared, “My dad, Rob Chesney started the business in the early 1980s, by growing just one acre of cantaloupe. He continues to own and operate the farm with help from the rest of our family, as well as friends, neighbours, and community members.”
Rob grew up on a farm, and wanted to continue to pursue agriculture, but just a little bit differently. In the early 80s growing melons in Ontario was somewhat unusual, but it a fun challenge, and in the end really took off.
Thames River Melons has expanded to over 500 acres, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Chesney added, “We sell our produce at farmers’ markets, through home delivery, to some local grocery stores, and on-farm. We have offered pick-your-own berries for many years, but in 2019 we opened our new and improved On-Farm Market and Pick Your Own Patch as a way to expand our farm experiences, and invite our customers to experience agriculture firsthand. We continue to offer the opportunity to pick berries (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries), and also operate a pick-your-own vegetable patch where visitors can dig up their own potatoes, pull their own carrots, and snap off their own green beans or peas. In the Fall we have a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other seasonal activities. The farm market itself is home to pre-picked produce, our line of preserves of honey, snacks, drinks, and a selection of other local goods.”
The recently launched Harvest Brunch at Thames River Melons is an Ontario Southwest Signature Experience. Brunch lovers begin by harvesting their own fruits and vegetables and visiting the chickens to gather eggs.
Head back to the brand-new Farm Kitchen to create a beautiful long table brunch crafted around the season’s freshest finds. Cook a delicious frittata and roasted potatoes, while learning kitchen tips and tricks as you go. Enjoy the fruits of your labour paired with a selection of other farm goods and local flavours as you sit down together for a social brunch on the farm.
1909 Culinary Academy
5183 Trussler Rd, 226-336-1909
Murray Zehr is the Executive Chef and owner of the 1909 Culinary Academy, which opened its doors in February, 2020.
Zehr was a high school teacher for almost 20 years and has over 25 years experience in the hospitality industry. He has successfully owned and operated 8 restaurants during his instructional career.
Zehr shared, “I wanted to teach students how to grow local, preserve local and cook local. A lot of that is missing in the curriculum for college and high school.”
Zehr now offers some of the most popular cooking classes in Woodstock. Classes change with the seasons and have included past themes like Sizzling Steak, Travel to Thailand, Investigate Italy and Satisfying Seafood.
Woodstock Farmers’ Market
The Woodstock Farmers’ Market has been in operation for over 160 years!
Back in 1836 Woodstock, Ontario numbered itself among the earliest of Agricultural Societies. It was formed less than fifty years after Ontario’s first Fall Fair was held in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Farmers’ Market has always been the pride of the Woodstock Agricultural Society, which takes place every Saturday year round between 7am-12pm.
Locals enjoy the tradition of visiting the market on Saturday morning to grab a coffee, shop for local produce and meat and support Oxford County artisans.
You’ll find plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables sold alongside towering cheese counters, friendly bakeries, and fragrant flower shops. It’s a great spot to grab gifts to take home featuring locally made candles, soaps and woodwork by Blackdog Wood Artistry.
Woodstock Museum
466 Dundas St, 519-537-8411
Are you a history buff looking for things to do in Woodstock? Be sure to pop into the Woodstock Museum, which is also a National Historic Site.
The popular Woodstock attraction is located in a handsome building, perched over Museum Square. It features a series of permanent exhibits showcasing galleries like the History of Woodstock, Council Chambers, Old School Barber Shop, Great Murder Trial Case, and Firefighting Display.
Woodstock Museum also puts on temporary exhibits with recent themes featuring Samples of Pride and Theatre Woodstock.
Courthouse Heritage Walk
After visiting the Woodstock Museum history buffs can enjoy a free self guided tour.
Explore the history of Woodstock’s Courthouse Square through a full, online tour. From spooky ghost stories to monkey mockeries and even a Christmas Day fire, there’s a wealth of history to enjoy on the solo.
Discover the stories of the local land registry office and the Woodstock Public Library or take a jaunt over to explore the legends and facts of the Woodstock Courthouse.
Woodstock Art Gallery
449 Dundas St, 519-539-6761
The Woodstock Art Gallery is Oxford County’s largest municipal public gallery with a permanent collection of over 1900 works.
It occupies three floors of the former John White Building, located in the heart of downtown Woodstock opposite Museum Square.
The gallery celebrates the talent of local, regional and national artists, with a particular focus on artist Florence Carlyle (1864 – 1923). Artist talks, film screenings, special events, and programs for children, teens and adults are offered throughout the year.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Woodstock Ontario we recommend a visit to the gallery as there’s no cost of admission!
C&D Lanes
265 Main St, 519-539-9631
Looking for the best things to do in Woodstock Ontario on a rainy or snowy day?
C&D Lanes is Woodstock’s favourite bowling alley, located right on Main Street. You can enjoy an afternoon or night of bowling by joining one of the local leagues or book a fun pizza party for kids.
The Woodstock bowling alley offers both 5 and 10 pin bowling, best paired with snacks from the bar like nachos, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers and pierogies.
Lanes are rented out by the hour and price varies based on date and time. Closed Sunday and Monday. Cosmic Bowling (glow in the dark with a party vibe) runs Friday at 9pm and Saturday at 6pm.
Snyder’s Family Farm
936685 Blenheim Rd, 519-632-7356
On the hunt for fun things to do in Woodstock for families with kids?
Snyder’s Farm is a fun family-run attraction in Woodstock featuring a corn maze, hayrides, and bakery.
The farm in Woodstock offers plenty of fun seasonal experiences like Campfires and popular Fall Farm Ticket giving you all access to the properties pirate ships, petting zoo, pedal carts, jumping pillows, and halloween haunted house.
On Saturday and Sunday between 10am-5pm Snyder’s Farm offers a bakery and patio featuring finger-licking-good cinnamon buns, butter tarts, whoopie pies, and brownies.
Pop by the Candy Barn for cotton candy and caramel apples. The Pumpkin Pub pours adults-only local beer from Block Three Brewery as well as Ontario wines, ciders and radlers.
Udderly Ridiculous
906200 Township Rd 12, 548-225-1005
Greg and Cheryl Haskett are the owners of Udderly Ridiculous. The duo produce gourmet goat milk ice cream inspired by the zany herd of goats on their third-generation family farm in Oxford County.
Pop by the goat and alpaca farm and drool over their 6 flavours of goat milk ice cream including flavours like Coffee & Craft Brew, Lemon Cream, Peachy Mango Tango, Vanilla Bean Lavender, Spiced Pumpkin, and Wine & Dark Chocolate.
Animal lovers can also book fun experiences at Udderly Ridiculous like Goat Yoga and Alpaca Walks.
Golspie Dairy
455259 45th Line, 226-888-4819
The Golspie Dairy is located a short drive from downtown Woodstock, on a picturesque farm that has been family-run since 1874.
An on-farm processing plant specializes in fresh dairy products and small-batch cheeses based on iconic and well-loved British staples.
Looking for one of the most unique things to do in Woodstock? Head to Golspie Dairy to fill up on farm-fresh, pasteurized, non-homogenized milk from a high tech vending machine. Bring your own bottle, or purchase one onsite. You can chose from full-fat white or chocolate milk.
From the vending machine you can also purchase bags of cheese curds or glass jars of Crowdie, the family’s popular tangy cream cheese.
One Of A Kind Antique Mall
97 Wilson St, 519-539-9563
Are you a vintage lover looking for the best things to do in Woodstock, Ontario?
One Of A Kind Antique Mall is Canada’s largest antiques and collectables store with over 500 vendors and 80,000 square feet of shopping space. The popular Woodstock attraction is located in a historic textile factory on Wilson Street.
Antique enthusiasts can treasure hunt through three floors of nostalgic, from old school appliances to Canadiana farm furniture.
Fore! Golf Oxford
972 Dundas St, 519-290-9535
Are you a golf aficionado looking for things to do in Woodstock?
Fore! Golf Oxford allows golfers to practice their swing year round in a state of the art indoor facility.
Swing like you’re on the tee block. Putt with confidence and accuracy. Enjoy sandtraps and water hazards as they were meant to be!
Using your own clubs, golf ball and tee, and spikeless shoes, you can hit the driving range, practice putting, chipping, or play full rounds.
Fore! Oxford features 5 indoor golf simulator bays, with over 90 internationally-renowned courses, and a full service bar, making it the perfect date night for aspiring athletes. At the bar order from the craft cocktail menu or celebrate by popping a wine bottle.
Pittock Conservation Area
221 Pittock Park Rd, 519-539-5088
Are you a nature lover looking for things to do in Woodstock on a sunny day?
Pittock Conservation Area is Woodstock’s favourite park, offering opportunities for families to go camping, fishing, boating, volleyball, splash pad, playground, trail walking, disc golf and swimming.
Springbank Snow Countess
No trip to Woodstock is complete unless you’ve taken a selfie with Oxford County’s famed Springbank Snow Countess.
In 1933 the famous cow broke the world record for butterfat production and held the record for 21 years.
The Snow Countess statue is located on the original site of her home, Springbank Farm, which was known worldwide for their cattle breeding program. Taking a photo with the Countess has become a tradition for visitors to Woodstock so smile and say cheese!
The Oxford Drive-In
684471 Road 68, 519-537-7392
Looking for fun things to do in Woodstock on a date night? There’s nothing more quintessentially romantic and inherently North American than a movie night at a vintage Drive-In.
In the Spring of 1950 the Oxford Drive-In Theatre first opened. The first movie played was Life with Father starring William Powell, Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor.
Over the years the Drive-In has been owned by several families. The Oxford Drive-In is currently managed by Katherine and Bob Hay.
Open Tuesday to Saturday. Gates open at 7pm. Movies start at dusk, which changes with the seasons. If you’re movie-watching with a group we suggest visiting on cheap Carload Tuesdays!
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