A country escape close to the city
Go day tripping in Halton Hills for charming, historic experience
With bucolic landscapes, from rolling farmland to some of Ontario’s loveliest trails, Halton Hills feels a world away — though it’s only about a 50-minute drive northwest of Toronto. Having called this charming town home for many years, I’ve always appreciated the taste and pace of country life it offers while still being close to the city.
The Hills encompasses the communities of Georgetown and Acton, as well the historic hamlets of Glen Williams, Limehouse, Terra Cotta, Hornby and Norval (where novelist Lucy Maud Montgomery was a local from 1926 to 1935). Beyond the area’s natural beauty, you’ll also find lively pubs and a cultural scene anchored by a collective of art studios. Here are five places I recommend for those day-tripping into town.
For craft brews
Furnace Room Brewery (1A Elgin St., Georgetown)
What started as a basement brewing project by Georgetown pals in 2007 has become a premiere craft beer destination, loved for the variety of suds on offer. Lagered ale, cream lager, red ale and pale ale are mainstays, and there are limited-edition drops, too. The drinks are named after Georgetown landmarks and personalities, so read the cans for local lore.
For outdoor adventures
Limehouse Conservation Area (12169 Fifth Line, Limehouse)
Halton Hills is a trekkers’ delight, home to many picturesque trailways, and this portion of the famed Bruce Trail is one of the best. No fee or reservation is required to explore the 190 acres on offer in this conservation area, which includes meadows and mature forest, waterfalls and caves, and a positively Tolkien-esque stone arched bridge over babbling Black Creek. You can also learn a little history while exploring the ruins of kilns, which produced lime for local builders and farmers up until the early 1900s.
For modern pub fare
Copper Kettle Pub (517 Main St., Glen Williams)
At this local landmark, which dates to 1852 and served as a general store for over 120 years, you’ll feel transported across the pond. Now a lively neighbourhood gastropub, lovingly restored by current owners Jasper and Janet Martin in 2016, it’s the spot to go for classics like fish and chips, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, and bangers and mash.
For artisanal creations
Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios (515 Main St., Glen Williams)
This creative collective space is home to approximately 30 artisans, with five heritage buildings showcasing a wide variety of mediums throughout: stone carving, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, textiles, paintings and glass blowing. Not only can you meet the artists and shop their works, but you can also create your own piece at on-site classes.
For superb dessert
The Glen Tavern (515 Main St., Glen Williams)
At this country-chic resto (also part of the Williams Mill), you’ll find a fresh, local spin on city cuisine. A sister eatery of Toronto’s inimitable Scaramouche, the Glen Tavern immediately became a local treasure (and my personal favourite) upon opening its doors in 2015. The dinner-only menu is succinct and perfectly curated; the atmosphere welcoming, relaxed and homey. It’s frequented by many regulars, some coming just for dessert: Scaramouche’s iconic coconut cream pie is here and a must-order.