Explore the Township of Brock With This Awesome Rural Road Trip

There’s nothing like leaving the flurry of the city in your dust as you head for the countryside. We’re very fortunate in Ontario to have several rural destinations to explore. What’s even better is that more rural businesses are coming together to show folks the beauty of their own backyard. Roll the windows down, crank the tunes and add this road trip through the Township of Brock to your Ontario summer bucket list!

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Hello, Backroads of Brock!

When summer rolls around, road trips are a must in Ontario. There’s no better way to see the province! And one such road trip has to be the Backroads of Brock.

Follow the twists and turns of the township’s winding roads to small town gems that are the epitome of Canadiana. It won’t take long to understand why Brock Township’s motto is breathe it in. This route will take you along lesser-travelled roads into the backbone of the province. It’s the perfect way to spend a day or two discovering each rural community as you support local.

The best part is each of these stops are a hit with all ages, making it the perfect Ontario road trip for families as well as a great date idea for couples. Ready to tackle it? Keep reading to learn about these amazing businesses in the Township of Brock!

Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm

Address: 1070 Brock Concession Road 5, Sunderland [map]

Since the fall of 2020, Owners Rick and Stephanie have transformed forgotten farmland into a hotspot for family fun. This agri-tourism business located just south of Sunderland is not to be missed when exploring the Township of Brock!

New for 2024, you can now go pick your own berries with their Haskap Pick & Play every weekend starting at the end of June! If you’re unsure of what a haskap berry is, they’re like a cross between blueberries and raspberries. Firmer skin like a blueberry but the taste is similar to a raspberry in my opinion. They’re chock full of both vitamins A & C, antioxidants, and potassium making them incredibly good for you! 

They have eight varieties to choose from as well as jams, honey and maple syrup. There is a fee to enter but it also includes a number of activities for both the kids and kids at heart. Race your friends on the pedal kart track, see if you can strike out with some field bowling and test your aim at the elastic band shooting range. Plus kids will love the giant sand box and slides! Don’t forget to sneak a peek at the corn maze, it might come in handy once all arrives and you find yourself lost in it!

SOMETHING TO NOTE: Due to overwhelming demand, they are already sold out for the season! Not to worry though, they’ll be back next year with even more berries so make sure to follow them on Facebook so you’re in the know for 2025.

Come autumn, the Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm is not only has the aforementioned activities but a few fall-themed favourites. Try your hand at pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tic tac toe, and be sure to request a tour of their self-sustaining eco-dome where you can check out their sub-tropical plants and eco-garden!

The biggest draw though has to be their massive corn maze. At over nine acres in size, these mazes are incredibly elaborate and boast a new theme each year. Rumour has it that the 2024 maze will be an escape-room style relating back to the days of the pioneers so make sure you come with your thinking cap on!

Pinedale Patch

Address: Side Road 18, Sunderland [map]

Over 65 years ago, the Smith Family moved to Sunderland when farming became not just their lifestyle but their passion. In 2011 when Graham, the third generation farmer, married a farm gal named Holly and two little farmers came along, the Smith family knew they wanted to expand their offerings. Since Holly grew up growing crops like pumpkins, she knew she wanted to do the same with the fourth generation.

It may have started with a small market stand selling pumpkins at the end of the farm’s driveway but it has since grown into an acre of sunflowers alongside those gourds! In 2021, the Pinedale Patch was born and since then, visitors have enjoyed walking along the trails through their beautiful sunflower field. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon enjoying the blooms or treat yourself to some ice cream at the farm. 

INSIDER TIP: If you love golden hour like I do, The Pinedale Patch is open from 3:00 pm until 7:30 pm on Fridays so you can enjoy the sunflowers during this magical time of the day!

As the cooler weather arrives, so do their menagerie of pumpkins as well as a variety of fall decor. The Smiths even have porch packages which include straw bales, corn stalks, fall mums and pumpkins so you’ll have the best looking house on the street! How cool is that?

The Pinedale Patch officially opens for the Civic Holiday weekend at the beginning of August.

Forget-Me-Not Alpacas

Address: 1595 Thorah Concession Road 3, Beaverton [map]

While all of these stops are sweet and quaint in their own way, I don’t think anyone will argue if I say that Forget-Me-Not Alpacas is the cutest destination along the Backroads of Brock. I know that Bruno, Ginger, Gunner, Tabitha, Tara, Tango and the rest of the crew would 100% agree!

One of their guided farm tours will be the highlight of your summer as you get to hang out with these critters. In a small group, you’ll be given a guided tour of the property where you’ll learn more about alpacas, how they differ from llamas, some of their quirky characteristics and plenty more. Not to mention you’ll get to end your hour long tour by feeding some of the gals. I consider this the trade for being able to snap those adorable alpaca selfies!

You’ll also learn about the importance of pollinators and ways that you can help out the butterflies and bees. Plus you just might see a few of the other critters that call the farm home, both wild like the variety of birds on the property and tame like Gypsy the horse.  Also, don’t be alarmed if the chickens are all of a sudden running free as this happens from time to time!

It’s not uncommon for the tours to sell out as they’re limited to 8 people so best to head to their website now and secure your time. You can also keep an eye out as they will occasionally add pop-up tours in the off-season!

Of course if you’re unable to snag a tour when you’re exploring the Backroads of Brock, you can always check out their farm store during tour hours. That way you can enjoy the comfort of the alpaca crew from mitts to socks. All of the items have a label to tell you which alpaca’s wool is keeping you warm!

The Sunflower Farm

Address: 24430 Side Road 17, Beaverton [map]

When owner Ursula chose to explore the world as soon as she could, she never thought she’d return to her hometown. Lucky for Beaverton, she carved her own path which brought her back to where she started – and in such a beautiful way nonetheless!

Say hello to The Sunflower Farm, home to Canada’s only sunflower shaped trail! Explore this gorgeous 20-acre sunflower field where you’ll be surrounded by 15 varieties of these bright and cheery blooms. Their goal is to inspire the incoming generations to reconnect with our farming roots here in Ontario. You can’t help but think about how much time, energy and resources go into crafting such a beautiful field, let alone what farmers do to feed us across the province as you wander through the 400,000 sunflowers on the property.

This isn’t your ordinary sunflower farm however as it offers a variety of incredible events throughout the season! Stop in for their ever popular market days with over 20 vendors including local artisans, food trucks and more. Grab a friend (or three or five) and enjoy a luxury picnic amongst the sunflowers with treats from The Shortiss Cafe in Beaverton. Book one of the floral workshops to create a gorgeous bouquet using flora from their private cutting gardens. Not to mention the live music nights and classic car show at The Sunflower Farm are always a hit!

As if this wasn’t amazing enough, Ursula has added some new events for 2024! Enjoy the beauty of golden hour amongst the fields during Paint Night as you illustrate the stunning landscapes around you. Towards the end of August, The Sunflower Farm will host its very first drag show at the farm. PLUS, dog owners will be going mutts as Saturdays are Doggie Days at the farm! Yes, that means you can bring your pup along to enjoy the blooms with you, just make sure they’re on their leash. 

Check out the full event line up on their website and be sure to give them a follow on Instagram to stay up to date with all the fun that’s coming down the pipeline this season. The Sunflower Farm officially opens for the 2024 season on July 30th.

Villa Vida Loca

Address: 13350 Highway 12, Sunderland [map]

Last but certainly not least is Villa Vida Loca and wow, where to begin! The natural place would be to start where Ann and Brian did, with the bees! They’ve been proud bee keepers for over a decade and when the pandemic hit, these social butterflies knew the community was craving that social connection. What better way to promote it than by supporting one another through their passion for all things local?

That’s when their boutique farm market was born! Pop inside to find a curated selection of handmade, homegrown and farm fresh tidbits. From fresh veggies to handmade beeswax candles to hot sauce, you’ll be amazed at the sheer variety of goodies that are all locally sourced. Plus, they have a self-serve stand where you can grab a dozen eggs, honey and other snacks whenever you like – all you need is cold hard cash! 

While any time is a good time to visit Villa Vida Loca, the weekends are when it’s really happening. This is when you can grab a bite to eat at The Smokhouse and you do not want to miss their smoked beef brisket sandwiches. Smoked for 14 hours, this tender juicy brisket is accompanied by their homemade honey jalapeno slaw that will have you addicted in just one bite. That’s not all there is on the menu though as Brian’s cooking up smoked ribs, brisket nachos, carnitas nachos and more. Chances are you’ll want one of everything so come prepared with a gaggle of friends!

Villa Vida Loca is also home to a number of other fantastic events. The Villa is their plein air dinner series where you’ll enjoy an incredible five course meal on their terrace. Chef Alex Page whips up a variety of flavours which each night having a unique theme. From disco to Morocco, you’ll be amazed with every bite! Plus they’re always adding to their repertoire like they did this year with boxfit classes. You never know what’s coming down the pipeline so it’s best to give them a follow on Instagram to stay in the know!

Oh and did I mention they do this all while having full time jobs? It may be the home of a crazy life but as soon as you meet these two, you know they wouldn’t have it any other way. I already can’t wait to see what new additions appear in the years to come!

Where to Stay in the Township of Brock

As you can see, there’s plenty to see, do and explore along the Backroads of Brock so why not extend your visit? There are a number of fantastic accommodation options so you can enjoy a little getaway.

Villa Vida Loca

As if it couldn’t get any cooler, Villa Vida Loca has not one but two amazing options for an epic glamping adventure. The first being La Cabaña, an adorable bunkie on their 10 acre property with the other being a gorgeous A-frame cabin known as the Cabaña de Amor. You’ll love falling asleep to the sounds of crickets with the comfort of a roof over your head and a cozy bed to sleep in. What better way to end a day of exploring the Township of Brock than with a crackling fire as you gaze up at the stars overhead? I think the photo above says it all.

This is definitely an option for more outdoorsy guests as you’ll be cooking on a small propane BBQ that Ann and Brian supply and you’ll be using an outhouse. There’s also an outdoor shower which will feel magical on those hot summer days and will certainly wake you up on the cooler ones! Of course, you can choose to what degree you “rough it” as there’s electricity to keep you charged if need be, you’ll have access to their hot tub (as if Ann and Brian couldn’t get any more amazing) and if you don’t want to cook, there are plenty of restaurants close by to treat yourself at instead.

If you’ve ever thought about glamping but were nervous to try it, this is a fantastic option as Ann and Brian are some of the kindest hosts you will ever encounter. They’ll do anything within their power to ensure your stay is fantastic, even helping you keep the fire going when you’re so exhausted you have no energy left after a day of adventuring. This truly is a little slice of paradise in Brock.

The Snug Cabin

If indoor plumbing is more your style but you still want that rustic vibe, The Snug Cabin is a great option for you. Your hosts Karen and Nick have transformed their guest house into a picturesque rural getaway. Get comfy in the king bed as you enjoy the gorgeous views from the large windows that overlook their woodland property. Amenities include a kitchenette complete with a mini fridge, toaster over and coffee maker, a large flat screen television as well as an electric fireplace for a cozy night in. Plus guests have access to the outdoor firepit as well as a charcoal BBQ, all you need to bring along is the charcoal!

What really makes this spot unique is that Karen and Nick have a variety of services you can book during your stay with them. Karen is a registered massage therapist who incorporates Swedish massage techniques, myofascial release and trigger point therapy to craft a combo that will surely help you relax. Nick is a psychic medium and hypnotherapist who can help you connect with those who have departed, explore elements of your previous life and help you process grief to heal both mind and spirit. A stay at The Snug Cabin can allow you to reconnect with yourself and others in mind, body and spirit.

Grant House

For those who love a great bed and breakfast, look no further than the Grant House. Located in Beaverton, this guest house features private suites with a number of luxurious amenities. After enjoying the Backroads of Brock, enjoy a soak in the spa tub, cozy up with a book by the three-sided fireplace, whip up a snack on the kitchenette and enjoy the fresh air on your private balcony. You’ll certainly sleep soundly in your comfy queen bed, especially after a dip in the pool!

Your hosts John and Lore will ensure you feel welcome as they prepare an incredible breakfast each morning. From what I’ve read in previous reviews, it’s apparently quite the spread plus it’s served on their stunning wrap-around deck. For those with food sensitivities and dietary needs, The Grants will happily accommodate them. Not to mention they’ll gladly share any recommendations for your stay in Beaverton.

The Shortis|s Hotel

For those who are all about the boutique hotels, the Shortis|s is going to be your top pick for extending your stay in Brock. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Beaverton and boasts plenty of that old-world charm. Featuring four private suites, each one is uniquely decorated with original art by local makers and features a collection of eclectic furniture pieces for a gorgeous modern aesthetic.

While specific amenities can vary, each suite has a private bathroom complete with plush towels, a personal hygiene kit and a small bar fridge. One of the suites has two single beds but the others have a cozy queen bed perfect for those looking to enjoy a couples getaway. There are also soaker tubs in two of the suites which I have to say would be so handy after a long day of exploring! Find out more about the Shortis|s Boutique Hotel here.

Enjoying Golden Hour Along the Beaver River Wetland Trail

Additional Things to Do While Exploring the Backroads of Brock

The Backroads of Brock road trip route will take you to specific businesses, however that’s not all there is to see in do in the area! If anything, it opens the door for you to explore some under the radar destinations within the Durham Region. As the saying goes, the world is your oyster… but here are some ideas in case you’d rather not throw caution to the wind.

Check Out the Town of Beaverton – As you’ve probably noticed, quite a few of the stops are in or around the town of Beaverton. With plenty of vintage charm, great eateries and a lovely waterfront, this small town jewel should be explored while meandering along the Backroads of Brock, especially if you choose to extend your stay. Take a look a my full guide to Beaverton for more details!

Grab a Meal at Bon Select Bistro in Sunderland – Another spot that’s prevalent along the Backroads of Brock is Sunderland and it’s home to a fantastic restaurant called the Bon Select Bistro. It has a massive menu that may make you leery about the quality of food when there are so many different dishes, but whether you dig into the seafood linguine, chicken tikka masala or one of their pizzas, you’ll be blown away by the flavours. I still dream about the meal I had during my visit!

Explore the Beaver River Wetland Trail – There’s plenty of great hiking around though the Beaver River Wetland Trail is a gem within the Township of Brock. Hike as much or as little of the 34 kilometre route as you like while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Lake Simcoe Watershed’s largest intact wetland complexes.

Cast a Line and Go Fishing – Did you know that the Township of Brock is home to the smallmouth bass capital of Canada? Whether you’re an avid angler or your occasional fisherman, see what bites and cast a line in Lake Simcoe. Try from the pier in Beaverton or charter a boat to see what you might reel in!

Scoot Over to Sideroads of Scugog – Since you’re already exploring the countryside, why not tack on another area during your getaway? There’s another fantastic rural route you can explore near Port Perry with the Sideroads of Scugog, another fantastic Ontario road trip. Read more about Lake Scugog and all the area has to offer here!

Disclaimer:
While this article was crafted in partnership with Central Counties Tourism, all of the content and opinions outlined here are, as always, honest and speak to my personal experience.

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