🥖 Stop #1 – Barrie
Fox's Bakery & Delicatessen
Just over an hour north of Toronto, Fox's Bakery & Delicatessen has been a Simcoe County favourite for generations. Known for its fresh artisan breads, homemade pastries, deli sandwiches and picnic-ready treats, it's the perfect first stop on your journey. Planning lunch at the cottage? Pick up a crusty loaf of bread, fresh buns, local cheeses or one of their famous baked treats before continuing north.
Nancy's Pick: Grab a loaf of fresh bread and something sweet for the road—you'll thank yourself later!
🥧 Stop #2 – Orillia
Mariposa Market
If there's one place that has become a tradition for Ontario cottagers, it's Mariposa Market. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a country bakery filled with the aroma of fresh bread and homemade pies. Their famous butter tarts, cookies, soups, sandwiches, fudge and gourmet pantry items make it nearly impossible to leave empty-handed. It's also a wonderful place to stock the cottage with breakfast pastries and treats for weekend guests. Don't Miss: Their legendary butter tarts and fresh-baked breads.
☕ Stop #3 – Gravenhurst
Coffee by the Lake
Known as the Gateway to Muskoka, Gravenhurst is the perfect place to slow down for a while. Take a stroll along the Muskoka Wharf, enjoy a coffee, browse the local shops or simply soak in the waterfront views before continuing your drive. Sometimes the best part of the trip is taking an extra twenty minutes to enjoy the journey.
🍞 Stop #4 – Bracebridge
Big River Baking Company
Bread lovers won't want to miss this Muskoka favourite. Big River Baking Company is known for its artisan sourdough, baguettes and pastries that often sell out before the day is over. Whether you're planning charcuterie on the dock or breakfast overlooking the lake, this is an ideal place to stock up.
Nearby cafés also offer excellent coffee if you're ready for another break.
🍕 Stop #5 – Wood-Fired Pizza in Muskoka
After a couple of hours on the road, sometimes dinner is already calling. Several local wood-fired pizzerias in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst prepare authentic pizzas using fresh local ingredients. Pick one up on your way to the cottage and enjoy dinner on the dock while watching the sunset. It doesn't get much better than that.
🌿 Stop #6 – Huntsville
If you're travelling farther north, Huntsville offers a wonderful mix of cafés, boutique shopping and waterfront charm. It's an ideal place to stretch your legs, enjoy lunch on a patio and browse the downtown before heading to your final destination. The relaxed atmosphere perfectly captures everything we love about cottage country.
A Few Road Trip Tips
✔️ Leave Toronto early to avoid Friday traffic.
✔️ Bring a cooler for fresh bread, cheeses and bakery finds.
✔️ Support local businesses whenever you can.
✔️ Pick up enough treats for everyone—because someone always forgets dessert!
The Journey Is Part of the Adventure
One of the greatest joys of cottage country is slowing down. Instead of rushing from Toronto to the lake, turn the drive into part of your weekend tradition.
Stop for a warm butter tart, enjoy a great cup of coffee, discover a new bakery, or simply wander through one of Ontario's charming small towns. You may find that some of your favourite cottage memories begin long before you reach the water.
Happy travels—and enjoy every delicious stop along the way!
Editor's Note
Do you have a favourite bakery, café or hidden foodie gem on the drive to cottage country? I'd love to hear about it! Share your recommendations—they may be featured in a future newsletter.
Our Favourite Pick ❤️
If we could only make one stop, it would be Mariposa Market in Orillia. It's an Ontario tradition and the perfect place to pick up fresh bread, pastries and those famous butter tarts before arriving at the cottage.
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