St. Jacobs

What to do in St. Jacobs?

In addition to the places you see below, there are some great events in the region to attend, like the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, the Wellesley Apple Butter Festival and Octoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo to name a few. Don't forget to check out the covered bridge in Montrose too! Lastly, one of the most special times to visit St Jacobs is during St. Jacobs Sparkles which takes place usually the second and third weekends in November. The Village website details the many events during these two weeks.

St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market. Every week, 100s of vendors bring you Ontario's farm-fresh foods, crafts, imported goods and most things imaginable, plus amazing ready-to-eat foods. Bring your appetite! This is the largest farmer market in Canada and is open year-round Thursday and Saturday (8am to 3pm). During the summer it is also open Tuesday. Go early to beat the crowds and be sure to try the apple fritters!

The Waterloo Central Railway takes passengers from Uptown Waterloo to the St Jacobs Market and St Jacobs. It is a slow ride, but great for the little ones.

Toy Soup. Yes, we think a visit to Toy Soup is worth the drive. Where else can you find a toy store in a 100 year old building that was once the United Church (the congregation was too big for our building, so they built a bigger church at the north-end of town). We have beautiful windows, high ceilings and a great selection of toys, games and puzzles for all ages.

The Village. After a morning fighting the crowds at the market, why not spend the afternoon taking a leisurely stroll in the village. We have a great variety of unique independently owned shops for all to enjoy. There are handmade goods like the broom maker, pottery shops, and weavers. In addition there are some wonderful clothing shops and home decor shops. Additionally, the Trans-Canada trail runs through St. Jacobs.

Some of our Favourite Things to do in St. Jacobs are:       

 -Taking a hike along the Mill Race and riverside trails on a sunny day.                               

-Picking up goodies at The Stone Crock Bakery, Butcher & Market (especially their cheeses and house-made sausage varieties).

-Indulging at The Shed by LenJo Bakes (run by one half of the Season 3 winners of Crime Scene Kitchen!)

-Exploring Hamel Brooms, the last corn broom manufacturer left in Canada.

-Browsing the loads of other great shops (don't miss Bliss, Magnolia's, Living Fresh and Calling Crow)!

-Checking out the many wall murals in the village and the 5 stops on the Butterfly Art Trail.

-Getting a coffee at the EcoCafe and eating at the patio overlooking the river.

-Learning local history at The Mennonite Story museum, now relocated to the Farmers Market campus.

-Riding the Waterloo Central Railway.

-Visiting Block 3 Brewing or the Village Biergarten if you need to raise a toast.

-Enjoying the Historic St. Jacobs guided tour run by Stroll Walking Tours (book online)!

-Taking it easy & chatting with the many warm, friendly people who both live in, and visit, St. Jacobs! Can't wait to see you!