Aylmer Attractions
County of Elgin Tourism
Aylmer is one of seven local municipalities in Elgin County. These seven municipalities offer residents and tourists unique experiences including recreation & leisure activities, employment, transportation, dining, breathtaking site-seeing opportunities and more. Tourism information is available through the sites listed below.
- Buy Local, Buy Fresh – Guide to Local Farms and Businesses
- Elgin County Events and Calendar
- Elgin County Tourism
Attractions
Aylmer Wildlife Management Area
Our four season wildlife area ensures there is always something to see. Shorebirds & landbirds arrive and depart in successive waves depending on the time of year. Perhaps the best place in North America to see wild swans up close, the Tundra Swan viewing begins in March. Currently there are trails, four wildlife viewing stands with parking, interpretive signs and brochures, pit washrooms and 3 hunting blinds with parking. 10594 Hacienda Road Aylmer, ON 519-773-9241
Clovermead
Come experience the wonderful world of honey bees! See the bees up close behind a glass wall, taste the sweetness of honey and enjoy a country, family experience. Clovermead has trails to stroll down, farm animals to visit, go carts to take a spin on, straw mountains to climb and loads more of family fun activities. 11302 Imperial Road, Aylmer, ON 519-773-5503
Farmers’ Markets
Aylmer hosts two Farmers’ Markets including the Aylmer Sales Arena and the Old Imperial Farmer’s Market. Shop from local vendors selling a variety of items such as fresh produce, baked goods, bath and body products, pet treats, handmade jewelry, and more. Stay for live performances from local musicians and special seasonal events.
Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum
Owned and operated by Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, this museum is dedicated to preserving Ontario’s dairy heritage. The van Kasteren family share their collection of milking machines, cream separators, bottles, and delivery wagons. Visitors are encouraged to explore the unique ecosystem of the Carolinian forest in which the museum is situated. 48075 Jamestown Line Aylmer, ON 519-773-2955
Aylmer-Malahide Musem & Archives
The Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives collects the histories of the people, businesses, industry and heritage of Aylmer and Malahide. The Museum boasts a collection of over 35,000 artifacts, and is working to get all artifacts listed in a database available to the public through the Elgin County Archives online portal.
Mennonite Furniture Gallery
Amish built furniture, constructed from solid wood and assembled by hand. Hand-crafted to last for many years, most items can be custom built to your size specification. Complete dining rooms, bedrooms, cabinets, tables, chairs, and more. Visit the modern showroom while taking a step back in time. 10 Talbot Street West, Aylmer, ON 519-765-4386
Minerva Art Gallery and Custom Framing
Minerva Art Gallery provides high quality fine art for the collector. The unique collection includes major artists from Canada, art from around the world, and local artists who will meet and exceed your expectations. 11078 Springwater Rd, Aylmer, ON 519-765-1616
Ontario Police College
The Ontario Police College is a leader in police training that is committed to the continuous pursuit of business excellence while creating unique and innovative learning opportunities for new and seasoned police officers. The Ontario Police College provides training to hired police officers, and does not offer training to members of the general public. 10716 Hacienda Road Aylmer ON N5H 2R3
Pinecroft
Pinecroft has been a unique destination in Elgin County for over 64 years. Nestled beside an expansive pond and under the bows of towering pines several original log cabins host a gift shop, restaurant and pottery studio. Enjoy homemade bread, seasonal specials and country inspired cooking that all feature local produce and fruit. Stroll the grounds and visit the studio to see the potters at work or enjoy one of the many summer music productions on an outside stage. Open seven days a week March to Christmas. 8122 Rogers Road South Aylmer, ON 519-773-3435
Poplar Ridge Snowmobile Club
Explore trails that stretch from Highway 59 Langton to Highway 4 Port Stanley crossing through Aylmer and Port Bruce. District 5 is the hub of the Southwestern Ontario trail system, comprised mostly of farmers’ fields and bush. All trails pass by a warming station or club house.
Rush Creek Wines
Relax in the picturesque rural setting of Rush Creek Wines, and enjoy an exceptional offering of award winning fruit wines from zeros to rich dessert wines. Step up to the tasting bar and taste the wines of Rush Creek. Tours by appointment, licensed picnic area, and free use of the BBQ, gift store, wine jellies, wine vinegars, bread dippers, brushetta bar, and much more is available. Come to the country where great tastes & memorable experiences begin! 48995 Jamestown Line, Aylmer, ON 519-773-5432
Springwater Campground
Campground facilities and a day use area are available – May to October – including 100 metres of sandy beach, fishing platforms, canoe and paddle boat rentals, children’s playground, surrounded by massive, towering stands of hardwood and white pine. During the month of March there are weekend activities for the Maple Syrup Festival. 47719 Conservation Line, Aylmer, ON 519-773-9037
Festivals & Events
The Aylmer Fair has been around since the late 1800s bringing fun and laughter to the people of Aylmer Ontario. Through many different venues and shows, we show the history and heritage of our great town.
Elgin County Pride is a celebration of acceptance, diversity, inclusivity and respect for all in Elgin County.
Elgin County Pride hosts a weeklong annual event in August across the county with activities such as flag raisings and proclamation ceremonies, picnics, live entertainment, crafts, movie screenings, and more.
Springwater Conservation Area hosts its Annual Maple Syrup Festival every March. Enjoy wagon rides through the Springwater Forest. Tour the old-fashioned sugar shanty for demonstrations on maple syrup production. Maple products are available for sale. Dine at the pancake house which is operated by local community groups.
8079 Springwater Road, RR#5
Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2R4
519-773-9037
Remembrance Day service is held at the town Cenotaph located next to Town Hall 46 Talbot Street West. This event is hosted by the Aylmer Legion – Branch 81.
Aylmer Legion – Branch 81
211 John Street North
Aylmer, ON N5H 2B2
Cycle 1 of 3 routes through several villages in Elgin County with supported stops offering food and drinks with lunch provided at midpoint in Port Bruce.
All proceeds go to two local initiatives: the Forest City Velodrome and the Environmental Leadership Program at East Elgin Secondary School.
Celebrate Canada Day at the East Elgin Community Complex. Fireworks provided by the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer.
Town of Aylmer Fire Regulations – Open Air Burning and Fireworks By-Laws
Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
A one-day annual event held at the Springwater Conservation Area in July, this festival was created to bring awareness to dog adoption and animal rescues, not just in Elgin County, but across Ontario and Canada.
Enjoy live entertainment, exhibitors, food, prizes, photo booth and more. All proceeds go to local area animal rescues.
Pinafore Park
95 Elm Street
St. Thomas
[email protected]
The Santa Claus Parade is usually held the second last Saturday in November at 2:00 p.m. It is hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer.
Tundra swans use the Aylmer Wildlife Management Area to refuel on their migration to the high Arctic Region between Alaska and Baffin Island.
Each year it’s expected that 10-60 thousand birds will stopover here. Birdwatchers from all over the province come to Aylmer to see this beautiful bird, and wonder of nature.