Picnicking, once a pastime of aristocrats in 17th-century Europe, became a popular outdoor activity among the 19th-century middle class — perhaps the first truly democratic dining experience. While Niagara-on-the-Lake's wineries often steal the spotlight, I discover that you don't need to be wealthy or fancy to enjoy delicious food with loved ones in a beautiful spot of your choosing. A picnic is all about leisurely enjoyment in a relaxed setting, bringing joy with little or no fuss. Here are three fantastic places in the region to grab picnic foods.
1. Picnix
Queen's Royal Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Joanne Dale via Shutterstock
"I’ll meet you under the gazebo," Keith Gowans instructs for this picnic adventure. A newer addition to Old Town, Picnix offers a unique experience: a wooden cart packed with picnic essentials that converts into a dining table complete with wine glass holders and wheels. What began as a COVID business project for his daughter, Abbie Gowan, turned into her parents’ clever new business in Niagara-on-the Lake.
You can pick up your cart at the Gazebo by the river and choose your perfect spot, whether it's by the water or in a sunny, tree-dappled corner. This little-known picnic experience invites you to roll your cart to the perfect view, spread out your tablecloth and nosh while you and your guests take in the blue skies, warm winds and selfie-perfection of Niagara River’s Queen’s Royal Park. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy food and drink outdoors, with nature providing the ambiance.
Picnix is an easy way to enjoy a delectable five-course picnic replete with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, reusable tableware, soft cushions for your posterior and even drink holders built right into the cart.
For 18 years, Keith Gowans and his wife Sandra have run The Red Coat Inn Bed and Breakfast, nestled in a century home in the Niagara Escarpment. No strangers to creating quaint and charming experiences for their guests, the Gowans' "Picnix Alfresco To Go" was a natural extension of their expertise, taking local ingredients and creating simply delicious food. Add to that Keith’s talent as a carpenter, and you’ve got a giant picnic basket trailer that carries up to eight Picnix magic carts inside.
Each $130 cart can easily feed four guests. It includes charcuterie with candied bacon and a dry, lightly salty prosciutto from the local butcher as well as a generous, family-sized serving of spicy Thai soba noodle salad with veggies, topped with a sesame dressing that is lip-smackingly sweet and fresh. The cart comes with a couple of bottles of fizzy water and wine glasses. You supply any other bevvies of choice.
Save room though, because this picnic ends with home-made cheesecakes, fruit and chocolate mousse. For picky picnickers? There’s a veggie menu, dairy free options and a kids’ menu.
2. Cheese Secrets
38 Market St, Niagara-on-the-Lake
If you're strolling down Market Street in Old Town, the large blue-and-white Beemster cow sign marks the spot for cheese lovers. The shop offers a delightful mix of Ontario-made and international cheese and meat. Inside, you'll find a nostalgic vibe, with 1970s brick and barnwood walls and well-worn wooden counters. The team here truly earns their title as "Cheesy Gods."
The charm of Cheese Secrets lies in its combination of exceptional products and genuine hospitality. The shop is a true labour of love. Owner Xavier, along with his family, has put his own stamp on the business since purchasing the shop. If you're lucky, Xavier might even whip up one of his famous grilled cheese sandwiches. These creations, inspired by the whims of the chef, are always surprising and always delicious.
Cheese Secrets takes picnic dining up a notch with heart-shaped vintage picnic baskets to borrow and Turkish cotton blankets to purchase. When I visit, I'm treated to a basket brimming with fine cheese, charcuterie, fresh fruit and a delectable pretzel butter crunch with white chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel and a hint of salty pretzel.
The cheese in the basket includes Gunn’s Hill Dairy's 5 Brothers, a firm, buttery cow's milk cheese, that pairs perfectly with sauvignon blanc. Another highlight is the rich Guernsey cow's milk cheese from Upper Canada Cheese in Jordan — one of Canada's finest producers. This cheese is easy to digest and rich in omega-3 acids, vitamin D and calcium, making it both indulgent and healthy. It pairs beautifully with riesling or sparkling wine.
3. The Grove
1267 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Located just a 10-minute drive from Old Town, The Grove in Virgil is an undiscovered gem and a world-class destination for picnic food.
With a smoker out back, it combines a bakery, smoked meat shop, sandwich bar and gourmet store all in one. Offering everything from peach pies and homemade muffins to meatloaf, brisket and chicken pot pies, along with plenty of blankets and cushions to borrow, it’s the perfect stop for a quick and delicious picnic. Don’t forget to check out the fresh produce from Riverbend Farms, where everything is picked at the peak of ripeness.
Their beef brisket sandwiches are a standout — a three-course meal tucked between freshly baked buns, ready to go. Served on a soft brioche bun, it features peachwood-smoked beef with horseradish aioli, pickles and crunchy slaw — an unforgettable combination. For vegetarians, there’s a grilled vegetable option and a quinoa salad that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
For my perfect picnic, I pick up a sandwich, fresh apples, potato salad and apple fritters. Whether you're after smoked meats, homemade baked goods, or fresh produce, this charming shop is a must-visit for picnic fare.
The Grove bills itself as a "farm shop," and everything they offer is either homemade or locally sourced. Even their handmade bouquets, crafted from freshly picked flowers, reflect their commitment to quality and local ingredients.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal by the river with Picnix, indulging in gourmet cheese at Cheese Secrets, or feasting on smoked meat at The Grove, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers plenty of options for an unforgettable picnic experience. It’s all about good food, great company and the beauty of dining outdoors — whenever the mood strikes.
