Explore Dufferin County
a sweet day trip to Mulmur, Ontario
Set against the backdrop of the gorgeous rolling hills of Ontario’s green belt, the village of Mulmur, Ontario is a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rural charm. A day trip to this quaint township in the northeast corner of Dufferin County is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Dufferin County’s quiet streets, lush farmland, and a strong sense of community are inviting to visitors with its wealth of year-round outdoor experiences. Let’s uncover the treasures that make Mulmur, in the Northeast section of the County, a special place to visit. A day trip to Mulmur, Ontario, is not just a good idea but a must-do for anyone seeking a refreshing getaway to the county.
The Best Things to do in Mulmur, Ontario
Hiking Dufferin County Hi-Lands
Dufferin County is located west of Barrie and South of Collingwood and is just a short drive from Toronto. Hiking in Dufferin County is a nature lover’s dream, offering a diverse array of trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. The region is renowned for its rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning vistas, making every hike a picturesque adventure. One of the most popular trails is the Mulmur Hills Loop, a moderately challenging 9 km route that takes you through dense woodlands and along serene streams. The trail’s varied terrain, with its ups and downs, provides both a good workout and plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the natural beauty.
The Bruce Trail
The Dufferin Hi-Lands section of The Bruce Trail also runs through Mulmur & Dufferin County, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the area. The section of the trail featuring Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, Boyne Valley Provincial Park & Pine River is particularly noteworthy. This challenging stretch rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This trail is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the region’s rugged beauty. Taking a hike in this area when the autumn leaves are at their peak takes this hike to another level of awesomeness, making it a perfect Autumn Road Trip.
This is exactly how we first came to love Mulmur, Ontario. We enjoy going on weekly hiking adventures, and hiking the Bruce Trail is always a thrilling part of that adventure. Whatever trail you choose, hiking in Mulmur provides a perfect escape into nature. The trails are well-marked and maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk in the woods, Mulmur’s trails offer something for everyone. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and get ready to explore the natural wonders of Dufferin County.
Check out Preparing for a Hiking Adventure
Museum Of Dufferin
Tucked away in the scenic hills of Mulmur, Ontario, the Museum of Dufferin County is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. Located at the intersection of Airport Road and ON-89, The Museum of Dufferin is more than just a collection of artifacts – it’s a time-travelling adventure that should not be missed. As you approach the charming Green Barn building, the museum draws you in with its historic allure. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the rich stories of agriculture, life, industry, and people who helped to shape the area.
The museum houses various objects, including housewares, art, business signage, stained glass, textiles, toys, photos, and documents. Did you know Fisher-Price had a factory in Orangeville? The Museum of Dufferin has many Fisher Price toys on display, indicating they were made in Orangeville and purchased from local families.
The most exciting feature that we loved was the Corn Flower Glass exhibit. Corn Flower glass, with its delicate floral patterns, was a very popular household item and a cherished brand for many Canadian Families for over a century. This exhibit brought up many treasured memories from our own families’ histories.
Don’t forget to participate in the Museum of Dufferin’s scavenger hunt.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveller, or a family looking for an educational outing, the Museum of Dufferin County promises an enriching and memorable experience. It’s a place where the past comes alive, inviting you to discover the stories that have shaped this vibrant community.
After exploring the exhibits, take a moment to relax in the museum’s beautiful gardens. The serene setting is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic and offers a peaceful spot to enjoy your lunch break or your roadtrip snacks.
Sweet Roguetrip Through Mulmur, Ontario
Maple Grove Farm & Market
Just up the Road from The Museum of Dufferin is a lovely spot you need to check out. Welcome to Maple Grove Market in Mulmur. Maple Grove Farm is a family-owned farm, country market, farm store, bake shop, and adventure farm. Here, the Wallace family has cultivated a market and a community hub where locals and visitors gather to savour the finest in farm-to-table delights and a thriving agri-tourism attraction.
You are in for a real treat when you visit Maple Grove Market. The scenic market and farm are a destination for the whole family. In addition to being a fantastic spot to buy farm-fresh produce, seasonal fruits and veggies, frozen meals, and market staples, Maple Grove is much more. The market is a treasure trove of local delights, including house-made meals, gourmet sandwiches, deli items, and fantastic bakery items. Their in-house bakery & deli is an opportunity to treat yourself to their wide selection of delectable baked goods, freshly made cookies, squares, muffins, cupcakes, and tarts. The aroma alone is worth the visit, but the taste of the baked goods will keep you coming back.
Tapping into agri-tourism, the farm allows visitors to interact with the animals on the farm (pigs, chickens, highland cows, and goats). You can purchase a meal, sandwich, or snack and enjoy them out on the farm as you watch the animals and take in the gorgeous views. Check out their events calendar for fun activities year-round, such as their fall festival, which includes pumpkin patches and corn mazes, Easter egg drone Drop, the county fair, and more.
Butter Tart Quest:
We first discovered Maple Grove Farms on our way home from judging at Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival in Midland. Although they were only in their infancy, they had many fantastic items that would become the backbone of their business. Our first purchase at Maple Grove was their butter tarts, and they hooked us.
Appearance
These butter tarts are very large – about 2 inches thick and a large circumference – this is a tart with some serious heft to it. There is a cute little pastry decoration adorning each one.
Pastry:
The shell has a lovely golden-brown crust. They are all evenly baked, and none are ever overcooked. The pastry has a thick crust that is very flaky, well-layered, and buttery—but also a solid crust that holds together very well.
Filling:
Each butter tart contains a lot of filling. The filling is very buttery, rich, and sweet, and the texture is creamy and velvety smooth. It is a gelatinous filling that is very sweet with no ooze. It is not too gooey and holds up nicely after being cut in half. The raisins in the raisins tarts are plentiful, which would be very enjoyable for the pro-raisin crowd.
Overall Experience:
The butter tart is a very satisfying and enjoyable treat. It is delicious, sweet, and decadent—everything is fantastic. This tart is so big that it might be too much for an afternoon treat. You may wish to save it for a big dessert with a scoop of ice cream. This can be a great tart to share, as the filling stays in the tart, even after cutting it in half.
Whether you’re a food lover, nature enthusiast, or seeking a relaxing day trip, Maple Grove Farm promises an unforgettable experience. You will want to make future day trips to return for more, time and time again.
Check out our other recommendations for #ButterTartQuest day trips.
Rosemont General Store
When you find yourself on a day trip exploring the scenic beauty of Mulmur, Ontario, a visit to the Rosemont General Store is an absolute must. Located just down the road from the Museum of Dufferin, this lovely store offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and modern convenience.
As you step inside, the inviting aroma of freshly baked treats will greet you and tempt your taste buds. Their cinnamon sticky buns with icing are massive and so good.
The store is a treasure trove of unique finds. They offer British goods and local specialties, as well as charming gifts and kitchen essentials. You will want to fill your basket with a variety of their store-made pantry items – honey, sauces, and preserves.
The Butter Tart Quest:
Their butter tarts led us to take a day trip to Mulmur to visit the store in person. As you know, I am a butter tart enthusiast. I am also a frequent Judge at the Midland Butter Tart Festival. I became aware of this out-of-the-way bakery due to their big win. In 2023, they won Best in Show Wild Style Tart for their Chips and Chocolate Tart. This tart is made with chocolate in the filling and topped with crunchy house-made potato chips. For a little extra crunch.
In addition to the Chip & Chocolate, they also offer plain, pecan, and raisin butter tarts.
Appearance:
Their butter tarts are baked in parchment liners, giving them a lovely and very professional appearance. The tart is well presented, with a lovely golden appearance and beautiful decorations.
Crust:
The pastry is very doughy, although it is fully baked and evenly coloured on all sides. The bottom was a bit moist, and the crusty had a chewy consistency. There is a salty flavour, a nice contrast to the sweetness about to hit your palette.
Filling:
The filling has a delightful, albeit a very sweet taste. It is creamy and buttery, with a gelatinous and smooth texture. There is no ooze or drippiness to this filling.
Crust to Filling Ratio:
These are small butter tarts, but the filling inside the crust is about 2/3 full.
Overall Experience:
The tarts from Rosemont General Store are a nice little dessert. If you like sweet and salty together, this will be your tart. The pastry does end up a little moist on the bottom. However, that is a minor issue created by the parchment paper retaining moisture. The chips are well crafted and fairly salty, giving a sharp contrast to the very sweet filling.
The cozy kitchen area offers a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal, sweet treats, or refreshing ice cream. With so much to offer, the friendly staff and the store’s nostalgic ambience make it a memorable stop for any traveller exploring Durham County.
As your day trip in Mulmur, Ontario, draws to a close, you’ll cherish the tranquil moments and delightful experiences. As you head home, your heart will be full of wonderful memories from a perfect day in the countryside. You’ll carry some great souvenirs and some sweet treats to enjoy on the drive home.
Follow Rougetrippers on Instagram and Facebook for more Sweet Roguetrips featuring some of the best butter tarts in Ontario.
The post Mulmur Ontario – a sweet day trip destination appeared first on Roguetrippers.
