Foodie's Guide to Glamping

A Foodie’s Guide to Glamping in Meaford, Ontario

Who is this for?

People who love food, eating, and glamorous outdoor adventures.


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Food is one of the most important parts of any vacation, especially if you’re a foodie. Meaford, Ontario, is the perfect place for food lovers seeking a glamping adventure. From farm-fresh ingredients to artisanal treats, the South Georgian Bay offers a culinary experience that perfectly complements its natural beauty. 


Whether you're dining out, exploring seasonal delights, or cooking up meals at your glamping site, here’s why Meaford is a paradise for gourmet glampers.

A table and chairs with a vase of flowers on it.

Meaford Dining


Despite its small size, Meaford and the surrounding area have a surprisingly robust food scene. Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience, a cozy café, or a lively bar to unwind after a day outdoors, Meaford’s restaurants have something to offer.

Restaurants


If you love fresh, delicious, chef-prepared meals, here are some local restaurants to try.


  • The Leeky Canoe: A beloved local spot offering warm hospitality and hearty pub fare with a focus on fresh ingredients.
  • Ted’s Range Road Diner: Unique chef-prepared meals including wild game, seafood, and traditional favorites like prime rib. 
  • Down Home: Enjoy an intimate 10-course meal in the rolling hills of the Grey Highlands. Reservations are required. 
  • Station 87: Located in the Meaford Firehall, you can enjoy seasonal flavors and panoramic views on the rooftop patio!
A person is holding two plates of food in their hands.
A person is pouring milk into a cup of cappuccino.

Cafes


Need a quick pick-me-up while you’re on the go? Stop in at one of these cafes for a treat.


  • McGinty's Café: Whether you love hot coffee or cold lemonade, this cafe serves it all in the heart of Meaford.
  • Thornbury Bakery Cafe: A longstanding local landmark, this cafe bakes everything from scratch every day. 
  • Good Grief Coffee: Once you try a local roast, you can’t go back. Grab a cup from these local roasters, located minutes from Blue Mountain.

Pubs and Taverns


If you like to enjoy a good drink along with your dinner, here are some great pubs to try.


  • The Dam Pub: Enjoy a diverse menu of craft beers, wines, and spirits paired with classic pub fare in a welcoming environment. 
  • The Port Tavern: Rustic charm and high-end dining await at this tavern. With meals prepared by legendary celebrity chef Mark McEwan, you can’t miss this opportunity. 
  • Heart’s Tavern: Experience a touch of France at this roadside tavern in Kimberley. With a daily menu, you’re guaranteed something new every visit.


A group of people are sitting at a table eating burgers and drinking beer.
A group of people are toasting with wine glasses in a vineyard.

Wineries


Whether you love red, white, or rosé, enjoy a glass of wine at one of these local wineries. 


  • Coffin Ridge Winery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Georgian Bay while enjoying wines crafted from cold-hardy grapes. 
  • Georgian Hill Vineyards: Enjoy cool-climate wines on a hot summer day at this beautiful winery in the Georgian Hills.
  • The Roost Winery: Known for serving serious wines for unserious occasions, this winery offers a Deluxe Tasting in their tasting room.
A pan surrounded by vegetables and utensils on a wooden table.

Seasonal Eats


Every foodie knows that eating seasonally is an important part of the dining experience. Every season brings unique flavors to the table– literally. From the fresh sweetness of spring to the spices of autumn, here are some of the best foods to look forward to when glamping in Meaford.

Maple Syrup Festival


Spring in Ontario brings the sweet aroma of freshly tapped maple syrup. Visit local sugar shacks to learn about the syrup-making process and sample delicious maple-inspired treats.



When it comes to glamping goodies, this means enjoying delicious maple candies, maple coffee, maple cooking glazes, and more!

A person is pouring liquid into a tray of ice.
A man is selling vegetables to a woman at a farmers market.

Farmer’s Markets


During the warmer months, Ontario’s farmers produce a bountiful harvest. This means that all summer long Meaford’s farmers’ markets burst with fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal products. 



It’s the perfect place to gather fresh ingredients for a glamping feast.

Apple Pie Trail


Autumn in Ontario is all about apples. If you love autumn flavors, you can follow The Apple Pie Trail all along the South Georgian Bay. 



Enjoy treats from orchards, cider houses, and bakeries bursting with artisanal apple goodies to complement an autumn evening under the stars.


A slice of apple pie with ice cream and caramel sauce on a plate.
A man and a woman are sitting at a table with plates of food and drinks.

Skiing Season


Winter transforms Meaford into a snowy wonderland. There’s no better way to warm up after a day in the snow than with a warm meal.


Whether you're an avid skier or prefer to lodge indoors, you’ll stay warm with hearty comfort foods, warm drinks in a beautiful mountain setting.

A wooden table with two glasses of wine and a plate of food on it.

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Glamping Goodies


Camping meals are fun, but glamping meals are on a whole different level. Camping meals bring to mind hot dogs and Hershey’s s'mores in front of a tent—cute, but not luxurious. Glamping meals– on the other hand– are all about high-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation in a glamorous setting. 


Here are some of the best ways to enjoy gourmet meals surrounded by nature.

Back Forty Favorites


Many glamping locations offer some onsite meals, and Back Forty Glamping is one of them! Here are some of our favorite treats you can have delivered to your dome.


  • Wood-Fired Pizza: Catered by The Bruce Wine Bar, this artisan pizza is crafted in Thornbury with locally sourced ingredients for extra freshness.
  • Creamy Coconut Curry: available in both chicken and vegan options, our curry features sweet potato, onions, eggplants, and coconut milk served over basmati rice.
  • Half n’ Half Board: You don’t have to choose between sweet and savory with this charcuterie board. Enjoy seasonal fruits, cheese, meats, and sweets for a night in.
A pizza with cheese and greens on a wooden plate on a table.
A person is cooking salmon on a grill with lemon slices and dill.

Meals to Make


For some foodies, half the joy in a good meal is making it yourself. If you fall into that category, here are some glamping meals you can make yourself.

 

  • Grilled Lake Trout: Freshly caught from Georgian Bay, seasoned with herbs from the farmer’s market, grilled over a fire. 
  • Apple Cider Glazed Chicken: A nod to Meaford’s apple heritage, this dish marries juicy chicken with a spiced glaze that pairs perfectly with maple-roasted vegetables.
  • Campfire Caprese Brie: Imagine rich, creamy brie with a mouthwatering note of wood smoke, paired with toasted artisan breads and crackers. Simple but delicious.

Gourmet Goodies


You don’t have to spend a lot at a restaurant to experience gourmet glamping goodies. You can always pack some of your favorite fancy treats! Here are some ideas of what you can bring.



  • Locally Made Cheeses: Perfect for pairing with a bottle of Ontario wine by the campfire.
  • Handcrafted Chocolates: Sourced from nearby artisanal chocolatiers.
  • Freshly Baked Bread: Pick up a loaf from a local bakery for the ultimate outdoor picnic.
A wooden plate topped with a variety of chocolates and snacks on a wooden table.

Stay at Back Forty Glamping

Whether you're indulging in farm-to-table dining, exploring seasonal festivals, or cooking your own feast, Back Forty Glamping offers the perfect base for your foodie adventure.


Our luxury dome resort offers all the comforts of a 5-star hotel in the serene beauty of nature. In addition to gourmet meals, you can enjoy king-sized beds, private hot tubs, and beautiful landscapes from a spacious dome.


 Plan the ultimate foodie glamping getaway when you book now!

About the Author

Alyssa

Meet Alyssa, co-founder of Back Forty. Alyssa enjoys the day to day behind the scenes work of Back Forty glamping. With strong attention to detail and organization, her roles include website design and maintenance as well as booking platform management and reservations. Married to co-founder, Ben, and with their 3 young kiddos in tow, each new day holds limitless fun to discover!