On the banks of the Nith River is the quaint yet charming Village of Ayr. Voted one of Canada’s best work-from-home cities in 2021 by PCMag, Ayr is home to a variety of family-owned businesses and restaurants, and is surrounded by sprawling natural areas. It offers the best of small-town living while conveniently close to bigger cities like Cambridge and Kitchener, both of which are under a half hour’s drive away. Keep reading to learn more about all that the Village of Ayr has to offer.
It’s Home to Great Restaurants, Breweries & Culinary Academies
Foodies will feel right at home in Ayr, thanks to the host of great restaurants, breweries and culinary experiences to try.
1909 Culinary Academy
Built in 1909, the old schoolhouse on Trussler Road has since been reimagined into a hands-on culinary institute with a restaurant-style kitchen. This first-in-Canada training facility is owned by an enthusiastic chef whose cooking classes focus on agriculture, organic foods, and the joys of cooking.
Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery
Since its opening in 2018, Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery has caught the attention of some of the most discerning craft spirit drinkers. Ontario grains are used to distill gin, which is then mixed into cocktails and served alongside a made-from-scratch local menu of farmhouse-style dishes.
The Ridge Social Eatery
For a memorable local dining experience, visit The Ridge Social Eatery. With a mouth-watering menu that makes use of local produce and creative flavours, and a wide selection of wines, cocktails and premium beers on tap, The Ridge has something for everyone.
Gus & Guido’s Backyard
A local favourite destination, Gus & Guido’s Backyard brings together the owners’ Greek and Italian heritages for a menu that dishes up some of the best local European cuisine.
Abe Erb Brewing Company
Combining a passion for community and excellent dining experiences, Abe Erb is where you’ll find fresh craft beer, intricate cocktail mixes, and a delicious menu in addition to live music and on-site games.
Nature is Never Far from Home
Spend hours exploring new trails, paddling rivers, discovering nature-inspired sites, and taking in all the natural beauty that surrounds the Village of Ayr.
Explore Lush Trails
Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the vast number of trails and conservation areas in and around Ayr, including Grand Valley Trail, FWR Dickson Wilderness Area, Bannister Lake Conservation Area, Drynan Tract, Watson Pond Trail, and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area.
Soak Up the Nith River
Whether you prefer to pass the time catch-and-release fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or partaking in a guided whitewater rafting experience, you’re sure to have a fun day out on the water at the Nith River.
Visit the Lavender Farm
Follow your nose to one of the most aromatic spots in Ayr. The Lavender Farm is home to a 75-year-old heritage barn and over 2,000 plants that bloom into rows of sweet-smelling flowers each year.
Essentials are Always Close By
No matter which service you require, the Village of Ayr has all the essentials you’ll need close to home. Canada Post, CIBC, Ayr Animal Hospital and the North Dumfries Community Health Centre — which has been providing accessible medical care to the community for over 20 years — are all within a few minutes’ drive from Generations in the Village of Ayr.
It’s a Small Town with Big Bragging Rights
The Village of Ayr may be modest in size, but it’s made quite the splash on the big and small screen, with film producers flocking to the area for its historical homes and heritage feel. Drama series Murdoch Mysteries has shot scenes in the town, and Stephen King’s mini-series 11/22/63 — which starred James Franco — was also filmed locally. In 2003, actors Dennis Quaid and Sharon Stone also spent time in Ayr to film their thriller, Cold Creek Manor, and you may have spotted storefronts from Ayr’s downtown in the film How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, which starred Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. Fans of HGTV’s Masters of Flip may be surprised to learn that star Kortney Wilson has lived in Ayr, and that two-time Stanley Cup winner Kyle Clifford, a left winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, calls Ayr his hometown.
Located in the heart of Ayr, our Generations in the Village of Ayr community offers an outstanding collection of home designs tailored to suit the needs of your family. Visit our website to learn more about how you can call this community home.
Images courtesy of The Record (Gus & Guido’s); The Ridge (Ridge Social Eatery); Guelph Today (Abe Erb).
