Lavender. Fields. In. Bloom.
Who has not seen and fallen in love with the amazing huge lavender fields in the south of France?
The sight of endless rows of rolling purple in various shades is truly something to behold.
The magnificent lavender fields of Provence in France are definitely on my bucket list; but they are not the only worth visiting. Around the world there are many other places that offer similar intriguing opportunities to enjoy lavender in bloom.
So if visiting a lavender farm is on your list, it is definitely worth looking out for lavender fields close to your home or wherever you happen to travel, as you might very well come across lots of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of lavender fields in many of these destinations.
One of the destinations you should have on your radar when looking to visit a lavender fields is Canada’s Ontario region. The area is home to quite a few lavender farms thanks to its unique climate conditions.
Interesting facts about Lavender
Lavender is not only a beautiful plant when in bloom. It is a herb that is used in the kitchen, to produce a huge range of cosmetics and fragrances; and since ancient times it is also used for medical and healing effects like helping to reduce stress, insomnia and to lessen respiratory disorders.
The product range that is made from lavender is nearly endless, from perfumes, oils, shampoos, soaps, and many more.
Culinary lavender is used to make tea, lemonade, biscuits, and ice cream and can be added to nearly any food to bring additional flavour to it.
Where to find lavender fields in Ontario, Canada
Lavender fields might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you travel to Canada, yet it is a plant not uncommon to grow in many parts of the country.
Travelling through the province of Ontario during late June to early August, you are likely to pass quite a number of lavender fields in bloom.
If you want to visit a lavender farm in Ontario, check out the Lavender Ontario site. There you will find most of the farms which can be visited in the area.
Though the majority of Ontario’s lavender farms are located in the province’s western part, there are some in Prince Edward County too.
The County, as it’s called by locals, has become a favourite country escape for urbanites from nearby Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa but is now also on the map of international visitors. The dynamic growth of its local wine industry, a strongly growing culinary scene firmly based on the farm-to-table movement and the nearby beaches are certainly major reasons to visit.
If you plan a trip to Prince Edward County in summer, make sure to add visiting a lavender farm to your itinerary.
One of the best locations offering an all-round lavender experience is Prince Edward County Lavender Farm in Hillier.
About Prince Edward County Lavender Farm
The farm was founded in 2005 by Rolande Leblanc and her partner Derek Ryles after they decided to move to the county from Yukon. Having seen the combination of vineyards and lavenders in other regions of the world (Prince Edward County is a strongly growing wine region) they decided to have a go with lavender here, and their hard work has been rewarded with a thriving business. The farm today produces more than hundred products!
It is a true sight to behold to see the plants in full bloom. As the farm cultivates various types of lavender which means you are in for a multitude of colours, scents and tastes.
Cultivation is strictly natural, which means not pesticides or chemical products are used.
If you plan to visit, Prince Edward County Lavender Farm is open daily from spring to around Christmas; thus you can wander the fields at nearly any time of year. Of course, it is when the crops are in full bloom that a visit is most magical.
You can explore the farm either joining a guided tour (which requires advance notification and a minimum of 25 people) or on your own. The letter will be likely the option for you unless you visit as part of an organized day tour or putting together your own group of 25 people.
However, it is easy to navigate through the farm on your own as you will be given a tour guide when purchasing your ticket.
On the farm you will also find a little shop selling a large range of lavender products from lavender oil to soaps, lotions and several different herbs. On the culinary end you will find products such as lavender salt, lavender sugar, lavender infused vinegars, lavender chocolate and lavender jelly. The only thing I was really missing was lavender tea. But who knows, they might add it someday.
Getting to Prince Edward County Lavender Farm
The farm is located along Closson Road just outside of Hillier.
Your best option to get to Prince Edward County Lavender Farm is by car as public transport options to and within Prince Edward County are limited.
Drive time from Toronto is about two hours, from Montreal and Ottawa it is three hours.
Alternatively, there are a couple of tour operators offering day tours to the county from Toronto which typically include a stop at the farm, especially during the summer months when the crops are in bloom.
What to expect at Prince Edward County Lavender Festival
The Prince Edward County Lavender Festival is taking place over two weekends in July.
It attracts quite a number of people also I did not get the impression the space was overly crowded, especially being there during the morning.
There is a myriad of activities taking places throughout the four days of the festival.
At the centre of it all of course will be a stroll through the beautiful lavender fields taking in the different scents and shades of purple, white and green.
You can also learn a lot about lavender. For example, there is a demonstration how lavender oil is made from freshly harvested crops.
As for the younger visitors, a special kids entertainment programme includes face painting, a balloon artist and a petting zoo.
It is a festival, thus expect live music and off course lots of food options.
Definitely try the lavender lemonade and lavender ice cream. They are truly delicious.
Finally, your entrance ticket is valid for a special price; each hour there is a draw where you can be the lucky winner of a two night stay at the farm’s own bed & breakfast or a lavender gift basket. The winner will be announced on the farm’s website after the two festival weekends.
Are you obsessed with lavender in bloom too?
Have you been to a lavender farm/field yet?
If yes, where have you been and what was your experience?
Carrots and Tigers 