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Aylmer, Ontario Amish

🛒 favorite amish businesses, 📹 video tour, 🧑‍🍳 aylmer amish recipe.

The United States and Canada are the primary places in the world with Amish communities. There are a handful in other countries: Ireland, Belize, Bolivia, and Argentina. But the USA and Canada are the main locations for the Amish. One of the best-known and largest settlements in Canada is at Aylmer, Ontario. The Amish of Aylmer are a diverse and interesting group!

The Aylmer, Ontario Amish settlement is unique, because of its position as an "intellectual center" of the church.  There’s not much “touristy” to do there, so I’m not sure I’d plan a special trip just to go to Aylmer.  But if you were passing through the area anyway or wanted to sort of throw it in as a larger visit to surrounding area of Ontario then by all means go.  I made the mistake of visiting Aylmer during the belly of one of their worst winter’s in a decade. It’s a charming community, but I’d love a chance to return in the spring or summer sometime.

About 90 families, approximately 1000 Amish people, live in the area. Many Mennonites also live here.

The first Amish arrived to the area in 1953.

Aylmer is often viewed one of the most "intellectual" Amish communities since it is home to Pathway Publishing, which churns out all sorts of Amish-related texts and periodicals.   The office is located on a quiet country road east of town.

The Aylmer settlement is a "Plain melting pot" with there also being a lot of Mexican Mennonites who have returned to settle in Canada and a sizable population of Russian Mennonites who have retained a lot of their motherland customs.  Each group can be spotted around town.

If you are going to visit Aylmer, here are some of my favorite stops and shops!

HOPE FARM MARKET : 50521 Glencolin Line. Ira Stoll and his family have an on-farm store with fresh veggies, fruits, and eggs available. Sometimes some jams and baked goods also!

HOPE ECO-FARM STORE : 51681 College Line. On most Fridays and Saturdays they have fresh baked goods. This is a cooperative of dozens of area Amish afarms.

THE WOODPECKER : 9600 Walker Road. This is an Amish furniture store that has produced and sold quality, handcrafted solid wood furniture for over 30 years. They also have outdoor furniture that is a much better than average quality. This furniture is made by a local Mennonite man.

STOLL BROTHERS CUSTOM KITCHENS is located at 10737 Walker Road. These men were toddlers when I first met their family almost three decades ago. Their father, Timothy, has a sawmill, so working with wood was a natural extension for them.

PATHWAY PUBLISHING: 10380 Carter Rd Rr 4....this is a very nondescript building, but is the beating heart of Amish theology and thought. Pathway publishes and distributes books, texts, and tracts by Amish and Mennonite authors. They have an on-site bookstore that is open to the public.

MENNO-MEX: This is an amazing store at 49919 Talbot Road in the town of Aylmer. You'll find a mishmash of traditional Mexican staples and Mennonite foods. Breakfast burritos are legendary as are the made-to-order lunch sandwiches, spices, and beverages. We loved this store!

Accommodations are not plentiful in and around Aylmer, but we stayed at Pinecroft, a Bed & Breakfast in town. To someone like me who studies Amish culture, the name was kind of funny because PINECRAFT is a well-known Amish community in Florida. But the name Pinecroft has nothing to do with Pinecraft. There also is a Comfort Inn about 15 minutes away in St. Thomas.

Check out my video tour of Aylmer here! My only regret is that I was there during the winter. I would have loved to have visited during spring or summer!

Nothing more quintessentially Canadian than a homemade butter tart! Click here for our recipe.

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St. Jacobs and Elmira

St. Jacobs and Elmira are two neighbouring rural communities in the Township of Woolwich that are home to the largest population of Mennonites in Canada. Often seen driving horse-drawn buggies, the Mennonites of St. Jacobs and Elmira trace their origins back to German and Dutch-speaking Pennsylvania Mennonites who immigrated to the area in 1806.

St. Jacobs and Elmira are famous for artisan goods and organic fare, seasonal festivals, historical buildings that remain unchanged even today and the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market .

Where are St. Jacobs and Elmira?

St. Jacobs and Elmira are located within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in the Township of Woolwich, just north of the larger cities of Waterloo and Kitchener. They are approximately one hour’s drive north of Hamilton and one and a half hours from either London or Toronto, along the 401 West or East. Local transit to the St. Jacobs Market District is provided by Grand River Transit .

View St. Jacobs and Elmira on Google Maps

Things to do in St. Jacobs and Elmira

Enjoy an outdoor patio.

Settle in for a relaxing evening with great food and drink at The Village Biergarten in downtown St. Jacobs. This popular patio spot is open every day but Monday.

Visit Canada’s largest farmers’ market

Find fresh produce, locally grown foods and crafts, an antique market and an outlet mall at St. Jacobs Market District , the country’s largest farmers’ market.

Cross a historic bridge

Built in 1881, the West Montrose Covered Bridge is a wooden bridge spanning the Grand River in the village of West Montrose. It is the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario.

Learn Mennonite history

Visit The Mennonite Story for the history of the Mennonites, along with a visit to a replica “Old Order” meeting house. One-hour tours can be booked in advance.

Attend live theatre

Located near the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, the St. Jacobs Playhouse offers a rotating calendar of live events performed inside a unique Mennonite-style masonry and timber building.

Play a round of golf

Tee up for a round of golf at the Elmira Golf Club , nestled in the Eldale Valley.

Social Media links

For more trip ideas, visit the St. Jacobs tourism website or social media channels.

Get inspired

Plan your visit with these experiences and itineraries.

Local's guide to St. Jacobs Market District

• Read more Local's guide to St. Jacobs Market District

Find an Ontario farmers market near you

• Read more Find an Ontario farmers market near you

Where to stay near theatres and playhouses in Ontario

• Read more Where to stay near theatres and playhouses in Ontario

Points of interest

Discover more highlights this destination has to offer.

St. Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway

St. jacobs country playhouse.

St. Jacobs Market District

Last updated:  March 29, 2024

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The Ultimate Guide to St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada

* Author’s Note: This guide to St. Jacobs was written in early 2021 during the pandemic. Some information, such as open and closing times, is liable to change as the province’s rules and regulations for safe openings shift. Please visit business websites for up-to-date information .

Jakobstettel

In 1830 Pennsylvanian Dutch Mennonites settled a charming farming community along Southern Ontario’s Conestogo River and named it Jakobstettel. More than 150 years later it remains as quaint as ever despite having grown into a popular tourist destination. Only 3 km north of Waterloo, Ontario, St. Jacobs delights every visitor, whether they go to the market or visit the main street shops and restaurants. Historically St. Jacobs has been a destination for quilt makers, bakers, historians, and retirees. However, thanks to social media and a shift in travel interests it has also become a popular gathering place for craft beer aficionados, boutique shoppers, and young millennials, while retaining its traditional atmosphere. For such a small village, St. Jacobs impressively has something for everyone whether you love street art, crave baked goods, seek out local history, or enjoy outdoor adventures.

History of St. Jacobs, Ontario

Old Order Mennonite settlers, including the Simon Cress family, Abraham Erb, and John B. Baumann/Bauman, founded St. Jacobs in the 1830s. These Pennsylvania Dutch (a mistaken translation for German “Deutsch”) Mennonites steadily grew a strong farming community and became a full-fledged village (Jakobstettel) in 1852. To learn more about the history of Mennonite and Amish communities in St. Jacobs, visit this link .

History buffs will love walking around and checking out the many old (and repurposed!) buildings. Not to be missed are the old shoe factory, the Jacob C. Snider Mill (1852), the Evangelical Church, the blacksmith shop (1880), the former Dominion Hotel (1852) now known as Benjamin’s Inn, the antique market, and the original Home Hardware! That’s right, the well-known Canada-wide Home Hardware chain began in St. Jacobs in 1948 with Walter J. Hachborn and Henry Sittler at the helm. Hachborn lived in St. Jacobs until his death in 2016 at the age of 95. In recognition of his contributions, he received several honours and awards including the prestigious Member of the Order of Canada.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DellaDraws ?? (@randomsketchesofmylife)

*Super neat Waterloo Region IG account – highly suggest checking out the rest of their art!

To witness a bit of history alive in present day, visit Hamel Brooms, one of the last corn broom makers in Canada. The current owner for the past 3 decades, John Davenport, makes roughly 24,000 of these handmade sweepers each year. In addition to brooms, they sell various household items including wood and blacksmith products, door mats, home decorations, and hats.

Close by to St. Jacobs is another historic cultural and architectural gem in Ontario: the West Montrose Covered Bridge. This picturesque romantic bridge also has a dark side, but you’ll have to read here to learn what’s so special about the red covered kissing bridge !

The Ultimate Guide to St. Jacobs, Ontario

I hope you enjoy this guide to St. Jacobs, Ontario. If there’s anything else you’d like to see included, mention it in the comments below or send me an email and I’ll be happy to include it. Happy explorations, fellow adventurers!

Urban Art in the Countryside

Thanks to talented local artists, St. Jacobs is attracting younger crowds through social media. Splashes of colours decorate the Village’s interior and exterior walls and it’s well worth a visit to see them in person. The original mural, a quintessential Mennonite horse and buggy depiction, was also the first piece of urban art in the countryside to enjoy some fame on social media. The St. Jacobs Business Improvement Area (BIA) realized they could incorporate art and social media in its rebranding strategy and commissioned muralist Stephanie Scott to feed the online fire. In 2019 as part of the “Rediscover St. Jacobs” campaign she painted a vibrantly coloured country-themed quote outside of the post office. It was a hit and shared over and over again. Her second piece, created in 2020, is a tribute to the famous Quilt and Fibre Festival and peeks out from behind the evergreen trees beside the unique Toy Soup. (PS If you really love street art, then don’t miss out on the subsequent guides on the Downtown Kitchener Outdoor Art Walk and Uptown Waterloo’s Hughes Lane !)

An Artisans’ Community

Scott’s mural is not the first to delight passersby and Instagram seekers. In 1996 Kae Drawehn and Henry Tewinket created the nostalgic Mennonite portrait outside of Gift to Remember which is now an iconic depiction of St. Jacobs. Eleven years later an interactive 15-foot art installation was revealed at the entrance to the Health Valley Trail. The detailed quilt pinwheel is made from stainless steel and a whopping 10,000 marbles! A local quilter, Ella Brubacher , created the piece and raised the funds to make it happen. She also collected the marbles, requested permissions, and assigned a construction company to complete the installation. Talk about making a vision come to life. Later on in this St. Jacobs Guide you’ll learn about another artistic endeavour that Ella helped to coordinate: an annual quilt festival!

When you visit the Village, there are a few more outdoor art pieces to keep an eye out for. The first can easily be missed depending on the season but make sure to peek through the trees of the Drayton Theatre Schoolhouse Theatre. The newest St. Jacobs Village BIA addition by Steph Boutari faces the parking lot between Xclusive Elements and Those Pizza Guys. The wow factor isn’t to be missed, nor is the pizza next door (but more on that below!). I got lucky with timing and watched Steph put the final touches on her newest vibrant work of art. She graciously let me take her portrait with it as well.

The art continues indoors at EcoCafe, Those Pizza Guys, and Xclusive Elements. In 2021 two more outdoor murals will also be completed – one by Kitchener-based artist, Luke Swinson and the other artist is yet to be selected.

Outdoor Adventures

There are so many things to do in St. Jacobs, including getting your daily dose of nature. Several walking trails connect near the village which make it easy to spend a day taking in the sights and building up an appetite for later on! To begin your outdoor adventures, take a right onto Albert Street East from King and you’ll quickly arrive at the Health Valley Trail . You’ll know you’re in the right spot because of the parking lot to the right and the Marble Art Quilt in front of you. Two more trails, the Great Trail and the Avon Trail, run alongside the Health Valley Trail. Another route to adventure along year-round is the 2.5 km Mill Race Trail, named for the millrace (1860s) that provided power to St. Jacobs’ gristmill. It leads to the St. Jacobs Railway Viaduct which was an important structure built in 1890 and originally used for the Grand Trunk Railway. All of these trails are great for families, cyclists, hikers, and day-trippers alike.

Where to Eat and Drink

There’s no shortage of foodie spots in St. Jacobs Village. And if you’re like me, you’ll find a way to try them all! There are options for sustainable coffee, craft beer, maple treats, Mennonite baking, and gourmet food. The Farm Pantry (sadly closed as of 2021) was one of my favourite spots for loose leaf tea and maple syrup. For a delicious cup of hot apple cider and globally sourced certified Organic, Fair Trade, Direct Trade, and Rainforest Alliance coffee beans head to EcoCafe in the old Snider Mill building. If a pint is what you’re after, head to Block Three Brewing down by the river. For traditional German fare try Stone Crock and if Mexican floats your boat then you’ll want to check out The Village Biergarten . Picard’s Peanuts is a classic roadtrip or late night snack option and newcomers Those Pizza Guys have a rocking cinnamon Hawaiian that you have to try – trust me, it’s fantastic .

St. Jacobs Market

Of course, no visit to St. Jacobs is complete without stopping by the St. Jacobs Market . If you can, time your visit to coincide with the days it’s open. At the time of publishing (February 2021) that is Thursdays and Sundays from 8am – 2pm. Nearby there’s also a bargain hunter’s playground with the St. Jacobs Market Road Antiques and the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall.

The Food Network has dubbed the market a “Foodie Paradise” and I couldn’t agree more. The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market has been filling Waterloo Region (& visitor!) bellies with fresh, nutritious, and tasty food and drink since 1975. It’s the largest year-round market in Canada so make sure to get there early to secure a parking spot (and maybe bring an umbrella to shade you on hot days). There’s no place better to visit the best butchers, fish vendors, cheese makers, and pastry afficionados. I’ve been going here since I was a child and it still makes me smile walking around the indoor and outdoor mazes of people, stalls, and smells. When we were younger my favourite stop was to get cinnamon and sugar donuts. Actually, who am I kidding? It’s still the case today! My mouth is legitimately watering as I sit here writing and thinking about them.

Festivals & Events

Throughout the year there are several community events which the local BIA and community groups hold. Many of them are seasonal celebrations, with one of my favourites at Christmas time . Come November, the Village transforms into a wintery wonderland and is a real treat to visit. It’s an excellent spot for unique gifts, afternoon walks along the trails followed by a hearty meal at Stone Crock or a warm beverage at EcoCafe, or romantic evenings with dinner and sparkle-filled stroll.

In 2020, thanks to the COVID pandemic, the Waterloo Region Tourism Board initiated a “ Dining Art Fresco ” community art project ( #ArtFrescoDining ). Members from the community of all ages and skill levels participated and decorated picnic tables for 50 patios around the region. Each table represents different parts of the cities and townships that make Waterloo Region unique. There are black plaques with QR codes on each of the tables which lead to information on the artist and the story behind their design. It was so much fun finding these creative art pieces around the cities and looking back I should have made a treasure hunt to find all of them…Perhaps that’s a 2021 adventure to be had though! In St. Jacobs the EcoCafe also has fun colourful picnic tables (left & right images) to sit at and enjoy your treats.

Any guide on St. Jacobs would be incomplete if it did not mention the St. Jacobs Quilt and Fibre Art Festival . Originally named the Waterloo County International Quilt Festival, this annual celebration has been around since 1995 and takes place during the last week of May. Events take place across Waterloo Region with most located in St. Jacobs Village. There are several different exhibits and shows that feature both historic and contemporary artists. Additionally there’s a “trunk show”, the chance to meet artists, and opportunities to participate in workshops. Want to know the best part? You don’t even need to be a quilter to enjoy the fun!

Visitor Information

The Mennonite Story is a visitor’s centre attached to the post office and is a wealth of information on Mennonite culture. The building is wheelchair accessible, with interactive installations and multimedia to pique your interest.

Parking is available for free along the main street, King, throughout the week and on weekends in 2- and 3-hour blocks. There is also a decent-sized parking lot at the entrance to the Health Valley Trail off of Albert Street East. For more information on parking click here . I’ve linked to a map here which includes parking, restaurant, washroom, and transit information.

• Visitors from more than 65 countries have walked the streets of this tiny village!
• In 1852 when the Mennonite settlement became a village it was named Jakobstettel, Jacob’s Village , in honour of Jacob C. Snider. He was a Swiss German descendent who built a sawmill, flour mill, and a woollen mill, as well as a damn – all by 1852. Because of these tools and resources others were attracted to the area and helped to grow the community. “St.” was only added to the name for the pleasing sound. St. Jacobs is “Jacobs” and not “Jacob” in reference to the man mentioned above as well as his son, Jacob C. Snider, Jr who died tragically in his thirties.
• By 1869 the population was 500 residents. A rail line was built in 1891 but it didn’t grow the population. In fact, St. Jacobs didn’t see a boost in growth until the 1950s.

Sources and Further Reading

• The Observer
• Community Edition
• Waterloo Region Historic Countryside Tours
• A Sweeping Success – The Record
• Hamel Brooms
• A Brief Guide to Mennonites and Amish – especially Old Order – in Ontario
• The Village of St. Jacobs: Ontario’s Mennonite Heritage
• Home Hardware co-founder Walter Hachborn dead at 95
• Quilt and Fibre Art Festival not just for quilters

Heya! I’m Tara (Tar-ah)! Welcome to Travel with TMc where you’ll find quirky language tidbits, travel hacks for Canadians, and stories from the road. I hope you enjoy! Read More

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4 comments . leave new.

Visitors from only 65 countries? I would have hedged my bet at 100 😉

Might be by this point!

thank you for the tour of St-Jacobs – I will be there on Nov 24, 2023 and I am interested in quilting shops – can you point some to me please. waiting for your reply

Hi Rachel! Thanks for your comment. The only one I could find is https://www.stjacobsmennonitequilts.com/ . I’d love to hear what you think after visiting. Enjoy!

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Explore Ontario's Mennonite Village With These Tours

Canada has a large Mennonite community that lives a simple life, often without modern technology - unlike the Amish.

Quick Links

What to know about the mennonites & how they differ from amish, st. jacobs & elmira: a top place to learn about mennonites in canada, time a visit with the elmira maple syrup festival, take a guided mennonite tour in st. jacobs & elmira.

Discover another side of Canada and visit the country's Mennonite communities. Canada is a diverse nation with many groups and cultures to explore. While Canada only has a small Amish population, it has a reasonably large Mennonite population (that some people may find confusingly similar if seeing them for the first time).

The most famous place to visit the Amish in the United States is the Amish Village in Lancaster, Pennsylvania . Lancaster is famous for being the heartland of the Amish in Pennsylvania . Another of the top places to visit the Amish in the United States is in the state of Ohio - particularly Holmes County .

At first glance, Mennonites may look like Amish. But while related, they are different groups. Mennonites are groups of Baptist Christians of Anabaptist denominations. They are committed to pacifism and are found all around the world. Mennonites range from Old Order Mennonites who reject many modern technologies to Conservatives Mennonites who wear a plain dress but use modern technologies.

There are many Mennonites in the United States, and Canada, with around a couple million members total worldwide.

• Canada Population: 150,000
• United States Population: 500,000

Both the Mennonites and Amish stem from the same Anabaptist Christian movement during the Reformation. They sought a return to a simplicity of faith.

According to Discover Lancaster , while many Mennonites stress missionary work and seek to spread their faith around the world, the Amish tend to focus closer to home. Learn more about the differences between the Mennonites and Amish on Discover Lancaster .

Related: 10 Things You Need To Do In Ohio's Amish Country

St. Jacobs and Elmira are neighboring communities in Ontario, Canada, by the Township of Woolwich. These communities are home to the largest population of Canadian Mennonites. Visitors to St. Jacobs and Elmira are apt to see horse-drawn buggies and seasonal festivals celebrating local goods.

• Location: Near Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

St. Jacobs and Elmira are just a 15-minute drive from Waterloo and Kitchener and around a one-and-half hour's drive from Toronto. Visiting Mennonite country can be a day excursion and part of one's itinerary for visiting Toronto .

Visitors can learn about the Mennonite heritage of the villages at the Mennonite Story - an interpretive center. The center offers a crash course into the Mennonites. Visitors can explore the area with self-guided audio tours and learn about their history of persecution and their culture and religion.

When visiting Mennonite country - like Amish country, be respectful. They are fellow American and Canadian citizens, just like everyone else. Don't gawk and stare or make them feel like they are exhibits in a zoo.

Not all places are without cars for religious reasons. Mackinac Island in Michigan is an island stuck in time that forbids motorized traffic .

Related: A Guide On Lodging & Accommodation In Ohio Amish Country

Since 1965 one of the main annual attractions has been the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival . The festival attracts around 70,000 every year, and people come from far and wide to buy excellent Canadian maple syrup.

• Duration: One Day
• When: April

Around 2,000 volunteers work hard to make this annual festival a reality. It grew to become the largest single-day maple syrup festival in 2000, according to the Guinness Book of World Records . In addition, be treated with homemade pancakes (naturally soaked in local maple syrup and other local homemade delights).

See log sawing competitions and local arts and crafts.

For a deeper dive into the Mennonite country, consider taking a guided Mennonite tour. Visitors are toured around the town in a traditional buggy and visit the local Mennonite farms (shop for homemade maple syrup and handmade quilts while at the farms).

They normally offer Buggy Tours and Mable Sugar Bush Tours - but these are not currently being offered (as of November 2022).

Mennonite Farm Tours:

The Mennonite Farm Tours start at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and run seasonally. The tour times vary during the year - contact them for specific information.

• Days: Thursdays & Saturdays (10.00 am to 3.00 pm)
• Season: April 1 to October 31st
• Duration: 75-90 Minutes
• Adults: CAD $19

Visitors should confirm the tours are running before coming.

Winter Sleigh Rides:

Winter Sleigh Rides are a great way to celebrate the festive winter season, and they are now taking bookings for sleigh rides for the winter. The Sleigh Rides are located at 1222 Apple Grove Rd, Woolwich, Ontario.

• Duration: 45 Minutes
• Large Sleigh: CAD $240 (Up To Fifteen Adults)
• Small Sleigh: CAD $170 (Up To Four Adults)

Explore the open fields and tall sugar bushes on a sleigh ride while listening to the sleigh bells. Enjoy some hot apple cider while sitting close to a wood stove with family and friends. The sleigh rides are by reservation only (mostly on weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year).

Spring Promotion! Buy One Ticket and Get One FREE for Visits Between May 4th - June 16th! Learn More

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Season passes, about upper canada village, summer camps.

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The Mennonite village at St. Jacobs in Ontario is a charming holiday destination

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Steeped in Mennonite history, the quaint village of St. Jacobs and its pastoral country life is quite the contrast from the bustling tech capital of Kitchener-Waterloo  just 20 minutes away.

The village's horse-drawn buggies, historical buildings, charming shops and restaurants have year-round charm, but something about visiting St. Jacobs during the holidays feels like you've stepped back in time right onto the set of a Christmas movie.

Here are some of the best things to do in St. Jacobs this holiday season.

Visit the St. Jacobs Market

The St. Jacobs Market is the country's largest year-round farmer's market, and is the perfect place to visit during the holidays.

Decorated with Christmas trees, fire pits, and twinkling string lights, the market has over 300 vendors to browse, grab delicious treats, or do some Christmas shopping at.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market (@stjacobsmarket)

Stroll through St. Jacobs Village

St. Jacobs Village is a unique blend of past and present, with local shops ranging from antique stores to modern boutiques and cafes.

In the winter, the village hosts  seasonal events  and the storefronts are decorated with garlands and Christmas lights. The village also has plenty of incredible restaurants to try, including woodfired pizza at Those Pizza Guys or The Charcuterie Bar with outdoor fire pits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Jacobs Village (@stjacobsvillage)

Learn about its rich history

There's so much to learn about the village's preserved history and Mennonite influence. The St. Jacobs Walking Tour led by locals takes you on an outdoor walk around the village and dives into its fascinating past while getting your steps in.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stroll Walking Tours | Waterloo Region (@strollwalkingtours)

Dine in a glowing heated dome

At the Village Biergarten  in the heart of St. Jacobs, you can have a delicious meal in one of the cozy heated domes on their patio. The domes are especially welcoming in the winter, which feel like a snow globe when the snow is falling outside around you. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Village Biergarten (@villagebiergarten)

Take a vintage Christmas train ride

The Waterloo Central Train Station offers two magical rides in vintage Christmas trains, which is a pretty epic experience for kids and adults alike.

You can choose between a daytime or nighttime ride. The one-hour round trip will bring you to the "North Pole" where Santa and his elves await to greet you. Onboard, the train has festive characters, toys, carollers, and Christmas stories to keep you plenty entertained.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waterloo Central Railway (@waterloocentralrailway)

Drive through a holiday light show

Head over to Bingeman's in Kitchener to check out Gift of Lights , the region's longest drive through light show, which runs until December 31st.

The experience includes two tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays, which you can tune into their radio to listen to festive music throughout your journey. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bingemans (@bingemans)

Experience a Christmas wonderland

Another amazing attraction at  Bingeman's  is their annual Jingle Bell Rock .

You can walk through dazzling outdoor light displays, see their spectacular 40 foot dancing tree illumination, roast marshmallows for s'mores over open fire pits, decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus' Kitchen or listen to live entertainment on select nights.

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Learn, Discover, Reflect

At the mennonite story, st. jacob's, ontario., the mennonite story.

 We are located on the grounds of the St Jacobs Farmers Market, in a 1839 Log House built by Mennonite ancestors who settled in this area.   We respectfully share our Mennonite/Amish history, faith and culture, and are happy to offer speakers and step-on guides to bus groups, as well as our countryside "back roads" driving tours for smaller private groups & families.    Come see us this summer,  fall, winter or spring!

We feature our video presentation entitled ‘The Old Order’.  Ask about our audio translation available in 9 languages. Extend your experience with an outside tour of the beautiful countryside, and fully immerse yourself in our local Mennonite communities.  And, of course, enjoy Canada's largest Outdoor Farmers Market, where Mennonite vendors and products abound!  While you're here, be sure to get some food that really "schmecks gut!"

Museum Tours

Learn about the rich history of Mennonites & other Anabaptists, both locally and worldwide. All in an historic Log House built by our ancestors.    

Countryside Tours

Immerse yourself in the world of the local

Old Order Mennonites.  Let us take you down country roads past farms, schools, businesses & meeting houses throughout the local plain community.  

Schools & Group Education

Visiting “The Mennonite Story” is an engaging learning opportunity for students of all ages.  We can also customize training workshops for your School, Business or Organization, at our place or yours.

Step-On Guides for Bus Tours

We help your tour bus see & hear about the Mennonite community & how they have shaped the region.  Customized bus tour routes now can include our video, "The Old Order".

"It was wonderful to meet you on Saturday and thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to tour the museum and learn about Mennonite history and culture."

—  M Fernandes, unsolicited email

#mennonitestory.

• North America
• The Old Order Mennonite Village...

The Old Order Mennonite Village Minutes Away From Ontario’s Tech Capital

Staff Writer

Minutes away from Ontario’s tech capital is where you’ll find St. Jacobs Country. This picturesque village abundant with lush green farmland is home to Canada’s largest population of Old Order Mennonites. It’s a place where past and present fuse together as Old Order Mennonites go about their day shunning modernity for their way of life.

What’s fascinating about St. Jacobs Country is that it’s just 20 minutes away from an entrepreneurial hub. In the bustling small city of Waterloo, Kitchener, startup owners push the boundaries of applied sciences, but in the contrasting idyllic streets of St. Jacobs Country, many locals forgo technology for the sake of their beliefs.

The nomadic Mennonite story can be traced back to a 16th-century Swiss Protestant sect who roamed about Europe because of religious grievances. After being promised a chance to practice their faith freely in Pennsylvania, USA, they laid down roots. According to history, cheap land and a reluctance to fight for America lured Mennonites to southern Ontario in the late 19th century where many of them still live today, maintaining many of the same practices as their ancestors.

On a bright sunny day, the drive to St. Jacobs Country is stunning. Once you pass a sign for the Terre Bleu Lavender Farm , the highway becomes lavishly green. The lavender fields are a heavenly pit stop worth your buck; walk through a yellow door to rows and rows of blooming purple buds. The innovation at Terre Bleu Lavender Farm is their sweet seasonal lavender ice cream, which tastes the way you think it should.

When you reach St. Jacobs Country, start at the Visitor’s Centre. It’s the place to begin unraveling the Old Order Mennonite story. On the basement level, there are materials, multi-media and other sensory experiences detailing elements of history, culture and the Mennonite religion. The manager, Del Gingrich, who almost serves as a gatekeeper to the small town, is an excellent resource for information and tips on the area.

If there’s ample time, it’s best to do a tour with Gingrich or hop in a car and drive along a winding country road through the Mennonite territory, past their homes, schools, and churches. If you plan your trip, he’ll even take you to the home of an Old Order Mennonite.

As a member of the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada, Gingrich explains that their sect is more modern than the others. “Other sects in this area are far stricter with how much technology they allow into their lives. The Independent Old Order David Martin Mennonites found around the Wallenstein area are more closed off; they are not connected to electricity but will use their generators.” Even within the Old Order, there are different groups. Not all choose to isolate themselves, and each group moderates in their own way.

Gingrich says in order to catch sight of the German-dialect-speaking Old Order, visitors should come around the time Sunday church service ends. “That’s when the street outside the church will be filled with horse buggies taking their owners back to farm homes or for visits within their community.”

There is plenty to do in and around St. Jacobs Country, especially if you are visiting for the day. In the central town area, there are plenty of cute cafés and boutiques selling heritage and local goods. Check out the freshly made treats at Stone Crock Bakery, a Mennonite-run bakehouse that sells pies, cakes, loaves of bread as well as an assortment of house-made preserves. In Elmira, which is a quick drive from St. Jacobs Country, you can uncover the story of Canadian liquid gold at the Maple Syrup Museum .

One of the best ways to get a taste of the small town is by visiting the local indoor and outdoor market. St. Jacobs Country is home to Canada’s largest farmers’ market. On Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year, you can taste and discover regional produce, imported goods and shop for crafts. During the summer months, it’s also open on Tuesdays.

You can also visit Nauman’s Farm in St. Clements. If they have it, don’t leave without buying some crunchy sweet cabbage, locally grown strawberries, asparagus, and honey. You’ll have to drag yourself away because the shelves are teeming with many more goodies. There’s also a peanut wonderland called Picard Foods , where visitors can munch on peanuts in all kinds of flavors while shopping for crunchy salty snacks. There’s so much more to St. Jacobs Country than horse buggies, bonnets, and photo opportunities. It’s a place where the past and future have found a way to harmoniously merge. At times, it may look like something out of a storybook, but to discover the richness and depth of this unique community, visitors must let go of their expectations. Seeking to understand Mennonites offers a chance to reflect on existence, something that hits home in a room full of mirrors at the Visitor’s Centre. Images flash across the mirrored panels, wiping out your technological reflection and leaving symbols of peace and harmony behind instead.

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Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario

Search form, amish bicentennial.

The Amish Bicentennial Committee of the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario planned several events for September-October 2022 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Amish in Canada.

Read about the history in these articles by the Committee.

MHSO committed $1,200 towards these commemorations.

The events are listed here for information purposes. Please note that all events have concluded.

Amish Mennonite Heritage Bus Tours

Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Contact Registrar/Treasurer Ken J. and Joyce Jantzi, 63 David St, Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0 [email protected] Phone 519 496 4044

• SOLD OUT, but please contact the registrar to be added to a waiting list. “ Up the Nith Heritage Bus Tour ” 9 am.-4 pm. on Wed. Sept. 28 OR Sat. Oct. 15. Cost-$80 (including restaurant meal). Tour Leaders-Fred Lichti, Ken J. Jantzi, and Sandra Kuepfer. Starts at St. Agatha Mennonite Church. Join us for a heritage tour which covers 200 years of Ontario Amish Mennonite history on a 100-kilometer bus trip. Through stories and stops along the way, you will learn about the oldest Amish Mennonite settlement in Canada and how it changed and developed through the centuries. This tour will explore the spectrum of Amish Mennonite people in Ontario from the “tradition minded” Old Order Amish to the “change minded” groups (Mennonites) which no longer use the term “Amish” and have assimilated in varying degrees with the mainstream society. Stops at Old Order Amish on-farm enterprises and a parochial school. Lunch at Anna Mae’s Restaurant (Sept. 28) or Schmidtsville Restaurant (Oct 15).  
• SOLD OUT, but please contact the registrar to be added to a waiting list. “ Wilmot-South Easthope-East Zorra Heritage Bus Tour ”. Sat. Oct. 1, 8:30 am-1:30 noon. OR Sat. Oct. 1, 12:30 pm-5:30 pm. Cost-$42 (includes traditional Bean Soup lunch). Tour Leaders-Ruth Steinman and David G. Neufeld. Starts at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Join us for a heritage tour which beings in Wilmot Township with the history of the Indigenous people and the story of the Amish Mennonite settlement over the past 200 years. From Wilmot, we will travel west into South Easthope, Tavistock and East Zorra to explore the story of the Amish Mennonites who settled west of Wilmot and established the East Zorra Congregation in 1837, the second Amish Mennonite congregation in Canada. East Zorra grew into 5 congregations. Both morning and afternoon bus tours include a traditional Amish bean soup lunch at Steinmann Mennonite Church from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm.

A Cappella Hymn Sings

• Sunday Sept. 11, 2022 7:30 pm at Maple View Mennonite Church, 5074 Deborah Glaister Line, Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0  
• UPCOMING Sunday Sept. 25, 2022 7:30 pm at East Zorra Mennonite Church, 677044 16th Line, Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

Friday Sept. 30, 2022, 7:30 pm. at Steinmann Mennonite Church Gym. Rebecca Seiling, MCC’s Indigenous Neighbours Engagement Associate, and David G. Neufeld will speak on the theme "What Stories Have We Not Been Telling?" Rebecca will also speak on “The Landed Buggy”, an Old Order Mennonite buggy which has been decorated and modified to reflect a web of connections between the land, Indigenous people and settlers.

Indigenous Awareness Workshop

Saturday October 1, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch provided. Workshop with Clarence Cachagee and others at Crow Shield Lodge,1044 Christner Road, New Hamburg, On. Cost-$50 per person. Pre-registration and prepayment required. Contact David G. Neufeld. [email protected] . Phone 519-897-7893.

A long history of assimilation has attempted to take cultural and spiritual teachings and gifts from Indigenous peoples. Traditional knowledge, languages, cultural practices and oral traditions built up over the millennia are all connected to the land. Crowshield Lodge invites participants to gather around the fire in the healing lodge to learn and share food together. The Indigenous Awareness workshop will be co-led by Indigenous and settler Canadians on the land, in a beautiful wooded setting near the Nith River. The workshop will provide an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about these connections together - on the land. Leaders will share of their own personal journeys of understanding and healing of settler/indigenous relationships. Participants will be given the opportunity to learn and ask basic to complex questions, and address the issue of “where do we go from here?” All ages welcome.

Thanksgiving Worship Service

Sunday Oct. 2, 2022 7:00 pm at Steinmann Mennonite Church. Speaker Kyle Gerber, Special Music by Fair Haven Amish Mennonite Choir, Offering for Mennonite Central Committee divided between Indigenous Neighbours and Refugee Programs. Fellowship time following the service. Display of Ontario Amish Mennonite artifacts and memorabilia available from 3 pm.

Everyone is welcome to view the artifacts and memorabilia on display in the gym at Steinmann Mennonite Church.  Categories include Indigenous artifacts, settler deeds and documents, early furniture, books, fraktur art, show towels, quilts, fabric arts, antique tools, butchering equipment, early toys, Conscientious Objector memorabilia, Amish clothing, Ontario Amish Mennonite cemeteries, Pennsylvania German recordings and more!   Admission free.  September 30 - October 2. Friday evening 6-9 pm, Saturday 11 am-2 pm, Sunday 3-9 pm.

Bechtel Lecture with Dr. Mark Louden

Thurday, October 20, 7:30 pm at Conrad Grebel University College. Mark Louden of the University of Wisconsin - Madison will speak on "Reconstructing Linquistic History: What Did Ontario's Earliest Amish Speak?" Dr. Louden is the author of Pennsylvania Dutch: The Story of an American Langauge .

Tavistock and District Historical Society public meeting

Sat., Oct. 22 1:30 pm. with Dr. Mark Louden speaking on “What did the founding Families Speak? Tracing the Roots of Tavistock Deitsch”. At Tavistock Mennonite Church, 131 Wettlaufer St., Tavistock

Update for 2023:

The mennonite farm tour will not be offered at this time; stay tuned for more information., mennonite farm tours.

Our tours leave from the St Jacobs Farmers Market unless planned otherwise. Our ticket booth is located at the south end of the market beside the Log Cabin on the corner of Farmers Market Rd and Benjamin Rd.

Every Thursday and Saturday from April 1st to October 31st, 10am till 3pm.

Please confirm tours are running before coming to the market.

Our public Mennonite Farm Tours are closed for the season.

Join us for a private buggy ride, we are currently offering private buggy rides only at this time on thursdays and saturdays. while on the buggy ride you are able to request the mennonite farm tour or spend the time enjoying the scenery as we travel down quiet country roads and trails. we have two lengths of rides, 45 minute ride/tour ($100 per carriage) and a 20 minute buggy ride ($50 per carriage). while on the 45 minute ride we are able to include the mennonite farm tour with all of the info and stops. our carriages are able to take up to 4 adults on the open carriage and 6 adults on the covered mennonite style carriage. we accept reservations for these rides or you are welcome to stop by our small ticket booth located at the st jacobs farmers market to book your ride. to make a reservation feel free to call nathan ( 519-500-5168 ) or send a reservation requestion (" book now " button) from our website., tour details.

A visit to St Jacobs country is not complete without joining us for a Mennonite Farm tour. This tour is a very informative fully narrated one hour and fifteen minutes. The horse drawn trolley leaves from the St Jacobs Farmers Market at set times throughout the market days. Set out over tranquil country roads on a journey that will carry you to a typical Old Order Mennonite mixed farming operation. While heading to the farm you will be introduced to the Mennonite people, including their history, different groups in the area and their beliefs. As we arrive at the farm we are greeted by the friendly Old Order Mennonite children and their pet dogs.

While at the farm you are sure to spot the other friendly farm critters and livestock. Experience nature's splendor as you tour through an apple orchard and maple sugar bush. Learn how maple syrup is produced as well as the collection methods. You are sure to enjoy the stop at the buggy shed where you will see a variety of buggies used by the family for transportation. The timber frame barn, built in 1856 is now home to the beef and dairy cattle as well as the family's buggy horses.

The tour would not be complete without a visit to the Farm Quilt Shop. The lady of the house welcomes you into the Farm Quilt Shop where local Mennonite hand crafted items and maple syrup products can be purchased. While heading back to the Farmers Market you will learn more about the Old Order Mennonite lifestyle including their weddings, funerals and schools. No question is out of place as your guide will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have throughout the tour.

Tour length: 75-90 minutes

Goal of tour: To give our guests an accurate picture of the Ontario Mennonite community and answer your questions.

Sites visited: Sugar bush, farm craft shop (meet a member of the family), look in at cattle and chickens, and look at the family's buggies.

Mennonite Farm Tour Prices

Adults - $19 Seniors +60/students - $17 Children ages 4-12 - $10 Children 3 and under - Free

Our leadership team

Reservations.

Reservations are not required unless you plan to attend with a group of 10 or more guests. Our ticket booth is open at 9:30am every market day and you are welcome to book your tickets ahead of time for any tour that day. If you have a large group it would be best to come by and book your seats early or call Nathan at 519-500-5168 to reserve at least 24 hours before.

MENNONITES of Southern Ontario

The first time I saw Mennonites was when I came to visit Ontario for the first time, in 1977, it was hard to miss their horse drawn buggies on the country roads around Kitchener.

We saw the Old Order Mennonites and Amish in the villages of Elmira and St Jacobs and around Aylmer , and as I was curious I decided to learn what I could about them and their way of life.

The beliefs of Mennonites are that they are to follow the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, which they held onto firmly despite being persecuted by various Roman Catholic and Protestant states.

They are known as people of Peace Churches as thy would rather flee a country than fight for their rights, or be forced to fight for that country, as they are committed to non-violence.

Today, there are 1,500,000 Mennonites around the world and there are congregations world-wide.

There are large populations here in Canada, the United States, the Congo and Mexico.

At that time, many were living in the province of Manitoba where whole congregations left for Central and South America and settled there, and lived for many years.

In the past 30 or 40 years, thousands of families have left and come to live in Southern Ontario, with the first three families arriving in Port Rowan, Ontario, in 1954.

Here in Ontario, many Mennonites are often difficult to distinguish from their non-Mennonite neighbours.

Some, however some are still recognizable by the way they live and dress, with many of the Old Order living the way their fore-fathers did - without electricity, automobiles and dressing in simple, plain clothing.

The men wear plain trousers and jackets, and often a plain straw hat, and women wear their hair long, but covered by a prayer cap, and have plain dresses, often dark navy blue, brown or black, but sometimes pale blue or pink. The overall impression is one of simplicity and plainness, which is their aim.

On the roads you can find them in their horse drawn buggies as they go about their daily lives.

Please respect our Mennonite neighbours wishes, and do not take photographs of them. Thank you.

The Old Order often choose to educate their children in schools they run themselves, as this ensures that their beliefs and values are passed on to the next generation, which is probably the reason for their continued growth and success.

Mennonites Info ...

The Mennonites & Amish - how to tell them apart Mennonites & Amish both come from a Protestant tradition known as Anabaptism, and they both believe that they should live out their beliefs in daily life. It can be difficult to distinguish between an Amish and a Mennonite, but this site can help you learn the major differences.

The Mennonite Church of Canada Information about their history, migration, arrival and settlement in Ontario

Thank you for picture of girl in red shirt with books   4542997 Anatoly Tiplyashin | Dreamstime.com

Below are a series of three YouTube videos which explain  the roots of the Mennonite Church.

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Customs vary among Ontario Amish

The Amish in Ontario are a diverse group, explained Fred Lichti at the fall meeting of the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, held on Oct. 15, 2016, at Milverton Mennonite Fellowship. Milverton is a small town a half hour west of Kitchener-Waterloo.

There are 21 different Amish settlements or communities mostly scattered throughout southern Ontario. Each of these settlements has its own idiosyncrasies, as buggy styles and other customs are not necessarily the same in each community.

The Amish originate from a division among Anabaptist/Mennonites in Europe in the late 1600s, when Jacob Ammann’s plan to bring renewal to the church in Switzerland and Alsace resulted in a church split. Over the centuries Old Order Mennonites and Amish have had little formal cooperation, but they have many similarities. They cooperate informally and sometimes live in neighbouring geographical areas.

The largest Amish settlement in Canada is in the Milverton area. When the Amish first came from Europe to Waterloo Region in 1823, they settled west of Kitchener and then spread from there. By 1874 they were moving into Mornington Township, where Milverton is located. When some Amish began building meetinghouses in the 1880s, the Amish of the Milverton area did not all agree, resulting in a split. The progressives built meetinghouses and eventually referred to themselves as “Mennonite,” while the traditionalists are the people we now refer to as “Amish.”

These Amish in the Milverton area have continued to worship in homes on Sunday mornings. They had little growth for nearly 100 years, but since the 1980s and 90s they have grown rapidly, and their population has doubled since 1999. The Milverton Amish tend to have more traditional dress than many other Amish communities. They also do not use covered buggies, and their buggy wheels have steel rims. According to Lichti, common surnames in the Milverton area are Kuepfer, Albrecht, Jantzi and Streicher, names that are not common in other Amish communities.

Other Amish groups moved to Ontario between 1953 and 1970, looking for good places to settle. In 1953 a group from Ohio came to the Aylmer area, south of London, and today they have three districts and a daughter community in the Lindsay area.

These Aylmer Amish are probably the most open to outsiders, says Lichti. In 1964, David Wagler and Joseph Stoll began a publishing venture that doesn’t use electricity from the grid. Since the beginning, Pathway Publishing House has been putting out three monthly publications: Family Life for families; Young Companion for young adults; and Blackboard Bulletin for teachers. These are widely read by Amish and traditionalist Mennonites throughout the U.S. and Canada. They also publish books and educational material for Amish parochial schools.

In 1954, a group of Amish families moved from the U.S. to Ontario and began a settlement southwest of Owen Sound. These Swartzentruber Amish, who separated from other Amish in 1917, are ultraconservative. They allow less technology and have no gas lamps, no indoor plumbing, no flowerbeds and no orange triangles (signs for slow moving vehicles) on their buggies. In 2008, several families began a daughter community in the Iron Bridge area, east of Sault Ste. Marie.

Also in 1954 a group of Troyer Amish from the U.S. moved to the Norwich area, south of Woodstock. This group has several daughter communities. In 1973 some families moved to the area around Lucknow, not far from Lake Huron. This community has grown to become the second largest community in Ontario. According to Lichti, the Amish around Lucknow have nine schools and six sawmills. These Troyer Amish have continued to spread throughout Ontario, with smaller communities near Belleville (begun in 2001) and more recently in northern Ontario, near Englehart and Earlton. In 2015, about 15 families of these Troyer Amish moved to Prince Edward Island to begin a new community there.

In 1958 a fifth type of Amish moved to Ontario from Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. This community near St. Mary’s, south of Stratford, remains small, although they also have a daughter community near Powassan, begun in 2001. This Amish group is the most similar to the Amish of Lancaster County, Pa., and uses more technology than other Amish in Ontario. Lichti mentioned that part of the draw to the Powassan area, north of Huntsville, was more opportunities for hunting.

The Milverton Amish have also been spreading to new areas. New communities were established in the Chesley area in 1979, in the Kincardine/Tiverton area in 1995, and in the Clifford area in 1998. These communities are of reasonable size, with 25 to 40 families each. A small community of five families has also been living on Manitoulin Island since 2013, and in 2016 six families moved to Prince Edward Island. They live on the east side of P.E.I., near Montague.

Glenn Zehr also addressed the historical society, talking about changes he has seen over the years that he has been acting as an interpreter of the Amish way of life. In the morning Zehr arranged to have part of the group eat a noon meal at the home of Dorothy Zehr and her family, just outside Milverton. Later in the afternoon, historical society members had the option of visiting two Amish farms, one with a buggy shop and the other a goat farm.

According to Glenn Zehr, the style of worship among the Milverton Amish has not changed much. They continue to read the Bible and sing in High German, while preaching is done in Pennsylvania German. They sing slowly, using the Ausbund , a songbook dating back to the 1500s. The Sunday morning service, held in a home, or sometimes in a barn or buggy shed in the summer, lasts about three hours, from 9 a.m. to noon. The host family provides a light lunch of bread and butter, cheese, jams, spreads and pickles for the 75 to 100 people in attendance.

The children are educated in Amish private schools, where the language of instruction is English. High German is taught in the schools, but the children find English much easier to read, said Dorothy Zehr. The Amish community of Milverton has eight parochial schools.

Glenn Zehr also discussed other changes he has seen, living among these Amish for many years. In earlier years they were primarily farmers, but today farmland is in short supply and very expensive, so many of them run their own businesses or work for wages in agriculture-related industries or construction.

In times past the Amish did all their field work with horses, but today it is not uncommon to see large equipment in those fields, hired to do custom planting and harvesting. Although the Milverton Amish do not own cars or tractors, some building contractors own trucks that are driven by their non-Amish employees. Zehr said he wouldn’t be surprised if they change their position so that tractors are allowed within the next ten years or so, since they are hiring so many custom operators to do the work in the fields.

Since the 1990s, telephones have come to the Milverton Amish, but not in the houses. Little telephone booths are near the end of the lane or at least some distance from the house. They usually have some type of message system since there is rarely anyone available to answer the phone directly. Zehr also thinks that there are some cell phones or maybe even smart phones used by the Amish, but probably they are not carried openly since officially there is no approval for this practice. He assumes their position on cell phones is changing.

Another change in more recent years is the amount of travel done by the Amish. In earlier years Amish families would only hire a driver for long-distance health appointments, but these days they frequently hire drivers to visit relatives, to go shopping, or even to travel as tourists. Like other Old Order groups, the Amish do not fly, but recently a group travelled to Europe by ship to participate in a heritage tour.

Although the Amish do not use electricity from the grid, they find ways to generate power to operate their tools. James Ebersol, who makes buggy wheels, uses solar panels to charge his batteries, but when the sun is not shining, or if he needs lots of power to do welding, he uses diesel power to create DC power.

Ebersol, who used to make buggy wheels out of wood, now imports fibreglass buggy wheels from Fort Wayne, Ind. In his shop he inserts metal hubs and puts a half-inch steel tire around the rim of the wheel. These days most new buggy wheels are made of fibreglass. Because wood expands and shrinks with the temperature, wooden-spoke wheels don’t last as long as fibreglass ones. The buggy boxes, shafts and seats are now also made of fibreglass, and Ebersol has gone from making complete buggies to replacing wheels. He ships the wheels to many places, but most of his customers are Amish.

Because the Amish have a lot of congregational autonomy, there are slight differences between the settlements, in relation to their styles of dress and where they draw the line on technology. Some are more isolationist and less willing to accept government allowances or insurance plans, others are more open to outsiders. The Amish tend to be entrepreneurial and are generally happy to sell their products to non-Amish neighbours. They tend to have a high retention rate, and their communities are continuing to grow.

Many thanks to Fred Lichti, pastor of Elmira Mennonite Church, and Glenn Zehr, retired (Amish) Mennonite pastor, for maintaining connections with the Amish community and for sharing their insights with the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario.

—Updated Dec. 1, 2016

See also: The ‘simple’ life in raising an Amish family Pennsylvania Dutch a language with merit Old Order Mennonite groups in Ontario are growing 10 things to know about Mennonites in Canada   History surprises

The Amish of Milverton, Ont., use open buggies with slow-moving-vehicle signs. The various Ontario Amish settlements have their own idiosyncrasies, as buggy styles and other customs are not necessarily the same in each community. (Photo by Barb Draper)

The Clayton Kuepfer goat farm south of Millbank has a telephone shed along the laneway. (Photo by Roy Draper)

The Amish of Ontario do not use bicycles; children use this type of scooter instead. (Photo by Roy Draper)

James Ebersole has solar panels on his buggy-wheel shop to help power his tools. (Photo by Roy Draper)

Mennonite pastor Fred Lichti shares insights on the Ontario Amish with the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario. (Photo by Roy Draper)

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I didn't realize there were that many different Amish. Years ago we were in Akron, Pennsylvania, and were told there that there were 12 different kinds of Amish. Differences like buggies, dress, etc. I had a brother that lived in the St. Clements and Elmira area for 70 years. This article really opened my eyes. We had some Amish move to the Gladstone, Manitoba area, who have had nothing but problems. Not sure where in Ontario they came from. Thanks for this article.

This is one of the most detailed and accurate articles that I've seen about the Amish in Canada. Most websites and publications don't differentiate between the various communities or only do so for their American counterparts. Well written!

Since the 'Milverton' Amish ancestors came directly to Canada from Europe, not spending significant time in previously established Pennsylvania 'Dutch' Amish communities in the USA, what German dialect do they speak? Is it similar to Pennsylvania German? Are they able to converse, other than in English, with Pennsylvania German speakers?

Pennsylvania Dutch comes from a dialect spoken in southern Germany. Speakers in Ontario and Pennsylvania, whether Amish or Mennonite, can understand each other.  —Editor

I would like to spend some time in an Amish community to learn their way of life. Do you offer such services? Can you also give info about the bus or train routes from the greater Toronto area to your community. Thanks in advance.

We do not arrange for tours or visits to Amish communities. You might want to visit The Mennonite Story, an interpretive centre in the village of St. Jacobs, Ontario. There you will find information about Amish, Old Order Mennonites and other branches of the Mennonite family. See here for details: https://stjacobs.com/business-directory/play/everything/everything/mennonite-story.htm   St. Jacobs is located north of the Kitchener-Waterloo area, so you can inquire with your local bus and train companies about public transportation to those cities.—Editor

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Norwich Ontario

Local Merchants Norwich Ontario Canada

The Amish reside in the township of Norwich. They are really interesting and beautiful people. Driving horses and buggies through Norwich and living in the old ways. Respect their privacy, and buy their local goods when offered. All natural ingredients and incredible taste. Support them, as some of their flock has recently vacated the township to go to PEI. They need our help to remain part of Norwich’s history.

If you want fresh produce or lumber, There is a farm stand south of Norwich on the Western side of HWY # 59. Economical and super fresh! No disrespect to our local Foodland which is also great . They also can cut lumber from trees you fall.

Hear Our Story and Be Enlightened .

We’ve travelled from afar.

Explore a turn-of-the century Russian Mennonite street village on our 40 acre site. Taste traditional Mennonite fare at the museum’s Livery Barn Restaurant, and explore a classic Mennonite housebarn and a fully operational Dutch windmill during our summer season. View historic and heirloom treasures from Poland and Russia to Canada, displayed in the permanent and Gerhard Ens galleries, and find that perfect souvenir at Village Books and Gifts, all open year-round in the Village Centre.

There is always something new to experience. With changing annual themes and temporary exhibits celebrating the Mennonite heritage and culture, new artifacts donated each year, and a broad range of activities and demonstrations. Come visit us to get the full story and be enlightened.

Directions to MHV

Mennonite Heritage Village (until 1990 the Mennonite Village Museum) was born out of a respect for the Mennonite settlers of southern Manitoba and a desire to tell their story through their material culture. Starting with an initial building (now the Auditorium), Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) has grown into a museum-complex complete with over 30 heritage buildings and monuments, exhibit galleries hosting a range of permanent and temporary exhibits, interpreters, and challenging school programs. More than 40,000 visitors come to the museum in a single year, and over 16,000 artifacts have been collected.

Mennonite Heritage Village has been around 50 years, and it has changed greatly since its incorporation in 1964. The progression from ideas and dreams to a functioning, growing reality has been challenging and exciting for everyone involved.

John C. Reimer (1894-1990) was a teacher and collector of artifacts with a deep love of history and the Mennonite story. For some people, things that have lost their use are garbage. But for many others, certain objects tell a story, a story about their family, their life, or a meaningful event. We invest these things with meaning . But as Reimer understood, old things can help teach history. Without an understanding of our past, we can lose sight of our future and the direction we would like to take as individuals and a society.

As early as 1934, Reimer began to bring artifacts of historical interest to his classes, and with the aid of his Blumenort school, built a “Semlin” (sod house).

A Mennonite museum was a plan of Reimer’s since 1949, when a Museum Committee was formed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first Mennonite migration to Manitoba.

Although this initial attempt at starting a museum about Mennonite history stalled, Reimer began gathering artifacts from all over southern Manitoba. In 1951 he discovered and purchased his grandfather Klaas R. Reimer’s old store. He moved it to his property and began restoring it to its original state. This was Steinbach’s first museum and was opened on request of the visitor.

In April 1958, at a meeting of the Mennonitisches Historisches Komitee (Mennonite History Committee), Reimer was elected to a new museum sub-committee and by 1961, 6 acres were purchased in the Steinbach area for the building of a museum, supported by the local community.

Mennonite Heritage Village was officially incorporated in 1964 and opened its doors to visitors in 1967.

By the mid-1980s the collections and activities of Mennonite Heritage Village had grown so vast that a new complex was required. This challenge provided an opportunity for the museum and its community to re-imagine what the museum could be. To enable the museum to reach its potential, the Board of Directors embarked on an ambitious expansion project. For its first 25 years, the museum had operated out of one main building (currently the Auditorium), which housed the staff offices, collections storage area, and exhibits space.

The new vision for the museum in the 1990s included a brand new building, the Village Centre. This building would fulfill the museum’s administrative needs, including offices, a museum gift shop, and space for social functions, rentals, and food preparation, as well as the expanding needs of the museum’s artifact collection. New gallery spaces were also built: the Main Gallery was designed to tell the full story of Mennonites from the Reformation in the 16th century to Canada in the late 20th century, and the Temporary Gallery (later re-named the Gerhard Ens Gallery) was to be a designated space equipped to host brand new temporary exhibits. This new vision for the museum also included an increased emphasis on maintaining professional standards of artifact collections care. To that end, the new curatorial facilities in the Village Centre, including a lab, exhibit design room, and collections storage spaces, as well as all the exhibit galleries, were built with integrated environmental controls. This environmental improvement would serve to better protect and preserve the museum’s irreplaceable artifact collection for the future. By 1989, the new Village Centre was opened to the public and with this expansion completed, the museum was officially re-named Mennonite Heritage Village.

Though there have been many changes at Mennonite Heritage Village since it opened its doors in the 1960s, many things that were important then are still true today. The museum relies on its many dedicated volunteers and the service and expertise they bring to their work at the museum, whether they are interpreting for visitors in the heritage buildings in the village, working with students in the school programs, tending the museum grounds, taking care of the museum’s many animals over the summer, or helping with food preparation for social functions. Specialty clubs, like MHV Auxiliary, the Steinbach and Area Garden Club, the Horse Club, the Steam Club, and the South East Implements Collections, help to make Mennonite Heritage Village an exciting place filled with a variety of attractions.

While some things stay the same, Mennonite Heritage Village has changed a lot since its beginning and today it continues to expand and build upon the vision of its founders.

Our Mission

To preserve and exhibit, for present and future generations, the experience and story of the Russian Mennonites and their contributions to Manitoba.

MHV will be the premier interpretive centre for the Russian Mennonite story.

MHV is governed by the following values: Integrity – Respect – Excellence – Financial Sustainability – Environmental Responsibility – Visitor/Customer Friendly – Member Owned – Team Work

Our Strategic Priorities

• Cultural Stewardship – Our mission as a museum is to collect and preserve artifacts and stories and to use these to teach our guests the significance of the Russian Mennonite History.
• Organizational Sustainability – In order for the organization to flourish today and in the future we need to be intentional in anticipating the challenges to growth and addressing them proactively.
• Financial Health – Financial health is critical to the organization remaining functional.

How We Operate

Mennonite Heritage Village (Canada) Inc. (MHV) is incorporated in the Province of Manitoba and is owned by approximately 400 members. A board of directors is elected at the organization’s Annual General Meeting and is responsible for oversight of the museum. This board functions as a governance board focusing on the mission, vision, values, strategic priorities, and policies of MHV. The board hires an Executive Director to manage the operations of the museum.

The museum preserves a collection of over 16,000 artifacts and uses them, and the stories associated with them, to interpret the history of the Mennonites who immigrated from Russia to Canada, beginning in 1874. Our programs reach out to our local constituency as well as an international audience focusing on tourism and education. Our festivals and meeting facilities reach out to the local community.

Our operations are funded approximately 60% by our own services, 15% by government grants, and 25% by fundraising initiatives and donations.

Annual Report 2023

2023 Audited Financial Statement

Privacy Overview

Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau

From downtown dazzle to country calm, guests enjoy the best of the area, including the famous J.M. Smucker Company Store & Cafe, Everything Rubbermaid, Lehman's, and P. Graham Dunn Retail Gallery. Beyond the scenic landscapes, cultural activities range from local historical societies to The Ohio Light Opera, Wayne County spans the range for everyone’s interests.

Where to Shop

Breitenbach wine cellars.

Amish Country’s premier winery. From “Frost Fire” and “Roadhouse Red” to the award-winning fruit wines that made them famous, Breitenbach Wine Cellars has something to please everyone’s palate. Enjoy lunch at Cafe' Breitenbach. Be sure to check our entertainment and festival schedule throughout the year. Wine cellar tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where to Eat

Amish door restaurant.

The Amish Door Village is a triple threat in Amish Country—eat, sleep and shop. Guests of all ages can eat, shop and relax at the complex. Specializing in authentic Amish Country home-style food for breakfast,lunch and dinner, satisfied diners continue to dish up accolades.

Where to Stay

Berlin resort.

Berlin Resort is a quiet, peaceful and pleasurable experience. Berlin Resort offers a total of 68 guest rooms which includes 20 suites. The hotel has many amenities including an indoor saltwater swimming pool with whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, 24-hour fitness facility, 26-seat private movie theater, scenic pond with illuminated waterfalls and patio with gas-lit fire pits.

Recent Stories from Amish Country

So much more.

You’ll find great cheese and so much more at Walnut Creek Cheese.

A Smashing Success

Smash Restrobar has a unique menu filled with tantalizing foods.

It’s much more than antiques at Historic Downtown Millersburg

Browsers in local shops will find an eclectic assortment of leather goods, rugs, decorative treasures and home goods.

Upcoming Events in Amish Country

Locally handcrafted furniture in amish country, erb's stove center.

Step into the Erb’s Stove Center showroom and you’ll see a large variety of fireplaces, stoves, handcrafted mantles and any fireplace accessory you need! Not to mention their outdoor living products...

Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts

A colorful row of Adirondack chairs draw visitors in to the shop that once inside, features much more than outdoor furniture. Clocks, home décor and candles are just some of the things you’ll find at...

Kauffman Lawn Furniture

Kauffman Lawn Furniture is located in the center of Amish Country and offers a large variety of outdoor furniture and structures. They have one of the biggest outdoor displays in the area, which...

Alpine Cabinets

Custom cabinetry for every room in your home is offered in a variety of styles, species and finishes that add value to your home at this family-owned shop that has served the region since 1987 with...

Things to Do in Amish Country

Ready to share Wayne County's biggest and smallest gems? From downtown dazzle to country calm, guests enjoy the best of the area, including the famous J.M. Smucker Company Store & Cafe, The Ohio...

Historic Downtown Millersburg

Historic Downtown Millersburg may reside in the heart of Amish Country, and while there is the Amish and Mennonite flavor, Historic Downtown Millersburg is so much more.

Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) offers outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, cabin rentals, boating, boat rentals, fishing, hiking and hunting on more than 54,000...

Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau

The Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau puts the camp and canoe capital of Ohio on the map by promoting the best of Mohican-Loudonville. It’s the first stop for anyone looking for the best...

Where to Stay in Amish Country

Evergreen park rv resort.

The best of indoor luxuries are brought to those who love to camp with extra amenities, such as a hot tub, game room, laundromat and indoor pool. This 87-site campground is open every day with paved...

Charm Countryview Inn

Experience the serenity of the countryside at this B&B. Each room has a private bath and is furnished in different styles of locally made, solid oak furniture with handmade quilts on the beds. Guests...

Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek

History, heritage and a convenient location make Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek a destination for couples, families and groups. With a nearby dining, shopping and entertainment, you’ll find plenty to do...

Where to Shop in Amish Country

Baskets and blooms.

Beautify your home inside and out with unique plants, colorful flowers and home accessories on display at Baskets and Blooms. Open year-round, we have a nice selection of indoor plants and holiday...

Lehman's

Why were we voted the best place to visit in Amish Country for the 5th year in a row? Why is there "a store nowhere else" like us? Because we exist to create A Simpler Life for you and your loved...

Places to Eat in Amish Country

Broad run cheesehouse.

More than 70 years of cheesemaking and Grand Champion Cheesemaker awards equals perfection for this family-owned business that’s married cheese and wine. With tours and tastings available, as well as...

J.M. Smucker Company Store and Cafe

With a name like Smucker’s® , it has to be good. It is even better when you visit the store and café where you can shop, dine and purchase gift baskets with a wide array of familiar products. All the...

Amish Door Village

Selected by USA Today as one of the best meals of 2006, the Amish Door serves excellence. From hearty breakfasts to dinners, diners are more than customers, while enjoying the hospitality. A bakery,...

Authentic Recipes from Ohio's Amish Country

Sauerkraut salad.

An Amish Country favorite.

Amish Streusel Cake

Dessert with a cinnamon crunch.

Croissant French Toast with Bing Cherry Sauce

Start the day with cherries.

Bacon and Tomato Scramble

Scrambled eggs are a versatile breakfast and brunch staple.

Amish leadership

Amish select leaders by divine intervention.

Amish spiritual issues

The Amish believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and would be a part of the protestant stream of theology. They emerged from the Anabaptists who began in the early 1500's. The Anabaptists, meaning...

Amish on the Frontier

As the French and English battled for superiority in the new land of America, the frontier was a dangerous place for everyone, including the Amish ancestors.

• OPEN MON THRU SAT 9 AM
• OPEN SUN 10 AM
• LAST TOUR DAILY 5 PM
• Questions [email protected]
• GROUP TOURS AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND [email protected]

Best Value Amish Tours in Lancaster County

The Amish Village provides an authentic look at today’s Amish lifestyle while surrounding you with beautiful Amish farmland. Enjoy exploring our 12-acre village, taking a guided tour of a historic Amish homestead, and hearing about Amish culture while touring Amish countryside.

Premium Package Tour

Get the full value of your experience of Amish culture and history by joining us on a Premium Package Tour. This tour is best suited for visitors who want to know everything they can about the Amish.

Premium Package Tour includes:

• 25-minute Amish Farmhouse Tour
• 90-minute Narrated Bus Tour
• Self-Guided Tour of the Grounds, Schoolhouse, and Outbuildings

Visitors typically spend a minimum of three hours on site. We recommend making a reservation so you are guaranteed to have enough time to enjoy each tour location.

Visitors also typically enjoy using our Picnic Grounds for a quick bite in between exploring our Windmill & Water Wheel, Amish Barn and Farm Animals, One-room Schoolhouse, Smokehouse Market, Blacksmith Shop, and our Amish Village Store.

More Tour Options

Backroads Bus Tour

See how present-day Amish live alongside today’s more modern culture by taking a bus tour through Lancaster County’s backroads. Learn about Amish traditions while riding in comfort.

Travel off the beaten path and enjoy the following:

• 90-minute tour of Amish countryside
• Narrator providing education on traditions, culture, and lifestyle
• At least one stop at a local Amish business (except Sunday}
• Intimate setting, with up to 14 seats
• Temperature-controlled environment

Buses depart starting one hour after opening. Tickets are available for purchase on location, or as part of a Premium Package Tour. We have options for accommodating large groups as well as providing a Step-On Guide for motor coach groups.

Amish Farmhouse & Village Tour

Hear stories of Amish history, lifestyles, and traditions within the setting of an authentic Amish Farmhouse built in 1840. Get a firsthand look at how Amish communities have adapted to living in today’s era.

A Lancaster County favorite, this tour has a lot to offer:

• 25-minute guided tour of the house
• Informed guide ready to answer visitor questions
• Authentic Amish furnishings
• Self-guided tour of the Village

Self-guided tours take our visitors across 12-acres of property, including a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop furnished with tools, and an Amish barn with a variety of friendly animals. It is a true representation of how the Pennsylvania Amish live in Lancaster County today. Tickets are available for purchase on site, and tours start every 15 minutes.

Reviews from Our Guests

“We did the house & village tour as well as the bus tour and it was all very interesting & informative. Everyone in the village & on the bus tour were very friendly. The bus driver went out of his way to show & explain about the Amish houses and the English houses and show things with descriptions about the homes & schools. We stopped at an Amish store & were able to purchase some foods that the lady had made(sticky buns, ketchup, whoopie pies, pickles and all were delicious!!! The tour of the Amish home was very informative. My granddaughters 12 & 14 also enjoyed the tour, the bus ride, & feeding the animals in the barn area around the village. Would highly recommend if you have 3 hours to spend in Lancaster & I recommend doing all the parts of the tour!!”

“This is a very interesting tour to take that’s also family friendly. I took my 2 children both under 5 and they had a great time learning and feeding the animals. Would highly recommend it.”

“Our tour guide was local. She’s very knowledgeable about the Amish way of life. We enjoyed our bus tour to the Amish farm and those nice freshly baked warm buttery pretzels are to die for. Made our trip a memorable one.”

“Our office took a group of international students from different countries all over the world to hear about an interesting part of our culture that takes place right here in Lancaster County. Though, it was a little cold, the students had a blast! It was such a great experience. Highly recommend!”

“Decided to take a back road trip in PA and came upon the bus tour with The Amish Village. The staff were very pleasant and got all 7 of us on the last tour bus. Our Guide Wayne was extremely knowledgeable about the area and the life of the Amish families there. I was very impressed and my grand kids ages 8 and 6 surprisingly listened intently and asked questions. I also learned several things that I was not aware of. If given the chance I would repeat this tour and I would also recommend to my friends and other family to take it as well.”

Groups & School Field Trips

The Amish Village provides a genuine representation of how the Amish live in Lancaster County. Our tour guides are equipped to educate large groups and school classes about the Amish community’s history, traditions, and culture. To best accommodate you, please complete a reservation form for your group at least two weeks before your trip.

• The Amish Experience

Tips for Planning Your Visit

For the complete amish experience, you need travel no further than plain & fancy farm on route 340, halfway between the villages of bird-in-hand and intercourse.  (gps: 3121 old philadelphia pike, bird-in-hand, pa 17505).  we have plenty of free parking., ticket purchase, tour check-in, and departure all take place from the theater box office in the east parking lot in front of amish view inn & suites. along with buggy rides, great shopping, and incomparable dining at smokehouse bbq restaurant, here you’ll find many ways to discover the world of the amish….

• What It Means to Be Amish: “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience Theater (35 minutes)
• How The Amish Live and Learn: The Fisher Homestead & One-Room School (45 minutes)
• Where the Amish Work and Play: The Amish Farmlands Tour (90 minutes)
• Meet with the Amish Themselves:  Visit-in-Person Tour (3 hours)

Accessibility.… The Amish Experience Theater is fully accessible.  There are no stairs.  The theater is all one level, and wheelchair seating areas with companion seating are available.  No reservations are needed.  The theater is general admission, open seating.  The Amish Farmlands Tour and Amish VIP (Visit-in-Person) Tours are conducted on a vehicle which is not handicap accessible.  However, with prior notice we can conduct the tour using an FM radio transmitter.  Guests can follow our mini bus, hearing everything the guide is saying through the FM radio of the guest’s mobility-specific personal vehicle.  Please call 717-768-8400 ext. 217 or email [email protected] to inquire about this service.  The Amish Country Homestead and the Meal in an Amish Home Experience are not accessible for guests with mobility limitations.  

Food…  smokehouse bbq & brews offers a sit-down restaurant option on the property (open thursday, friday, saturday, sunday, monday.  the restaurant is closed tuesday and wednesday.)  guests can also bring their own food.  we have a picnic area that guests are welcome to use.  picnic tables, trash cans, and restrooms are here for guest use.  , rv, trailer, bus parking…  dedicated over-size parking spots are located in the lot on the western side of the property.  these spots are located behind the aaron & jessica’s buggy rides horse barn., electric vehicles…  electric vehicle charging stations are located in front of amishview inn & suites (parking lot on eastern side of property.) , sundays are a special time..

For the Amish, it is a day of rest, worship, and visiting. You might have heard that everything is closed on Sundays in Amish Country. Not True! While some businesses close on Sundays for a whole host of reasons, there are still plenty of things to do. The Amish Experience is open on Sundays from 11:30am-5:00pm.  The Theater, Homestead, and Farmland Tours are available on Sundays.

What is different about the Amish Experience on a Sunday?

Unlike Monday through Saturday, the Amish Farmlands Tour (90 minute guided bus tour) is not able to stop at an Amish-owned shop during the tour on Sundays.  We’ll substitute another stop featuring local crafts or foods on Sundays that is not Amish-owned. In addition to the Farmlands Tours, the Theater (“Jacob’s Choice”) and guided House & School tours operate as well.