The Mennonite Experience
Authentic Mennonite Dinner • Fraktur Art Activity, Take Your Creation Home With You • St. Jacobs Farmers Market • Narrated Mennonite Country Bus Tour • And Apple Fritters!!

Step back in time and experience the rich traditions of Ontario’s Mennonite community on The Mennonite Experience, a one-day bus tour from Toronto to the scenic countryside of St. Jacobs. This unique journey offers insight into the simple yet fascinating way of life of the Mennonite people, blending culture, history, and hands-on creativity.

Your adventure begins at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market. Browse a variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and specialty foods while enjoying lunch on your own before we set off to explore Mennonite country.

Next, board the bus for a narrated two-hour tour led by a knowledgeable Mennonite guide. Travel through picturesque farmlands with horse-drawn buggies and traditional homesteads while learning about the customs, beliefs, and history of one of Canada’s oldest communities.

Then you will have an opportunity to unleash your inner artist with an instructor led Fraktur Art activity—a unique form of folk art historically used by Pennsylvania German Mennonites to decorate documents, certificates, and everyday items with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. You’ll create your own personalized piece to take home with you. This activity takes place in the cozy "Apple Fritter Lounge", where you’ll enjoy the famous St. Jacobs apple fritters while you work on creating your masterpiece.

We end the day with a traditional Mennonite meal, served family-style. Enjoy a simple yet hearty feast featuring classic Mennonite dishes, prepared with wholesome ingredients and time-honored recipes. While this meal is not hosted in a Mennonite home, it is thoughtfully prepared and served in a banquet facility at a local hotel, ensuring a comfortable experience.  

Join us for a day of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and delicious flavors on The Mennonite Experience—a journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable community.

Tour Dates

1-Day Trip
Sat Jun 7, 2025
Fully refundable if you cancel for any reason at least 7 days before trip departure.

Price

All prices are per person, in Canadian dollars. All taxes and tips are included!
$199 per person

Pickup Locations

7:30 AM Scarborough Town Ctr
7:55 AM York Mills Station
8:25 AM Mississauga McDonalds
Hurontario & Courtney Park Drive
To book over the phone
please call (866) 208-2950

Inclusions

  • Round trip transportation on highway motorcoach with a washroom and WiFi.
  • Visit to St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, also your lunch stop, lunch is on your own.
  • Guided bus tour of Mennonite country with local Mennonite tour guide included.
  • Fraktur Art activity, take your creation home with you. Apple fritters served during the art activity.
  • Authentic Mennonite meal served family style included.
  • Escorted tour with ShortTrips.ca tour director available during tour. 
  • All tips & taxes included.

Approximate Return Times

  • Mississauga 7:10 PM
  • York Mills 7:55 PM
  • Scarborough 8:20 PM

Deposits, Payments, Cancellations & Refunds

  • 100% full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before the trip departure date. 
  • Sorry but no refunds if cancellation is received less then 7 days before trip departure date. 
  • You can transfer your seat to anyone else you know, up to the time of departure without penalty. 

​Travelling With Children

  • Children 10+ are welcome on this tour. Price is the same as adults. ​​

St. Jacobs Farmers Market

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market is said to be Canada’s largest farmers market with over 500 vendors. 

You'll find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, baking of every description, crafts galore, plus local "delicacies" like sausage, apple fritters and pure maple syrup. You'll also find home-grown produce brought from local Mennonite farms by horse and buggy.

If antiques are your interest, Market Road Antiques is just across the street for those of you thrilled by finding old treasures.

Mennonite Country & Kissing Bridge

After our shopping experience at the Farmers' Market, we go on our guided bus tour of Mennonite country with a local tour guide.

Included in this tour is a visit to the "Kissing Bridge", the last covered bridge in Ontario. There will be some wonderful photo opportunities for those you who are camera buffs.

Typical Mennonite Meal

A typical Mennonite meal consists of the following:

Lettuce salad, Jellied salad, Bread rolls and butter, Creamy chicken, Dressing or stuffing, Mashed or scalloped potatoes, Mixed vegetables

Dessert is always homemade pie with coffee & tea.

A vegetarian alternative to the chicken dish will be available, please specify at time of booking.

​Our apologies but we are not able to offer substitutions or options for other dietary requirements for this dinner.

Fraktur Art

Fraktur Art is a traditional folk art form brought to North America by Pennsylvania German Mennonites in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is characterized by intricate calligraphy, bold colors, and decorative motifs such as birds, flowers, and elaborate scrollwork.

Originally used to embellish important documents like birth and marriage certificates, Fraktur Art was both a practical and artistic expression of faith, heritage, and daily life. Today, this unique art form continues to be celebrated for its distinctive charm and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship of the Mennonite community.