Best Things to Do in the Enchanting Village of Jordan

Looking for the perfect way to spend a day? Jordan Ontario is your best choice, and this guide on the best things to do in the enchanting village of Jordan is here to help you plan your trip!

First things first, where is Jordan exactly? It’s a tiny community located on the eastern edge of the town of Lincoln in the Niagara Region. The village of Jordan is bordered by Twenty Mile Creek and Vineland. That makes it about 100 km from Toronto and 65 km from Buffalo. One of the reasons why I love Jordan so much is that it sits in the heart of Ontario’s wine country and the Niagara escarpment. 

Best Things to Do in Jordan

Start your day in the Village of Jordan at RPM Bakehouse. Trust me when I say, it’s worth the drive! Known for its bread and pastries this bakery is sure to delight. Order to-go or better yet enjoy your delicious treat on their relaxed outdoor patio. I highly recommend the quiche, one of the best I’ve ever tasted, it was so light and creamy almost as if it was a soufflé. Browse the grocery items all from locally sourced merchants, including coffee roasters, craft beer, seasonal juices, and cheese. Now it’s time to explore Jordan Village. 

JORDAN VILLAGE MAIN STREET

The main street of Jordan Village is tiny but oh-so-charming. Jordan offers visitors a number of unique shops and boutiques. Strolling the tree-lined street and you will find a couple of art galleries, gift shops, and fashion boutiques, along with a hat shop and jewelry boutique. Cave Spring Cellars offers a boutique wine-tasting room and a shop right in the centre of the main street. Visit on a Wednesday and you can add the Farmers Market to your list of top things to do in Jordan too. From 2:30-6:30 pm, local farmers gather to offer their seasonal fruit and baked goods.

RELAX AT SPA

Who doesn’t love a relaxing day at the spa? Whether it’s reconnecting as a couple, catching up with girlfriends, or pampering yourself, the place to go is Spa on the Twenty. Choose from the full-service spa options of body or face treatments or a relaxing massage located in a century-old building.  

Or, better yet make it the ultimate relaxing weekend getaway and add overnight accommodations and dining at the elegant vintage hotel, Inn on the Twenty. One of the best restaurants in Jordan is part of this boutique hotel. 

Location: 3845 Main Street, Jordan

JORDAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Learn about the early settlement by the United Empire Loyalists in the late 1700s. The Jordan Historical Museum uses storytelling and photographs to give you a sense of what life would have been like for the early settlers, many of which were of German descent and Mennonites. It’s comprised of two historical buildings – the 1859 School House and the 1815 Fry House – with scenic views over the incredible Twenty Valley.

Location 3800 Main Street, Jordan Station

ANTIQUE HUNTING

Go treasure hunting at Refabulous, an antique shop that features restoring, refurbishing, and renewing older pieces. Most of the fine furniture items come from either Quebec or US. Located in an impressive stone house from 1831, take your time perusing the many wonderful pieces that have been so lovingly restored by the owner Stacey. Open Saturdays and by chance other days of the week, or inquire to book an appointment. 

Location: 3738 Main Street, Jordan 

Related Reading | If you love antiques, you might be interested in my article Treasure Hunting at Aberfoyle Antique Market

ICE CREAM SHOP

Before you leave Jordan Village make sure you stop at this cute ice cream and old-fashion bakeshop. Tay’s Treats is a definite treat! Pies, cream puffs, cinnamon buns, cupcakes, and more! But it was the ice cream that got my attention, especially on a warm summer’s day. 

Location: 3771 Nineteenth Street, Jordan

Best Wineries in Jordan

Jordan is situated on Niagara Peninsula known for its prime area for growing grapes. This area is Ontario’s largest producer of wine as it stretches from Niagara Falls to Hamilton. The major industry in Jordan is wine-tasting tourism, but it pales in comparison to the much bigger draw of the wineries in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area. This is my favourite area for wine tours as it’s far more scenic and a lot less busy. Here are my recommended ones to visit that are closest to Jordan.

• Honsberger Estate Winery – a 6th generation cherry and apple orchard family farm was replaced with Cabernet Franc and Riesling vines and they’ve never looked back. Go to this winery for the experience as well as the delicious wines. Former barns have been turned into a cozy tasting and dining room, but in the fairer weather, enjoy the quiet farm setting of the large outdoor terrace complete with a wood-burning pizza oven and a gelato bar. 
• Pearl Morrissette Estate Winery – reminiscent of classic French wines – go to this winery and enjoy a refined full-bodied Cabernet Franc or Chardonnay. The RPM Bakery is an extension of this winery- so their passion for good food and wine is why you need to seek them out. 
• Creekside Estate Winery – known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah as their signature wines go to Creekside for its fun, friendly atmosphere, where even dogs are welcome too. The laid-back vibes make you feel like you are in a friend’s backyard for a BBQ. Charcuterie boards are the best way to sample their wines, but you might be tempted by the amazing Creekside Kitchen menu. 
• Calamus Estate Wines – set in a charming heritage barn from the early 1800s, this winery is off-the-beaten-path and close to Balls Falls. Go to this winery for its scenic backdrop and very own hiking trails as you sip on its best wines from Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Cabernet grapes. Check out their special events, like the stargazing in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: Niagara Centre.

Read More | If you are wanting to explore more wineries in this area, be sure to check out my article Best Dog-Friendly Wineries in Niagara Region

Must-See Ball’s Falls

Set in the picturesque Twenty Valley, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is the top thing to do in Jordan for nature lovers. Start your visit at the protected 19th-century hamlet of the original Ball family homestead with an operating flour mill, a lime kiln, a church, a blacksmith shop, and a carriage shed. Learn how Jacob, Peter, and Thomas Ball, all lieutenants in Butlers Rangers, were granted a large parcel of land by the Crown. The Ball brothers first built a grist mill by a 27-metre-tall waterfall in the early 1800s. 

Popular activities at Ball’s Falls are hiking, birdwatching, fishing, geocaching, and of course checking out the Ball’s Falls. Lots of green space make this the perfect place for a picnic, and it’s entirely dog friendly. This is also a popular spot for photography. However, a photography permit is required for all engagement, wedding, and family photoshoots. A parking day pass of $8 is required to access the park. 

Stop at Fruit Orchard

Take the scenic route! Well, that’s so easy, as no matter what route you take to get to Jordan you’re bound to be surrounded by orchards, wineries, and garden centres. As a side trip, keep your eyes open for fruit and flower stands at the side of the road. Stop in and get your fill of seasonal fruit freshly picked that day. Pineview Orchards is the largest fruit-growing farm in Jordan. Everything from apples, cherries, peaches, and pear trees can be seen from the road, along with every vegetable and herb you can think of. 

Location: 4198 Jordan Road, Jordan

As a holidaymaker…

So that’s how you spend one full day in Jordan Ontario. As you can see there is no shortage of things to do in the enchanting village of Jordan. Like any small town, their local activities and festivals are worth seeking out especially the annual Twenty Valley Winter Winefest.