New self-guided trail aims to boost tourism

By Greg Murphy

Bay of Quinte Tourism hopes to increase visitation to the region with a new Cheddar and Ale Trail.

The new trail, which will be published on a self-guided map, features the region’s six cheese factories, three breweries and two hard-cider producers. It will be launched at this year’s Great Canadian Cheese Festival in Picton.

Anne Munro, executive director for Bay of Quinte tourism said these artisan cheese factories, brewers, and cider producers are a special part of the region.

“This is a tradition here. We want people to realize we have this tradition,” said Munro.

Bay of Quinte tourism officials wanted to look at Quinte as a whole to discover what is a prominent feature here.

“When we looked at our region, we thought ‘wow that’s an amazing number of cheese producers.’ This is a special thing going on in the region,” said Munro.

During the 1940’s, Quinte had over 100 small cheese factories and Hastings was known as the Cheese Capital of Ontario. The advent of refrigerated transportation saw many close. Six still exist and continue to craft award winning cheeses, according to the festival website.

Breweries also held a strong presence in Quinte.

The agricultural land grew both its own hops and barley. Now there are three breweries left.

Quinte has a strong agricultural heritage that should be recognized by visitors, Munro said

“I think this is part of our agricultural heritage. Its part of the fact that we haven’t seen this same agricultural development in south western Ontario,” said Munro.

At the Festival, there will be free pairings of Quinte cheeses and ales hosted by author Ian Couttes and chef Jeremy Taft on a first-come first-served basis. This will be in support of the new trail.

The Great Canadian Cheese Festival will be in Picton on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2 at the Picton fairgrounds, Prince Edward Curling Club and Crystal Palace.

Here is Bay of Quinte Tourism’s interactive map where similar events are posted.