From Bean to Brew:
A Culinary ADVENTURE Around Charleston Lake
Available year-round, including winter, From Bean to Brew is a private culinary tour through the villages and countryside surrounding Charleston Lake. Shaped by local flavour, independent makers and small-town hospitality, the journey leads travellers beyond the familiar routes of the 1000 Islands and into places few visitors discover on their own.
Anchored by Charleston Lake, one of the Riverlands’ most iconic landscapes, the route moves through farmland, granite outcrops, quiet forests and glimpses of water. Along the way, guests pause for lunch near the landmark Old Stone Mill before ending with a tasting at Canada’s first solar-powered brewery.
This guided adventure is designed for travellers who appreciate thoughtful food experiences, local character and the pleasure of discovering what lies beyond the familiar route.
A Private Culinary Tour from Gananoque or Brockville
Private pickup is available directly from accommodations in Gananoque, Brockville, Maitland and the surrounding area. Transportation and hosting are included throughout the day, with return to your accommodations in time for dinner.
Guests arriving VIA Rail in Brockville or Gananoque may add The Train Connection to their booking. This service is available exclusively to guests staying with a participating accommodation partners.
Private Tour Pricing — Year-Round 2026
Operating season: Year-round, including winter, on select dates. Stops may be seasonally adjusted, and bookings are subject to partner availability.
Up to 2 Guests: 600 CAD total
Additional Guests (maximum 4 more): 90 CAD each
Example Totals:
2 guests 600 CAD = 300 CAD per person
3 guests 690 CAD = 230 CAD per person
4 guests 780 CAD = 195 CAD per person
5 guests 870 CAD = 174 CAD per person
6 guests 960 CAD = 160 CAD per person
Tour Includes:
- Drink of choice at market stop
- Choose a signature item from bakery
- Farm-fresh lunch
- Beer flight at solar brewery
Duration: 4.5 – 5 hours
From Bean to Brew was created in partnership with 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways through its Tourism Adventures Program.
Created in partnership with
Keep scrolling to discover the full From Bean to Brew experience.
Departure
Your guide collects you directly from your accommodations and introdues the day ahead as you travel towards Athens. The experience begins with coffee and a light bite before continuing through the villages and countryside surrounding Charleston Lake.
Departure
Your guide collects you directly from your accommodations and introdues the day ahead as you travel towards Athens. The experience begins with coffee and a light bite before continuing through the villages and countryside surrounding Charleston Lake.
Luke’s European Style Market
Begin with expertly crafted coffee at this family-owned gourmet café and market. Luke’s is known for handcrafted chutneys, compotes, barbecue sauces and coffee syrups, bringing European-inspired flavour to the heart of Athens.
Big Waters Bakery
Continue to a small-town bakery where artisan breads and pastries are baked fresh daily using simple ingredients and classic techniques. Guests select a signature item to enjoy or take with them as the journey continues.
Bastard Coffee House
Pause for a homemade lunch in the heart of Delta, near the historic Old Stone Mill. Afterward, there is time to explore the mill grounds and surrounding park, a National Historic Site that gives the village its distinctive sense of place.
ArBru Solar Brewery
This is Canada’s first solar-powered brewery, operating entirely off-grid with electricity generated by solar panels. The brewery crafts a range of beers, including lagers, IPAs and seasonal specialties, and pairs them with stone-fired pizzas and casual fare.