Markdale is the home of Chapman’s Ice Cream. The company started in 1973 by Penny and Dave Chapman. In 2009, the Chapman’s factory caught fire and burned down. The company made sure its employees and the community were taken care of during this hardship and have now re-opened bigger, better and tastier than ever! Regardless of the challenges that the company comes across, the Chapman family is proud to produce its products in Markdale. Moreover, Markdale is proud to be home to the largest independent ice cream producer in all of Canada.

One local event you can’t miss is the Annual Markdale Street Frolic. Taking place every July on the main street of Markdale, this event is a perfect way to celebrate all that Markdale offers. Local businesses stay open late and there are plenty of activities going on, from chance games and children’s activities to live music and dancing, there’s something for everyone. The Annual Markdale Street Frolic is put on by the Markdale Rotary Club and funds raised go to local and international causes.

Another Markdale tradition is the annual fall fair. At over 150 years old, this fall fair is beloved by all in the area. There is a variety of activities including a 4-H show, horse pulls, a light and pleasure horse show, classic car show, tractor, and ATV pulls as well as lots of competition showcases to enter including baking, flowers, crafts, photography and more. The fall fair is a treasured tradition in Markdale and is not to be missed in the last weekend of August.

With amenities such as a grocery store, banks, a post office, and a hospital, Markdale also offers lots of conveniences.  There are plenty of small businesses such as bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and shops that dot the town offering great local foods and products.  Being surrounded by great farmlands providing such a variety of locally grown foods, Markdale offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and even delve into cooking yourself!  Markdale is also close to larger centers such as Owen Sound and Collingwood with more stores, boutiques, department stores, large supermarkets, cinemas, and fine dining. Markdale is the perfect option to enjoy country living and the country lifestyle without sacrificing any convenience.

With such a variety of activities and points of interest, from great events to amazing local businesses, there is so much to do in Markdale. The close tight-knit community draws people in from near and far to visit and live in!  And it’s only a 2-hour drive from the GTA and 1.5 hours from Kitchener/Waterloo.