Hand-Crafted • Small Batch • Unique
From Our Home to Yours
Nestled on Manitoulin Island, we built Manitoulin Farmstead with a simple vision — space to grow, room to roam, and a deeper connection to the land. What began as a way to raise our family close to nature has flourished into a farm rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. From our handcrafted lavender goods and small-batch creations to our livestock and bees, everything we do is guided by care and intention.
We acknowledge that we are on lands that have been inhabited by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Manitoulin island, and we thank all the generations of people who are and have been caretakers of this beautiful island.
The farm believes it is important to recognize the land that our community benefits for our livelihood. Manitoulin Island is the traditional land and home of the Anishinaabe peoples, which includes the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Pottawatomi Nations and to remain accountable to the land and our relationship with the Indigenous peoples that have lived and continue to live here.
We recognize the need to build reciprocal relationship with the Indigenous peoples in order to continue our shared history and create a better future for the generations to come.
Our Family
In the summer of 2021, after years of envisioning a life rooted in nature, Louis Simard and Natalie Edward made a transformative decision. Louis stepped away from a celebrated 25-year career as an award-winning chef, having prepared fine cuisine for celebrities and royalty, while Natalie left behind her successful career dedicated to supporting families through birth work and yoga. Their paths had been shaped by different worlds — one of high-pressure kitchens, the other of wellness and advocacy—but they shared a deep longing for a life where their work aligned with their values.
For Natalie, this journey was also a homecoming. Her family has had roots on Manitoulin for over a century, and the island has long been a place held close to her heart. Moving to a farm in Rockville wasn’t just a change of pace — it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to live here full-time and raise their children in this community.
This dream became Manitoulin Farmstead, a place where sustainability, craftsmanship, and community intertwine. From holistically-raised goats to handcrafted lavender goods and small-batch creations, every aspect of the farm reflects their commitment to intentional living and respect for the environment.
The Farmstead Experience
This is your invitation to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of farm life. Our immersive experiences offer a chance to connect with the land, the animals, and the rhythms of nature—whether it’s spending time with our friendly goats, wandering through fragrant lavender fields, or tasting the results of our small-batch craftsmanship. Each visit is an opportunity to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world.
We take pride in creating artisan products that celebrate the richness of our land. Our bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup carries a deep, smoky complexity, while our raw lavender honey is infused with the delicate floral essence of our fields. Every batch is crafted with care, reflecting our commitment to quality and tradition. Our lavender goods, from soothing balms to fragrant sachets, capture the essence of the farm, offering moments of calm and connection wherever you are.
More than a farm, Manitoulin Farmstead is a place to experience, explore, and savour. Whether you visit for a hands-on experience or take home one of our handcrafted creations, we invite you to share in the beauty of this land and the passion behind everything we do.
Culinary Experiences
With a career spanning over two decades, Chef Louis Simard has refined his culinary expertise across North America, including esteemed positions at Fairmont hotels in Vancouver, Santa Monica, Banff, and as Executive Chef at Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier. Since relocating to Manitoulin Island in 2021, Louis has embraced creating custom culinary experiences that let the natural flavors of the ingredients speak for themselves.
Whether at community events or private gatherings, his dedication to simple, flavour-focused cooking ensures every dish is a celebration of quality and taste.
Farm Favorites
Our Products
Handcrafted with care — nourishing goat milk soap, fragrant lavender goods, and small-batch farm-crafted aged maple syrup. Rooted in nature, made with intention.
