Rural Community of Zurich | Ontario Agritourism

Zurich Ontario

A Rural Community Rooted in Agriculture and Tradition

Zurich is a small but well-known rural community in Huron County, located within the Municipality of Bluewater. Just a short drive from the eastern shoreline of Lake Huron, Zurich enjoys a setting that blends productive farmland with easy access to one of Ontario’s most scenic freshwater coastlines.

The community was settled in the 1850s, primarily by Swiss and German immigrants, many of whom were Mennonite families. They brought with them strong traditions of farming, craftsmanship, and community cooperation, values that continue to shape Zurich’s character today. The village was named after Zurich, Switzerland, a nod to the settlers’ homeland and cultural roots.

Although small in size, Zurich has long served as a local gathering point for surrounding farm families. Its compact village centre, churches, service clubs, and nearby recreational areas reflect a community that has always punched above its weight when it comes to civic pride and rural hospitality. Today, Zurich is closely connected to neighbouring towns and beaches, making it a familiar stop for both residents and visitors exploring Huron County.

The Local Agricultural Landscape

Zurich is surrounded by some of Ontario’s most productive agricultural land, and farming remains central to the area’s economy and identity. The countryside around the village is defined by cash-crop fields, livestock farms, and long-established family-run operations that have adapted over generations while maintaining strong rural traditions.

Common agricultural activities in the area include grain and oilseed production, such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, alongside dairy and livestock farming. The influence of Lake Huron plays a subtle but important role, helping moderate temperatures and support consistent growing conditions that farmers have relied on for decades.

Agriculture in and around Zurich is not only about production; it’s also about connection. Local events, seasonal markets, and community gatherings frequently celebrate the farming calendar, and many residents maintain close ties to the land, whether through active farming, agri-business, or family heritage. For agritourism visitors, Zurich represents a landscape where working farms and rural life are clearly visible and deeply respected.

And Here’s the Rest of the Story…

Every community has a few stories that don’t always make the guidebooks—this is one of them.

Zurich’s connection to beans runs deeper than its famous festival. Long before the Zurich Bean Festival put the village in the spotlight, dry bean production had already made the area nationally known among growers and processors. The festival didn’t invent the nickname “Bean Capital of Canada”—it formalized a reputation that already existed within agricultural circles. What started as a practical farming success eventually became one of Ontario’s most recognizable examples of a community proudly celebrating its agricultural niche.