Canada Amish

Ontario is home to nearly 5,000 Amish

Canada AmishAmish have long lived in Canada, with roots in the country dating to the 1800s.  Today Amish number nearly 5,000 in Canada, in over one dozen communities.  For many years, Ontario was the only province in Canada where Amish could be found. Recently, small settlements have been established in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba.

Amish communities in Canada

  • Milverton-the largest and oldest Amish community in Canada
  • Aylmer– well-known as the home of Pathway Publications (publisher of Family Life and other Amish periodicals) and the Heritage Historical Library
  • Lucknow– the second-largest Amish settlement in Ontario
  • Oxford County– 3 separate Amish settlements can be found in Oxford County, the largest at Norwich
  • Other Ontario Amish settlements– Ontario totals 15 Amish settlements, the majority only 1 or 2 congregations in size
  • Old Order Mennonites in Canada– Ontario is also home to a significant Old Order Mennonite community.  Ontario Old Order Mennonites often live in the same general vicinities as Amish
amish home ontario ca
An Amish home near Springford, Ontario

Amish origins in Canada

Amish have had a presence in Canada since the 1800s, with the Milverton settlement one of the oldest Amish communities in North America (over 180 years in existence).

Canada experienced a significant influx of Amish post-World War II, with Amish migrants seeking to avoid military conscription or the alternate service programs which arose in place of military service.  GAMEO notes that “Later Canadian restrictions have, however, caused some Amish to return to the United States. This has caused most Ontario Amish settlements to remain at one to two church districts (congregations)” (see GAMEO: Milverton, Ontario, Old Order Amish Settlement).

Today, the Amish population in Canada stands at nearly 5,000.  The Canadian Amish population ranks 11th among all states and provinces, between Illinois (10th) and Minnesota (12th) (see Amish Studies web site and Amish Settlements Across America for further population statistics).

Milverton (Perth County)

Canada’s largest Amish settlement is found in Perth County, near the communities of Milverton and Millbank.

perth county canada amish
Signs like this one can be found in Perth County, ON in Amish-inhabited areas

The Milverton Amish settlement was founded in 1824 and is the oldest in Canada, with 9 church districts as of 2011 (Raber’s Almanac 2011).  The Milverton community also includes mailing addresses for nearby Millbank, Newton, Linwood, and Atwood.  The Milverton Amish are considered to hold to older dress and buggy-style traditions, and use buggies without tops.  Contact between the older Milverton Amish and the newer Canadian Amish groups has been described as “minimal” (GAMEO).

An indication of different origins are the family names found in this settlement.  Among others, the last names Kuepfer, Albrecht, Jantzi, and Streicher are seen in the Milverton settlement, but are rare elsewhere across Amish North America (the settlement at Kincardine in Bruce County, ON being an exception).

Since the mid-1990s, the Milverton settlement has held an Amish School Auction, open to the public and including items such as furniture, tools, animals and food.  The 2012 edition drew an estimated 10,000 people.  As in other communities, proceeds from the auction are a primary source of funding for area Amish schools.

Aylmer (Elgin County)

Founded in 1953,  Aylmer is currently the second-oldest Amish settlement in Canada, and is comprised of 3 church districts.  Aylmer is a small settlement, but well-known throughout Amish society.  This is due to the presence in the community of 2 Amish institutions: Pathway Publishers and the Heritage Historical Library.

Pathway Publishers was founded in 1964 as a publisher of books and monthly publications (see GAMEO, Pathway Publishers).  Today Pathway publishes 3 monthly periodicals: Blackboard Bulletin, a journal for teachers, Young Companion, aimed at an adolescent audience, and the flagship Family Life, a general interest publication for the entire family.

ontario amish school
An Amish school house in Ontario, Canada

Pathway publications have circulations in the tens of thousands.  Pathway also publishes pamphlets, and textbooks used in Amish schools.

The Heritage Historical Library in the Aylmer settlement is a repository of books and historical documents relating to Amish and Anabaptist history.  The library is curated by Amish historian David Luthy, and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and historians.

Lucknow (Bruce County)

The Lucknow Amish settlement in Bruce County was founded in 1973.  Today it numbers 5 church districts, and is the second largest Amish community in Canada.

Oxford County

Oxford County has the most individual Amish settlements in Canada, with 3 separate communities as of 2011.  The oldest and largest is found near the town of Norwich (founded 1954, 4 church districts).  The Lakeside community was started in 1958, and numbers a single church district.  The Mossley/Mt. Elgin area is home to 2 Amish congregations.

Other Amish settlements in Ontario

Besides those mentioned above, Ontario was home to 9 more Amish settlements as of 2011 (see Amish Studies).  At least one Swartzentruber Amish settlement is found in Ontario, in Grey County near the town of Chesley.  At over a half-century in existence, this community is one of Canada’s oldest, and consists of 3 church districts.  A second Amish community, (not a Swartzentruber group), is also found near Chesley (1 church district).

Ontario Old Order Mennonites

Many Old Order Mennonites also live in Ontario, numbering close to 4,000 individuals in over 40 congregations in the province.  Old Order Mennonites, or “Team” Mennonites as they are also known, share some similarities with Amish.

old order mennonite buggy ontario
An Old Order Mennonite buggy passes through St. Jacobs, Ontario

With mutual Anabaptist roots, Mennonites and Amish both maintain principles of non-resistance, non-conformity, plain dress, Pennsylvania German language, horse-and-buggy travel, and a general reluctance to accept advanced technology.

Old Order Mennonites differ in their particular style of dress, place of worship (meetinghouses rather than in-home worship as in the case of Amish) and use of technology (some Old Order Mennonites permit electricity and phones in the home, and make greater use of tractors).  Old Order Mennonite settlments in Ontario can be found in the vicinity of Kitchener, Waterloo, Elmira, St. Jacobs, Aylmer, and other communities.

The only non-American Amish 

Canada is the only location outside of the United States where Amish are found.  Though Canada once attracted Amish from the US, in recent years Ontario has seen a slight net 0ut-migration of Amish (see Amish Studies, “Amish Household Migration 2006-2010”).

Ontario is home to a number of well-established settlements, however, and with the twin institutions of Pathway Publishers and the Heritage Historical Library, the province remains an important area of Amish settlement.

For further information, see:

Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, David Luthy

The New American Almanac 2011, Raber’s Bookstore (Baltic, Ohio), Ben J. Raber

“Amish Population by State (2010)”; “Amish Population Change 1991‐2010” and “Amish Household Migration 2006-2010.”Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College(http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Population_by_State_2010.asp; http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/PDF/Statistics/Population_Change_1991_2010.pdf; http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/PDF/Statistics/Migration_2006_2010.pdf)

Amish Furniture – Ontario

Yoder, Samuel L. “Milverton, Ontario, Old Order Amish Settlement.” Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1989. Web. 17 November 2011.http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/M558ME.html.

Yoder, Samuel L. “Pathway Publishers.” Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1990. Web. 17 November 2011. http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/P384ME.html.

Barons, Kirk, The Amish of Aylmer, Ontario

O’Connor, Donal. “Thousands at Amish auction sale”, Stratford Beacon Herald, July 24, 2012.  http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2012/07/24/thousands-at-amish-auction-sale

Photo credits: Buggy sign- Mark Burr; Old Order Mennonite buggy- Harvey K/flickr

Updated November 7, 2017

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    84 Comments

    1. John Telford

      Staying with the Amish/Mennonites

      My wife and I are leaders of a Christian Church in the UK. We would like to enquire whether it is possible to stay/work with a family for 7 to 10 days in the Kitchener area, as we hope to come over this summer and also visit relatives in Niagra on the Lake.

      We have long had an interest in the communities and their life-style, and would like to experience it first hand, and exhange information about our Christian experience and life.

      If you could give an indication as to how we could go about this we would be most grateful.

      Many thanks in anticipation.

      Valerie and John Telford
      St. Albans, UK

    2. Katie Troyer

      I lived in Aylmer and worked at Pathway Publishers from 1977-1990.

      1. Tammy Vaughn

        Canada Amish

        We visited the Pathway publishers many years ago (when I was still Mennonite) and was really intrigued with the publishing. I no longer am Mennonite but would like to subscribe to them again.

        1. Carol

          address

          Pathway Publishers
          10380 Carter Road
          Aylmer, ON N5H 2R3 Canada

      2. Irene Nichol

        Pathway Readers

        I have the complete set of Pathway Readers and accompanying Workbooks and Teacher’s editions. Our children are grown now and we no longer need them. Wondering if there is a way to pass them along to another family who needs them?

    3. No mention made of the ever growing number of Amish-Mennonite in the Dunsford/Lindsay/Cameron/Glenarm/Fenelon Falls area of Ontario. I have found 3 schools thus far and 3 established produce and baked good vendors from May-Dec. I have found a good 30 Amish farms in this area as well as a Furniture Maker, Harness Repair Shop, In-home Quilt Shops, Wooden Lawn Furniture Shop….

      1. Katie Troyer

        I didn’t know the Lindsay Amish settlement is that big. I visited there about 5-6 years ago.

        1. Kevin Nolk

          Lindsay help required please

          Shed/Pergola required

          I am looking for a hand quality wood shed with an area where we can dine with railing and a roof with windows and a door to accommodate my lawn tractor and garden equipment- Amish preferred craftsmanship. I used to live in Waterloo and appreciate their quality but I am flexible.

          I live in Bethany, ON, area and looking for appromiately 10x 10 or 10×12 size. Please get back to me with approx. quote- thank you.

          Kevin
          705-277-3304

        2. mark smith

          Amish building/framing companies

          I’m to understand there are a group of Amish workers in the Lyndsay area that can be contracted for building purposes? If someone has further information with respect how I can in touch with these gentleman I would very appreciated. I saw through the site there are builders available that build sheds/bunkies etc. Never the less if anyone has information for me it would greatly appreciated. I know I do not have to worry about the structure once it is completed by these gentleman.

      2. Kevin Nolk

        Shed/Pergola required

        I am looking for a hand quality wood shed with an area where we can dine with railing and a roof with windows and a door to accommodate my lawn tractor and garden equipment- Amish preferred craftsmanship. I used to live in Waterloo and appreciate their quality but I am flexible.

        I live in Bethany, ON, area and looking for appromiately 10x 10 or 10×12 size. Please get back to me with approx. quote- thank you.

        Kevin
        705-277-3304

        1. Allyson L

          Kevin,
          I know that on Glenarm Rd at the Birchpoint Rd intersection there is Zehrs Mart and they have some beautiful sheds that are all Amish made. It is on Glenarm btwn Birchpoint Rd & Killarney Bay Rd. I am good friends with that entire community and they are truly a wonderful group of Amish.
          They only have a couple phones in the community, I have each of those numbers should you be interested.

          As well there is a Mennonite run business, not sure of the name in Lindsay on King’s Wharf that make bunkies. I can get that info if you want.

          I highly recommend Zehrs, they have numerous on site for you to see.

          Contact me is you want.
          allyson1976 at yahoo dot com

          1. Kevin Nolk

            I would love to contact them about the sheds- do you have a phone number please? Thanks for your help, Kevin

            1. Johanna

              You're Hilliarious

              Hope you have fun trying to find a phone number for the Amish……….duh they don’t have electricity. HA HA HA HA 🙂 Had to laugh about that……

              1. Allyson L

                Actually you do not need electricity to power a phone!
                The Mennonites that have businesses have phones and in the Amish community there are phones at the school houses and a couple businesses……so the Amish DO have phones!

              2. Suzanne

                Respect for the Amish Communities

                Not funny Johanna, grow up and learn something by reading or visiting these communities. Can’t you respect what people are living. I am not Amish but I do respect their way and admire that they are close to the land and more particularly their community.

              3. Beverly Milson

                Youre hilarious

                In the Milverton Amish community, their Elders and Bishops have amended their Ordnung and have decided to allow phones for those folks who have businesses. The phones have to be in a little shed ( unheated) at a certain distance from the house…50 feet or thereabouts. The phone takes messages only. In order to return calls, they may have a cellphone in the keeping of a non Amish (akaEnglish) employee who then returns the calls.
                Likewise, the business vehicle…my friend’s father runs a carpentry businness and has a phone as well as a van, which is not driven by him, but by an employee.
                In response to the questions about visiting or staying with the Amish:
                Most Amish do not welcome outsiders or non Amish into their homes or communities as they feel it may weaken their community unity.
                Hope this helps clear up any confusion

          2. Laura J Brennan

            Admiration for the Mennonites and Amish

            I was born and raised in Galt, On. (now Cambridge)and lived in Kitchere Waterloo area for many years. I was at the Women’s Institute on King’s Wharf Rd. near Lindsay last Sunday and was just in time to see all the families in their buggies going home after worship. We have Mennonite in my mother’s family a few generations back. My 49 yr. old daughter who is a spinster has voiced a desire to live as a Mennonite. She has not been able to work so has been living on a meager pension but would like to be a contributing member of her community but has had only rejection even from volunteering. She is on medication for a mental illness she inherited from her father’s family. She is an amazing, caring individual and has expressed a desire to live life as it was done a couple hundred years ago. She is more than open to learning. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thankyou and God Bless. Laura Brennan

      3. Cheryl

        amish furniture maker

        Hello, I would love to get the contact info for the Lindsay area furniture maker, I have heard about him, but don’t know how to get in touch, please send any info you may have

        1. Mark -- Holmes Co.

          Cheryl, I have a phone contact number for Lindsay, but don’t really want to post in on a public forum. If you email me at myoder@amheritagecenter.com I will send the phone info directly to you and they should be able to put you in contact with the furniture maker in Lindsay.

      4. Zena Al

        Amish farm

        Hi Allyson,
        would you happen to know Amish farm close to Hamilton Niagara area in Ontario?

        I am looking for natural cheese to add to a special diet required for my current medical condition.

        Thanks,
        Zena

    4. I have a ton of pictures from the area. I should get them all up on my blog for you to see Katie! The area keeps growing! I am always shocked to see how many places there are! When I randomly stopped to a group of kids walking home when I asked home many were in there school the young lad told me there was 30 some kids.

      Come up for a visit and I will take you on a tour over that way Katie!

      1. Katie Troyer

        I would love to make a trip up there again.

      2. Susan

        Hi Allyson,

        I am about a year late, but wondering if you could provide me any specifics as to where to find Amish shops or farms in the Glenarm/Linsday area? I know much will be closed until summer but was hoping to take a bit of a road trip up around that area and would love to see some Amish culture. Thanks!

        1. Allyson L

          Hi Susan
          Sorry so tardy with the reply, I totally missed this.
          Glenarm Rd is a good start point. Mainly between Birchpoint and Mark Rds. You just need to travel the back roads and you will see it all.
          On Mark Rd the is a bakery and produce (May-Dec)
          At Glenarm and Birchpoint there is a bakery/produce/outbuildings seller. (Year round)
          On Killarney Bay Rd there is a Quilt and Notions shop.
          If you make it to any of these places tell them Allyson sent you!
          Hope this gives you an idea.
          Allyson

    5. Carolyn B

      In a previous blog’s comments, Erik, someone mentioned making puzzles from your pictures. There are two pictures in this blog, the yellow house and the red schoolhouse, that would definitely get my vote. I’d love to stare at that yellow home for hours; it is so beautiful and serene-looking.

      1. Shawn

        Hi there. I actually took the two photos you are referring too. FYI, the house is not yellow but actually white. The reason it looks a bit “cream” in colour was because it was at sunset, so there was a warm glow from the sun on the white of the house.

    6. Mem

      Hi,
      I just discovered this great site!
      I live in “mennonite/amish ville” apparently… I work in Kitchener but in order to get to my home i have to pass through a lots of the above areas… Millbank is the most mennonite/amish populated area for sure. They have a “Zehr’s” country market… It has the BEST fruit during the summer…It’s a small country store and there is the Millbank cheese factory as well… Milverton has the best bakery! fresh bread and some pastry at around noon time daily.

      Lucknow is another area that i spend my weekend at… there is a butcher shop…and the bakery as well… the ladies that run it are mennonite for sure!

      outside of Lucknow there is a large population of mennonites! BUT they are moving further up north!
      especially the “younglins” who can’t afford to purchase the big properties and land that their fathers were able to afford.
      they have started moving up closer to Sault ste marie

      1. Mem

        *correction

        outside of Lucknow there is a large population of AMISH! BUT they are moving further up north!

        and i know this for a fact because my father does business deals with them and they do come work for us when we are building new structures… ie: shed, garage, house addition

      2. Beverly Milson

        Milverton Ontario Amish

        Hi Eric and Mem
        I grew up in Milverton. My stepfather was Reformed Mennonite.
        We went to the Summer Bible school at Poole…and now I am married and living in Alberta. Half of my stepdads family were Reformed Mennonite and the other half were Amish. ( family name, Yost) He said they were Swiss..and so far genealogical research confirms this. Some came from Germany and others from the Alsace Lorraine area. (Roths)

        This past spring we went home for a visit…and made stops at the St Jacobs market where I bought homemade summer sausage and rye bread…stopped for lunch at Anna Maes in Millbank where we also bought cheese from the factory…then on to Milverton for the bakery and their coffee cake. There used to be an excellent bakery in Baden too that made the best strudel! And naturally, I came home with maple syrup fresh that spring.

        Sometimes I miss the slower lifesyle, but I dont miss the strictness…at all. Because my Mom would not convert, my stepdad, who was a minister, left the church. It must have been very difficult for him.

    7. Cynthia Conrad

      Lifestyle of Canadian Amish

      Hello:

      I was wondering what the lifestyle of the Canadian old order Amish is like. There is so much known about the American Amish, but I would like to know more about the Canadian Amish. Are the men required to wear beards and a certain hairstyle? Are they open to outsiders, especially those interested in joining the religion? Whatever info is available, I would like to receive it.

      Thanks.

    8. nelson

      Alymer Ontario Amish....

      if you go to visit the Alymer Ontario Amish…You might find a man there by the name of David Luthy who came to the Amish……
      try to join that community if you can.. but remember Amish lifestyle never brought Salvation to anybody and never will.
      while you are there try to find out what the reason is that so many young people leave the Amish there, and you might be find it very interesting that most of David Luthi’s children have followed their fathers example.

    9. nelson

      correction

      have NOT followed their fathers example.

    10. Lauren Futch - North Carolina

      Orthodox Mennonites

      Erik,

      Have you ever heard of the Orthodox Mennonites that are found in Ontario? Mark Burr has some really great photos of this group on his Flickr account…that is where I originally learned that there was such a thing.

      Usually, one can tell an Old Order Mennonite from the Amish by dress alone…but the Orthodox Mennonites are VERY similar looking to the Amish in clothing style.

    11. Orva Bontrager

      How different??

      Hi! Nelson ,How much Difference are those people today than were their fathers??/ And in what manner ?? I have grown up in the Old Order Amish Community in Kenton, Ohio !!! I was Ex-Communicated ever since 1984!! So long for now . Only– Orva Bontrager

    12. Lee Ann

      Origins of Canadian Amish

      I have read many books on the Amish, but can not find what I am looking for. I have visited Milverton, ON, and was somewhat surprised by the open carriages. Although I have since read about them and this tradition, I still don’t know why. And, particularly, where did these Amish come from? Are they Swiss Amish? What affiliation are they? Or are they an affiliation unto themselves? Why the open carriages?

      Also, where and when is the auction? I’d love to go.

      Thanks!

      1. Milverton, Ontario Amish

        Interesting question about Canada’s oldest community Lee Ann. According to the affiliation listing in the book The Amish (p. 139), Milverton and its related settlements do comprise their own affiliation (comprising 12 church districts spread across 4 settlements).

        Though they have the open buggies in common this is not considered a Swiss group but a distinct Amish group which was settled directly in Canada by Amish from Europe (rather than American Amish settling in Canada as happened post-WWII). The other communities associated with Milverton are at Chesley, Clifford, and Tiverton/Bervie/Kincardine.

        You’ll find a little more about this group’s transportation and technology in Stephen Scott’s books Plain Buggies and Living Without Electricity. There is also an article on a 2012 Amish auction in the Milverton area: http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2012/07/24/thousands-at-amish-auction-sale

        1. Lee Ann

          Thanks, Eric! Your response was really helpful and cleared up a lot of confusion for me. I appreciate it! I hope to go back to Milverton this summer.
          Lee Ann

    13. Hand-quilter(s) wanted!

      Hi there,
      What a great community site!
      I am a quilter from the West Coast and am looking for a Canadian Amish or Mennonite group of ladies to hand-quilt a large quilt I have hand-pieced. I do most of my quilting and piecing by machine, but this one(and another of similar size on the way) is completely pieced by hand. It would be great if I could employ a Canadian group, rather than send my treasure out of the country.
      Thanks a bunch!

    14. Suzanne

      Nearest community to ottawa, ON

      Amy Amish Communities near Ottawa, ON, Canada? Closer than Kitchener,(St. Jacobs). Thanks.

      1. Suzanne, there are 15 or so Amish communities in Ontario, this list might help, it was compiled in 2013 so it’s more-or-less up-to-date:

        http://kb.osu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/1811/57700/JAPAS_Donnermeyer_Luthy_vol1-issue2_pp107-129.pdf?sequence=1

        1. Suzanne

          Erik:

          Thank you for sending me that web-site. I will definitely check it out. I have been to St. Jacobs’ a few time but it is quite far from Ottawa. I hope I will find something closer than an 8 hour drive as I would love to buy crafts from the Amish community.

          Suzanne

          1. Allyson

            Suzanne,
            Belleville/Marmora is about 2.5hrs from you and they have a great little store on Hwy 62.

      2. Allyson L

        Ontario Amish near to Ottawa.

        There is a settlement in Marmora/Belleville, Ontario based on Hwy#62.
        There is a community in Powassan and I have had some Ohio Amish telling me of a new community North of Thunder Bay! I laughed and explained what is North of Thinder Bay!

        1. Suzanne

          Thank you for the information but Thunder Bay is even further than St. Jacobs.

          Suzanne

      3. Allyson

        Amish closer to Ottawa, Suzanne.

        This is somewhat late but there is a settlement in Belleville on Hwy 62 btwn Belleville heading north to Madoc. I have also heard that they were looking to settle in the Ottawa Valley not sure if it ever occurred though.
        Hope you already found some closer than St Jacob’s but if not here you go!

    15. I welcome the volunteers to work study and learn in our school orphanage and churches
      with love
      Joseph

    16. Cynthia Conrad

      Amish or Old Order Mennonites In Nova Scotis

      I was just wondering if there are any Amish or old order Mennonites in Nova Scotia?

      1. There are no Amish in Nova Scotia, only in Ontario, though there was talk recently of trying to attract Amish to Prince Edward Island, and some have visited for the purpose of scouting the area: https://amishamerica.com/amish-prince-edward-island/

        As for Old Order Mennonites, I don’t *think* so, but I don’t keep up with the OOM as I do the Amish, so you might want to look further into that. I do believe there are Kleine Gemeinde there: http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Evangelical_Mennonite_Conference_(Kleine_Gemeinde) May be other non-Old Order conservative Mennonites there as well.

    17. Mary

      Amish built cabins in Ontario Canada

      I am interested in knowing whether there are any Ontario, Canada Amish carpenters / craftsmen who build small cabins and sheds, and how I can get in touch with them.

      Thank you,
      Mary

      1. Allyson

        Amish built Cabins/Sheds

        Hi Mary,
        Send me a direct email and I would be glad to provide you with the details of how to get in touch with builders here in Ontario.
        allyson1976 at yahoo dot com

    18. Linda

      Chisholm breakfast, St. Jacobs Horse Drawn Tour

      Several recent articles from Canada caught my attention.

      (Annual pancake breakfast draws out 1,000)
      “On July 11, 2015, the Amish community in Chisholm [Ontario] [near Powassan] got together and put on the breakfast of the year for the Almaguin region. With homemade pancakes, cinnamon rolls, donuts and scrambled eggs, event goers left with their stomachs full and their appetites satisfied.
      Although the event is a great social gathering, it serves a bigger purpose.
      “This event is for our school,” resident Vernon Yoder said. “It’s a parochial school, it’s a private school. So it’s just for a fundraiser to help us operate our school.”
      Alongside the pancake breakfast is the bake sale featuring different types of loaves, donuts and other homemade baking. This year, families made 160 pies, 170 loaves of bread, dinner rolls, tarts, cinnamon rolls, cakes, dessert bars, cookies and donuts and they sold out of all of it.”
      It was their 7th annual pancake breakfast and bake sale.
      See photo and more at:
      http://www.northbaynipissing.com/news-story/5737534-annual-pancake-breakfast-draws-out-1-000/

      (Checking out Ontario’s St. Jacobs area and its Old Order Mennonites.)
      “On my last visit to the area, I actually took a “St. Jacobs Horse Drawn Tour” that took me on some rather tranquil country roads from the Farmers’ Market to a Mennonite mixed farming operation, with its apple orchard, maple sugar bush, livestock, corn crib, bank barn, quilt shop, and buggy shed.
      I next drove to the nearby village of Wallenstein, where I stopped at the Old Order Mennonite General Store, where their shoes, hats, and clothes can be purchased, along with a great diversity of other products, including foods, household goods, farm tools, and nails. It’s very much a “general” store. And while in this fascinating village, I also checked out the nearby Old Order Mennonite Harness Shop and the Wallenstein Feed Mill (the largest producer of feed in all of Canada).
      I also saw many of these Old Order Mennonites at the popular St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, of course, both selling and buying, and I found that they were, indeed, an integral part of the uniqueness of this area.”
      Read more at:
      http://www.insidebelleville.com/opinion-story/5710314-checking-out-ontario-s-st-jacobs-area-and-its-old-order-mennonites/

      (Mennonites feeling at home in northern Ontario)
      Sept. 2014, with photos.
      Several audio documentaries, including Alvin Yoder near Powassan.
      “Listen to Alvin Yoder, founder of the Amish in Chisholm Township near Powassan, talk about his community:” 10:31
      http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/mennonites-feeling-at-home-in-northern-ontario-1.2762490

    19. Beverly Milson

      How different

      Hi Orva
      I am sorry to hear about youhaving been excommunicated…it must be very difficult for you.
      I know it was for my stepdad.

    20. Beverly Milson

      Lifestyle of Canadian Amish

      Hi Cynthia
      Lifestyle really depends on what sect you are talking about…but there are broad stroke similarities…for instance, every action is offered up to God. Most old order Amish ( horse and buggy folk) are rural farmers, but many among them also have trades such as harness makers, buggy makers, farriers, cabinetmakers, finishing carpenters, furniture makers and so on.

      Amish dont have meeting houses or churches but take turns hosting Sunday services, which start early in the morning after milking and chores and go until the evening. Some hold their meetings in their homes (house Amish) while others hold them in the barn( barn Amish) . In both cases the community have a special enclosed buggy which transports the necessary benches needed for the service. Mant Amish in the Milverton area use retired racehorses for their Sunday carriage horse. Its a sight to see the trotters and pacers, all strung out in a line with everyone going to meeting. Also…Amish buggy wheels are wooden and metal…old order mennonites often have rubber tires.

      Each community’s Elders and Bishops decide how the settlement will be governed and wht kind of things ( like telephones) will be allowed nd under what conditions. They also determine style of garments, hairstyles, hats for men, headcoverings for women etc. This is also how to identify one group from another. For instance, in some areas of Ohio, red can be used in quilts and garments. Among the Milverton Amish, you will never see red. It is considered a proud colour, a worldly colour. Swartzentruber Amish men only wear suspenders with one strap…most others wear two suspenders. The Swartzentruber Amish men also wear very lowcut pants compared to other sects. Amish men never cut their beards and dont have moustaches.

      They get up with the sun and go to bed with the sun in many cases. Reading is mostly limited to spiritual publications and Amish periodicals. They do not have electricity so no radio, tv, pc etc. Some use gas generators to power freezers or refrigerators, but many use old fashioned ice boxes and cold rooms for food storage.

      They are very hard workers, and their day is filled with physical labour. While the men are in the barn or fields, the ladies sew, cook, clean, can food, pickle food, tend the large garden etc. Most quilting is a group activity. That way it doesnt take long to do the handquilting once it is pieced together and in its layers.

      Fabricwise, Amish in the Milverton area wear plain clothes…no patterned fabric. But I see that some quilters are using patterned fabric for English quilts …quilts for outsiders, either commissioned or made for resale.

      Thats all I can think of for now. Hope this helps

    21. Cynthia Conrad

      Old Order Mennonites in Nova Scotia

      This past summer I found a bakery/cafe shop in Berwick, Nova Scotia run by a family who are old order Mennonites. There is a small settlement in the area. It was a beautiful little shop. It was such a wonderful, peaceful spot.

    22. Bill

      Amish in Canada

      This spring, some Amish families will be moving from Ontario to Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. We welcome them with open arms!

    23. Cassie Kipfer

      Amish in Belize

      During my honeymoon to Belize, we were told that there was an Amish settlement in that country too. As well as a fairly large old order Mennonite population. This article impies Canada has the only non American Amish population just some food for thought. I lived in milverton for a few years and have a very Amish surname (spelling variant) and have always been interested in their culture.

      1. Mark -- Holmes Co.

        Hello, Cassie.
        I’m wondering if they were not referring to the Mennonite settlement at Barton’s Creek? The one group there is extremely conservative and though I have only seen a few photos of that area, I thought the very conservative Mennonites looked more like the Amish. If there is an Amish community in Belize, I have never heard of it.

        Interesting to see the variant in your name. 🙂 Though there are some Amish who spell the last name as you do, most spell in Kuepfer.

        1. Cassie

          I am not sure, I remember them specifically mentioning Amish, but maybe they were calling the concertative Mennonites Amish. I just thought I would mention it. My ancestors were Kuepfers from Switzerland, but somewhere along the line some of them anglicized their name to the Kipfer spelling.

          1. Uncle Johnny from Ontario

            Canada Amish

            Hi Cassie Kipfer
            You would be interested in knowing that your Swiss Amish name has not been anglicized. That’s a common misconception. Both Kipfer and Kuepfer are not uncommon spellings in the Emmental Region of Switzerland, and over time have sometimes shown up differently within a single family’s records. Most Kuepfers around Milverton/Millbank etc. in Ontario actually descend from a Kipfer family that had twin brothers who migrated at slightly different times to what became Waterloo County, pioneering near St. Agatha. They came to Upper Canada directly from the French-speaking part of the Jura Region (Le Locle, La Chaux-de-Fonds) of Switzerland but had maintained family records back in Sumiswald in the Emmental. Families had moved to more back-woods/mountainous areas due to persecution. In certain parts of Ontario a local clerk will ask a person “so are you an “i” or a “ue”? Everybody is related to some degree. Check out the cool EzraEby.com genealogy site if you don’t believe it!

            Most other Ontario Amish came from Alsace and southwestern Germany. Milverton and Millbank are not the original pioneer Amish settlements as those were originally settled mostly by people from Great Britain. The Amish expanded into those areas from their own pioneer settlements, especially in Waterloo County but also parts of Perth and Oxford closer to New Hamburg/Tavistock. The Milverton area has the most Amish families now because of an old split where they became Old Order and their relatives in areas like New Hamburg, Tavistock, and Wellesley areas “modernized” en masse.

            Land prices are extremely high in Perth County, the driving factor in movement to places like Bruce County, other parts of Ontario, or PEI, where you can buy four 100 acre farms for the price of one by Milverton.

            Canadian Amish ended up in Upper Canada when the free-spirited guy who scouted out possible locations for settlement explored there on advice from folks he met in Pennsylvania. Mennonite families had moved from PA earlier and were doing well under the Crown in Ontario. He checked it out himself, returned to Europe to spread share the good news with others, and the rest is history. That’s why the Ontario Amish did not end up in Ohio or Indiana as you might have suspected they would have. Glad it worked out that way even though we love the USA too:))

            Relative newcomers are still called “American Amish” by Ontario folks. David Luthy is a great guy – joined the Amish after having earned a post-secondary education.

    24. Elizabeth Watson

      quilt fabric

      My brother would like to donate fabric (our mother was a dressmaker) to quilters either near Aylmer or St Mary’s as he lives in London. How may I identify anyone interested in receiving this material?

      1. Mark -- Homes Co.

        Elizabeth, try calling the people at “Suppertime Stoves” northeast of Aylmer. I know they have been involved with making comforters to send to Romania and other sewing projects for good causes. The phone number I have is 519-773-9569. If you are unable to make contact or find someone willing, Erik can put you in touch with me and I will help you find someone in either community.

        Bless you for your generosity. 🙂

        1. Elizabeth Watson

          reply to message

          Hi Mark: Thank you for the suggestion. I tried calling the number you gave but the recorded message mentioned a number of people, none of whom were Erik so I wasn’t sure how to proceed. I called Suppertime stoves but didn’t get an answer. I’ll keep trying. Elizabeth

    25. Mark -- Holmes Co.

      Elizabeth, Erik runs the website we are on, but is not connected to the Aylmer Amish community at all. I called the number now to see what names are mentioned. It might be best to try Suppertimes Stoves (the Mark Stoll family) at 519-765-2316 and because they are Old Order, it will almost certainly go to an answering machine unless someone happens to be there. Simply tell them what you want and leave a contact name & number. I hope this helps!

      1. caron

        business ethics in aylmer community

        Mark.. wondering if you are familiar on the ethics.. rules..of the amish run businesses especially when pertaining to the English hiring them and business goes wrong. any guidance would be appreciated

        1. AJ

          Guidance on Ethics

          Caron,
          Try contacting director@amheritagecenter.com

          Hope this helps.

    26. Sean richard

      I live in woodstock New Brunswick Canada and there is a old order Amish community here and also one in Perth Andover New Brunswick so there not all in Ontario.

    27. Maree

      Amish Communities near Ottawa/Belleville

      I will be travelling to Canada from Australia in October /November and would love to be able to visit an Amish settlement if possible. My transport is limited however and understand that Belleville (where I also will be) has one nearby. Could someone be kind enough to let me know any companies that go to or nearby the area where they are.Thank you for any help you can give me.

    28. Lin

      just wondering

      I was wondering if the Amish in Ontario are covered under OHIP

    29. Amish in Edmonton and area

      Hi,
      please let put in contact with some Amish folk in the Edmonton and area – I would like to buy some of their goods.
      Thank you and grace and peace be multiplied to you and yours,
      David

      1. David there are no Old Order Amish in Edmonton or anywhere in Alberta. The nearest are in northwestern Montana. There are many colonies of a related Anabaptist group called Hutterites in Alberta, however. Maybe this is who you are referring to.

        https://amishamerica.com/the-hutterites/

    30. Yoder in Ohio

      New Community Starting in Manitoba

      There is a new community starting in Manitoba. I understand the first few families have either just moved there from Mt. Elgin, ON, or will soon be moving.

    31. Canada Amish

      Really goood info can be found on web blog.

    32. Amanda

      Cocker Spaniel Breeder

      Hi we purchased a dog from a lady that helps the amish community out well since we got her the lady has moved so my question is does anyone know of an amish family in the area of Elmira or Kincardine that breeds pure breed Cocker Spaniels she is just so wonderful and we’re in love but we want a friend for her if you could let me know that would be wonderful
      Thank you
      Amanda

    33. Mary

      Amish / Mennonites on Manitoulin Island

      I understand there are several new Amish or Mennonite settlements on Manitoulin Island. Would like to have some carpentry work done. How can I contact them?
      Thank you kindly,
      Mary

    34. Bernie

      Amish in Quebec

      Hi
      Are there any Amish/Mennonite communities in Quebec?
      I have heard of one between Montreal and Quebec city but can not find any info….would like contact number/address… thanks

    35. Lynn

      Looking for contact info in Bruce County

      Hi
      We are looking for any contact information in the Chesley/Kincardine/Port Elgin area for any Amish or Mennonite people that may do land clearing of trees and stumps. The stumps, once taken out could be left on the back of the property if need be.
      Any direction to assistance would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

    36. Esther

      Looking for Contact information to Amish community in Ottawa

      Hi
      I am looking for telephone contact information for Amish Community in the Ottawa Area.
      Thank you

    37. Feebe

      I am looking for Amish Mennonites in Fergus, ON

      I am looking for telephone contact information for Amish Community in the Fergus, ON, N1M 2W3,Canada.

      This group visited India way back in 1999.

      Can contact me at feebe_anr@yahoo.com

      Thank you

    38. Jodi Manz-Henezi

      Trying to speak to someone from the community about the Amish perspective on Disasters

      Hello! We are developing a curriculum for our Disaster and Emergency Management program on “disaster and emergency management in culturally distinct, remote, and rural communities”. We are wanting to connect with people within these communities to hear about their experiences with disaster and to hear firsthand what they would like the up and coming practitioner community to know about their community, and how they prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster events, and areas in which they have identified vulnerabilities, capacities, and resiliency. We are struggling to find contacts in the Amish community and were wondering if you could help? We recognize that we need to honour and respect the diverse cultures that make up Canada, and we would not want to presume to be able to speak on their behalf.

      1. Yoder in Ohio

        I might be able to give you some contact info.

        Erik, can you connect us?

        1. Trying to speak to someone from the community about the Amish perspective on Disasters

          Many thanks! I would be grateful for those contacts.

    39. April Short

      Amish food market or store

      I’m looking for an Amish food store or farmer’s market in proximity to Ottawa ON. Looking for organic meat and dairy. Would very much appreciate any feedback with details.

    40. Basim Al-Azzawi

      Thank you Amish your are amazing people I wish for all best life