Published June 6, 2025 in America Magazine. Almost everyone has heard of the Amish. Fewer people, however, are familiar with the Mennonites — a faith community that, much like the Amish, values a simple life, close-knit community, and pacifism. Yet there are also clear differences. Between Toronto and Niagara Falls lies the small town of St. Jacobs, where you have the unique opportunity to experience this traditional culture up close.
Simplicity and Modesty
The Mennonites originally come from Europe. They are a Protestant faith group named after their leader Menno Simons (1496–1561), a Frisian theologian and one of the key figures of the Anabaptist movement. The term Anabaptist means “rebaptizer” — these Christians believe in adult baptism, allowing individuals to consciously choose their faith. They also believe in the separation of church and state, nonviolence, community, simplicity, and seclusion. Because of their religious views, Mennonites were persecuted in Europe and fled in the 17th and 18th centuries to countries such as Canada. In Ontario, they were promised freedom of religion, exemption from military service, and access to affordable farmland. Mennonites live on simple farms, avoiding worldly temptations and modern technologies. They own few luxuries or unnecessary personal possessions — no cars, electricity, or television — and wear traditional, modest clothing. Men typically dress in dark suits; women wear long dresses and cover their heads. Transportation is by horse and buggy, which you’ll often see in and around St. Jacobs. On Sunday mornings before 10 a.m., many carriages head toward the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church. They live independently of the state, without pensions or health insurance. Children usually leave school at the age of 14 to work on the family farm.
Differences Between Amish and Mennonites
While the Amish and Mennonites share common roots, there are important distinctions. The Amish tend to be stricter regarding electricity and modern conveniences, whereas Mennonites are somewhat more flexible. The Amish live in greater isolation, while Mennonites also cooperate with other Christian groups. There’s also a clear visual difference: Mennonite men are clean-shaven, whereas Amish men grow their beards from the day they marry.
Mennonites in St. Jacobs
St. Jacobs, a small town in Waterloo County with about 2,000 residents, is considered the center of Mennonite life in Canada. Here, you’ll find mainly the traditional Old Order Mennonites, who lead a simple and modest lifestyle similar to that of the Amish. The town is home to Canada’s largest farmers market, where Mennonites sell bread, cheese, and handcrafted goods every Thursday and Saturday (and on Tuesdays in summer). Each Thursday, there’s also a livestock auction, where local farmers and Mennonites buy and sell horses and cattle. You can join a Mennonite Farm Tour, traveling by horse and wagon through the countryside. The tour offers a look at a working farm and a ride through a maple forest — a wonderful way to see how Mennonites live. To learn more, visit The Mennonite Story, a multimedia visitor center offering an engaging introduction to Mennonite history and culture. A great place to start is their 13-minute introductory film.
A Glimpse Into the Future
The community faces several challenges. Modern technology and an increasingly individualistic society sometimes tempt younger generations to leave. Still, the global Mennonite population continues to grow thanks to large families and successful farming practices. Their dedication, simplicity, and faith will likely help preserve their unique identity in St. Jacobs. Most visitors travel between Toronto and Niagara Falls, but St. Jacobs makes a fascinating stopover for travelers of all ages — offering a rare glimpse into this distinctive way of life.
About St. Jacobs, Canada
St. Jacobs is located in Ontario, eastern Canada, about an hour’s drive from Toronto. From Toronto, it’s roughly two hours by highway to St. Jacobs. The town can also be visited before or after seeing Niagara Falls, located several hours to the south. The region enjoys pleasant summers (20–25°C / 68–77°F) and cold, snowy winters. Summer is the best time to visit, though spring and fall are quieter. Several hotels are located in nearby Waterloo, including the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs, conveniently close to the Farmers Market and across from Jack’s Family Restaurant. In Kitchener, a nearby town with German roots (formerly called Berlin), you’ll find several grill restaurants. As mentioned, the Farmers Market is the main attraction — along with the livestock auction and farm tours. Simply driving through the surrounding countryside also gives you a good sense of Mennonite life. At The Mennonite Story, you can dive deeper into their history and traditions. In The Mill on King Street North, you’ll find several small museums and exhibitions, such as the Quilt Gallery and the Maple Syrup Museum. Nearby, Doon Heritage Village offers an open-air museum experience that takes you back to 1914. St. Jacobs Outlet Mall is a small shopping center for clothing and shoes, while the Toronto Premium Outlets (en route from Toronto) offer a wider selection. Before or after visiting St. Jacobs, consider stopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake, often called “the loveliest town in Canada.” It’s a charming 19th-century village surrounded by vineyards, known for its world-famous Niagara Icewine.
