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Back to the Grind – Arva Flour Mill’s 200-Year Legacy of Artisan Flour

Canada’s Oldest Commercial Flour Mill, Still Milled the Old-Fashioned Way

Step inside a piece of Canadian history with Arva Flour Mill, where time-honoured traditions meet truly artisan flour. Located on the banks of Medway Creek in Arva, Ontario (just minutes north of London), this historic mill has been in continuous operation since 1819, making it Canada’s oldest commercial flour mill and one of the longest-running food producers in the country.
Family-owned and operated by the Rinker family, Arva Flour Mill is more than just a working mill—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, quality, and local agriculture.

True Farm-to-Table, Since 1819

Long before “farm to table” was a trend, Arva was living it. The mill still sources its wheat from the same small nearby farms that have supplied it for generations. That wheat is then milled using vintage Goldie & McCullough roller mills, installed in 1904—machines so rare, they may be the last of their kind still in operation in North America.

Arva’s process is slow, deliberate, and grounded in heritage. The result? Flour that’s rich in texture, flavour, and freshness—nothing like what you’d find in a supermarket aisle.

What Makes Arva Flour Different

Cold-Milled, Not Mass-Produced – Artisan milling using antique roller mills
Always Fresh – No long warehouse storage; flour is milled fresh for each order
Locally Grown – Sourced from small Ontario farms, just like 200 years ago
Minimal Processing – Clean, natural flour without unnecessary enrichment
Family-Owned – Run by the Rinker family with pride, care, and deep respect for tradition

Whether you’re baking bread, biscuits, muffins, or cookies, Arva flour gives home bakers and professionals alike the kind of authentic results that modern industrial flour simply can’t replicate.

More Than Just a Mill

If you ever find yourself near London, Ontario, Arva is worth a visit. The historic mill building also houses a charming retail store packed with natural, organic, and locally sourced goods, plus a new addition: The Red River Café. Open for takeout, the café features baked goods made using Arva flour, alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu. It’s a perfect destination for a cozy bite and a pantry refresh—all wrapped in over two centuries of Canadian food heritage.

Why We’re Featuring Them

A Canadian icon – The 6th oldest continuously operating business in the country
Unmatched craftsmanship – Vintage machinery and techniques preserved through generations
Fresh, clean, real – Flour with integrity, milled to order
Rooted in community – Locally grown wheat, local family ownership, local legacy

Why We’re Featuring Them

Canadian through and through – Rooted in Calgary, crafted with care
100% natural blends – No fillers, preservatives, or artificial ingredients
Fun, bold flavours – Made for real life and real food
Sustainably minded – Proudly plastic‑neutral and ingredient-conscious

Shop Arva Flour Mill at northerncart.ca/brand/arva-flour-mill/ and taste the difference two centuries of tradition can make.
Arva Flour Mill