Thriving Cultures
Authentic Sourdough Bread Bakery
Crafted fresh with sourdough culture and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, our Thriving Cultures breads offer deep flavour, nourishing grains, and artisanal quality in every bite. From traditional French loaves to innovative blends like Canvas Ale and Superior Seed, there's a loaf for every taste and table.
Our Bold & Beautiful Loaves
The Heart Behind Every Loaf
Jim is the artisan behind every loaf of bread at Muskoka Market & Eatery’s Thriving Cultures Bakery. With over four decades of experience, his journey into baking began in a small European-style bakery in Massachusetts and eventually led him to train under one of North America’s most respected bakers, Jeffrey Hamelman. Those early years shaped not only his technique but also his deep respect for the craft and its connection to community.
Jim’s path has been anything but conventional—he also holds a doctorate in music composition and spent over 25 years as a full-time composer. But it was his love for early mornings, working with his hands, and the slow rhythm of fermentation that drew him back to baking. After moving to Oxtongue Lake and reconnecting with the Co-op in 2017, Jim felt called to return to the bench, apron on, ready to bake again.
Today, Jim leads our in-house bread bakery with care, creativity, and love. His breads are naturally leavened, made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and baked with intention in our custom Pavailler ovens. Every loaf tells a story of tradition, integrity, and passion—nourishing both body and community.
Classic Baguette
A traditional French-style baguette with a crisp, golden crust and soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside a meal.
Baguette à la Bière
A bold twist on the classic baguette, made with local beer to create a rich, malty aroma and a touch of sweetness in the crust.
Baguette de Pays
Rustic country-style baguette with a slightly denser crumb and deeper flavor, inspired by old-world French baking traditions.
French Sourdough
A classic sourdough with a light tang, open crumb, and chewy crust. Made using traditional fermentation methods for a well-balanced flavour.
Salted French Sourdough
Our French sourdough with a touch of sea salt baked into the crust for added depth and flavour complexity—simple, yet elevated.
Thriving Cultures Daily Sourdough
Our signature loaf—crafted with our house sourdough culture and freshly milled organic flours. Perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Sourdough Deli Rye with Caraway
A hearty rye loaf with the subtle bite of caraway seeds. Ideal for deli-style sandwiches, especially when paired with sharp cheeses or cured meats.
50% Whole Wheat Sourdough
A nourishing loaf made with a blend of white and whole wheat flours, offering a nuttier flavour and higher fiber content without sacrificing softness.
Superior Seed Sourdough
Packed with organic seeds like sunflower, flax, sesame, and pumpkin. Rich in texture and protein, this loaf is both hearty and wholesome.
Multigrain Sourdough
A satisfying blend of grains and seeds baked into a slow-fermented sourdough. Balanced, earthy, and nourishing.
Salted Chocolate Sourdough
A decadent twist on sourdough, this loaf blends rich dark chocolate chunks with a hint of sea salt to create the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Crisp on the outside, soft and indulgent inside—ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a luxurious snack.
Canvas Ale Sourdough
Infused with locally brewed Canvas Ale, this unique loaf features a malty, aromatic depth and a golden crust with a slight caramel note. Earthy, slightly sweet, and perfect alongside cheese boards, stews, or charcuterie.
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough
Bold and flavourful, this loaf is packed with sharp cheddar cheese and slices of spicy jalapeño. It bakes into a crusty, golden exterior with a soft, savoury center—excellent for grilled cheese, chili night, or breakfast toast with a kick.
Cranberry Orange Sourdough
Bright, zesty, and naturally sweet—this loaf combines tart dried cranberries with fragrant orange zest for a refreshing, fruity twist on traditional sourdough. Pairs beautifully with butter, soft cheeses, or your morning tea.
