[5] Visitors were first attracted to Aberfoyle and the surrounding area after the publication of The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott in 1810.

Aberfoyle describes itself as The Gateway to the Trossachs, and is well situated for visitors to access attractions such as Loch Lomond and Inchmahome Priory at the Lake of Menteith.

Aberfoyle has connections to many historical figures such as Áedán mac Gabráin, Rob Roy and Mary, Queen of Scots.

[7] Robert Roy MacGregor was born at the head of nearby Loch Katrine, and his well-known cattle stealing exploits took him all around the area surrounding Aberfoyle.

[8] There currently stands a tree in the village that MacGregor was reputed to have climbed and hid in to escape the clutches of the law.

Kirk who provided the first translation into Scottish Gaelic of the Metrical Psalms and then the whole Christian Bible,[9] however, he is better remembered for the publication of his book "The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies" in 1691.

[10][11] Kirk had long been researching fairies, and the book collected several personal accounts and stories of folk who claimed to have encountered them.