Take a break from your routine, unplug and get back to basics with a taste of rural country living. Experience life down on the farm – reconnect with the land, meet barn animals and sanctuary residents, and enjoy the taste of farm fresh goodness. Live out your dream of being a wrangler, ranch hand or farmer on these farm stays that’ll have you humming E-I-E-I-O in no time.
Haute Goat, Port Hope
Perched in the rolling hills of Northumberland, this unique gem of a place raises Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and offers G.O.A.T. activities like goat yoga, shmurgle-ing, and goat milk soap making. Plus, you can purchase goat cheese and other goat milk products. Although goats are the main event, the farm is also home to alpacas, chickens, horses, four dogs and Lucy the loveable mule. Book your overnight stay through Airbnb.
The Buffalo Farm, Mattawa
The Buffalo Farm is an eco-tourism destination located on 600 gorgeous acres hugging the northern edge of Algonquin Park. Accommodations include hand crafted yurts and tipis (including Canada’s only two-story yurt). The farm is also a sanctuary for horses, cattle and bison, and tours can be arranged to get up close and personal to your large, furry neighbours.
Dwyer’s Farmhouse, Douglas
Settle into the authentic three-bedroom 1910 farmhouse on an operating 160-acre farm in beautiful Ottawa Valley. Greet the hens, horses, cattle, sheep (and lambs!) and barn kittens. Pick fresh produce from the garden and roast marshmallows by the campfire at night. You’re guaranteed a truly peaceful night’s sleep here.
Littlejohn Farm, Picton
Littlejohn Farm is an agritourism group getaway experience in rustic-chic Prince Edward County that takes farm-to-table to the next level. Get hands on making charcuterie, cheese or sourdough bread, take a wine tour, join farm workshops and meet the resident chickens, ducks, honey bees, pigs and goats.
South Pond Farms, Pontypool
Dine under twinkling lights in the barn or by the light of the full moon, shop for homemade baked goods and local artisan products, hike the scenic trails, escape into your book in the Adirondack chairs or chat with the farmers over a cocktail in their fully licensed bar. All this during the day, and then head to bed onsite at South Pond Cottage! South Pond provides even more accommodation suggestions nearby.
Texas Longhorn Guest Ranch, Strathroy
Channel the spirit of the west! Set out on a guided trail ride, enjoy hearty ranch-style meals, chill out poolside, toast marshmallows over your private firepit, and to top it off, stay in a cozy covered wagon at this adults-only ranch retreat.
Foymount Farm and Equine Retreat, Cormac
Embrace the change of pace at this peaceful, 140-acre farm and forest, located in the picturesque countryside of the Ottawa Valley. Two comfortable, private, pet-friendly farm cottages are available for rent, and activities include pony rides, horseback trail tours, farm ‘chores’ like collecting fresh eggs, bringing in the donkeys at night and picking veggies from the garden. Summer kids camp and workshops are also offered.
Alabaster Acres, Caledon
Get the best of both worlds. Located just outside Caledon Village, Alabaster Acres offers visitors a taste of farm life plus the plush experience of luxury glamping. Sign up for gardening, handicraft or homesteading workshops, visit with the farm animals (we love they offer animal assisted therapeutic activities for people with disabilities) and turn in early to enjoy your ultra-relaxing glamp site.
Pretty River Valley Country Inn, Nottawa
Pretty River is an intimate and upscale country inn with just 11 accommodation options that feature wood burning fireplaces, seating areas, fridges and ensuite private bathrooms. The property is also an organic farm and home to Reindeer, Icelandic horses, Chantecler chickens, pigs and honeybee hives. Delicious maple syrup and lavender jelly is produced on site.
Elmhirst’s Resort, Keene
Located on the shores of Rice Lake in the heart of the Kawarthas, this family-friendly resort has an extensive on-site garden, farm and stables. Tour the garden, feed the chickens, collect fresh eggs, saddle the kids up for a pony ride or giddy up on a guided trail ride with neighbours, Stillbrook Riding Stables.
Discover even more unique experiences and off-the-beaten-track ways to stay in Ontario at ontariotravel.net.