Furry Friends in South Eastern Ontario
The dog days of summer are making this season go to the birds! Well, don’t have a cow: these suggestions on finding animal experiences in South Eastern Ontario are the cat’s meow. With interactive tours, equine healing, feeding baby goats, petting alpacas, and brushing donkeys, discovering furry friends in SEO will have you feeling just ducky! Read on for 27 ways to connect with furry friends in South Eastern Ontario.
Bay of Quinte
1. Fina Vista Farm
An immersive authentic ranch experience! Discover the joy of connecting with horses. Get up close and personal with beautiful, smooth-riding horses at Fina Vista Farm. This farm is home to the only Paso Fino Horse herd in Canada! Feel the magic of horses, learn their language, connect and develop basic handling and riding skills, while making an equine partnership.
L&A County
2. Hickory Lane Alpacas
Get your alpaca on! Meet the herd, wander amongst grazing alpacas, hand feed them and revel in the unique qualities of their fleece. The folks at this family-owned fiber farm love sharing the farm experience, so be prepared to feel right at home and make memories! We hear the tours are free with donations accepted.
3. Barking Goat Farms
Make some new furry friends on a farm tour! The tour is all about interaction and personal experience at Barking Goat Farms. The family will enjoy meeting goats, donkeys, chickens and friendly barn cats. Learn about the farm, peek into the nesting box for eggs, meet the more than 30 goats who all have unique personalities – perhaps even snuggle some baby goats and pet the donkeys!
Located on 132 acres in Odessa, this animal sanctuary and rehabilitation center cares for over 100 animals, including horses, chickens, goats, alpacas, pigs, donkeys, and peacocks. The ranch stands out for its dedicated volunteers and immersive experiences, such as guided tours, trail rides, and equine Reiki. You can support the ranch by visiting, donating, and participating in events like the Livestock Craft & Music Festival.
5. Noble Beast Farms
With a flock of more than 80 funny and curious alpacas, Noble Beast Farms in Prince Edward County opens their doors for visitors for two interactive and wonderfully-grounding experiences. The Bloomin’ Welly Alpaca Trekk and the Summer Afternoons Field Walk allow guests to connect with the animals and farm. The Bloomin’ Welly Trekk even includes feeding baby alpacas!
6. Heal With Horses
Physical and mental health and wellness are a top priority here, while being dedicated to providing horse and small animal-related activities and programs. Interact with the large herd of horses at Heal With Horses, including riding, grooming, playing games and leading the horses for proven benefits to overall wellbeing.
7. The SHED at Chetwyn Farms
Summer mini workshops, plein air painting on the farm, yoga and stretch surrounded by alpacas, and of course, the opportunity to watch alpacas graze in nearby pastures while shopping for locally spun-yarns, alpaca throws as well as blankets and fashion accessories! Be sure to explore to experience modern day farming value mixed with traditionally crafted designs.
8. Struisvogel Ranch
Take a stroll beside the largest birds in the world! Struisvogel Ranch offers an ‘ostrich walk’ where you can feed the ostrich, stand on an ostrich egg and check out the newly-hatched ostrich chicks. The tour is self-guided, with signs posted along the walk to educate guests about the ranch and the incredible birds. The new outdoor grill is fired up for lunch every day – meat also sold here.
Looking to bring Fido along on your SEO adventures? Read more: Pet Friendly Places in South Eastern Ontario!
9. Dog Days of Summer
On August 17, the Downtown Brockville BIA celebrates furry friends with a shop the street event featuring dog parades, treat stations, pet portraits and more! Join in the fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
10. Canine Water Sports Dock Jumping Championships
See dogs like you have never seen them before – flying! Canine Water Sports Dock Jumping Championships for 2024 are being hosted in Brockville from Aug. 23 to 25. This is the nation’s premiere dock jumping organization and provides family-friendly entertainment. Please note that the competition is by invitation only.
11. Aquatarium at Tall Ship’s Landing
Ever seen a beaver up close? How about two river otters playing, diving and splashing around? Ever touched a starfish or crab? All this and much more awaits at the Aquatarium in Brockville.
1000 Islands Gananoque
12. Goat Ridge Farm
This small family farm located in Seeley's Bay raises Nubian goats, poultry, pigs, garlic and more on 300 acres. Be the G.O.A.T. of your summer vacation and book a goat walk! The herd here loves to get out and hike with guests – take a leisurely guided stroll around their scenic rolling farm property with up to 30 goats frolicking along. See llamas and the farm on your visit, as well!
13. Whispering Pines Equine Farm
Whispering Pines is an equine and energy-healing horse farm that offers reiki, meditation, coaching and other equine services. Ask about the glamping cabins here, too! Help groom the horses, relax by the campfire, be surrounded by these peaceful beauties renew your energy.
14. Beraka Farm & Bakery
Farm tours are available at this small family farm located in Gananoque on 10 acres! Beraka Farm and Bakery raises animals organically and prepares homemade products with organic ingredients. We’re talking fresh homemade bread, baked products, granolas, soaps, candles, and much more.
15. Hidden Meadows Alpaca Farm
Guests are welcome by appointment at this Alpaca farm near Seeley’s Bay showcasing the full experience from critters to knitters! Visitors from young to old will love seeing the herd here and farm visits can be scheduled at no charge. Be sure to shop The Paca Shack for yarns and handcrafted items!
16. Trail ride with Fort Garry Stables
Now that’s a fun summer idea - horsing around! Take a leisurely trail ride through the backcountry of the 1000 Islands region with Fort Garry Stables. Their hour-long, hands-on horseback rides will give you an overview of equestrian care, as well as all the equipment required. The groups are private and accommodate any riding comfort level from beginner to expert!
17. Berry Homestead Farm
Have a one-in-a-million small town experience: hang out with some donkeys! That’s right, Berry Homestead Farm allows visitors a unique educational donkey experience. These donkeys enjoy getting up close and personal. You’ll be in the pen with them, learning about their impressive skills, helping to brush them and then capturing the moment. They love selfies! Don’t forget to ask about the all-natural donkey milk soaps.
18. Swiftwind Equine Centre
Teaching children, youths and community about all aspects of horses and agriculture practices! Look to Swiftwind for programming of all ages, interactive, hands-on experiences and field trips, guest speakers, skill building and more. Always something new!
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
19. Wendy’s Country Market
This local food hub is open year-round, offering organic and locally-grown, seasonal produce from more than 60 local farmers and artisans including vegetables and fruit; meats, poultry, and fish; dairy, eggs and cheese; plants as well as a range of prepared foods. But also on site are adorable rabbits, chickens, ducks and more four-legged friends! Watch for events throughout the summer, too, that are perfect for families.
20. Little Foot Alpacas
Alpaca kisses?! Sign us up! This friendly and beautiful Peruvian Huacaya herd is waiting to soften your heart. Let the alpacas come to you and quietly feel their extremely soft fibre to understand why alpacas are so special. Farm tours are available here, as are visits, and even alpaca trekking. Learn how to halter your own alpaca and walk designated trails as your guide teaches you more about your alpaca. Capture one on one moments with your new friend and enjoy an hour long visit in the company of your alpaca!
21. Saunders Country Critter Zoo and Sanctuary
From domestic to exotic this amazing place has everything from singing dogs to kangaroos and birds of prey! Leisurely stroll around and experience the animals or take in an educational talk.
22. DeltaWood Farm
Get back to the farm: giddy and book a family trail ride at DeltaWood Farm – this is a fun family activity, but only suitable for kids older than 10 years old, according to the website. Saddle up to some mega fun and memory making, as this ride will be the “mane” event of your summer!
23. C&M Ranch
This ranch near Athens is often found hosting birthday parties, riding lessons, public showcases and providing a petting zoo for local events. From horses to calves, chickens to rabbits and ducklings, C&M Ranch is inspiring young people to learn about farm animals in a caring capacity. And it’s all fun, too!
SDG Counties
24. The Heart of the Willow Alpaca Farm
Unique calming and energizing experience await here as art classes and yoga with alpacas are on the schedule at this farm in Brinston! Look also for premium alpaca products here. Combine the calming benefits of yoga and creative imagination with the gentle presence of the friendly alpacas. Ask about other immersive experiences, too!
25. Vanderland Barnyard Zoo
Feed, pet and learn about all the amazing animals at this Winchester farm! With a large playground and picnic area, spend the day in the country and foster a love of animals. Several experiences are offered here from helping with chores to feeding and one-on-one with the animals, to even birthday party options!
26. Horse Lovers Weekend at Upper Canada Village
Saddle up for Horse Lover’s Weekend from August 31 to September 2, 2024 celebrating the special relationship with the Canadian horse featuring riding, driving and working horses. This well-attended three-day festival showcases riding, driving, and working horses with the help of the Village Interpreters. See the authentic buildings, historic interpreters in period dress, heritage livestock at work, and activities throughout the site transport visitors back to the 1860s.
Prescott Russell
27. Alpacas City
Explore the world of alpacas: private visits by appointment only! An exclusive experience with adorable alpacas. Discover and learn about this amazing animal on this farm near Limoges during a personalized visit and unforgettable experience.
28. Casselodge B&B
Enjoy cozy rustic surroundings and a spectacular sunset view from this bed and breakfast, overlooking a hobby farm and the river! Delightful creatures, horses, ponies, donkeys, cats and dogs and more add to the experience on this 28-acres property. The animals help make for a relaxing and memorable experience in Casselman!
Connect with animals across South Eastern Ontario and fuel your well being this summer.
The information provided here is current at the time of publication and is subject to change. Please check websites for listings of upcoming events, costs, availability and weather and road conditions that may affect operations.