Ontario farm stays and food experiences

Southwestern Ontario

Farm tours, tasting and brunch at Secret Lands Farm

A family-owned and operated sheep dairy farm south of Owen Sound in Grey Highlands producing small-batch, artisanal dairy and cheese products using traditional, organic farming practices. Farm tours and food events are held throughout the summer and fall, and products are sold at the farm-gate shop.

Details: Book the Saturday Farm Tour & Brunch, a three-hour event that starts at 11:00 a.m. with a walk around the farm and visit to the barn, followed by a leisurely brunch featuring dairy, cheeses and meats from the farm. Cost is $100 for adults, $50 for kids aged 3 to 7.

Location: 733792 West Back Line RR2, Proton Station, 140 kilometres (about a two-hour drive) north of Toronto

Book a farm stay at Inn the Orchard

Breathe in the refreshing country air on a farm stay at this picturesque property surrounded by peach and cherry orchards, grapevines, walking trails and a bubbling creek in the Niagara region.

Details: Opt for the cottage with a loft and outdoor Japanese soaker tub, the log cabin overlooking the 16 Mile Creek or a simple, yet luxurious two-level container home with outdoor firepit and hot tub. Add on a customized, luxury picnic package for two or more complete with blankets, pillows, wine, food and even a Bluetooth speaker.

Location: 4299 Fairlane Road, Lincoln, 40 kilometres (30 minute drive) southeast of Hamilton

Stay in a covered wagon at Texas Longhorn Guest Ranch

Channel the spirit of the west. Set out on a guided horseback 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 glamping-style covered wagon at this adults-only ranch retreat.

Details: Seasonal, adults B&B glamping from $289 per night, based on two people, includes full breakfast. BBQ steak, chicken or salmon dinner available to add on (book in advance), call 519-247-3644 for reservations.

Location: 1745 Melwood Drive, Strathroy, 50 kilometres (35 minute drive) west of London

Glamping at Alabaster Acres

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, canning and other homesteading workshops, visit with the farm animals (learn about their animal-assisted therapeutic programs for people with disabilities) and turn in early to enjoy your ultra-relaxing glamping site.

Details: Three glamping sites available, rates from $350 to 525 per night, based on two guests (additional guests, including kids, are extra), two-night minimum stay in summer, includes continental breakfast. Farm workshops are between 1.5 and 3 hours long, price varies depending on group size.

Location: 18692 Hurontario Street, Caledon, 60 kilometres (less than an hour drive) north of Toronto

Agrotourism, eco-stay at Pretty River Valley Country Inn

Pretty River is an upscale, eco-minded 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 are also produced here. 

Details: Adult-oriented (kids over 12 years old welcome), prices vary depending on suite and season, book online. Level 2 electric vehicle charging is available for guests onsite.

Location: 529742 Osprey-The Blue Mountains Townline, Nottawa, minutes south of Collingwood

Farm feast at Eigensinn Farm

The ultimate farm-to-table dining experience, Chef Michael Stadtländer and his wife, Nobuyo grow and raise organic produce and livestock on their 100-acre (40-hectare) home farm.  The bounty of their farm is used to prepare multi-course meals during their signature dinner-on-the-farm events.

Learn about their maple syrup production from the onsite sugar bush, honey production from their apiary and skilled forest foraging. 

Details: Call to inquire about upcoming farm dinner dates and to make reservations well in advance. On select days during their dining season (June - September), guests are treated to an outdoor (weather-permitting) multi-course meal that lasts approximately four hours. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, a 12-course culinary event will be held August 10-Septeber 30, 2023 at $500 per person plus gratuity.

Location: #449357 – 10th Concession, Grey Highlands, R.R.#2 Singhampton

Wellington County’s self-guided Taste Real Fall Rural Romp

Explore the exciting farm, market and food experiences this fall on a self-guided tour to learn about the region’s agriculture, meet the makers and growers and taste the local flavours of the season in in Wellington County.

Details: September 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Throughout Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph-Eramosa and Puslinch

Yurt accommodations at Riverside Oasis Farm

Recharge and reconnect with the earth at this farm retreat. Meet the farm animals, enjoy nature walks and river views and be energized with organic, farm fresh food.

Learn about animal care, sustainable growing and beekeeping on a guided farm tour.

Details: Stay in one of two all-season glamping-style Mongolian yurts overlooking the Welland River. Prices start at $250 per night plus taxes and fees. Farm tours are free for overnight guests.

Location: 6696 Canborough Road, Wellandport

Southeastern Ontario

Farm activities and accommodations at Haute Goat

Perched in the rolling hills of Northumberland east of Toronto, this 200 acre (80 hectare) property raises Nigerian Dwarf Goats and offers farm activities like goat yoga, ‘shmurgle-ing’ (snuggling with a baby goat), sunset walks, goat milk soap-making or cheese-making as well as cozy overnight accommodations.

Although goats are the main attraction, the farm is also home to alpacas, chickens, Icelandic horses, dogs and a mule named Lucy Mae Bella. Enjoy a light lunch at the Screaming Goat Café and purchase goat cheese and other goat milk products.

Details: Kid-friendly, open Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m., costs of experiences and workshops vary, ‘pay-what-you-can’ to visit the farm. Unique glamping-style sleepover or farmhouse accommodations from $250–325 per night based on two people and includes breakfast.

Location: 1166 5th line, Newtonville, north of Port Hope, approx. 100 kilometres (1.5 hour drive) east of Toronto

Farm-to-table events at Littlejohn Farm

Littlejohn Farm is an agritourism group getaway experience in rustic-chic Prince Edward County. Get hands-on making charcuterie, cheese or sourdough bread, take a wine tour, join farm workshops and meet the resident chickens, ducks, honeybees, pigs and goats.

Details: The Experiential Farm Dinners are authentic culinary events that captures the essence of farm living and focuses on where our food comes from. Cost is $225 + tax per person.
 
Location: 908 County Road 10, Picton, in Prince Edward County

Farm-stay cottages at Foymount Farm and Equine Retreat

Embrace a different pace at this peaceful, over 50-hectare farm and forest, located in the picturesque countryside of the Ottawa Valley.

Two comfortable, private, pet-friendly farm-stay 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 fresh vegetables from the garden. Summer kid’s camp and workshops are also offered.

Details: Family-friendly, two and three-bedroom cottages, from $200-$250 +tax per night, two minimum night stay in spring and fall and four minimum night stay in summer.

Location: 3837 Foymount Road, Cormac, 150 kilometres (approx. 1.5 hour drive) west of Ottawa

Garden tours at Elmhirst’s Resort

Located on the shores of Rice Lake in the heart of the Kawarthas, this family-friendly resort has an extensive on-site garden, farm, apiary and stables. Tour the garden, feed the chickens, collect fresh eggs and saddle the kids up for a pony ride or take a guided trail ride with neighbours, Stillbrook Riding Stables.

‘Elmhirst’s Own’ food and produce grown on-site is used in the resort kitchen. There are also herb gardens at each cottage for guests to use.

Details: Year-round, family-welcoming one to five-bedroom cottages, some with accessible features, select pet-friendly units, book online. 

Location: 1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 150 kilometres (1.5 hour drive) east of Toronto

Farm tours during Annual Open Farms Days

Celebrate farming and food in and around Kingston and Frontenac County. From cheesemaking to permaculture and sustainable farming practices, learn about where your food comes from and witness the process at participating farms.

Details: September 1 – October 15, 2023

Location: Various participating farms, farmers’ markets and community locations in Kingston area and Frontenac County

Farming workshops at Mattawa Eco-Farm & Discovery Centre

Participate in various tours and workshops at this family-run, Indigenous-owned and operated produce micro-farm. Learn about sustainable agriculture practices such as composting, aquaponics & hydroponics, solar, geometric design, wild edibles and different gardening methods that protect the ecosystem.

Details: Guided one to two-hour tours and workshops are available year-round, by appointment only, payment by cash, two-person minimum. 

Location: 3820, Highway 17 East, Mattawa

Various locations across Ontario

Feast On^® the Farm

Chefs, farmers, food producers and food lovers gather to celebrate the bounty of the harvest season with curated outdoor events featuring local food, drink and cheer. 

Details: Temiskaming Shores on September 17, Wellington County on October 1 and Huron County on October 15, 2023

Locations: Check back for more locations and dates.