When you’re travelling, you’re often on the lookout for those unique experiences, the kinds of things you’ll remember long after your trip is over.
One such experience that has been growing in popularity in recent years is taking a sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside. Luckily, several operators are offering this throughout the province—and they include some pretty cool extras too.
Back of Beyond Equine Centre
Huntsville, ON
While it might seem like something that only happens in the movies, trust us, this is as real as it gets. At Back of Beyond Equine Centre in Huntsville, the sleigh ride experience is truly unforgettable. It all starts with a farm tour and the opportunity to brush a pony; next is a magical winter sleigh ride through the property’s private snow-covered woodland trails. To wrap up the day, you’ll roast marshmallows over an outdoor campfire and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Glendale Farms Sleigh Rides
Owen Sound, ON
At Glendale Farms Sleigh Rides in Owen Sound, you can ride in a wagon pulled by two powerful Percheron horses. You’ll explore stunning and scenic wooded trails, travelling through a winter wonderland. You’ll pass through open fields and woods, and pay a visit to the sugar shack to warm up with some hot chocolate and hot apple cider. This activity is suitable for all ages and is popular with families, from the littlest among us to grandma and grandpa. Be sure to snap a photo of the beautiful covered bridge, which is a sight to behold year-round but is especially lovely this time of year.
Evergreen Hill Farm
Port Dover, ON
Ride in a two-horse open sleigh (complete with sleigh bells!) at Evergreen Hill Farm in Port Dover. The farm’s Belgian horses will pull you along the snow-covered trails, as you sit all nestled and warm beneath a cozy blanket and atop a bale of hay. You’ll cover a lot of ground during this impressive winter sleigh ride, including open fields, woodland trails and the vast expanse of the entire property.
Gammondale Farm Family Fun
Slate River Valley, ON
The old-fashioned sleigh rides at Gammondale Farm Family Fun are courtesy of two beautiful black Percheron horses, known to owners Sue and Gerry Gammond as their gentle giants. The farm is located at the foot of Candy Mountain, so the view is spectacular no matter where you are on the fields of the property. They can take groups of 15 here or you can book a romantic evening ride for you and that special someone. You’ll have a chance to warm up in the cozy Log House and enjoy unlimited hot chocolate, tea and coffee. You can even visit the farm animals and play outdoors during your time here; sleds, magic carpets, snowshoes and cross-country skis are all welcome!
Dual Acres Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Wagon Rides
Shallow Lake, ON
The DeVries family farm, Dual Acres Horse-Drawn Sleigh & Wagon Rides, in Shallow Lake and Keppel Township, Ontario welcomes visitors to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in the company of their loved ones. Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride through one of the most beautiful woodlots in Georgian Bluffs. After your ride, guests are encouraged to linger a little; you can stay on a bit to warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and sit around their big wood stove in the shack.
Wherever you’re headed in Ontario this winter, see if you can arrange for a special excursion and book your very own sleigh ride. It’s sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
