This is the GOAT! Animal Encounters in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
Just about every child will jump at the chance to get up close with animals, whether that means riding a horse, feeding chickens, walking with goats or visiting rabbits. Here’s where you can do all that and more in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways.
You can trade busy schedules for a slower pace and spend time with some of the region's most lovable residents. Across the countryside, farms and animal attractions invite you to meet alpacas, donkeys, goats, horses and more while learning about the important role they play in rural life. These hands-on experiences offer a fun way to connect with nature, spend time outdoors and create lasting memories with family and friends.Â
Â
- Aquatarium: At this family-friendly attraction in Brockville, you can see otters, beavers, fish and other fauna native to the St. Lawrence River, and learn about the river’s ecology.
- Berry Homestead Farm: Visit this biodynamic, off-grid farm in Lyndhurst for guided donkey visits or a full-day experience, including kayaking and a farm-to-table lunch.
- Deltawood Farm: Trail rides are available at this horse farm near Delta.
- Flowers and Fleece: At this Johnstown farm, you can feed alpacas, chickens and ducks, and learn about their care.
- Goat Ridge Farm: Cuddle Nubian goat kids, walk with goats, and see poultry and pigs at this family farm in Seeley’s Bay.
- Happy Little Farmstead: Hands-on learning and play are the focus at this Spencerville farm, where families can visit rabbits and cows.Â
- Harmony Farm: Take a 1.7 self-guided tour to see forest pigs, and visit other barnyard animals, at this organic Brockville farm.Â
- Little Foot Alpacas: At this Spencerville farm, take a farm tour or walk trails with a friendly alpaca. Pick up alpaca products in the farm store.
- Lock 25 Land and Livestock Farm: During special events, this farm offers visitors the chance to pet and feed sheep, lambs, piglets, highland cows and mini donkeys; book in advance.
- Saunders Country Critter Zoo and Sanctuary:Â See more than 50 species from around the world, including parrots, New Guinea singing dogs and donkeys at this Oxford Station sanctuary.
- Second Stories Sanctuary: At this sanctuary in Lombardy, you can visit with chickens. They may even eat treats like grapes and apples right out of your hand.
- Stealing the Bloom Farm:Â Meet all sorts of animals on a tour of this small farm in Westport, including cows, sheep, donkey, poultry, rabbits, pigs, goats and peacocks.Â
You don't have to be a farmer to appreciate the simple joy of spending time with animals. A friendly alpaca, a curious goat or a peaceful trail ride can quickly become one of the most memorable moments of your trip. These experiences offer a glimpse into rural life while creating opportunities to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy the welcoming spirit of the countryside.Â
READ ALSO
