When it’s time to book your next getaway, don’t go for the same boring old hotel or inn. Try something new and book an Ontario’s Highlands’ farm stay.

After all, when you want to unwind and disconnect what could help you do that more than bonding with some pygmy goats, chatting with a mother pig and her piglets, or harvesting your supper straight from the garden? 

If you aren’t able to live on a farm, you can still try out the lifestyle for a weekend or longer by booking an Ontario’s Highlands’ farm stay. 

Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork - Bonnechere Valley

At Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork, they invite visitors to have an “agri-cation” with them, and learn about what the farm life is all about. Spend time with Scottish Highlands Cattle, dairy goats and free-range chickens, and learn about their sustainable farm practices. 

Insider's Tip:

These small farmers create gourmet foods from ingredients grown on their property (think organic pierogi or grass-fed beef sausage rolls), so you won’t go hungry during your stay here. 

Rise Above Guest House - Bancroft

You will have your pick of farmhouse bedrooms or cozy cabins to choose from at this Bancroft-area guest house. When you stay here you can go for a walk with donkeys, pick apples, fruits and vegetables or black currants, and learn about the farm life from the owners, Marilyn and Svinda. 

Insider's Tip:

Book one of the forest therapy sessions or a shiatsu massage during your stay here. Marilyn and Svinda are pros at both.

Killara Station - Haliburton

Set on 215 beautiful acres in Haliburton Highlands, Killara Station offers camping and RV sites for intrepid travellers looking for something different. Waken in the morning and gather eggs from the chicken coop and veggies from the garden, then spend some time petting the farm animals like horses, pigs, chickens, and even an emu (you don’t see that every day!).

Insider's Tip:

Dig into the earth in a different way by booking a pottery workshop or private class at Blackbird Pottery Studio, only a two-minute drive from your farmstay. 

Highland Hideaways

This cozy camping experience tucked away into the hills of Stirling, Ontario offers you luxury eco-friendly accommodations in their Yurt style tents and over 100 acres of wilderness to explore. Reconnect with nature in a sustainable and mindful way, either exploring the forest around you, gardening in the farmlands, brushing the Highland Coos at the farm or taking part in a guided yoga session. 

Insider Tip:

Enjoy a complimentary sustainable breakfast each morning, made with ingredients from the farm and other locally sourced products. 

Marmora Retreat

Escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day and get a taste of the simple farm life, staying in either the restored farmhouse or one of the glamping domes at Marmora Retreat. This hidden gem is a place where all guests are invited to slow down, recharge and disconnect with the help of the farm animals and the many trails to wander down. 

Insider Tip:

Marmora Retreat is also a perfect location for weddings, corporate retreats or any other events you may be planning. Share the beauty of the 24-acres with friends, family or colleagues and disconnect together. 

Bonus: 

Explore more agricultural destinations while you’re in Ontario’s Highlands. Check out the beef boxes from Enright Cattle Co., in Tweed and experience naturally raised beef without any artificial hormones. The folks at Enright Cattle Co. use as much of their beef as they can and also sell the leather in their high quality leather goods in their on-site Grain Bin shop.

If you have an adventurous palate, expand your meat horizons and try buffalo meat,  cheeses, and yes, even gelato from the Ontario Water Buffalo Company. Small Spade Farm in Stirling sells delicious farm baskets with pre-ordering from their website. 

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