Why Farm Stays are Becoming One of Ontario's Most Meaningful Travel Experiences

I believe the best travel experiences are the ones that leave you with more than just photos. The ones that teach you something, introduce you to passionate people, and leave you feeling a little differently than when you arrived.

I recently had the opportunity to stay at farms. Honestly, I knew I was checking into a charming countryside stay, but what I really signed up for was an experience that completely opened a new perspective on Ontario farming. How do I even begin sharing how much I loved this experience? 

Firstly, it gave me a deeper appreciation for where my food comes from, the people who grow it, and the care, patience, and dedication that go into it long before it reaches our plates. For a couple of days, I had the pleasure of ‘being an Ontario farmer’ and experiencing what life is really like. 

I collected fresh eggs from the chicken coop, learned about regenerative farming practices, spent time with the animals, and listened to so many incredible stories behind the farm from the people who dedicate their lives to caring for the land. 

Meet the People Behind the Place

Located in Scotch Bush, Ontario, 130 km West of Ottawa, Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork is owned and operated by Marshall and Kathleen. There’s more to running a farm than we think. Restoring the land, producing nutritious Ontario-grown food, and creating an experience that invites visitors to understand what farming looks like today is just the tip of the iceberg of what they do. 

The passion, knowledge, and work ethic they have are incredible, and really something everyone should experience at least once. 

What I find so fascinating is their commitment to sustainable farming practices. They strive to minimize the environmental footprint while maximizing the positive impact on the local economy. 

According to Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork: "By prioritizing regenerative agriculture, we not only ensure the production of high-quality, nutrient-rich food but also contribute to the long-term resilience of our land and community."

While earlier in their careers, Marshall has 30 years of professional consulting in landscape restoration and forest management, and Kathleen has shared her passion for nutrition through consulting work across Canada. They decided to take a chance and pivot their lives toward a very large yet rewarding project, now known as Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork. 

You can tell they love what they do, and why they offer many ways to stay and play on the farm. You can choose from day trips to a weekend stay at the Farmhouse Retreat, dropping by for a farm tour on your way through, or you can choose from a diverse range of experiences tailored to your preferences. 

They truly want people to experience the magic of farm life, offering a unique “Agri-cation”, where vacation meets agriculture. 

A New Appreciation for Where Food Comes From

The Farmhouse Retreat is located on a scenic heritage farm in the countryside. The farmhouse has three bedrooms and includes a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious dining and living area. 

The best part of the retreat is the location. You’ll enjoy the quiet during your stay. Morning coffees with views from the front porch, afternoons walking the trails on the properties, and experiencing the dark sky, roasted bannock on the fire, and stars as far as you can see. 

Part of your stay also involves caring for the chickens, who are all so sweet and reside on the property. In the mornings, you’ll open up the coop and ensure they have food and water for the day. 

Later in the afternoon, you can go back for a visit and collect the eggs laid that day. 

Marshall and Kathleen have created so many other wonderful opportunities to take your ‘farmer for a day’ experience. I had the pleasure of working with Marshall on planting vegetable seeds while learning about the growing season (and trust me, there’s a lot to it!). If you’re lucky, you might even be able to feed the baby cows! 

The entire experience is thoughtfully curated and really shows how much they love what they do. Your experience includes a locally grown breakfast and dinner during your stay. Kathleen and the team have put a lovely summer menu together that I can guarantee you’ll devour.

Evenings winding down at your farmhouse, to cooking bannock over the campfire. The farm experience at Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork was something quite special and has stuck with me.

I hope I’ve sparked your interest or encouraged you to get a little more curious!