Horsin’ Around: Horse-Drawn Rides in Ottawa

We know it’s hard to get enthusiastic about winter in Ottawa, but instead of hibernating, embrace it with a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods. Bundle up, pack a picnic, and make a great family winter memory with a visit to any of these fantastic farms.

If you’re looking to stay local, no farm makes you feel more welcome than the Fallowfield Tree Farm in Stittsville. Book your family a quiet horse-drawn ride through the farm’s lovely woods. Or gather all your friends and relatives for a more exciting tractor-pulled wagon ride. Grab a free hot chocolate around the bonfire when you’re done, or bring a whole picnic and settle into their rustic party cabin to make an afternoon of it.

If you have time for a day trip, we recommend 710 Excursions, just over in Gatineau’s Ladysmith. This company is passionate about horses, and you’ll learn a lot about these gentle giants as you ride in your choice of a romantic two-person cutter, a 12-person open sled, or (so adorable!) their little kids’ cutter pulled along by ponies. Take a long ride in the woods, or keep little ones from tiring out with smaller rides around the farm. If you’re keen to dive deeper into farm life you can add chopping firewood and cooking lunch over an open fire to your excursion. Afterwards, warm up with a picnic or hot chocolate in their wood stove-warmed silo, or even have your sleigh ride drop you off at the charming Hotel Ladysmith for dinner and an overnight stay.

Here in the capital, we’re lucky to have such lovely weather for a sleigh ride—get out and enjoy it.

Keep clicking to see the rest of our 7 Sleigh Rides in Ottawa.