7 Sleigh Rides in Ottawa

You can't survive winter in Ottawa by hibernating—get outside and enjoy the peace and quiet of a snowy wood with a classic family sleigh ride.

No farm makes you feel more welcome than the Fallowfield Tree Farm in Stittsville. Now that Christmas Tree season is over, book your family a quiet ride through the farm's lovely woods. Pack some hot chocolate to share around the bonfire when you're done, or bring a whole picnic and settle into their rustic party cabin for the afternoon.

It's a bit of a hike—about an hour and a quarter's drive into Gatineau—but 710 Excursions makes it worth your while. There's everything from romantic two-person cutters to large sleds for 24 to adorable kids' mini cutters pulled by ponies. Take a relaxing ride through the bush, or even spend the afternoon splitting wood and cooking lunch over an open fire like Grampa did. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate in their heated silo, or even break out your own picnic. Too far for a day trip? Spend the night at the historic Ladysmith Hotel and get picked up and dropped off by your sleigh.

Starting in February, drop by Smithvale Stables on a Sunday morning for their scrumptious all-you-can-eat breakfast. Once you're stuffed, add on a sleigh ride—up to 25 people can pile on the back for a long, peaceful ride through their 270 acreage just north of Bells Corners in Nepean.

Captiva Farms is one of the few places that combines winter horseback riding with sleigh rides for a unique afternoon of fun. Those who are keen to give riding a try can hop up on a mare (beginners can take a lesson first), while those who prefer a gentler mode of transportation can climb into a five- or 15-person sled so everyone can explore the trails together. There's hot chocolate and a petting zoo to round out your visit. We suggest adding lunch at any one of the adorable cafes at nearby Wakefield as well.

Few in Ottawa know that the local restaurant chain has its own ranch—the Lone Star Ranch off of Fallowfield in Nepean. Meant for large scale events like family reunions, you'll want to gather everyone together to book the ranch for a day of fab Tex-Mex food and activities. Horse-drawn sleigh rides that tour the ranch grounds can be added to the day's celebration, along with local entertainment like clowns, reptile shows, games and sports.

In the east end, head out to Cumberland for a fun family sleigh ride through the seven kilometers of trail at Beckett's Creek. You'll want to gather all your friends and family and reserve a ride, then celebrate afterwards with a picnic lunch in their party room.

Just looking to hop on a passing sleigh to give your kids a feel for the experience? Sleigh rides run from late afternoon into the evening at Tremblant all winter long and don't require a large group to book. Reserve your tickets in advance, then hop on for an hour-long ride featuring storytelling, music, hot chocolate and, in March, maple sugar tasting. Of course, if you want to squeeze in some awesome skiing while you're there, no one will mind.

Most of the maple bushes in town have wagon and sleigh rides as part of their sugar bush experience. Hop aboard at Stanley's, Fulton's, Proulx or Sand Road during sugaring season (mid-March through April) for a spin through the trees.