Dashing through the snow SLEIGH RIDES OFFER BUNDLED-UP FUN BY SHEILA ASCROFT
Snowflakes caress faces, sweet hay and cedar aromas mingle with steam off hard-working horses. Yes, and sleigh bells jingled, on a sleigh ride with my big family, complete children tumbling off into the snow and racing to jump back on, laughing all the way. Horse-drawn sleigh rides have been a part of Canadian culture since early settlers used sleighs to travel over snow. It probably wasn’t quite as idyllic as a Krieghoff painting, but it can be a glorious ride these days for city folk. Think about being out on a snowy night on a big sleigh cushioned with hay bales and pulled by massive horses. Or prancing over the snow in a one-horse cutter with your sweetie wrapped in a blanket. A sleigh ride can plant a warm memory in cold winter, and there are many rides to choose, from local operators on both sides of the Ottawa River. But ahead of time … Book your ride early, especially if you have a group (and then pray for snow!)
PINTO VALLEY RANCH Fitzroy Harbour, Ont. 613-623-3439 pintovalley@xplornet.com www.pintovalley.com Operating until March 30 Snow permitting, Pinto Valley Ranch offers sleigh rides throughout the winter. After a ride, children can try out the toboggan hill or go skating on the pond, while
adults enjoy a bonfire or the indoor fireplace along with country music and hot chocolate. The ranch offers hour-long rides day or night on its trails for $175 (plus tax). Visitors are welcome into the barn to see the animals. Advanced booking required. CAPTIVA FARMS Wakefield, Que. 877-459-2769 or 819-459-2769 info@captivafarms.com www.captivafarms.com Just north of the capital, Captiva Farms offers two ways to have fun in the snow. A large sleigh seats 17 adults and costs $230 for 90 minutes (the price goes up to $275 Dec. 15– Jan. 15) and the velvet-lined cutter sleigh seats two couples for $230 (price up, as above, to $250). You can also ride alongside the sleighs on one of the farm’s horses. Rides are included as part of Captiva’s bed and breakfast packages. 710 EXCURSIONS Ladysmith, Que. 819-647-2724 or 613-293-7470 shawnpulley@hotmail.com www.710excursions.com Open all winter, seven days a week Let draft horses Victor and May in full harness with bells tour your group on a sleigh through the Ottawa Valley countryside. This
PHOTO BY PINTO VALLEY RANCH
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Check whether you bring blankets, hot drinks, snacks and the like or whether these are supplied. Find out if anyone can sit up front with the driver. Ask whether children (or adults) can visit the horses in the stable before or after. Here’s a selection of rides.
outdoors
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
