Ontario is home to some gorgeous outdoor destinations, including Glen Oro Farm. You can enjoy many of the best aspects of the great outdoors at this luxurious yet down-to-earth destination.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about visiting Glen Oro Farm, helping you choose the best time of year to visit, as well as preparing you for the many exciting activities you'll find here. Let's begin!
Glen Oro Farm is a property in Ontario that traces its roots to the 1840s. It functioned as a simple farm until the 1960s, at which point it slowly began to transform into a horse ranch, farm, and family home.
Nowadays, Glen Oro Farm is known for its lavish-yet-rustic wedding ceremonies, jaw-droppingly gorgeous hiking trails, and unique horseback riding experiences.
This destination also houses a handful of glamping tents, making it an ideal getaway for nature-loving single adults, couples, and friends.
Glen Oro Farm is a hilly area that's brimming with wildlife. Some of the most notable types of flora and fauna guests can find here include:
Balsam fir trees
American elm trees
Porcupines
Beavers
Foxes
Black bears
You'll also find domesticated horses available for rides.
Glen Oro Farm also has a handful of sustainable vegetable gardens open to guests. The largest (and oldest) of these gardens is Marion's Garden, which was started in the 1800s.
This garden offers seasonal delights, including fresh rhubarb, firm tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and delicious garden-fresh corn. Naturally, offerings vary depending on the weather and current season.
Overall, there are more than 200 acres of tame and wildland to explore. As such, you could spend several days here without seeing everything!
Getting to Glen Oro Farm
While Glen Oro Farm doesn't boast a wide range of public transport hubs, it is a relatively short drive away from Toronto. Consequently, non-Canadian visitors can easily reach it via rental car.
Location
Glen Oro Farm is located at 2574 10 Line N, in Hawkestone, Ontario. It's sandwiched between several other privately-owned farms and is only a short drive away from Lake Simcoe and Bass Lake.
Transportation
Getting to Glen Oro Farm is a breeze if you have access to a personal or rented vehicle. That's because this idyllic destination is only about 140km (87 miles) north of Toronto. That equates to an hour-and-a-half drive.
Things to Do Around Glen Oro Farm
Visiting Glen Oro Farm is an excellent opportunity to experience an optimal glamping vacation. However, splaying out on a king-sized bed inside a unique glamping camping dome isn't the only thing to look forward to.
Visitors here can also look forward to:
Hiking
If you enjoy wandering the great outdoors, be sure to pack up your bag and head out to Glen Oro Farm this year. The well-trod horse trails embedded into the dark earth double as fantastic hiking trails.
Naturally, many of these trails can be challenging to navigate during winter. As such, those hoping to get some fresh air and hike across Glen Oro Farm may want to visit during the spring or summer seasons.
Hiking trails will lead you through densely forested areas, wide-open plateaus that dip down green hills, and flat prairie-like areas surrounded by picturesque copses of trees.
Horseback Riding
Though Glen Oro Farm might not have housed many horses during its early 19th century beginnings, it's been a horse haven since the 1960s. Today, guests can meet and ride several on-site horses living on the farm.
These horses are well-trained and exceptionally gentle. As such, visitors are welcome to enjoy hours of horseback riding while staying at Glen Oro Farm. Remember, the hiking trails also double as horse trails!
Camping Activities
Each bookable tent located at Glen Oro Farm comes with a dedicated outdoor firepit. Coupled with the horseback riding and hiking trails, this feature makes Glen Oro a great place to enjoy camping activities.
You can enjoy evenings roasting marshmallows by the campfire, playing songs with friends, and taking in some of the best aspects of camping. But, of course, at Glen Oro Farm, you won't be "roughing" it.
Glamping
Glamping is a novel term that literally translates to "glamourous camping." And while there are many glamping destinations from which to choose, Glen Oro Farm may be one of the best.
Though they only offer two different glamping tents, both offer en-suite bathrooms, comfortable king-sized beds, and cozy wood-burning stoves. As a result, they're an excellent choice for single adults or couples.
The Stargazers Dome
The geometric shape and design of The Stargazers Dome make it an ideal spot to lay back and marvel at the heavens. This compact glamping tent features a transparent ceiling to help you get the best view of the night sky.
With several wooden accents and furniture pieces (including a thick wooden bed frame), you can feel at one with nature while sleeping beneath the stars.
This dome-shaped tent comes with a well-situated seating area that faces the thick grove of trees surrounding it, and it's also outfitted with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette.
The Explorers Tent
Large canvas tents are often relegated to period dramas and fantasy television shows. But you can experience the decadence and old-world comfort of such a tent when you choose The Explorers Tent.
Situated in a small clearing among a thick cluster of trees, this woodland destination opens toward a sizeable outdoor firepit and features an elevated base. As such, you can sit on its steps and take in the beauty around you!
Still, this tent is equipped with electricity and an en-suite bathroom. Consequently, it feels like a distinct combination of modern amenities and historical opulence.
What’s Included?
Those that choose to stay overnight at Glen Oro Farm will enjoy:
A luxurious king-sized bed
A wood-pellet or wood-burning stove
An outdoor fire pit
Luxurious furniture, including multiple seating options
Access to en-suite bathrooms
Hiking is also open and accessible to vacationers staying here. However, horseback riding experiences do come at an additional cost. Additionally, there are no on-site dining options.
As such, you'll want to either bring plenty of food along with you or plan to drive off-property for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the most popular activities at Glen Oro, and it's no wonder why. The horses here are some of the friendliest, healthiest, and well-trained in the Lake Simcoe area.
Guests here can enjoy riding lessons as well as come along for some peaceful trail rides. The right option for you depends on your interests, budget, and length of stay.
Horseback Riding Lessons
Fascinated with horses and horseback riding? If so, you might want to opt for one of the personal horseback riding lessons available here.
Leslie Salia, one of the property owners, is a highly knowledgeable equestrian with several years of training. She can instruct you on the basics of horseback riding and help you improve your techniques.
Trail Rides
The essential trail riding experience at Glen Oro starts near the stables, climbs through the woodland surrounding the farm, and culminates with some unforgettable views.
However, trail rides aren't only about learning how to ride a horse and guide it through a variety of trails. Visitors will also receive basic education about grooming and saddling.
This type of experience is far more comprehensive than your standard horseback riding package.
Weddings
Finding the ideal place to take your vows can be challenging, but if you've been dreaming of an outdoor wedding, you'll want to consider Glen Oro Farm.
They offer micro-wedding packages for smaller ceremonies, and they'll also begin reintroducing more massive wedding celebrations in 2022. Let's take a few moments to explore what these experiences entail.
Micro-Wedding Packages
Small, intimate weddings tend to be far easier to plan for, which is only one of the benefits of booking a micro-wedding package at Glen Oro Farm.
For example, if you choose this destination for your ceremony, you can enjoy exclusive property access. This ensures that uninvited guests and onlookers don't spoil your big day and professional wedding photos.
Additionally, Glen Oro Farm provides several decorated tables and chairs to reduce the number of items you'll need to haul to the ceremony site. The Explorer's Tent makes for a romantic honeymoon suite and is also included.
Reception
If you're holding your reception at Glen Oro Farm, you can look forward to a rustic-yet-refined reception space between horse stables and small gardens.
You and your guests are bound to enjoy the fresh air and classic feel of Glen Oro Farm's reception area. And thanks to its weathered wooden posts, shimmering lights, and warm fire pits, it harkens back to simpler times.
Best Time to Visit Glen Oro Farm
The best time to visit Glen Oro Farm depends on your personal preferences. After all, this destination is gorgeous all year round, granting visitors some of Ontario's most stunning natural views.
That said, those that prefer to soak up the green and yellow hues of Ontario spring and summer may want to visit Glen Oro Farm sometime between late March and July.
This time of the year is one of the best for hikers and riders, as trails tend to be relatively snow-free and easy to navigate. That said, Glen Oro Farm transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland during the colder months.
So, if you're searching for the ideal venue for a winter wedding, you may want to visit Glen Oro Farm in December or January. These months often bring snow, resulting in a romantic backdrop that's perfect for couples.
As a result, any time of the year could be the perfect time to visit. You only need to ask yourself: What kind of experience am I looking for?
What Are You Waiting For? Get Glamping Today!
Vacationing at Glen Oro Farm could be the down-to-earth (yet luxurious) experience you've been searching for. With several activities and accommodations from which to choose, there's something for everyone!
Of course, if you plan to travel, you may want to consider investing in travel insurance. Insurdinary can help you find and select the lowest-cost, highest-benefit travel insurance for your upcoming trip.
Are you curious to learn more? If so, be sure to get a free quote today!