Where to go horseback riding in Ontario
Pathways on Pleasure Valley, Uxbridge | Central Counties
From kid’s pony rides and winter horse-drawn sleigh rides to guided trail riding and even overnight ranch stays, there’s a variety of exciting equestrian experiences for all skill levels in Ontario.
Know before you go:
- Make all bookings and reservations in advance online, by email or over the phone.
- Check for specific requirements, including age and weight, before you visit.
- You’ll be required to wear appropriate clothing, including closed shoes. Helmets may also be required and in some cases may be provided. And don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray in the summer.
- Keep in mind, most trail rides are weather dependent.
Here are some of the top farms, ranches and stables that offer horseback trail riding and more.
York, Durham and Headwaters
Rawhide Adventures
Explore hundreds of hectares of scenic hills, valleys and forest by horseback at Rawhide Adventures, a working ranch about an hour northwest of Toronto.
A variety of riding packages are available, including trail rides during the day, advanced terrain rides, overnight equestrian camping and custom outings.
If you’re interested in staying near the ranch, Peace Valley Ranch B&B provides comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the countryside.
Details: Rawhide Adventures is open seasonally from May to October. Riders must be at least 12 years old. Additional information including method of payment.
Location: 638135 Prince of Wales Road West, Mulmur
Pathways on Pleasure Valley
Conveniently located just 45 minutes northeast of Toronto, Pathways on Pleasure Valley provides the perfect escape from the city on over 90 hectares of forested trails in the picturesque Oak Ridges Moraine.
Details: The stable is open six days a week in the summer, five days a week in the fall and on the weekends, year-round. Group and private trail rides are available for riders aged 10 and up.
Location: 2499 Brock Road, Uxbridge
Rusty Jade Ranch
Rusty Jade Ranch is a family-run ranch offering horseback riding lessons, trail rides and other wellness experiences.
Escape the busyness of day-to-day life and reconnect with nature in the beautiful hills and trails around Caledon.
Details: The ranch is open year-round.
Location: 18070 Duffy's Lane, Palgrave
Niagara Region
HorsePlay Niagara
Ride along the picturesque shores of Lake Erie at HorsePlay Niagara.
There’s a variety of guided experiences offered, including horseback riding on the beach, evening sunset rides, scenic winter horseback riding, and private, customized outings.
Details: HorsePlay Niagara is open daily and year-round.
Location: 11061 Ellsworth Road North, Port Colborne
Humberstone Ranch
Experience ranch life close to Niagara Falls at Humberstone Ranch. Here, you'll get to know gentle horses and create strong bonds with them. The ranch offers a variety of activities and events, including Ride 5 Trail Riding, which combines five horse adventures into one unforgettable experience. Horseback rides cater to the skill level of riders, including absolute beginners. Group sizes of trail rides are small to ensure a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
Details: Open year round
Location: 3212 Forks Road East, Port Colborne
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Triple C Farm
In addition to an adorable petting farm, Triple C Farm also offers fun hand-led horse rides. You’ll get to tour the area on horseback and learn more about the responsibility of caring for these beautiful animals.
Details: You’ll need to bring your own riding or bike helmet to wear for your horseback ride.
Ride availability depends on the weather and the farm’s current staff, so be sure to call 289-237-9526 or email (triplecfarm13@yahoo.com) ahead of time to book a reservation.
Location: 500 Carluke Road West, Ancaster
The Ranch
Located just 35 minutes away from downtown Toronto, The Ranch opened in 1981 and continues to deliver quality horseback riding experiences for beginner and advanced riders.
Enjoy a peaceful 90-minute guided trail ride. You might see deer, hawks and other wildlife throughout the ride. You’ll also get photos to keep at the end of your horse riding experience.
Details: Rides are available daily with times varying by season. A minimum of two riders per trail is required for the ride to proceed. Bookings are available by phone (905-469-2989) or online.
Location: 2401 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Oakville
Fallbrook Trail Ranch
This ranch offers trail rides through dense, beautiful forests for riders of all ages. Come during the summer for a warm and relaxing horseback ride or visit during the winter months for a fun Christmas-themed ride through the snow.
Details: Phone bookings must be made in advance (905-873-6588). The accepted method of payment is eTransfer
Location: 14097 9 Line, Georgetown
Big Creek Stables
Discover the joy of horseback riding through fields and forests in the Hamilton area. One and two-hour trail riding tours are offered for guests aged six and up. Pony rides are available for kids under six.
Details: Open May through to the end of November, Thursday to Sunday in the summer.
Location: 386 Big Creek Road, Caledonia
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Conestogo River Horseback Adventures
Tour through picturesque, forested trails with Conestogo River Horseback Adventures.
Your experienced guide will go over the basics of horseback riding before you and your group set off on a slow-paced trail ride over the green rolling pastures and along the river. If you’re lucky, you may spot some wildlife such as great blue herons, ospreys, ducks, turtles, rabbits, foxes and more.
Details: Bookings for trails can be made over the phone. More details are available on the frequently asked questions page.
Location: 535 Northfield Drive East, Waterloo
Grey Bruce and Simcoe
Mountain View Stables
With over 70 hectares of stunning woodland near Blue Mountain Resort to explore, it’s no wonder that Mountain View Stables is a popular destination for horseback riders.
Trail rides are designed to accommodate both beginner and expert riders. You’ll see incredible views of the Niagara Escarpment and may catch glimpses of wild turkeys, deer, cranes and hawks.
Details: Open year-round, weather permitting. Call 705-445-8544 for bookings, questions and inquiries.
Location: 302 Grey County Road 21, The Blue Mountains
Glen Oro Farm
Experience luxury camping farm stays and horseback trail rides at Glen Oro Farm, an equestrian facility that has been operating for more than 50 years in the township of Oro-Medonte.
Ride through towering oaks, maples and cedar trees, and look out for deer, wild turkeys and rabbits on your guided tour.
Details: Trail rides can be booked online three months in advance.
Location: 2574 Line 10 North, Hawkestone
Rounds Ranch
Enjoy over 25 family-friendly fun summer activities at Rounds Ranch. This 50-hectare attraction features horse and pony rides from June to October, where you’ll get to interact with ponies kept in the stables and kids can even saddle up for a pony ride.
Stop by food stalls for hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, drinks or snacks. You’ll need the energy to participate in other activities like ziplines, water slides, tractor rides, corn mazes and more. Keep an eye out for their seasonal activities like Pumpkin Mania and their ranch Easter hunt.
Details: Rounds Ranch is open seasonally on the weekends.
Location: 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale
Southeastern Ontario
Fina Vista Farm
Located just east of Stirling, Fina Vista Farm breeds and raises a herd of elegant Paso Fino horses, known for their smooth gait and sweet temperament.
Ride along Fina Vista Farm’s scenic trails, which consist of forested pathways and open rolling fields. More experienced riders can also try out the Horseback Obstacles, a timed course that features natural jumps, varied terrain and of course, difficult obstacles.
Details: All riders must be at least 10 years of age or at least six months riding experience and bring their own helmet. Some riding experience is required. Additional information about riding and payment options.
Location: 1008 Tuftsville Road, Stirling
Chalinelle Farm
Ride calm, majestic horses along the well-maintained trails accompanied by experienced guides.
For an even more memorable experience, consider booking the “Special Trail Ride” package, which includes a day of trail riding, a picnic, a spa and an overnight stay at Chalinelle Farm’s bed and breakfast.
Details: All horseback riders must be at least 10 years old. Helmets are provided.
Location: 22400 Glen Robertson Road, Glen Robertson
Diamond J Ranch
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding through rugged terrain on horseback, Diamond J Ranch is where you need to be.
Ride a three-kilometre backcountry trail overlooking Picton Bay, travel through scenic fields and woods, and witness a one-of-a-kind bird’s eye view of Picton.
The trail ride can be adjusted for different skill levels with knowledgeable guides to assist you throughout the tour. Family and group tours are available upon request.
Details: Diamond J Ranch operates the trail rides from May to October. Pony rides are available for children.
Location: R.R.#4, Picton
Southwestern Ontario
Horseshoe J Dude Ranch
This dude ranch has been operating since 1957 and runs horseback trail rides from May to November. The hour-long trail rides are led by experienced guides, taking riders through the picturesque woods and valleys on the shores of Lake Erie.
Details: Trail rides include supplies like a riding helmet. Riders must be a minimum of eight years old.
Location: 32553 Erin Line, Fingal
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Stillbrook Riding Stables
Enjoy year-round horseback riding at Stillbrook Riding Stables. If you visit during the spring, you’ll get to see lovely fields of trilliums, and if it’s the fall season, you witness awe-inspiring autumn colours on the trees. Sleigh rides are available in the winter.
During the stables’ trail rides, you’ll get a comprehensive horseback riding lesson in the stables’ outdoor ring until everyone is comfortable on their horse. Then your guide will lead your group through the trails, with the option of attaching a lead line between the horses of new riders and the guide’s horse if they’re not completely comfortable with riding yet.
Details: Beginner-friendly trail rides are available. Riders must be six years of age or older. Stillbrook Riding Stables operates rides Mondays to Saturdays year-round. Call 705-295-4538 to book and appointment or use the calendar to book online.
Location: 570 Woodside Road, Keene
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Highland Wilderness Tours
Public horseback trail rides are one of the most popular activities at Highland Wilderness Tours.
You and your group will get a brief but thorough lesson on how to start, stop and steer your horse. Then your guide will lead you over varied wilderness terrain of hills and woodlands near Algonquin Park. Tours are fun for all ages and horse riding skills.
Details: Trail rides at Highland Wilderness Tours operate during the summer months on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Location: 239 E Lake Road, Maynooth
Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park
Stewart Coughlin Riding Ranch
Stewart Coughlin Riding Ranch has provided quality horseback riding experiences in the Almaguin Highlands area since 1960.
The ranch is known for its majestic Arabian horses, and they also have a selection of ponies available for the little ones to ride.
For adults, the basics of horseback riding are covered, then experienced guides take riders through the groomed trails around the ranch property.
Details: Pony rides are available for very young. Stewart Coughlin Riding Ranch offers trail rides Wednesdays to Mondays. Phone 705-386-7465 to reserve horseback riding.
Location: 129 Riding Ranch Road, South River
Winding Fences Farm
Experience simple country life with a peaceful trail ride at Winding Fences Farm. This farm offers horse riding packages for groups of five to six people, ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Knowledgeable instructors will walk you through mounting and riding your horse. You’ll then be led on a relaxing journey through beautiful fields and forests. After your trail ride, you’ll get the chance to feed, get to know the rest of the horses and maybe even take a selfie or two.
Details: Horseback riding is available seasonally.
Location: 1102 Ambleside Lane, Utterson
Back of Beyond Equine Centre
Back of Beyond Equine Centre is an animal sanctuary that takes care of rescued and retired horses. Visitors can enjoy entertaining horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides through the Muskoka countryside.
Many different specialty wagon rides are available. View the sap buckets hung from sugar maple trees during the sugaring off-season, take a private sleigh ride through the snow drifts in the winter or get an up-close look at the trees’ vivid fall colours during the picturesque autumn season.
Details: Back of Beyond Equine Centre operates year-round, Mondays to Saturdays. Winter activities include private family or romantic sleigh rides that end with warm hot chocolate around a campfire.
Location: 2572 Muskoka Road 10, Huntsville
Northern Ontario
Honora Bay Riding Stable
Explore the natural beauty of Manitoulin Island by horseback along scenic trails.
There are a variety of horseback riding packages available designed for different skill levels, including an easy 30-minute ride for beginners, a one-hour ride through open fields, a five to six hours adventure through the Manitoulin wilderness and an overnight bunkhouse adventure.
Details: Honora Bay Riding Stable offers trail rides from May to Thanksgiving. Bookings are on a first come, first serve basis (705-368-6032 or 705-368-6072). Be sure to call ahead to book your ride or inquire about ride trail availability after Thanksgiving. The minimum age for most rides is 12 years old.
Location: 299 Honora Bay Road R.R.#1, Little Current
Von Doeler’s Ranch
You’ll foster a whole new love for horses at family-owned and operated Von Doeler’s Ranch, one of the best dude ranches in Ontario.
A selection of different trail rides leads through rugged terrain, forests and woodlands with stops at incredible sightseeing spots like Big Rock and Talon Chutes waterfall.
You can also stay overnight in a cozy lakeside cabin.
Details: Von Doeler’s Ranch operates year-round, including winter rides along snowy trails. Check online for the rides offered. Age and experience requirements vary for the different rides.
Location: 1286 Von Doeler Road, Rutherglen
Whispered Dreams Ranch
Explore kilometres of trails that cross wide logging roads and narrow forest trails, with rivers, hills, waterfalls and wildlife in the beautiful wilderness of Northwestern Ontario.
You can choose a timed trail ride, ranging from 1.5 hours to four hours. Alternatively, pick the full-day experience with four hours of horseback riding and paddle boating on the Mattawin River.
Or turn your adventure here into a vacation with an overnight stay—you’ll have more time to learn about the ranch’s prized Alberta mustangs and Canadian horses.
Details: Whispered Dreams Ranch operates year-round. Please note: Cash payment is the only method of payment accepted.
Location: Shabaqua Road, Shabaqu
Last updated: July 31, 2024