WHERE TO LAND TO FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE
Have you ever snuggled with a baby goat? Or foraged through the countryside to find your own salad ingredients? Experiences like this are bountiful in Northumberland County. It’s our landscape, and the people – they help us to get grounded.
Here, you’ll feel grass or leaves under your feet. Sure, there’s pavement, just far less than in the city. Here’s where country roads connect us. Tall trees are our skyscrapers. And great memories take place in our huge, forested backyard.
HAUTE GOAT
1166 Fifth Line, Port Hope
416-402-8144
www.HauteGoat.com
Haute Goat is a welcome slice of heaven in the hills, just northwest of Port Hope. Owners Debbie and Shain wanted to start a farm with goats and quickly saw how happy their animals made other people. Now they offer “Shmurgles” where you can hug or snuggle some of their goats. Their alpacas are also up for long walks, led by you if you want to try a “Knuffle Shuffle”. Finish your day off with a snack or some farm-fresh take out at their Screaming Goat Café.
HEADWATERS FARM AND EDUCATION CENTRE
3517 Rowe Road, Cobourg
info@headwatersfarm.ca
www.HeadwatersFarm.ca
Linda and Tony Armstrong named Headwaters for the underground springs flowing through their farm’s 120 rolling acres north of Cobourg. Just wandering through this mix of meadow, forest and wetland will take you to a kinder, gentler place. Please email ahead to arrange a farm tour for your group. You can also enjoy farm-to-table meal for up to 4, made by foraging through Headwaters’ gardens and joining fellow farmers. Kids can cook here too.
TREETOP TREKKING
10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd., Campbellcroft
905-797-2000
www.treetoptrekking.com/park/ganaraska/
The Ganaraska Forest is the perfect spot to try zip-lining or other fun outdoor activities. Spend the day climbing and zinging through the unique and beautiful Ganaraska Forest. Whether you are a beginner or expert zip-liner, there are courses to suit. Kids over the age of 9 are welcome to come try. It’s definitely a great activity to get your family circle working together and back to nature.
SIFTON-COOK HERITAGE CENTRE
141 Orr Street, Cobourg
905-373-7222
https://www.cobourgmuseum.ca/
Northumberland is a place where you can see the past live on through amazing architecture, museums, country churches and early settlements. The Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre is a great example of this. Its “Barracks” is one of Cobourg's oldest buildings. See the intriguing Cottage on the property, the miniature operational train exhibit, and learn about the history of Cobourg.
PRIMROSE DONKEY SANCTUARY
1296 Bowmanton Rd., Roseneath
905-352-2772
www.PrimRoseDonkeySanctuary.com
Sheila Burns created this public sanctuary on her farm to rehabilitate abused donkeys. With almost 40 donkeys now, Sheila jokes that she is definitely not in charge. PrimRose is the ideal spot to get close to these wonderful animals and closer to your own heart. Volunteers are happily offering curbside visits and tours. Check the website for hours.
ISLAND SPIRITS
Grasshopper Island, Rice Lake
905-373-8448
www.IslandSpiritsRiceLake.ca
A getaway here is a true, off-grid adventure. It starts with a special charter to Grasshopper Island on beautiful Rice Lake. You can choose to stay in private, lakeside cabins, a yurt, or campsites. All offer eco-friendly experiences. You will meet some neighbours: mini goats and donkeys, baby lambs and other free-range wildlife.
OLD MILL ALPACAS
13557 Little Lake Road, Colborne
905-269-4402
https://oldmillalpacas.wordpress.com
Just 6 minutes south of the 401 and the Big Apple, this working alpaca farm takes you on a unique journey to a working farm and mill. Please call ahead to book your own one-hour tour (maximum 4 people per group to ensure physical distancing). You’ll meet some of the champion herd, now over 80 strong. All animals provide luxurious fleece, while getting the freedom to roam and enjoy life on the farm. Visit the store stocked with a wide range of finished products from alpaca wool, as well as hand-spun yarn.
VIRTUAL NORTHUMBERLAND
Ground yourself in Northumberland experiences from the comfort of your own home. Some of our Arts & Culture attractions have been working hard to share their experiences with visitors, even though their in-person events are not happening this year. Enjoy music, theatre, education and more while you connect with creativity in Northumberland.
CAPITOL THEATRE
20 Queen St., Port Hope
800-434-5092
www.CapitolTheatre.com
The halls of this historic entertainment venue are quiet this season. Noted as being Ontario’s only “atmospheric theatre” with its painted sky of twinkling stars, it’s still a great place to escape to online. You can stream some great live theatre right in your living room until live performances and special screenings start up again on stage. Check out the website for details.
WESTBEN
6698 County Rd. 30 N., Campbellford
877-883-5777
www.westben.ca
Westben’s incredible timber barn has not been open for live, concert performances this season. This has not stopped world-class performers Donna Bennet and Brian Finley from offering you a front row seat to their digital concerts at the barn. Check out what’s streaming for you on their website and be sure to stop back for concert updates.
Why not venture further into the outdoors here? Or get back to your golf swing, and enjoy some great Northumberland golf courses? Find out what’s in store with more OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.
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