Where to go horseback riding in Ontario

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 day trail rides, 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 lovely views of the countryside.

Operates seasonally from May to October. Riders must be at least 12 years old. 

Location: 638135 Prince of Wales Road West, Mulmur

Pathways on Pleasure Valley

Conveniently located under an hour’s drive 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.

Days and hours of operation change seasonally. Group and private trail rides are available for riders aged 10 and up.

Location: 2499 Brock Road, Uxbridge

Rusty Jade Ranch

This family-run ranch offers horseback riding lessons, trail rides and other wellness experiences throughout the year. Escape the busyness of day-to-day life and reconnect with nature in the beautiful hills and trails around Caledon.

Location: 18070 Duffy's Lane, Palgrave

Niagara Region

HorsePlay Niagara

Ride along the picturesque shores of Lake Erie. A variety of guided experiences are offered, including horseback riding on the beach, evening sunset rides, scenic winter horseback riding, and private, customized outings.

Operates daily and year-round.

Location: 11061 Ellsworth Road North, Port Colborne

Humberstone Ranch

Experience ranch life and get to know more about these gentle animals.

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 riders’ skill levels, including beginners and group sizes for trail rides remain small. 

Operates year-round.

Location: 3212 Forks Road East, Port Colborne

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Triple C Farm

In addition to a petting farm, Triple C Farm also offers fun hand-led horse rides. Bring your own riding or bike helmet for your horseback ride.

Ride availability depends on the weather and the farm’s current staff, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Location: 500 Carluke Road West, Ancaster

The Ranch

Located a short drive west of 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 with potential wildlife sightings. Photos of the horse riding experience are available at the end of the tour.

Rides are available daily, with times varying by season. For the ride to proceed, a minimum of two riders per trail is required. 

Location: 2401 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Oakville

Fallbrook Trail Ranch

This ranch offers trail rides for riders of all ages, including a fun Christmas-themed ride through the snow in winter.

Phone bookings must be made in advance.

Location: 14097 9 Line, Georgetown

Big Creek Stables

Set out on a horseback riding excursion 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.

Operates seasonally, from May through to the end of November.

Location: 386 Big Creek Road, Caledonia

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Conestogo River Horseback Adventures

An experienced guide will review the basics of horseback riding before your group sets off on a slow-paced trail ride through forests, green rolling pastures and along a river. Look for wildlife such as great blue herons, ospreys, ducks, turtles, rabbits and foxes.

Make your booking over the phone in advance.

Location: 535 Northfield Drive East, Waterloo

Grey, Bruce and Simcoe

Mountain View Stables

With over 70 hectares of woodland near Blue Mountain Resort to explore, Mountain View Stables is a popular destination for horseback riders.

Trail rides are designed to accommodate both beginner and expert riders. Enjoy views of the Niagara Escarpment and look for wild turkeys, deer, cranes and hawks.

Operates year-round, weather permitting; call to book.

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 operating for over 50 years in the township of Oro-Medonte.

On your guided tour, ride through towering oaks, maples and cedar trees and look for deer, wild turkeys and rabbits.

Location: 2574 Line 10 North, Hawkestone

Rounds Ranch

Enjoy an assortment of family-friendly fun summer activities at Rounds Ranch. This 50-hectare attraction offers horse and pony rides for kids from June to October.

Stop by food stalls for hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, drinks or snacks. You’ll need the energy to participate in activities like ziplines, water slides, tractor rides, corn mazes and more. Seasonal activities include Pumpkin Mania and a ranch Easter hunt.

Operates 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 scenic trails, 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 challenging obstacles.

Riders must be at least ten years old or have at least six months of riding experience and must bring their own helmets. 

Location: 1008 Tuftsville Road, Stirling

Chalinelle Farm

Ride calm, majestic horses along the well-maintained trails accompanied by experienced guides.

For a special experience, the “Special Trail Ride” package includes a day of trail riding, a picnic, a spa and an overnight stay at Chalinelle Farm’s bed and breakfast.

Horseback riders must be at least ten 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.

Trail rides are offered 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 offers horseback trail rides from May to November. Led by experienced guides, the hour-long rides take riders through the picturesque woods and valleys on the shores of Lake Erie.

Trail rides include supplies like a riding helmet. Riders must be at least eight years old.

Location: 32553 Erin Line, Fingal

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Stillbrook Riding Stables

Enjoy year-round horseback riding at Stillbrook Riding Stables. View lovely fields of trilliums in the spring and witness awe-inspiring autumn colours in the fall. Sleigh rides are available in the winter.

During the stables’ trail rides, you’ll get a comprehensive horseback riding lesson in the outdoor ring before the ride. A guide will lead your group through the trails, with the option of attaching a lead line between the horses for beginners.

Riders must be six years of age or older. Operates on select days, year-round. Book in advance.

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.

After a lesson on the basic techniques of horseback riding, a guide will lead through the varied wilderness terrain of hills and woodlands near Algonquin Park. 

Riding tours can be customized for all ages and horse riding skills. Operates on select days during the summer months.

Location: 239 East 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 has a selection of ponies available for children to ride.

For adults, the basics of horseback riding are covered, then experienced guides take riders through the groomed trails around the ranch property.

Trail rides are available on select days; call to book.

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.

Knowledgeable instructors will walk you through mounting and riding your horse. You’ll then take a relaxing journey through beautiful fields and forests. 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 cares for rescued and retired horses and offers entertaining horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides through the Muskoka countryside.

During the sugaring off-season, view the sap buckets hung from sugar maple trees, 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. Winter activities include private family or romantic sleigh rides that end with warm hot chocolate around a campfire.

Operates on select days year-round.

Location: 2572 Muskoka Road 10, Huntsville

Northeastern Ontario

Honora Bay Riding Stable

Explore the natural beauty of Manitoulin Island by horseback along scenic trails.

A variety of horseback riding packages are designed for different skill levels, including an easy 30-minute ride for beginners, a one-hour ride through open fields, a five to six-hour adventure through the Manitoulin wilderness and an overnight bunkhouse adventure.

Operates from May to Thanksgiving—book in advance. The minimum age for most rides is 12 years old.

Location: 299 Honora Bay Road R.R.#1, Little Current

Von Doeler’s Ranch

Different trail rides lead through rugged terrain, forests and woodlands, with stops at sightseeing spots like Big Rock and Talon Chutes waterfall. You can also stay overnight in a cozy lakeside cabin.

Operates year-round, including winter rides along snowy trails. Age and experience requirements vary for the different rides.

Location: 1286 Von Doeler Road, Rutherglen

Northwest Ontario

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 near Thunder Bay.

Rides range from 1.5 hours to four hours. Alternatively, pick the full-day experience with four hours of horseback riding and paddle boating on the Matawin River. Turn your excursion into a vacation with an overnight stay—you’ll have more time to learn about the prized Alberta mustangs and Canadian horses.

Operates year-round, cash payment only.

Location: Shabaqua Road, Shabaqua