Ontario’s largest farm of its kind lets you hang out with fluffy mini highland cows
An Ontario farm is now offering what may be the most painfully adorable, Insta-worthy experience that any animal lover will be champing at the bit to take part in: meet-and-greet sessions with cute, furry miniature highland cows.
Hinterland Estate is Ontario's largest farm exclusively raising mini Highland cows, a rare breed of cattle that you can get up close and personal with upon your visit.
Located just under two hours from Toronto in St. Anns, which is in the Niagara region, Hinterland has specialized in raising and showcasing Mini Highland Cows for years, offering chances for people to come interact with the creatures, and even stay overnight on the property.
Your experience kicks off in a luxury mini home, where you'll be served refreshments — a different menu is available based on the time of day you arrive — paired with picturesque views of a peaceful pond and grazing cows. Then, you'll step into the pen for 30 minutes for some facetime with this coveted herd.
You can pamper the cows with their very own "spa kit," which comes with balms for their nose and horns, brushes to groom them, and even their favourite treats.
This will then be followed by a leisurely hour to take in the beautiful surroundings and indulge in food and drinks, whether inside or out. The entire visit lasts about 1.5 hours.
Sounds cool, doesn't it? But it does make one wonder how the idea came about.
Jes Gar, owner of Hinterland Estate, tells blogTO that they actually "had zero intentions of ever making this open to the public."
"We got our cows simply because we love animals and wanted them for ourselves" Jes says. "Then we blew up on social media, and people kept asking to meet them. So here we are, sharing our fluffy, gentle miniature highland cows with the world."
Jes mentions that since they've taken off, they've managed to hit the right chord with many people. Visitors always leave with big smiles on their faces; the cows have even evoked happy tears in some, while others simply don't want to leave.
"People tell us it’s way more special than they expected: that it's calming, intimate, personal and magical. Many have said it was the highlight of their summer, the best animal experience they have ever had," Jes says.
You can book a visit to the farm, which starts $300. They also host other events and activities, ranging from learning about the farm's honey harvest operations to visiting its seasonal Christmas tree farm.
Hinterland Estate is located at 4299 RR 20, St. Anns, Ontario.
Hinterland Estate
