Ottawa has no shortage of great road trips within a couple of hours, but this one might just be the most wholesome yet — a chance to cuddle baby lambs on a scenic island near Kingston, Ontario.
A Short Drive for a Big Dose of Cuteness
For Ottawa residents looking to escape the city without going too far, the Kingston area sits just under two hours west along the 401 — and this spring, a farm on one of the islands in the region is offering something pretty special: hands-on time with newborn lambs.
Lambing season is one of those fleeting, magical windows that opens for just a few weeks each spring. Baby lambs are notoriously soft, wobbly-legged, and endlessly charming, and getting to hold or cuddle one is an experience that tends to stay with you. Whether you're bringing kids, going with a partner, or just treating yourself to a countryside escape, a farm visit like this hits differently than your average tourist stop.
Island Living, Ontario-Style
The island setting near Kingston adds an extra layer of adventure to the trip. The Thousand Islands region that straddles Eastern Ontario and upstate New York is one of the most scenic stretches of the St. Lawrence River, dotted with everything from tiny rocky outcroppings to full-sized islands with farms, inns, and trails.
Getting to an island farm often means a short ferry crossing or water taxi — which, let's be honest, makes the whole experience feel like a mini adventure before you've even spotted a single lamb.
Planning Your Ottawa Day Trip
If you're heading out from Ottawa, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Time it right: Lambing season typically runs from late March through May, so check ahead to confirm the farm is still in full swing before you make the drive.
- Book in advance: Farm visits with animal interaction tend to fill up fast, especially on weekends. Call or message ahead to reserve your spot.
- Make a day of it: Kingston itself is a fantastic city to explore — grab lunch on Princess Street, walk along the waterfront, or visit the historic Bellevue House. It's easily worth the full day.
- Dress for the farm: Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting a little muddy or woolly. Farms are farms, after all.
Why Ottawa Locals Love This Kind of Escape
One of the best things about living in Ottawa is the easy access to so much of Ontario's countryside. Within two hours you can be hiking in Algonquin, kayaking the Rideau, or — apparently — cuddling lambs on a river island near Kingston. It's the kind of spontaneous day trip that reminds you why Eastern Ontario is such a great place to call home.
Spring and early summer are the prime windows for this kind of experience, so if you've been meaning to get out of the city, consider this your sign.
Source: Ottawa Road Trips via Google News Ottawa
