Sneak away to Stouffville
From a day at the farm to tree-top trekking, the historic town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is a great place for a family getaway
WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE— Three-year-old Angie Giaouridis squeals in delight as sheep nibble the minicarrots she holds in her hands. Nearby, brother Stratos, 5, presses up against the fence, feeding lettuce to the goats, trying to make sure the littlest ones get their fill.
“They love it,” says father Taso Giaouridis, who brings his kids here to Lionel’s Farm once a week during the summer. Being able to feed the animals isn’t just a treat for the farm’s furry and feathery inhabitants, but also its tiny visitors.
“It gives (the children) a chance to get up close. They get to be more interactive.”
The family lives in Toronto, but Giaouridis is an elementary school teacher in the area, and says the town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has all you need for a fun family day away.
For starters, it’s conveniently located off Hwy. 404 and close to Toronto so you won’t hear ‘Are we there yet?’ umpteen times.
In fact, he says, it takes his family longer to get downtown for a Blue Jays game or to the CNE than it does to get to Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Plus, he says, its historical downtown area along Main St. and the abundance of open green space and farmland — including farms with pick-your-own options — make it ideal.
“We want our children to be exposed to farms and animals,” he says, adding there’s an educational value to that and it also “helps them build compassion for other living beings.”
“And because we live in a condo, their perspective of the world and how people reside changes once you arrive in a smaller town . . . They learn about community from a different perspective than what they’re accustomed to in Toronto.”
The town is also home to the largest Treetop Trekking adventure park in the province — a place Giaouridis’s kids know well.
“They can challenge themselves physically and challenge their own sense of courage and what they think they’re capable of doing. And they get a better understanding of nature, how it’s preserved and the fun things we can do in nature.”
Lionel’s Farm
This family-run farm has a petting farm open to the public, offering pony rides and a chance to hand-feed rabbits, deer, birds, donkeys and llamas. Folks can bring baby carrots, celery, lettuce, apples and bread to feed the animals or buy pellet cones on-site.
Its namesake is Lionel Purcell, who bought his first farm in 1950 in Scarborough. Because of increasing urbanization, he relocated in 1981 to Whitchurch-Stouffville. Until his death last year at age 96, you could still catch Purcell out on the farm. His wife, their four children and their families now run the farm.
“We’re all about family,” says daughter Carrie Purcell, a veterinary technician.
Not only is the petting farm small, safe and enclosed — so parents don’t need to worry — it allows families to get up close to the animals, she says.
“It’s an opportunity for them to be able to experience the (animals’) smells, behaviour and see how they move.”
Admission to Lionel’s Farm, located at 11714 McCowan Rd., is $2 per person. Pony ride tickets are $5. If you’re taking food for the animals, check the website for specifics.
Pick your own
Picking your own fruits and vegetables is a great way to make the next family meal more memorable — and delicious — says longtime farmer Guy Farintosh.
“It’s something people enjoy doing as a family,” says the owner of Farintosh Farms, where the pick-yourown (PYO) season for green beans and callaloo has just started. In September, you’ll be able to PYO tomatoes, peppers and eggplant.
“Think of how many memories are made around the supper table or a meal. And if you can take it one step further and eat those beans that you’ve picked up with your own two hands, that becomes valuable and memorable — and it’s a teachable moment for people’s kids. Those beans are going to taste a lot better than the ones you get at the supermarket.”
There are other PYO farms in the area, but call ahead to check that they’re open and find out what’s in season. For instance, PYO resumes at the family-run Applewood Farm Winery in September with apple, raspberry and pumpkin picking. In addition to PYO, visitors are free to roam the grounds and take advantage of the playground, petting zoo, corn maze and wagon rides.
“Were trying to create fun — we’ve got a food truck on weekends and a picnic area for eating,” says Stephanie Passafiume, who helps run the winery.
“We’re trying to get people to come out and spend the afternoon. It’s a tradition — we’ve had families who’ve been coming for many years.”
At Farintosh Farms, 11858 Warden Ave., there’s no cost to enter the fields. At Applewood Farm Winery, 12416 McCowan Rd., admission is $7.50 for those aged 3 to 65.
Family feast
There are plenty of places along Main St. to grab a family-friendly bite. A local favourite is the Fickle Pickle Restaurant and Deli, a family- run diner known for big portions, reasonable prices — most dishes cost less than $15 — and a menu with kiddie meals that have a surprise treat.
But if you’re taking a break from the city, and its exhaust fumes, why not eat al fresco? At Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, where Treetop Trekking is located, you’ll find picnic tables and plenty of green space to spread out a blanket for a family feast. And there are several hiking trails, both open and forested, to take a walk after a big meal. If you didn’t pack a lunch, you can stock up for a picnic in town at Reesor’s Market and Bakery, which specializes in Ontario produce, artisanal cheeses, deli meats, baked goods and salads.
Fickle Pickle Restaurant and Deli is at 6302 Main St. Reesor’s Market and Bakery is at 5758 Main St.
Admission to Bruce’s Mill, at 3291 Stouffville Rd, is $6.50 for 15 and up, and $5.50 for over 60. Pre-book with Treetop Trekking and entrance is free.
Treetop Trekking
Nestled in Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area is Treetop Trekking, an adventure park with zip lines and aerial games for those aged 9 and up.
There are five Treetop Trekking locations in Ontario, but the one in Stouffville includes a Treewalk Village, ideal for children aged 3 to 8.
The village includes 11 tree houses, connected by net walkways, ramps and slides, a mini rock-climbing wall and a network of underground tunnels for kids to crawl through. And it’s fenced-in so tiny explorers won’t wander off into the forest.
“Parents can have peace of mind that kids are playing safely,” says Mike Stiell, marketing director for Treetop Trekking in Ontario. “Kids are nice and tired by the end of it and they usually fall asleep in the car ride home. Parents generally have a nice and quiet evening after that.”
The attractions are side by side, ideal for families with kids of different ages. Some families split up, with one parent taking the older kids Treetop Trekking, while the other takes the tykes into Treewalk Village.
“It makes a trip up there more worthwhile for more families and groups,” says Stiell.
They’ve also just opened pint-sized Discovery Courses, which include zip lines and aerial games closer to the ground. It’s aimed at children 5 and up, and anyone who needs extra support as well as those afraid of heights. For Treetop Trekking, prices range from $42 to $60 per person. For Treewalk Village those under 3 and over 65 are free, kids 3-17 pay $19.99, and adults pay $7.99. The Discovery Courses are $19.99 per person. There’s a time limit on the activities.