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Tours
» public, private & educational
» Maple Sugar Bush
» Mennonite Farm
» Buggy Rides
» Sleigh and Wagon Rides
» Historical Tour
Location: Our tours leave from the St Jacobs Farmers Market unless planned otherwise. The market meeting location is at "The Log Cabin" which is located on the corner of Farmers Market Rd. and Benjamin Rd. When at the market look for us between the large market buildings and the Outlet Mall, our small ticket office and large sign is clearly visible.
Scheduled Times: Tour times vary depending on the time of year and availablity. Please check in with us one hour before your prefered departure time. Feel free to contact us for our departure times or to make reservations.
Maple Sugar Bush Tours: Every Saturday from March 6 to April 17 from 10am till 4pm. We will also be offering these tours during March Break from Tuesday to Saturday (March 16-20) 10am till 4pm.
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Mennonite Farm Tours: April 22 to October 30 every Thursday and Saturday from 11am till 3pm. We will also be operating every Tuesday from June 15 to August 31 at 11am till 3pm.
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Educational Tours: Tours available for all students; we ask that you contact us for information on pricing and scheduling.
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Buggy Rides: May 22 to September 4 every Thursday and Saturday from 1pm till 5pm. We will also be operating on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day and Thanksgiving Monday.
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Sleigh and Wagon Rides: These are private bookings that require a reservation. We are available for these rides on any day but Sundays.
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Historical Tour (St Jacobs Village): Please contact us for any updates on this tour.
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Maple Sugar Bush Tour -
Mennonite Farm Tour -
Educational Tours
Buggy Rides - Winter Sleigh Rides - Private Bookings
Buggy Rides - Winter Sleigh Rides - Private Bookings
Mennonite Farm Tour
A visit to St Jacobs country is not complete with out joining us for a Mennonite Farm tour. This tour is a very informative
fully narrated one hour and fifteen minutes. The horse drawn trolley leaves from the St Jacobs Farmers Market at set times
throughout the market days. Set out over tranquil country roads on a journey that will carry you to a typical Old Order
Mennonite mixed farming operation. While heading to the farm you will be introduced to the Mennonite people, including their
history, different groups in the area and their beliefs. As we arrive at the farm we are greeted by the friendly Old Order
Mennonite children and their pet dogs.
While at the farm you are sure to spot the other friendly farm critters and livestock. Experience nature's splendor as you
tour through an apple orchard and maple sugar bush. Learn how maple syrup is produced as well as the collection methods. You
are sure to enjoy the stop at the buggy shed where you will see a variety of buggies used by the family for transportation.
The timber frame barn, built in 1856 is now home to the beef and dairy cattle as well as the family's buggy horses.
The tour would not be complete without a visit to the Farm Quilt Shop. The lady of the house welcomes you into the Farm Quilt
Shop where local Mennonite hand crafted items and maple syrup products can be purchased. While heading back to the Farmers
Market you will learn more about the Old Order Mennonite lifestyle including their weddings, funerals and schools. No question
is out of place as your guide will be more then happy to answer any questions you might have through out the tour.Maple Sugar Bush Tour
A visit you won't forget! Join us as we travel from the St Jacobs Farmers Market to a sugar bush during the peak of the sap run. As you travel through the tall Sugar Bush you will see the methods used to collect sap. Learn how maple syrup is produced as well as see the different working methods from the past and present. As you’re watching the steam rise and sipping on complimentary hot beverages memories are sure to be made. Pancakes and maple syrup are also offered as part of the tour. This is a great way to sample the fresh maple syrup. You are welcome to spend as much time as you wish at the sugar bush as the horse drawn shuttle will be operating between the Market and Sugar Bush on a scheduled basis. Listed below are a variety of family friendly activities offered while at the sugar bush.
- Maple toffee on snow
- Old fashioned log sawing
- Farm Petting Zoo
- Tapping a maple tree
- Nature hike
- Snow Shoeing (weather permitting)
- Displays from past and present
We offer private tours for schools and tour groups coming to the area. These tours are available by reservation on any day but Sunday.
New in 2010!
Enjoy a hike through the sugar bush on our new Nature Trail. While hiking you are invited to learn about the different trees growing in the bush as well as answer the sugar bush and animal trivia!
Stop by our Petting Zoo to welcome the new animals this year.
Enjoy our new and improved history exhibits, the Native camp, Settlers camp and Century camp are sure to catch your attention!
2010 Sugar Bush Tour Prices
Adults -- $16.00
Children (ages 4-12) -- $9.00
Children (ages 3-under) -- Free
Prices include all sugar bush activities and treats including pancakes and the ride to and from the sugar bush with the horses.
2010 Sugar Bush Tour Dates
Every Saturday from March 6 to April 17 from 10am- 4pm.
March Break Tuesday to Saturday (March 16-20) 10am- 4pm.
Tours depart from the St Jacobs Farmers Market and reservations are not needed unless you are attending with a group of more then ten guests.
Educational Tours
St Jacobs horse Drawn Tours is happy to welcome school groups on the Mennonite Farm Tour and Maple Sugar Bush Tours. Since these tours are so informative and educational everyone is sure to learn something new. We feel privileged to have hosted preschool to university groups in the past. Our knowledgeable guides will adapt the tour to make it appealing to any age group. We encourage teachers to introduce the information that is covered in the tours before attending. Since we would like to make these tours available for all students we ask that you contact us for information on pricing and scheduling.
Buggy Rides
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel by horse and buggy? How fast do they go? Is a buggy comfortable?
You need not wonder anymore!
While visiting St Jacobs, take a break out of your day and join us for a buggy ride through the streets of the village or down a quiet country road. Listening to the sound of the horse's hooves is sure to relax you. Your friendly and knowledgeable Mennonite guide is more then happy to answer any questions you might have, as well as give you some history and culture of the area. The vehicle you will travel in is a traditional Mennonite carriage much like the ones being used today by The Old Order Mennonites.
We offer two carriage tours. The 20 minute Village Tour is a brief history of St Jacobs and the Mennonites. The Countryside Tour is 45 minutes in length and takes you out into the farm land passing by a number of Mennonite homesteads. Our starting location is at the corner of First St and Front St in downtown St. Jacobs. Each carriage can accommodate up to five adult guests per trip. The carriages operate on a first come first serve basis, although we are willing to take reservations for any special occasions.
Village Tour (20 minutes in length)
$40.00Countryside Tour (45minutes in length)
$80.00Winter Sleigh Rides
Looking for a fun and memorable activity to do with your family this winter season? Look no further; join us for a scenic Sleigh Ride through open fields and the tall sugar bush. As you listen to the sleigh bells and watch the powerful horses pull the sleigh, time stands still. After the 45 minute sleigh ride we invite you to relax in our rustic sugar shack. Sipping on hot apple cider and sitting close to the wood stove is another great way to spend time with family and friends. The Sleigh Rides are located at 1222 Apple Grove Rd, Woolwich, Ontario. This farm is located 5 minutes from the St. Jacobs Farmers Market on the North end of Waterloo.
2010 Sleigh Ride Prices
We offer two different sleighs, the big sleigh can accommodate up to fifteen adults and the small sleigh up to four adults. Both sleighs go on the same trails and offer the same length ride. The price is based on the sleigh instead of per person. The large sleigh is $175.00 for the entire package and the small sleigh is $125.00 for the entire package. If your group is larger then fifteen a $3 charge per extra person applies. All sleigh rides are reservation only and are offered any day but Sunday and Christmas Day. A $50 down payment is required when booking a date.
Private Bookings
Let St Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours make your special occasions more memorable. Join us for a horse drawn ride at our farm. Every season has new adventures and sights to behold. We are also able to provide a campfire, barbeque or snack for your group upon request.
Our horses and wagons are also available to travel to your location for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, group outings or family get togethers. All unique ideas are considered. Tell us what you’re thinking and let us make it happen. Our capable staff is able to make your event a stress free experience. Please contact us with any questions or ideas you might have for your special occasion.
