An Escape to Nature at I CAN-T.E.R.’s Farm Stay Experience
When our day to day lives are so busy, sometimes you just need a break from all of it. We found that perfect place to disconnect from work and escape into nature at I CAN-T.E.R. in Ridgeway.
Situated on 87 acres of farmland, grassland, wetlands, trails, and forest, you can head to I CAN-T.E.R. for their newest addition – a farm stay and nature retreat. Though you’re a short drive away from charming Ridgeway and Crystal Beach, you hear nothing but the birds, the sound of horses and chickens, crickets, and the flow of the creek.
It’s a fantastic place to seek relaxation, immerse yourself in nature, and recharge your soul.
To keep things simple, I CAN-T.E.R. is the acronym for its registered name, which is “I Can” Therapeutic Equestrian Riding Association of Niagara. This special place is a non-profit, charitable organization founded in the early 1990s.
The opportunity to stay at I CAN-T.E.R. came at just the right time in our lives. We desperately needed a staycation “away from it all.” But it’s more than just accommodations you get when you come here!
Many are familiar with the summer day camp that’s offered, and we didn’t realize until we arrived how much there really is going on here! It’s a place where all are welcome, and where agricultural-based therapeutic and wellness programming in the Niagara Region presents inclusive environments for everyone to grow and develop unique skills. I CAN-T.E.R. specializes in therapy, education, and recreation.
Join me as we uncover why you should consider staying at I CAN-T.E.R. if you’re looking for a place to truly relax and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
Thank you to the wonderful people at I CAN-T.E.R. for hosting our stay. Special thanks to Karen for sharing her time with us and for the grand tour, and to Jennifer for coordinating all of this!
Farm Stay Accommodations at I CAN-T.E.R.
There are a few choices for accommodations when you book I CAN-T.E.R. for a nature retreat.
We opted to stay in the Barn View Cottage this time, which had a view of the farm and right across from the chickens.
The cottage is equipped with a king-sized bed, refrigerator, microwave, cooktop, kettle, outdoor kitchen, firepit (with firewood), a water cooler and potable water – all the amenities you’d need to make yourself at home.
We absolutely loved the covered porch facing the trees – and it’s a great spot for birdwatching, too. There were all sorts of birds we’d never heard of before.
You can opt for the Creek Side Cabin – and it’s located in the most peaceful, private setting along the creek. This cabin is off-grid and uses solar power for lighting and USB charging.
With the option to BBQ on your deck or over a fire, or warm up some hearty stew over the wood stove during the colder months, the Creekside Cabin is set up for a four-season retreat. This adorably rustic space offers a queen bed, futon, and space for a tent.
Another great option, situated near the wetlands and trails is the Eco-Friendly Family Camp Site. This would be perfect for families who want privacy and the space just for them.
It’s off-grid, but offers solar lighting, USB charging, and a portable toilet. This area is incredibly peaceful and would be great for family gatherings, or groups of friends looking to unwind in a quiet atmosphere.
Farm Stay Experience
We arrived at the beautiful late 1800s brick house and were warmly welcomed by Karen, the Executive Director at I CAN-T.E.R.
With her friendly smile and engaging personality, you could immediately feel the passion she has for the property and what goes on there. We were shown to our cottage – an adorable green building repurposed from the 1990s into a cozy space which gives you exactly what you need to unwind. It also comes with a golf cart so you can get around.
The weather was less-than-favourable when we arrived so we decided it was best to tour the farm property and meet the animals the following morning.
Karen took us to the wonderfully secluded Creek Side Cabin area, which we returned to later when the rain stopped. The privacy and quiet is incredible here, and you really feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Imagine cozying up inside with the wood stove burning during the winter? Or being surrounded by autumn foliage and having a campfire in the fall? It sounds magical.
When you book a stay, you’re encouraged to bring food that’s easy to prepare. You’re provided plates and cups if needed. We brought some veggies and burgers Dana BBQ’d earlier that day, just to minimize any cleanup – but you can see the kitchenette area has everything you’d possibly need to make a meal!
As evening fell, one of the most spectacular things happened. We saw one firefly, which was cool enough, since we haven’t seen many of them in recent years. As it got darker, we saw more and more, and pretty soon it became our own personal light show in the trees and bushes around us. Hundreds of dazzling fireflies lit up the night. It was like watching fireworks from space – an ethereal experience that I can’t ever recall seeing before in my life.
The following morning we met with Karen in the sunshine and she took us around by golf cart to see the rest of the property and to meet the horses!
If you’ve ever spent any time around horses, you know they’re special. There’s something about them that’s healing and soothing. These gentle beings are well suited to their jobs at I CAN-T.E.R. as camp ponies or teachers.
We toured the barn, went by the outdoor classroom and indoor teaching spaces for kids, the greenhouse, expansive garden, indoor arena, and the “green mile” where the paddocks for the horses are.
On our way to the nature trails and eco-friendly camp site, we passed adorable Chester and Teddy before stopping at the stunning wetlands which provide a haven for all kinds of bird species.
The 87 acres property seems to go on forever, and with a mix of farmland, wetlands, grassland, trails, and forest, it’s easy to forget your daily worries when you’re out here surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Before we left, we were given a beautiful array of fresh lettuce, kale, basil, and garlic scapes fresh from the garden that Karen picked for us – all organic, and grown right on the farm. Nothing tastes better than farm-fresh produce!
Why you should stay at I CAN-T.E.R.
It’s been quite a while since we had the chance to camp, or even spend a lot of time outdoors in this kind of setting, and it was the perfect balance of comfort and rustic, giving us the chance to reconnect with ourselves.
There is just something grounding about being surrounded by trees, water, wildlife, and plants that immediately lowers your blood pressure.
Your time is yours to spend as you wish – walk the trails, visit the wetlands, have a campfire, or sit and relax reading a book. I CAN-T.E.R. is also just 10 minutes from Crystal Beach and offers plenty of dining options and cute boutique shops. It’s also a great option if you want to camp in a tent in privacy and with peace and quiet.
When you stay at I CAN-T.E.R. you support a great cause. You learn about nature, the farm animals, the programs that go on there, and you realize it really is a special place dedicated to developing the growth of everyone who’s involved.
Programs at I CAN-T.E.R.
I CAN-T.E.R. is much more than just a farm. It’s a place that strives to provide programs for those with limitations, barriers, and disabilities. It’s a safe space for personal growth and development – where therapy, education, and recreation combine in a farm setting to create impactful programs and experiences for visitors.
When I CAN-T.E.R. was founded, it was with the vision that the farm would provide a place where individuals facing barriers could thrive. The animals, forest, creek, wetlands, and gardens would become the basis of a very hands-on experience for everyone who visited.
Therapy programs include equine-assisted wellness and learning, therapeutic riding, mini driving programs, and speech and wellness programming. Including horses in these programs increases confidence, coordination, and communication amongst individuals.
Educational programs include the long-standing Ministry-Approved Agricultural Apprenticeship Program for becoming a Horse Groom which help individuals build skills they need to work in the equine industry.
And of course, day camp programs, birthday parties, arts programs, day visits, and the farm stay all make up the recreational aspect at I CAN-T.E.R.
On top of all this, there are flourishing gardens, wetlands and forests creating habitats for a variety of species, and an ongoing pursuit of how to make life at I CAN-T.E.R. more and more sustainable. The amount of work Karen has put into applying for grants and developing partnerships with neighbouring towns and communities is outstanding!
I know I’m just scratching the surface of all that goes on there, which is why you should experience it for yourself! If you’re seeking a quiet, peaceful retreat in nature while being just a short distance from the beach, shops, and restaurants, consider staying at I CAN-T.E.R.
Book your Farm Stay and Nature Retreat at I CAN-T.E.R.
Address: 1234 House Rd, Ridgeway L0S 1N0
