Grand Desert Farmstead
3 sites · Lodging100 acres · Bonfield, ONRewild your senses in our 16-foot handmade teepee situated on this ‘Grand Desert’ regenerative 100 acre tree farm with its organic market gardens, sanctuary for rescued horses and flock of purebred Suffolk & Dorset sheep. ‘Grand Desert Farmstead’ is located on the northern cusp of Algonquin Park surrounded by lakes, rivers and forests, perfect as a base camp for epic wilderness adventures. We are an Eco- Farm destination with a blend of Agri-Eco Tourism experiences.
Fall is an especially magical time with its tapestry of brilliant colours, a favourite time for nature photography, bird watching, hiking and canoeing. With our complementary canoes a crisp early-morning canoe ride on one of the many surrounding waterways is a must. Or, if you prefer, you can grab a cup of coffee or tea and head over to meet our friendly horses who love early-morning visitors. Explore our private, groomed trails through a majestic hardwood ridge with natural springs. The ridge serves as a safe wildlife corridor. Wildlife and bird species abound! At night cuddle up by the fire for a candle lit, farm fresh dinner under a canopy of brilliant stars.
The ‘Grand Desert Farmstead’ Airstream creates nostalgic feelings of a by-gone era. Nestled ridge side, on a bed of moss, hidden by oaks and pines it overlooks a field of young Fraser firs. It is an ideal spot for relaxation and wildlife viewing. It is off-grid, less-is-more but with attention to the finer details. Fully insulated with a wood stove and wood-fired sauna outside, this setup takes fall/ winter camping to a whole different level! There is a double and two single beds accommodating up to four guests. All pillows, cushions, bedding, blankets and duvets are provided. (Note below a price change for those that bring their own bedding.)
Just across from the airstream trailer is a wood fired pod-sauna made out of cedar accommodating up to four people. It is stocked with water, firewood, eucalyptus oil and cedar brush.
A stone’s throw away is a deck with soaker tank and screened cabana with Muskoka chairs, candle lanterns for night and propane/ charcoal grill in case of inclement weather or fire bans. There is an outdoor fire pit with a cowboy cauldron and grill. The cabana is stocked with cast iron cookware, BBQ set and dishes for four. Get creative and embrace the joy of cooking on an open fire!
Behind the cabana is a private outdoor shower, antique mirror and pitcher with basin. A nearby outhouse has a night light and propane heater. (Note from Nov-March there is a portable toilet that can be put in the back of the airstream upon request.)
The farm focuses on organic market gardening, specialty crops, small batch & handmade-field & forest products, registered replacement stock sheep and cultivation of hundreds of landscape & Christmas trees throughout the year. Regenerative and sustainable practices are at the core of all that we do here on the farmstead. At the centre of the farm towering against the northern sky is our classic century-old barn which is the heart of the farm.
At the main entrance a hut/kiosk is stocked with basic camping supplies, arts and crafts and handmade, small batch field & forest products from the farmstead. You can also rent paddle boards, river tubes or snowshoes, refill on water, buy additional firewood or charge any electronic equipment.
We offer onsite fully catered farm-fresh breakfasts and dinners for staying guests. Meals are prepared on an open fire using cast iron cookware. Ingredients and produce are sourced from the farm or surrounding areas. Inquire about availability and pricing.
‘Wounded Healers’ Horse Sanctuary
In any season, take a curated visit to our horse sanctuary. Let a horse whisper in your ear and breathe on your heart. You will never regret it. Get up-close and personal with our rescued herd of horses. Learn about these inspiring animals and their individual stories to overcome the abuse they experienced before coming under our care. Many of our guests have cited this tour as the most moving part of their visit to Grand Desert Farmstead. "The Horses were the real stars, getting to pet them, hear their stories, plus our girls getting to ride the largest one - memories to last a lifetime." A donation of $25.00 per adult is requested for the continued upkeep of the animals. Please book in advance if possible.
Private and group EAL Sessions with certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitators are available. Please enquire for more information.
All in all the Airstream is the ideal escape. A total retreat from rushing, from stuff, from bandwidth. A special place to relax and rewild the senses in a true wilderness setting. An Authentic, one-of-a-kind experience embracing all things vintage. It is a classic entree to a classic Canadian wilderness experience.
The Horse is a strong totem for us here on the farmstead. The Horse symbolizes many things the world over. To us some of those notations are the wild, the beauty of nature, sense of adventure, enjoyment of the company of others, healing and being of service. It is in this spirit we welcome you to Grand Desert Farmstead.
Onwards & Upwards