Meet the Long-Ears: Top 4 Places to Visit Donkeys in Ontario

Donkeys are some of the most gentle, expressive, and underrated animals you can meet on an Ontario farm visit. With their long ears, calm personalities, and curious nature, they make for a memorable animal encounter that feels a little different from the usual petting zoo or farm tour.

Across Ontario, there are farms, sanctuaries, and animal experiences where visitors can see donkeys up close, learn about their care, and better understand why these intelligent animals are so loved. Some places focus on rescue and education, while others offer hands-on farm visits, guided tours, or peaceful countryside settings where donkeys are part of the experience.

Whether you are planning a family day trip, a wholesome weekend outing, or a unique animal-themed adventure, visiting donkeys in Ontario is a charming way to slow down and connect with farm life. This guide highlights four of the best places to visit donkeys in Ontario, from dedicated sanctuaries to welcoming rural destinations where these long-eared animals are the stars of the visit.

1. Vanderlaand The Barnyard Zoo

Location: Winchester Springs, Ontario

Type: Petting Zoo & Donkey Experience

Vanderlaand The Barnyard Zoo is a family-friendly farm attraction near Winchester Springs where visitors can meet a wide mix of animals, including donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, pot belly pigs, chickens, peacocks, geese, ponies, mules, and more. The farm has general petting zoo admission, along with a picnic area, playground, animal feed available for purchase, and seasonal farm activities.

For donkey lovers, the farm has an especially memorable long-eared crew. Visitors may meet miniature donkeys Jamaica, Aunt Jemima, Delilah, Linda, and Elliott; standard donkeys Bob, Shirley, and Tulip; Curly Sue the Poitou donkey; Chickalynne the mammoth donkey; and Leroy the giant mule. Guests can usually see the herd during a regular petting zoo visit, making this one of the most donkey-filled farm stops in Ontario.

Vanderlaand also offers a dedicated donkey experience called “Scratch My Ass,” where guests can spend hands-on time with the donkeys, pet them, scratch them, and learn more about the herd. This one-hour farm experience must be pre-booked, is weather dependent because it takes place outdoors, and includes time with Farmer Ruth before guests are free to visit the other animals on the farm.

2. The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Location: Puslinch, Ontario

Type: Donkey, Mule & Hinny Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a not-for-profit sanctuary in Puslinch that provides a lifelong home for donkeys, mules, and hinnies that have been unwanted, neglected, or abused. Set on 200 acres of peaceful countryside, it is one of the most meaningful places in Ontario to visit donkeys while also learning about animal care, rescue, and responsible stewardship.

Visitors can attend seasonal Open Days, which typically run on most Sundays from May through October. During a visit, guests can spend time around the sanctuary grounds, see the donkeys and mules in a calm environment, and better understand the personalities and needs of these gentle animals.

The sanctuary also offers guided group tours on select weekdays during the open season, making it a great option for families, animal lovers, school groups, and anyone who wants a more educational experience. Because visits support a registered charity, this is also a feel-good stop where your day out helps care for animals in need.

3. Happy Acres Animals

Location: Chatsworth, Ontario

Type: Donkey, Alpaca & Petting Farm Experience

Happy Acres Animals is a peaceful countryside farm in Chatsworth, about 15 minutes south of Owen Sound. The farm is home to friendly donkeys, alpacas, miniature horses, Nigerian dwarf goats, sheep, potbelly pigs, and heritage chickens, making it a fun stop for families and animal lovers.

For donkey fans, Happy Acres offers hands-on experiences where guests can learn about donkey care and behaviour while spending time with the animals. Visitors can also book interactive animal sessions that may include feeding, grooming, and guided time with the farm’s furry and feathered residents.

All visits are by appointment only, which helps keep the experience personal and unrushed. Along with donkey experiences, guests can book alpaca walks, petting farm visits, mini-horse meet-and-greets, and pony rides for children.

4. AlmostAFarm Petting Zoo

Location: Markham, Ontario

Type: Mobile Petting Zoo & Farm Animal Experience

AlmostAFarm Petting Zoo is a family-run mobile petting zoo based in Markham, bringing friendly farm animals to birthday parties, schools, camps, corporate events, seniors’ homes, fairs, festivals, and community gatherings. Instead of visiting a farm property, guests can enjoy a hands-on animal experience brought directly to their event.

The animal lineup can include donkeys, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and other gentle farm animals, depending on the booking and availability. For anyone who wants to include donkeys in a party or special event, AlmostAFarm is a fun and convenient option.

Their experiences are especially popular for children’s birthdays, educational programs, and family-friendly events. With a focus on interactive animal encounters, AlmostAFarm Petting Zoo is a great choice for bringing long-eared farm fun to your own location.

Final Thoughts

Ontario has some wonderful places to meet donkeys, from dedicated sanctuaries and hands-on farm visits to petting zoos and mobile animal experiences. Whether you want to support rescue animals, plan a family outing, or simply spend time with these gentle long-eared animals, each spot offers something a little different.

What makes donkey visits so memorable is their calm, curious, and affectionate nature. Some places let you learn about donkey care and behaviour, while others offer photo opportunities, guided farm experiences, or the chance to bring farm animals to your own event.

Before visiting, check each farm or sanctuary’s hours, booking requirements, seasonal schedule, and animal experience options. Many visits are by appointment only, so planning ahead is the best way to enjoy a relaxed and meaningful donkey encounter.