Captiva Ranch

Tucked into the Gatineau Hills just east of Wakefield, Quebec, Captiva Ranch is the kind of place where life seems to slow down the moment you pass through the gates. Founded some 30 years ago as a place to escape the pressures of city life, the ranch has grown into a sprawling equestrian destination surrounded by the beauty of the Quebec countryside. 

With more than 60 horses and hundreds of acres of private land, Captiva offers an opportunity to trade the noise of everyday life for the steady rhythm of hooves on the trail. Guided horseback rides wind through the Outaouais landscape, giving riders a chance to experience the woods, fields and rolling terrain from the back of a horse. 

The ranch welcomes riders of different ages and experience levels, with everything from pony experiences for young children to riding lessons, guided trail rides, and summer equestrian camps. While my dad and I enjoyed an hour and a half trail riding experience that wound its way past rock cuts, over open meadows and through hardwood forests, my daughter Addie (just shy of 3 years of age) enjoyed a supervised 30 minute pony ride on her gallant steed Sir Gallahad. She also got to brush the little Paint pony, untack him, and put him away in his stall.

We love to find new trails to explore and horses to ride when we are on a road trip, and Captiva Ranch did not disappoint. It's always nice to escape the hustle of the city, breathe in the country air, and listen to the sound of a horse beneath you while you Ride Away.