Wishing Well Sanctuary in Bradford is offering guests a new way to visit with their animals and connect to nature this summer, with 'glamping'.
After seeing a growing trend in the 'glamping' (luxury style camping), sanctuary employee Marc Daoust came up with the idea to transform part of their property into a private outdoor oasis for those looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway.
"We need to get people to come here and experience Wishing Well," said Daoust, who has been volunteering at the sanctuary for the past five and a half years. "They may come for this (glamping), but really learn to love the animals."
They believe the glamping experience is a nice way for people to get out and enjoy the outdoors after being cooped up for so long over the winter and spring lockdowns.
Wishing Well Sanctuary is a federally registered charitable organization and home to many animals, including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, lamas, and geese.
The 51-acre sanctuary, located on the 10th Line, has taken a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, unable to offer their regular programs like walking tours and goat yoga, due to health and safety restrictions.
"It was pretty brutal," said sanctuary founder Brenda Bronfman.
Now, with restrictions starting to ease across the province, she is starting to slowly welcome back guests and open up programming.
Guests have two site options to choose from when booking a glamping experience. The first site is located at the back of the property, surrounded by a Koi fish pond, with accommodations for up to two people. Guests will stay inside a large white tent with pillows and bedding, and access to cooking equipment, a bonfire, cooler, outside lighting, kayaks, woodstove, and a bug-proof gazeebo with a pub-style dining table.
The other site is on the other side of the property, inside a four-person 32-foot luxury camper with all amenities, next to the fenced-in cow field, with access to the same amenities.
All guests will have full access to the property for walking, kayaking, and visiting with the animals.
There is also a 'Moo-room', a van which sleeps up to two guests, that can be added to either site for additional guests.
"It's a different world when you walk back here," describes Daoust, who has seen deer and fireflies at night surrounding the property. "There are other glamping sites in Ontario, but none as private as this."
Guests bring their own food to cook, or can order from delivery apps in town.
The glamping experience is just one of many new programs the sanctuary is introducing this summer like 'Wagon Wednesdays' where they hope to offer wagon rides for families to visit with the animals every Wednesday evening, and 'Movie Night' where they plant to play movies on a projector and white sheet outside.
In the wintertime, Bronfman plans to also offer cross country skiing and nature walks.
Currently, they also rent out their space for weddings.
Bronfman reminds those who book at the sanctuary are not only getting an experience with nature but also supporting the costs of caring for the animals, including food and supplies.
Anyone interested in booking the glamping experience can send an email to [email protected] or call/text (647)282-0997. To learn more about Wishing Well Sanctuary, follow them on Instagram @wishing_well_sanctuary.
