Sleigh rides in the North Okanagan are the perfect holiday activity

If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, there’s a perfect activity for you.

There is still time to catch Horse Drawn Okanagan’s fifth annual sleigh ride event from Dec. 26-30 at a new venue in Spallumcheen.

While the venue is new, the same memorable holiday experience is promised when you arrive at 4735 Grandview Flats Rd.

“It’s like going back in time - gathering with family, singing carols around the fire and connecting with nature and horses,” said Kelly MacIntosh, teamster and event organizer.

There will be Clydesdales, a Percheron and a Belgian horse pulling the sleighs, and Willow the donkey will be around to greet guests along with some adorable wooly sheep.

There will be festive displays and plenty of spots for the perfect photo opportunity, including with the horses.

“Our goal has always been to highlight the historical significance of draft horses in Canada, and remind everyone what it was like to work with horses for pleasure, agriculture, and transportation,” MacIntosh explained.

“We enjoy being outside in the fresh snow, under the open sky, and away from the stimulus of modern life we are all so accustomed to.”

Tickets must be purchased in advance through ticketseller.ca or by calling 250-549-7469. The cost is $22.50 for adults, $15 for kids between 4-12 years old and free for kids three and under.

Hot chocolate and cookies are complementary and people can expect a 20-25 minute ride on a sleigh that can seat up to 14 people.

“Every year since we started, the interest and attendance has grown. We now have guests that come every Christmas, and have made it a holiday tradition,” noted MacIntosh, who added that there won’t be as many tickets available this year as there have been in year’s past.

“(Last year) came with many challenges including extreme cold weather during our event and it took a toll on our teamsters and volunteers. We want to keep things small and simple this year so we can enjoy it again as much as our guests do.”

There are a few sponsors on board that are contributing to the event and Horse Drawn Okanagan promises that the entirety of its sponsorship money will go to the BC Cancer Foundation.

_{Thumbnail photo courtesy of Coralie Nairn.}