All dogs look stunning embraced in purple, so it‘s a good thing The Avalon Lavender Farm in Mono, Ontario welcomes leashed dogs. Preferably, leashed dogs that don’t interfere with farm animals. More on that soon; after all, I have a spaniel. And this farm has free-range chickens.

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Dog-friendly Avalon Lavender Farm

The Avalon Lavender Farm is set up for two things: growing lavender and entertaining visitors looking for an agrotourism experience that’s both beautiful and easy to walk along the clearly defined trails. Visitors want to peek behind the curtain and see the results, not the labour, and that’s exactly what you get at The Avalon Lavender Farm. Plus, some lovely picnic and photo opportunities. (Check out other dog-friendly lavender farms here).

The entrance is off the highway, and parking is a gravel field. Pay at the tent, then follow the straw-lined road from the parking lot, winding through the woods. Arched canopies of dried branches lead visitors to the edge of the farm, but first say hello to the four friendly horses accustomed to greeting people, especially because there are horse treats in the barn store free for the offering.

The store is a restored 1881 Heritage Barn showcasing merchandise: dried lavender, lavender bath bombs, lotions, and bath salts. Lavender is a luxury item, but an obtainable one that makes bath time just a little more fragrant.

1881 Heritage Barn

There’s only one way around the barn, and that’s past the free-range chickens, heritage birds with multicoloured plumage peck through the shrubs – and my spaniel is fascinated. Transfixed, her bird-dog instincts activated. I hold tight, and just as I thought we’d made our way past the poultry without incident, all efforts explode. My dog shoots straight up in the air with me gripping her like a kite. Chickens go flying, if they could fly. Fortunately, only feathers were ruffled with no chickens touched.

So, where’s the lavender? Past the chickens. Then you’re home free.

Open fields of both English and French lavender – several different varieties – all in rows and marked with signs. The French lavender makes the best photos because it’s the richest colour, tallest, and most fragrant. However, my dog prefers scampering through the English Lavender. Who knows why? But what I need to watch is what she chews. Lavender and lavender oils can be toxic to dogs. There are also a lot of bees.

Honey – lavender flavoured honey – is also made here and can be purchased in the store.

Duration of Visit

Plan to stay about one or two hours, depending on whether or not you bring a lunch. (Other than High Tea, there’s no food for sale). Picnic tables are reserved, and if you want to spend the entire afternoon with a book, book one of the cabanas set among rows of lavender.

Bring water for your dog. A dog water bowl is near the chickens, but my dog was too distracted to drink on the way in. I should have brought our Springer portable drinking bottle with us into the field (Springer affiliate link).

Here is what you’ll find if you visit the Avalon Lavender Farm with your pup:

• Avalon has more than 30,000 English and French lavender plants in seven cultivars. The plants were primarily planted in 2021, with the field designed for visitors to learn about the different varieties through self-guided signage.
• Dogs are welcome, but they must remain leashed at all times. Of course, please pick up after your dog.
• The River Walk:  The short, roughly 10-minute River Walk winds through the property and offers glimpses of the Nottawasaga River’s North Branch. The farm specifically describes it as a favourite with dogs, children and photographers.
• Cut your own lavender: Visitors can add a cut-your-own lavender experience for $10 after purchasing field admission. The farm supplies scissors and a bag.
• High Tea in the Lavender: Avalon offers special experiences including High Tea in the lavender field, which involves curated trays of sandwiches and cheeses along a long table in the middle of the field. Note that it will be difficult to attend high tea with your dog.
• Photography: Personal photography is encouraged. Professional photographers charging clients require a separate photo-shoot pass.
• Picnics: Visitors can bring a picnic and use the property’s picnic spots. There are also daybeds available.
• Footwear:  While sundresses and sunhats make great Instagram pics, remember this is a working farm with animals onsite and you do have to walk through the woods to get there. Sturdy footwear (affiliate link) is recommended.

If you go …

Location: Avalon Lavender Farm, 347036 Mono Centre Road, Mono, Ontario, in the Headwaters region. It is a rural destination, so this is an easy road trip from Toronto or Hamilton.

Dates: Open annually June to mid-September. Thursday to Sunday. 10 am to 7 pm.

Cost: Admission is $20 at the door, although the farm limits the number of visitors each day. Online tickets are $17 for farm and field access, so booking ahead makes sense. Dogs are free.

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria.Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!