iN VIDEO: Take a hike with a herd of goats in the North Okanagan

A North Okanagan farm is offering the unique experience of hitting the forest trails with a herd of friendly goats.

The Great Goat Escape is on an acreage tucked east of Enderby surrounded by trees and mountain views. The destination is geared to help customers slow down, reconnect with nature and spend time cuddling goats.

“After struggling to make life work in a more conventional way, I followed my gut and took the risk of starting something completely new,” owner Vanessa Schikowski said. “Growth since then has been rapid, especially over the last two months.”

There’s a rustic cabin onsite which guests can rent to unplug and take in nature while mingling with the adorable goats wandering around right outside the door. For shorter stays, guests can go for mindful hikes in small groups through the trees and engage in forest bathing while the goats waddle along beside them. The hikes are intentionally slow and carried out with respect for one another, the goats and the land.

There are many benefits to forest bathing, and Schikowski said the goats add something special on the hikes.

“I see people’s shoulders drop, their breathing slows and conversations soften,” she said. “Some guests arrive feeling rushed or stressed and within minutes they’re smiling, laughing or quietly walking alongside a goat. Many people comment afterward that they hadn’t realized how tense they were until they felt the release.

“Goats are naturally curious, calm and approachable, which makes them easy to connect with for both young and old. They don’t overwhelm people, they meet you where you are.

“Adults often end up enjoying the experience just as much, if not more than kids, because the goats invite slowing down, presence, and quiet connection rather than high energy interaction.”

Also available are options to simply cuddle goats to melt stress away, bottle feed babies in the spring or watch the goats play on an agility course.

The winter season at the farm is busy and creative opportunities are popping up. In February, guests can take in a seasonal experience focussed on connection and spending time with goats in a cozy setting followed by a goat hike and chocolates. In March, the experience will have floral elements with a focus on the spring equinox.

“We’re also eagerly waiting for the baby goats to arrive, which will be celebrated with a planned goat-themed pajama party,” Schikowski said. “In addition, we have new experiences in the works, including pilates with goats, which blends gentle movement, presence, and time with the herd.”

The Great Goat Escape is located at 1640 Deep Creek Road near Enderby and more information can be found here.