Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes. The visit is family-friendly; staff supervise interactions and there are handwashing stations, but children should be accompanied and follow guidance.

Can I pet the Highland cows?

Supervised petting is allowed in designated areas—staff will advise which animals are comfortable with contact.

Are refreshments included?

Hot cocoa and themed sweet treats are offered as part of the Valentine’s Day event, and additional items may be available for purchase.

Is the barn wheelchair accessible?

The farm provides level access from parking to the barn, but guests should check with organizers ahead of time for specific accessibility needs.

How long is the visit?

Typical visits last 1–2 hours, including meet-and-greet time, photos, and browsing the barn shop.

Can I photograph the animals?

Yes—photography is welcome, but please avoid flash and follow staff instructions to ensure animals remain calm.

Meet Highland Cows at Hearts & Herds: A Valentine's Farm Visit on Prince Edward Island | Farm | Events

Hearts & Herds - Valentine's Day is a seasonal farm visit at Island Hill Farm in Hampshire, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The experience centers on close-up encounters with Highland cattle — thick-coated cows with long fringe and gentle dispositions — paired with cozy down-time: hot cocoa, sweet baked treats, and a small barn shop selling Highland-themed gifts. It’s a short, intimate way to celebrate Valentine’s Day that reads like a natural break from tourist-heavy trails and beaches. Arrive to a small farmyard where the barn’s straw-scented air and the quiet humming of heaters frame a row of viewing windows and a supervised meet-and-greet area. The cattle are the scene-stealers: their shaggy coats, curved horns and rhythmic chewing make for disarming, photogenic moments that feel both personal and easy to approach under staff guidance. Staff explain each animal’s temperament and origin, and volunteers guide visitors so you leave with a clearer sense of the animals’ care and the farm’s daily rhythm. What makes this offering stand out on Prince Edward Island is its focus on animal welfare and visitor intimacy rather than spectacle. Rather than a crowded petting zoo, Hearts & Herds limits group size and keeps interactions calm — ideal for couples, small families, and anyone who wants a slower, tactile connection to island life. The farm’s pond-fed pastures and surrounding fields offer classic PEI views: low stone fences, green wintergrass (in milder seasons), and the province’s distinctive red soils in the distance. Practical details: the experience is brief and accessible, usually suitable for all ages; staff provide handwashing stations and instructions; photography is welcome but cameras should be used gently around animals. For Valentine’s Day, expect themed treats and a gift table with small souvenirs. This visit works well as a half-day activity paired with a drive along nearby coastal roads, a stop at a local bakery, or a winter beach walk if weather allows. It’s a chance to meet a non-native Scottish cattle breed rooted now in PEI farming life, and to support a small local operation that prioritizes humane husbandry and thoughtful visitor experiences. Why go? Hearts & Herds turns a simple animal encounter into a quietly memorable outing: approachable animals, warm barn shelter from cold coastal winds, and a small curated retail selection that sends you home with more than a photo — a tiny piece of island hospitality. Book early: small group sizes mean spots fill quickly for holiday weekends. The farm offers accessible parking and a short, level path from the lot to the barn, though guests should check weather before arrival. Bring a warm jacket, and arrive with an open, curious attitude—the cows respond best to calm voices and slow movements. Perfect for low-key romantic outings, especially.

About Island Hill Farm

Island Hill Farm is a hilltop, family-focused farm located in Hampshire, Prince Edward Island. The farm offers hands-on animal experiences, seasonal classes, workshops, and private events that highlight small‑scale, visitor-facing agriculture. On-site animals include Highland cows, goats, alpacas, miniature horses, and a resident donkey, creating multiple opportunities for close encounters and educational interaction.

Visitors can book specific experiences such as Member Farm Visit for baby goat bottle feeding, Hi to the Highlands encounters to photograph Highland cows, Jelly Bean Lane Parties for celebrations, and Come Chore with Us! for a hands-on farming shift. Additional offerings listed by the farm include Alpaca Walk, Paint Parties, Studio Rental Space, Baking with Baker Joe, Summer Camp, fibre-focused classes like Fibre Dyeing and Learn to Spin Fibre, Milk, Make & Take sessions, Horsin' Around activities, and Fibre Felting with Farmer Flory.

Island Hill Farm includes a café and a gift shop on site, and emphasizes a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Staff-led experiences prioritize animal safety and supervised interactions. The farm markets itself as a scenic, visitor-ready destination — often described by visitors as charming and approachable. Located on Prince Edward Island, Island Hill Farm serves local residents and tourists seeking interactive farm visits, educational experiences, and small-group celebrations. Advance reservations are recommended for limited-capacity activities such as baby goat feeding and small parties.

Staff run classes and member programs throughout the season; visitors should check the farm's schedule for current offerings. Check availability before arrival daily.