A Hidden Gem in Seeley’s Bay

Kelli McRobert | Mar 22, 2023

The most recent snowfall provided guests with the perfect packing snow for a snowball or snow man. Beverley greeted us as we made the final climb up the driveway towards the large white farmhouse neatly tucked back from the road and nestled in the woods, like a giant safe hug. Beverley herself, seemed pleased that company had arrived as she trundled up to meet us. She reminded me of a character from Game of Thrones cloaked in a large fur cape and seeming quite content in the cooler temperatures, a character from the north wall, perhaps. As she sniffed and gave her approval of the new visitors her sister Molly, circled the group. She was, in contrast, a giant, sleek and tall, with that bull mastiff face that had seen a few years on the quiet and comfortable farm, mature, solid, trustworthy and kind.

The farm itself was the creation of Karen and Mike Gervais who lovingly built many elements themselves, with each building having a story. Mike is ex-military, and while, he misses the days of military precision, he is at ease on the farm with his Billie boots and gloves as he tends to his ‘girls’ out back. As our canine companions led us towards the small back door, Mike greets us and welcomes us with a genuine handshake and begins the behind-the-scenes tour as we made our way towards the rustic barns out back. Karen, who has been diagnosed with MS, gets prepared to join us outside as she manoeuvres the slick driveway, and, like a trooper, wheels her way through the recent snow fall, taking it in stride, a lengthy journey of challenges and discovery. Mike is quick to point out that Karen was the builder of many of the structures out back and was passionate about sheep before having to sell them due to some of her limitations. As the barns sat still, there was a longing for life, and Karen realized that this would be an opportunity to bring back the energy that the farm was lacking.

As fate would have it, a local neighbour needed a place to keep some alpaca and within a short period of time the tenants sparked an interest in Karen as she investigated the care and tending of alpaca. 4 became, 8, and then the numbers steadily increased to where they currently have 20+ of these camelids. The alpaca wool is used to make clothing items such as hats, mitts, sweaters and more and there are currently close to 4 million alpacas worldwide. Each alpaca produces about 10lbs of fleece each year, and the wool is stronger, warmer, and softer than a sheep’s wool at the same weight. It comes in 22 different natural colours and is hypoallergenic. There are two breeds of the four-legged animal the Huacaya alpaca and the Suri alpaca, and they are smaller than a llama.

When we got down to the main stables you could see a few curious faces pop out from one of the barn doors, two males peeking out to see what the two-legged creatures were doing. Most likely, hoping that we were bringing along a few treats for them to sample. As we entered the gated compound, Mike headed off and asked the ‘girls’ if they would come out for a visit and plied them with some fresh hay. Two large white dogs Dexter and Fergus, led the parade as the ladies ranging in size and colours, flowed out of the stalls with their little faces held high, curious, but aloof, unless you were holding the treat bucket! The entourage just kept coming. Big girls, small girls, young and old, pranced out with their well manicured nails, each one having a unique personality or characteristic, as they milled about and discussed their hierarchy sampling bits of hay and approaching the ‘humans’ for some yummy nibbles.

Dogs, humans, alpacas, and fowls, what a way to start the afternoon! The energy was lovely as each one milled about, rolled on the ground, or presented a different way to nibble the kibble from my hand. Some would look at you with those dark chocolate eyes, large eyelashes catching a few flakes of snow, inquisitive but again, somewhat disinterested in the visit, and the older ladies seem to be used to being on display knowing treats would soon ensue. Dex and Fergus, sit and stay with their ladies reminiscent of the old cartoon, some of us may remember, of Sam the Sheepdog and Ralph the Wolf. The boys were like small soldiers on duty, 24x7 protecting the herd, but you could still find that lovely closeness as they lean against your leg, and look for quick pets, as they circle the pen, alert and ready for what lurks nearby.

We continued our tour and headed over to the sugar shack where the weathered boards protected us from the cooler day outside. Mike is eager to get tapping soon, and when the fireplace is going, the shack is warm and dry and becomes a place to grab a snack or share a story as sap boils, reducing to pure Ontario liquid gold. We head back up towards the main house, dogs in tow, and entered a quaint little shop where Karen has a variety of items you can purchase. Some are brought in from Peru, while others are hand crafted by local knitters, who are commissioned to use her wool. The warmth of the shop allows you to wander and enjoy some of the speciality items like beautiful mittens, hats, and fun dryer balls. Roving and yarn is also available to purchase.

If you are looking for a fun outing, head over to Hidden Meadows Alpacas located at 239 Back Street, in Seeley’s Bay, Ontario. You can also find them at www.hiddenmeadowsalpacas.com or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613-387-3006.

Thank you for the tour and we look forward to seeing you in the Spring.