Things to Do in Pictou County This Fall: A Day at Shelby Ranch
Fall in Nova Scotia never seems to last quite long enough.
One minute everything is green, and before you know it the countryside has turned shades of yellow, orange and red.
If you're looking for things to do in Pictou County this fall, we'd like to suggest something a little different.
Trade the screens for fresh air.
Meet a few animals.
Climb into the saddle.
Take a wagon ride.
And spend some time experiencing fall at Shelby Ranch.
Located in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Shelby Ranch offers family-friendly ranch experiences throughout the year; but there's something pretty special about being here in the fall.
Looking for things to do in Pictou County?
Fall doesn't always have to mean pumpkin patches and apple picking.
How about experiencing fall colours from horseback?
Or climbing aboard a horse-drawn wagon?
Maybe your kids would rather spend their afternoon meeting a Highland cow, emu, donkey, alpacas, goats and pigs.
At Shelby Ranch, there isn't just one way to experience fall.
Here are a few of our favourites.
See the Fall Colours on Horseback
This might be our favourite.
Our horseback trail rides take you onto the ranch trails, where you can experience the Nova Scotia countryside from a completely different perspective.
And yes — beginners are welcome.
You don't need previous horseback riding experience to join us.
Our group trail rides are walk-only, our guides are there to help, and nervous riders can be led if they need some extra confidence.
Children are welcome too.
Riders ages 4–7 are ponied or led, while children 8 and older can steer their own horse depending on their comfort and ability.
Choose from a 45-minute group ride, 1.5-hour group ride or 1.5-hour private trail ride.
The mornings are getting crisp.
The leaves are beginning to change.
And some views are simply better between the ears of a horse.
Spend the Afternoon at Ranch Adventure
If you're looking for something the whole family can enjoy, Ranch Adventure gives you a chance to experience several parts of Shelby Ranch in one visit.
Ranch Adventure runs on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and October.
Your admission includes:
Pony rides
Horse-drawn wagon rides from 12–2 PM
Petting pens
Indoor playground
Mechanical bull on most dates
Instead of choosing one activity, you can spend some time exploring the ranch and discovering everyone's favourite.
Maybe the kids will want to ride a pony.
Maybe they'll spend the afternoon visiting the animals.
Or maybe you'll discover that the most competitive member of the family is Mom when someone turns on the mechanical bull.
Ranch Adventure tickets must be purchased in advance.
Meet Some of Shelby Ranch's Most Famous Faces
Some of the biggest personalities at Shelby Ranch aren't people.
There's Blondie, our Mini Highland cow.
Emmanuel, our emu.
Danny the Donkey.
Our alpacas Cassius and Coco.
And then there are goats, pigs, bunnies, mini horses, birds and plenty of other characters waiting around the ranch.
Every animal seems to have their own personality.
Some want attention.
Some want treats.
And some mostly want to know whether you brought treats.
For children who love animals, visiting the petting pens can quickly become the highlight of the day.
Yes, You Can Visit Just to See the Animals
You don't have to book a trail ride to spend some time at Shelby Ranch.
Our Petting Pens and Indoor Playground are also available as a drop-in experience.
Come meet the animals, let the kids play and enjoy some time at the ranch.
Petting pen admission is:
Children — $8 + HST
Adults — $6 + HST
And if you really want to make some friends around here, animal treat bags are available for $2.
Blondie would probably tell you that's the most important purchase of the day.
Grab Something to Eat at Giddy Up Grub
Ranch adventures have a way of making people hungry.
Our food truck, Giddy Up Grub, is part of the Shelby Ranch experience and is open during select ranch events and activities.
Grab something to eat, find a place to sit and enjoy a little more time at the ranch before heading home.
Because sometimes the best family days aren't the ones packed with plans.
They're the ones where nobody is in a hurry to leave.
Fall Gets a Little Spookier in October
As October arrives, things around Shelby Ranch begin to change.
The days get shorter.
The evenings get darker.
And a certain legend returns to the ranch.
The Headless Horseman's Wagon Ride takes place for only six nights:
October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31, 2026.
This family-friendly spooky experience takes guests on a wagon ride through scenes filled with lighting, fog, music and special effects; with the Headless Horseman at the centre of the legend.
Your evening also includes access to other ranch activities, including the petting pens, indoor playground, mechanical bull, snake display and bonfire area.
Giddy Up Grub will also be open.
Six nights.
One legend.
And a very different side of Shelby Ranch after dark.
Looking for Things to Do Near New Glasgow?
You don't have to travel across the province to make a fall memory.
If you're searching for family activities in Pictou County, things to do near New Glasgow or unique fall activities in Nova Scotia, Shelby Ranch gives you several different ways to spend a day outside.
Come for a trail ride.
Bring the kids to Ranch Adventure.
Meet Blondie.
Ride a pony.
Take a wagon ride.
Or come back after dark in October to meet the Headless Horseman.
You don't have to do everything in one visit.
In fact, we hope you don't.
We'd rather see you again.
Make Shelby Ranch Part of Your Fall
Fall is short in Nova Scotia.
The colours change quickly, the temperatures drop and before we know it we'll be trading wagon rides for winter sleigh rides.
So don't wait until all the leaves are on the ground to decide you wanted to do something this fall.
Pick an adventure.
Bring someone you love.
And come spend some time at the ranch.
Shelby Ranch
Pictou County, Nova Scotia
🐴 Trail Rides — 7 days a week by appointment🍂
Ranch Adventure — Select weekends in September & October
🐮 Petting Pens & Indoor Playground
🎃 The Headless Horseman's Wagon Ride — October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31
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