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About Lionel’s Farm

Welcome to Lionel’s Farm – a haven of rich farmland, brimming with a diverse range of farm animals, and steeped in the traditions of love, care, and community engagement.

Our Story

Lionel’s Farm began as a dream; a dream rooted in an unyielding love for farm animals. Over the years, this passion evolved into a sprawling farm, housing an array of animals from the playful to the serene. It’s more than just a farm; it’s a testament to Lionel’s dedication, a place where memories are made, and where the old-world charm of farming comes alive.

In 1950, Lionel Purcell, then a Real Estate Agent, purchased a farm in north Scarborough. In 1956 Lionel Purcell married his wife Rita White, employed at a real estate office in downtown Toronto. Together they began managing Lionel’s Farm.

In 1981 they bought and moved to their current location. The farm continues to be a labour of love. With the help and dedication of their 4 children; Carrie, Mark, Blair and Holly (Mike) and two grandchildren; Blake and Kathryn; it has expanded into a more diversified family owned and operated business. Based on a love for farm animals, Lionel’s Farm continues to bring joy and happiness to many an age group. We take great pride and pleasure in making your visit and dealings with Our Farm memorable and lasting.

Our Animals

From the gentle mooing of cows to the excited clucks of hens, every corner of our farm has a story to tell. Whether you’re a fan of the graceful horses or the curious goats, there’s an animal friend waiting for you here. Each animal at Lionel’s Farm is cared for with love and respect, creating a happy and safe environment for them and for our visitors.

Visiting the Farm

While we love to share the magic of Lionel’s Farm with the world, we aim to keep our visits intimate and special. Therefore, we are open to the public by pre-registration only. This ensures a personal experience for all our guests and helps us maintain the serene environment our animals are accustomed to.

Activities and Experiences

  • Petting Farm: Explore the animal area, getting to know them and their stories.
  • Pony Rides: Experience the joy of riding our gentle ponies, a delight for kids.
  • Holiday Activity: Celebrate the festive seasons with us! Christmas traditions, we host an activity that marries the spirit of the holidays with the beauty of farm life.

Our Promise to You

At Lionel’s Farm, every visitor is a treasured guest. We take immense pride in ensuring that your time with us is not just a visit, but an experience. An experience that lingers in your heart, making memories that last a lifetime.

At Lionel’s Farm we say, “Our farm is more than land and animals. It’s a family, and we’re delighted to welcome you into it.”

We look forward to making your visit memorable and lasting. Welcome to Lionel’s Farm.

Our Great Team

Holly Lionel's Pony Farm

Holly

Kathryn

Kathryn

Carrie Lionel's Pony Farm

Carrie

Mark

Blair Lionel's Pony Farm

Blair

Blake Purcell

Blake

Why Choose Us

History

Lionel’s passion for ponies began at age 3 when he was given his first pony. This continued through his teenage years until he enlisted in the Second World War. Upon returning he worked with his dad selling Real Estate. It was there that he met his wife Rita. After they married, Lionel left the Real Estate business, so he along with wife Rita, could and did develop the skills required in the breeding, raising, showing and selling of Shetland Ponies. They showed throughout the province of Ontario and into parts of the North East United States. In addition to breeding and showing Shetland Ponies , in the mid 1960′s, their efforts were underway to have Children’s Birthday Parties and School Tours visit the farm and interact with the ponies for the purpose of kids agriculture entertainment and education. Through their business and social activities in the community, occasionally, people looking to re-home their pets would ask if they would take them in at the farm. From this beginning, along with breeding and raising these animals, the concept of Lionel’s Farm was established.
Lionel’s activities with various community based organizations such as, Scarborough’s planning board, Agincourt Lions Club, Historical Society, Scarborough’s Entertainment committee and many others, served to establish the beginning of a working relationship with community and corporate events. With this, Lionel’s farm could be found at a number of different community, corporate and school events. Lionel’s personal interest in horse drawn buggies, carriages, sleighs and period props started as a hobby. As time went on he began to develop a ‘Rare and Classic’ collection that caught the eye of the Film, Television and Commercial industry. Specifically, Lionel’s collection has been seen in Film and Television Productions such as; ‘Anne Of Green Gables’, ‘Road To Avonlea’, Little Men’, ‘Reign’ and the now popular CBC production MURDOCH MYSTERIES and so many more. This classic collection has been sought after for Weddings, Retail Store Displays, Window Displays and Parades. To see these ALL in one place is a sight like many have never seen before. In 1981 the Farm Family business moved to its current location on McCowan Rd in Stouffville.

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