Close Alert Banner

A river flowing through trees

Skip to Content

Port Hope Tourism Logo Port Hope Tourism Logo Print

Contact Us
  • Things to Do
    View our Hiking, Walking and Biking page
    Hiking, Walking and Biking
    • Arts, Culture and Entertainment
    • Business Directory
    • Event Calendar
    • Family Fun
    • Farm Experiences
    • Fish Migration
    • Ganaraska Forest Centre
    • Golfing
    • Health and Wellness
    • Hiking, Walking and Biking
    • Locals Support Local
    • Parks and Recreation
    • Self-Guided Tours
    • Shopping
    • Treetop Trekking and Ziplining
    • Trip Ideas
    • Waterfront, Beaches and River
  • Events & Festivals
    • Art Sale and Auction
    • Arts Festival
    • Canada Day
    • Candlelight Festival
    • Capitol Christmas
    • Cultivate Festival
    • Delicious Dates
    • Events Calendar
    • Fish Migration
    • Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny River Race
    • Ganny Weekend
    • Heroes Highway Ride
    • Port Hope Fair
    • Port Hope Garden Tour
    • Port Hope House Tour
    • Santa Claus Parade
    • Vintage Film Festival
  • Eat & Drink
    • Breweries
    • Dining
    • Farms and Local Food
    • Picnics
  • Plan Your Stay
    • Accommodations
    • Business Directory
    • Contact Us
    • Covid-19
    • Getting Around
    • Getting Here
    • Parking
    • Self-Guided Tours
    • Trip Ideas
    • Visitors Information Centre
    • Washrooms
Search Button

Haute Goat Shmurgle

Visitor Guide

Need a breath of fresh air? Port Hope is a cute, lakeside town with picturesque views, fourth-generation farms and a great perspective on making the moments count. 

Download PDF View Online Open external link icon

  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email
Email icon Back to Search
Goat in barn at Haute Goat farm in Port Hope

Outside historic Port Hope lies a 200-acre farm where guests can experience farm life. You get the opportunity to go behind the scenes and interact with a variety of animals like Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Huacaya Alpacas, Exotic Chickens, Icelandic Horses, Apiary, and Tornjak Livestock Guardian Dogs at Haute Goat Shmurgle. This place is a great family activity.

It was there that I learned that "Shmurgle" was a word made up by the farm, and pretty much means goat hugging. Their definition is as followed:

SHMURGLE Definition; snuggle, smooch, hug, cuddle ANY animal but particularly and with emphasis – a Nigerian Dwarf Goat.

Cross road sign at Haute Goat

When we arrived at the farm, we were greeted by the two friendly greeters - Jack and Teja. They gave us a little lesson about the various animals that reside there and learned the history of Haute Goat Farm. Afterward, we walked out to an enclosed gated area where the staff let at least 25 goats out of their playground pen. Being a city girl, it was surreal just being able to have this experience - as I don't think you can cuddle and interact with goats anywhere in Toronto.

Hanging out with the Nigerian dwarf goats was definitely the highlight for me. As we entered the gated area, the Nigerian dwarf goats all ran freely, while guests were trying to chase after them for photo opportunities. There was a mixture of guests from friends, families to couples ... the perfect group activity I would say. The whole experience took about an hour. 

Crowd at Haute Goat in Port Hope

We were also given fresh cedar leaves to feed the goats. It was a complete wild yet fun experience for me, as a few goats were extremely forthcoming. They weren't violent, but they really did want the cedar leaves. They left as quickly as they came - onto the next person with food.

There were a few baby goats around, and you can also hold them in your arms to "cuddle". However, be prepared as they don't really stay still in your arms. Mine kinda squirmed out of my arms. 

Goat grazing at Haute Goat in Port Hope

On the Haute Goat Farm are also alpacas. Guests can pet and feed them as well.

Group taking the alpacas for a walk at Haute Goat

After your experience with the Haute Goat Shmurgle, I do recommend you guys to stop by their new cafe called Screaming Goat Café located on the farm property. The cafe is opened for lunch, snacks and special events from Wed to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The menu is created by their Chefs in residence, Rob Hogg and Alicia Ricci of "Nosh + Nourish". They have created a small menu of fresh, playful dishes inspired by the city's seasons and local ingredients. For my main, I opted for the grilled cheese sandwich that was absolutely great with the chorizo!

Grilled cheese sandwich at Haute Goat

Haute Goat Shmurgle is available from May to December and costs $30 per person. You can pre-purchase tickets here.

Besides Haute Goat Shmurgle, the farm also offers a variety of fun activities including: 

  • Haute Goat Yoga
  • Farm Life Workshops – such as milk a goat, make cheese, basics of beekeeping, keeping chickens and how to make goat milk soap
  • Gift Shop – featuring delicious goat cheeses, luxury goat milk skincare such as soaps and creams and alpaca products
Address: 1166 5th Line, Port Hope, Ontario L0A 1J0

- Authored by Foodaholic
Email iconSubscribe to Blog

Plan Your Stay
    • Accommodations
    • Business Directory
    • Contact Us
      Toggle Section Contact Us Menu
      • Privacy Policy
    • Covid-19
    • Getting Around
    • Getting Here
    • Parking
    • Self-Guided Tours
      Toggle Section Self-Guided Tours Menu
      • Barn Quilt Tour
      • Fresh Food Guide Tour
      • Heritage Walking and Driving Tours
      • IT Walking Tour
    • Trip Ideas
      Toggle Section Trip Ideas Menu
      • Subscribe
    • Visitors Information Centre
    • Washrooms

Contact Us

Subscribe to this page

Port Hope Tourism Footer Logo

  • Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Visitors Information Centre
    • Website Feedback
  • Links

    • Accessibility
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy
    • Sitemap
    • Trip Ideas
  • Resources

    Increase Contrast

    Language Text

    Découvrir la cité de Port Hope

  • An initiative by

    Municipality of Port Hope Footer Logo

Ontario's favourite small town

Copyright 2020 Municipality of Port Hope

Designed by eSolutionsGroup

Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.