With exactly two weeks left in October and a decent outlook on weather, we know that a pumpkin patch visit (if you have not already been) is top of mind as the activity of choice with your kiddos.
When we first visited Eagle Acres Farm back in May, we knew that this experience was unlike any other.
It’s a Farm, it’s a Safari, it’s a Safarmi
Brian and Erin Anderson have been welcoming people from all over to visit their dairy farm in For Langley since 1999. When it was safe for businesses to reopen this year, they ingeniously came up with the (COVID Safe) drive-thru SaFarmi tour experience, so local families would have a safe way of enjoying the “great views, smells and sounds of a farm” through the comfort and safety of their own vehicle. Guests will have the chance to see over 200 animals of nine different species (think cows, calves, pony, pigs, goats, sheep, bunnies, kittens, chickens and R2D2 the milking robot) without having to smudge a single spot of soil on their boots.
This October, they’ve extended their offerings to include a U-pick pumpkin patch during the tour along with fun and spooky halloween displays hidden around the farm. If your kiddo is anything like my 4-year-old, who if given the option to play ‘i Spy’ and hunt for weird and wacky things until the cows come home (fittingly enough) then the choice is clear— pick this patch for your visit!
A Canadian Farming Family
Brian and Erin both grew up on other local Lower Mainland farms, Brian was born and raised in Langley on a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm and Erin hails as one of the four daughters of the once Gabriel Farms in South Surrey, better known as Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch. Together this powerhouse farming couple raised two sites and moved to their current site of Eagle Acres just three years ago in 2017.
The name Eagle Acres is a tribute to their eldest son Jared who suddenly passed at the age of 16. The name describes Jared’s spirit, much like that of an eagle and became a fitting title for their new chapter and home as “a place to soar”.
When visiting this time, we had the opportunity to meet their matriarch Erin Anderson who in good ol’ Canadian hockey spirit waved her hockey stick which has the contactless payment reader attached. If that doesn’t make you proud to be a Canadian during a global pandemic— then I don’t know what will.
My son, now the newest two-year-old on the block was so proud of this mini pumpkin that he carefully handpicked just had an absolute memorable time here. Of all the pumpkins he picked this year (and trust me, we’ve seen our fair share) this is his favourite and most meaningful and now sits on his dresser table. All with special thanks to Erin for his early surprise birthday present.
How to Plan you Visit
Main Attractions
- See over 200 animals of nine different species from the safety of your own vehicle!
Use their Pumpkin SaFarmi Guide to enhance your visit as it details the remarkable history of the Anderson’s Farm and family. - The entire tour will take approximately one hour: 20 mins of SaFarmi, 20 mins of Pumpkin U-Pick and 20 mins SaFarmi finale through the main barn. Purchase pumpkins picked during the main exit of the tour.
Admission and hours
October 1st–31st ***DROP-INS WELCOMED***
**Excluding: October (Monday) 19 & 26 Weekends: 10-5pm
Weekdays: 2-5pm ***RAIN OR SHINE***
Ways to Save
Save $3 when pre-purchased tickets online
$12 + GST per vehicle, pre-purchased tickets online, non-refundable. $15 + GST (standby/drop-in) Tap Credit/Debit preferred, cash accepted Pumpkins based on size. Tap Credit/Debit preferred, cash accepted
What to wear / what to bring
- Rainboots and light coat for the Pumpkin Patch portion.
You are not to exit the vehicle during the SaFarmi tour except for the pumpkin patch - The entire tour take approximately on hour: 20 minutes of SaFarmi, 20 mins of Pumpkin U-Pick and 20 mins SaFarmi finale through the main barn. Purchase pumpkins picked during the main exit of the tour.
Washrooms
No restrooms on site for public usage. Closest McDonalds is a 12min drive away. Please plan accordingly.
Special Notes
- Perfect for toddlers—kids will enjoy the novelty of driving 10kmh through a real-life farm and to get the up-close and personal experience for their barnyard favorites.
- Look for the little magical hobbit house right outside the main house with the rounded door. The hobbit house is a tribute to Anderson’s eldest son Jared who is now forever memorialized and remembered by this one-of-a-kind structure.
Eagle Acres Dairy
8796 240 St, Langley Township
Website: www.eagleacresdairy.com
Instagram: @eagleacresdairy
[email protected]
The author behind @buddycons, Connie writes about her detailed adventures with her kids around BC (& beyond), believer of 'presence over presents' in motherhood & literacy development in children. She shares tips on traveling with ease with kids, home organization & gentle minimalism with having less. She lives in the Metro Vancouver area with her husband & two kiddos. Before becoming a mom, she worked in the Financial Industry and is a two-time award winning People Leader. Follow her adventures & updates on Instagram @buddycons.