Horse-drawn wagon rides in Lamoureux Park

Cornwall Ontario – Lamoureux Park is considered by many to be one of Cornwall’s best features. The sprawling waterfront space is a beehive of activity in the summer, serving as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and families and a picturesque venue for countless outdoor events and festivals.

But the fun doesn’t end in the summer. Lamoureux Park has been brought to life over the past two winter seasons, with thousands of decorative lights providing a beautiful backdrop for some old-fashioned winter fun. And residents and visitors are showing up in big numbers.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides were introduced at the start of 2017 as part of Cornwall’s Canada 150 celebrations. It was so popular that the rides quickly became a regular Sunday feature in the park and it even expanded during the summer months to include additional paid evenings.

How popular? In 2017, there were over 6,700 rides provided in the park. So far this year, nearly 1,000 residents and visitors have gone for a ride. Needless to say, the organizers counting and handing out tickets for the rides have been thrilled with the response.

“It’s a huge attraction for families and visitors to Cornwall,” said Mr. Paul St-Onge, the operator of MockTails who has helped organize the wagon rides by Gentle Giant Stables. “We have people constantly telling us how they have family down from all over the world visiting Cornwall and they were so happy to give them a tour of the park.”

In addition to provide a fun activity in Cornwall, the horse-drawn wagon rides are also helping to showcase Cornwall beyond the City’s borders, Mr. St-Onge said.

“Without exaggerating, we are talking about thousands of pictures circulating from visitors, families and tourists to the region. It truly highlights Lamoureux Park and Cornwall’s waterfront,” he added.

The next date to enjoy the horse-drawn wagon rides – sponsored by the Optimist Club of Cornwall – is on Saturday, February 17th. The rides run from 3 pm to 7 pm on a first-come, first-serve basis, departing from the splashpad area in Lamoureux Park. The MockTails concession stand will also be open serving their unique pastry treat and hot drinks.

“We’re hoping for another big crowd,” Mr. St-Onge said. “Invite your friends and family from out of town to visit and bring them down to the park!”

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