CLOSURE: Popular goat yoga program closing down in Niagara-on-the-Lake

A top program for goat yoga at a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake recently announced that it’s closing down and will be hosting its last class this month.

Fox Den Goat Yoga, which offers goat yoga at Lakeview Wine Co. and vineyard walks with donkeys at Colaneri Estate Wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake, shocked patrons with the news earlier this month.

“Our business is closing,” reads a post on Fox Den’s social media. “Please join us to say goodbye.”

The news was met with shock and disappointment, with several people offering best wishes.

“So sad to hear this. My friends and I have come twice and both times had an amazing experience! The goats and the experience will be missed,” one poster wrote on Facebook.

Others said the experiences created great memories.

“I am heartbroken over this news!! You and the goats have touched so many lives over the years,” another customer wrote on social media.

Founded by “Master Goat Yogi” Melina Morsch in 2015, Fox Den has been featured in several articles since its inception and was profiled on Canadian reality TV show Dragon’s Den in 2019. While the practice has its home base in Niagara, Morsch and her goats would often travel around Ontario, hosting sessions in Erindale Park in Mississauga and at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto.

The goat yoga experiences involve goats walking around participants and even climbing on top of them during a yoga session. They also offer experiences where you can simply cuddle and play with goats while sipping wine, as well as a donkeys and tea experience that includes interacting with miniature donkeys, exploring a lavender field and a cold tea tasting.

Fox Den also gave back to the animal community, donating a portion of their sales to animal rescue and animal therapy programs.

Fox Den Goat Yoga will hold their last class on Sept. 28.

– With files from Amy Carlberg