Turning evergreen dreams into reality

“It looks like a hallmark movie!”

For many, Hope Christmas Tree Farm is not just beautiful but a cherished holiday destination. It is a place where families gather to select the perfect tree and create lasting memories. Yet, behind this picturesque farm is a story of resilience, passion and a deep-rooted love for the land, embodied by its owners, Rebecca and Dan Hope (BES ’97).

The couple met during their first year at the University of Waterloo, crossing paths at the Bombshelter Pub. They both shared an enthusiasm for environmental studies and a love for the outdoors.

The idea of owning a Christmas tree farm was seeded during their university days. After helping at a farm in the Guelph area for a couple of seasons, they were inspired to create their own magical place where families could build memories, just as Rebecca had done in her childhood. "My mom was Christmas crazy," Rebecca shared. "It was always big in our house. Dan adopted the same enthusiasm, and we dreamt of combining everything we loved."

After starting a family, they took a leap of faith and bought a small farm near Enniskillen.

“Saying it was a fixer-upper is an understatement, but with an 18th-century brick farmhouse and bank barn high on the Oak Ridges Moraine with a view that’s to die for, we knew we were up for the task.”

A decade later they planted their first grove of trees and officially opened in November 2020. However, the journey has been challenging. Their first season was almost their last, as they lost 70 per cent of their trees to winter burn.

"Working with Mother Nature is our biggest challenge," Rebecca and Dan admitted. “But opening at the start of the pandemic also posed significant obstacles. People couldn’t be close, but there was a lot of interest in outdoor activities. Many people were getting a Christmas tree that normally wouldn't have, so our little farm couldn’t keep up.”

They learned a lot that first season and in the years since about operating the business and planting trees, but throughout it all, their dedication to sustainability has remained at the core of what they do.

With 10 acres dedicated to growing their own trees, Rebecca and Dan emphasize the importance of careful planning and environmental stewardship. With their three boys, they hand-plant and maintain thousands of trees, ensuring that they do not cut more than a third of what they have each season.

As they approach retirement, Rebecca from teaching and Dan from working at the local conservation authority, they continue to adapt to the demands of tree farming and community-building.

“The teacher in me always wants to provide an educational experience and share with visitors about farming and respecting the environment,” Rebecca said. "There are very few Christmas tree farms left in operation. Anyone can buy their tree in a parking lot, but it would be a sad place without these farms."

From planting to high season, the work is constant but fulfilling, but that is what it takes to build a haven of happiness, tradition and sustainability, and the Hopes have done just that. They have created a legacy that embodies the spirit of the season. Looking to the future, Rebecca and Dan envision that their farm will be remembered as a place of joy and community. “

We want it to be remembered as that place that felt like home.”