Hidden near a busy Colwood street is a hidden gem most people don’t know exists: A rainforest trail, the sound of a waterfall and Canada’s first mini llama farm, Millstream Miniature Llamas.
Discovering a Hidden Mini Llama Farm in My Own Backyard
Photographers love to explore! We’re always looking for new subject matter to shoot. If you’re like me, you’re constantly wondering what’s around the next corner.
One of the exciting things about moving to or living in or visiting different communities is discovering hidden gems. Little did I know that when I moved to Langford, BC, outside of Victoria on Vancouver Island, I could walk to Canada’s first miniature llama farm!
While out walking along the E&N Rail Trail, a 13.5km paved bike and walking trail that follows an old railway line, I heard a waterfall. Naturally, I was curious to see if the falls were worth photographing.
Heading down what looked like a country road, I was surprised to see a sign that read, Llama Tours.
Millstream Miniature Llama Farm Tour
I booked a private tour to learn more and to flex by photography skills with some fresh content.
Formed by limestone erosion, this hidden valley is near a busy urban centre. Millstream Miniature Llama farm is surrounded by temperate rainforest. Millstream wraps around the property, flowing through a rock cave at the edge of the property and leading to a 20-foot waterfall on the other. The sound of the water drowns out all of the urban traffic noises, creating an illusion of a rural retreat.
The farm was initially established in the early 1900s as a hobby farm with sheep, cattle, and pigs. A small farmhouse was built in the 1960s, and in the 1990s the current owners started raising llamas on the property.
Millstream Miniature Llama Farm Tour
I booked a private tour to learn more and to flex by photography skills with some fresh content.
Formed by limestone erosion, this hidden valley is near a busy urban centre. Millstream Miniature Llama farm is surrounded by temperate rainforest. Millstream wraps around the property, flowing through a rock cave at the edge of the property and leading to a 20-foot waterfall on the other. The sound of the water drowns out all of the urban traffic noises, creating an illusion of a rural retreat.
The farm was initially established in the early 1900s as a hobby farm with sheep, cattle, and pigs. A small farmhouse was built in the 1960s, and in the 1990s the current owners started raising llamas on the property.
Meeting the Herd: Gentle Eyes, Velvet Noses, and a Breath of Hello
Arriving for my tour with my most basic camera gear and one lens, the owner, Lavinia guided me through her beautiful property. Leading us through a gate we entered a pastor with llama’s in different areas. The tour started with meeting two male mini llamas. Having never met a llama before, these miniature llamas were bigger than I expected!
Lavinia asked me to walk up to the llama with my nose sticking out. She explained that they will approach you with their nose and let out a short breath in your face to say hello. I nervously did so, but I didn’t get a hello back.
We then continued the tour, entering a pasture with female llamas of all ages. My favourite part was meeting the new 12-day old baby llama. The baby llama was shy but playful. We played hide and seek behind some trees for a short time.
Quiet Moments, Honest Frames: Photographing Animals with Patience
I carefully snapped a few photos throughout the visit. Lavinia recommended removing my sunglasses because the reflection could spook the llamas. She also said not to wear a hat and to begin with your hand by your side.
The llamas were quite timid, and they seemed especially suspicious of my camera. Worried that my lens would trigger anxiety, I tried to keep my distance at first. Earning the llamas’ trust with carrots and calmness was an amazing experience! I got to feed all the llamas. They gently reach out with their ‘finger-like’ lips to grab the carrot. I was able to get a few shots I’m proud to share.
The Sweetest Farewell: A Kiss from a Llama
Walking back the way we came, I got to say goodbye to the first male llama I met. It was then I reached my nose out to his and he gave a ‘kiss’, a swift breath to mine to say hello, or goodbye.
The property is exceptionally well-maintained, and clean. The energy, sense of connection, and serenity will bring me back. What I enjoyed the most was how spending time around animals invites us to be present while also invoking a sense of magic.
