Ethan BrownI still remember visiting a small petting farm just outside Ottawa as a kid. My favourite memory was when I was trying to feed a llama while it stared at me like I owed it money.
It was hilarious and slightly intimidating—but moments like that made those visits unforgettable. Now, as an adult, I still love animal attractions—whether it’s zoos, farms, or wildlife sanctuaries, they’ve always been a special place for me.
And if you’re here, I’m guessing you feel the same. That’s why I’ve made a list of the best animal attractions in Ottawa—just for you! It’s time to plan a day (or two!), so read on.
Valleyview Little Animal Farm
– Media credit: dinaonthedaily
Address: 4750 Fallowfield Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613 591 1126
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Ages 2 to 99 – $14 (tax included)
Valleyview Little Animal Farm is basically a paradise for those who love getting up close with adorable farm animals. Here, you’ll find all kinds of fluffy, furry friends—including goats, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, ducks, chickens, and even peacocks!
Kids can enjoy feeding some of the animals, and the farm even has a special section with donkeys that they’ll adore! What’s more, they can catch a fun demonstration that showcases the farm’s daily activities—or hop on the famous Valleyview Express train.
The kids can also run wild at the playground while parents relax in the picnic area or grab something at the delicious snack bar. Don’t leave without visiting Bill’s Old Farm Museum, where you can explore fascinating farm equipment, hand tools, and more.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting in the fall, keep an eye out for special seasonal activities like pumpkin picking or tractor rides, which add an extra festive touch to your visit. |
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
– Media credit: agfoodmuseum
Address: 901 Prince of Wales Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 991 3044
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $14.50
- Senior (ages 60 and above), Student – $12.25
- Young adult (ages 18 to 24) – $14.50
- Youth (ages 3 to 17) – $12.25
- Child (ages 2 and under) – Free
- Family (6 people – max. of 2 adults) – $40.50
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is perfect for anyone who wants to mix learning with a hands-on animal experience. This museum lets you stroll through a working farm and see everything from cows, horses, and sheep to goats and chickens.
You can watch demonstrations, learn about farm life, and even see large machinery in action, like tractors and harvesters. Beyond its animals, the museum excels at showcasing the links between farming, food production, and sustainability.
There are interactive exhibits designed to teach kids (and adults!) how food gets from the farm to their plate. The museum grounds also offer plenty of space for picnics and self-guided exploration, so it’s easy to spend a day here!
| Pro tip: Come on Canada Day for special festivities and family-friendly programming. Also, if you want to extend your visit afterwards, the museum is right next to the Dominion Arboretum for a lovely nature walk. |
The Log Farm
– Media credit: thelogfarm
Address: 670 Cedarview Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613 323 2385
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost:
- All guests – $11.50+hst each
- Infants (under age 1) – Free
- Frequent Visitor Punch Card (12 admissions) – $99.95+hst
The Log Farm is a working heritage farm that recreates life as it was in the 1800s, offering an educational and interactive experience. While it celebrates old-fashioned farming methods, it’s also packed with modern-day fun—including tonnes of animals!
You’ll meet (and can even hold some!) everything from goats and sheep to chickens and pigs in their pens, and you can watch caretakers in action. The Log Farm also has a great playground space, walking trails, and lots of interactive areas devoted to farm-related fun.
Don’t miss the wagon rides—they’re one of the highlights of the visit and give you a full tour of the farm in the most charming way possible. Plus, seasonal experiences like maple syrup-making or pumpkin patches add an extra thrill!
| Pro tip: Check their schedule for the fall Pumpkin Harvest event—it’s a crowd-pleaser! And since the farm is close to Valleyview Little Animal Farm, you can easily plan a double visit for a full family-friendly day out. |
Mādahòkì Farm
– Media credit: transconatraveller
Address: 4420 W Hunt Club Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613 838 5558
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Free, but donations are welcome
Mādahòkì Farm is not just a spot to see animals but an Indigenous-owned farm where culture, history, and connection to the land are celebrated. This space is home to rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses, which hold special importance to Indigenous history.
Here, you can have a chance to get up close and touch them, and discover the deep cultural significance they carry. Not only that, but the farm also hosts educational activities that dive into the Indigenous peoples’ traditions.
They go above and beyond by regularly hosting cultural events and celebrations that highlight Indigenous art, food, and storytelling. Seasonal festivals are particularly popular, like the annual Indigenous Market, featuring local vendors, crafts, food, and performances.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye on their seasonal events calendar, as the immersive activities during these celebrations can take your visit to the next level. Also, the farm is near the NCC Greenbelt trails, which makes for an excellent scenic walk after your visit. |
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
– Media credit: fletcher.wildlife.garden
Address: Prince of Wales Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 234 6767
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
The Fletcher Wildlife Garden is such a gem for nature lovers in Ottawa and one of the best places to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. This garden is designed to support local wildlife, so you can expect to see a variety of birds, butterflies, and small animals like squirrels and chipmunks.
It’s also a great spot if you’re interested in native plants because the garden is carefully maintained to make sure that it mimics a natural ecosystem. If you’re into bird-watching, the trails and lookout points here are fantastic for catching them.
One of the best things here is the demonstration gardens they’ve set up, like the Butterfly Meadow and the Amphibian Pond. Each area highlights specific types of wildlife and their habitats, so it’s both relaxing and super educational.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye on their calendar because Fletcher Wildlife Garden often hosts workshops, guided walks, and events for wildlife enthusiasts. |
Omega Park
– Media credit: parcomega
Address: 399 Route 323 Nord, Montebello, QC
Contact details: +1 819 423 5487
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adult (ages 16 to 64) – $46.09
- Seniors (ages 65 and above) – $40.87
- Child (ages 6 to 15) – $33.91
- Child (ages 2 to 5) – $17.39
*all prices include taxes
Omega Park is essentially a drive-through safari park where you’ll get to see Canadian wildlife like elk, moose, bison, wolves, and even bears up close! The 12-kilometre route is all about staying in your car while animals wander freely, so you just have to grab a bag of carrots (sold at their entrance).
Outside the safari route, there are plenty of other things to do. The First Nations Trail is a must—it’s an interpretative walking trail that dives into Canada’s Indigenous history.
And if you prefer things on foot, the park has several walking trails and observation points, too. Kids will love the mini-farm where they can pet goats and other animals, and there are also picnic areas, a cafe, and a gift shop on-site for more leisurely stops.
| Pro tip: Make sure to follow the rules, especially for animals like wolves and bears that are in designated enclosures. Also, if you’re a fan of cheese, stop at Fromagerie Montebello nearby for a taste of their award-winning curds. |
Saunders Country Critters Zoological Sanctuary
– Media credit: j.amongthetrees
Address: 1058 County Rd #44 RR # 1, Oxford Station
Contact details: +1 613 258 1108
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Cost:
- Adults (ages 19 to 65) – $15
- Seniors (ages 65 and above) – $10
- Children (ages 2 to 18) – $10
- Ages under 2 – Free
- Seasons Pass (unlimited visits) – $40
Saunders Country Critters is the spot to visit if you’re looking for a more hands-on experience with exotic and domestic animals. Located just about a 45-minute drive south of Ottawa, this sanctuary offers a mix of fun, education, and up-close animal encounters.
There’s an impressive collection of critters here, including camels, lemurs, kangaroos, and even a lively group of parrots, peacocks, and macaws. The staff are also fantastic with interactive presentations, like animal feedings and Q&A sessions.
One of the highlights has to be the smaller petting area where kids (and adults) can meet and feed sheep, goats, and bunny rabbits. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of their scheduled feeding events for the larger animals!
| Pro tip: Check out their seasonal events! During Halloween and Christmas, they bring an extra festive vibe with themed decorations and special programmes. |
Vanderlaand The Barnyard Zoo
– Media credit: vanderlaandthebarnyardzoo
Address: 11827 Stormont, Dundas, And Glengarry County Rd 5, Inkerman
Contact details: +1 613 222 5087
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 10 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $10 per person (cash only)
If your idea of a great day out includes hanging out with friendly farm animals, then Vanderlaand The Barnyard Zoo is the place for you. It’s located less than an hour from Ottawa and gives off those classic rural Ontario vibes.
The zoo has an amazing mix of animals—you’ll find pigs, donkeys, ducks, alpacas, chickens, and more. They even have grumpy old goats who may or may not humour you if you try to feed them.
The whole place is super family-friendly and laid-back. There are also picnic tables, so you can bring your lunch and make a proper day of it.
