The 9 Best Zoos Near Ottawa That We Keep Going Back To
I grew up in Ottawa. So unlike my friends from Toronto and Winnipeg, I didn’t have the conventional zoo experience.
I never got to feed giraffes. Never got to press my face against a glass enclosure while trying to spot a tiger sleeping in the distance.
Still, I don’t feel like I missed out at all. Over the years, I’ve explored farms, animal sanctuaries, and petting zoos, offering interactive, unforgettable, and downright wholesome experiences.
Whether it’s bottle-feeding baby goats or walking an alpaca, these places have always felt more personal than your typical zoo. Below, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite spots.
1. Parc Omega
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Website: http://www.parcomega.ca/
Location: 399 Route 323 Nord, Montebello, QC
Operating hours:
Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +18194235487
Visiting Parc Omega for the first time was quite nerve-wracking, knowing we were driving into a safari with animals that can rip us apart in seconds—moose, bears, wolves, and more. But it was way more peaceful than we expected.
Most of the animals are kept in large, open enclosures, so you’ll be out of their reach at all times. But the deer? These overly friendly creatures will walk up to your car, stick their heads through your windows, and stare you down until you give them carrots.
To wrap up your day, you can stay in one of the cottages that look right out onto the wolf den. You can crash on the couch, snacks in hand, and watch the wolves do their thing. It was our favorite part of the entire experience.
Pro Tip:
Buy a bag of carrots at the entrance—or you’ll have disappointed deer sulking at your windows.
2. Maple Hill Urban Farm
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Website: http://maplehillurbanfarm.com/
Location: 200 Moodie Drive
Operating hours:
Thursday-Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +16138282987
If walking an alpaca is on your bucket list, Maple Hill Urban Farm is a must-visit spot. They’ve got 10 of them, and if you ask nicely (and book ahead), you can take one for a walk.
It’s like walking a taller, fuzzier dog that’s 100% more likely to spit in your face if you offend it. But don’t worry, I’ve yet to see that happen. As long as you don’t stare them down, you’ll be fine!
I was a bit nervous at first, too. But the staff were helpful and patient, which made the experience more memorable.
Pro Tip:
If alpacas are too intimidating for you, walk a goat instead.
3. Saunders Country Sanctuary
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Website: http://www.saunderscountry.com/
Location: 1058 County Rd #44 RR # 1, Oxford Station
Operating hours:
Daily, 10 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +16132581108
Saunders is wild—and we mean that in the best way. Caracals, kangaroos, lynxes, foxes, and other exotic creatures call this place home.
What makes it extra special is that many of the animals here are rescues. So instead of the guilt trip that often comes with traditional zoos (you know, the ones with the tiny cages and glass boxes), you’ll feel good after every visit.
We loved the staff as well. Even with a full schedule, they still took the time to share fun, behind-the-scenes stories about the animals.
Pro Tip:
Get the season passes! They only cost $40 per person and offer unlimited visits.
4. The Log Farm
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Website: http://www.thelogfarm.com/
Location: 670 Cedarview Rd, Nepean
Operating hours:
Thursday-Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +16133232385
As someone who believes in petting animals as a legitimate form of therapy, a trip to The Log Farm is my happy place. It’s just 20 minutes from downtown, which means a spontaneous “I need to touch grass and maybe hug a goat” trip is totally doable.
They’ve got a full lineup of lovable farm animals, such as pigs, turkeys, donkeys, horses, and alpacas. And in the Spring, we bring binoculars to spot swallows that nest around the barn.
We’re usually here on Saturdays when the Farmers’ Market sets up shop right at the entrance. Walking out with a fresh basket of strawberries after a serotonin boost from petting a goat is peak weekend vibes.
Pro Tip:
It’s always muddy! Wear your boots, not your best pair of shoes.
5. Vanderlaand The Barnyard Zoo
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Website: http://thebarnyardzoo.com/
Location: 11827 Stormont, Dundas, And Glengarry County Rd 5, Inkerman
Operating hours:
Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM
Wednesday-Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +16132225087
Vanderlaand lets you help with real farm duties, but not to worry, you won’t be plowing the fields or shoveling poop. While Farmer Ruth does the backbreaking work, you get to live your best life, cuddling with goats and feeding the cows.
Believe it or not, this farm is also one of our go-tos for yoga—with goats. They’ll wander around, looking for loose strands of hair to nibble on, and occasionally climb on your back while you’re mid-downward dog.
We always leave feeling refreshed and maybe with a little bit of goat drool. But it’s totally worth it.
Pro Tip:
To sign up for goat yoga, call them up before your visit. You must reserve a spot in advance.
6. Penny Lane Farm Sanctuary
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Website: https://www.pennylanefarmsanctuary.ca/
Location: 1795 Du Lac Rd, Saint-Pascal-Baylon
Email: [email protected]
Penny Lane is a peaceful, 55-acre sanctuary for rescued animals like horses, cows, and sheep. They keep them in shared spaces, so you’ll see geese waddling next to geeps like they’re catching up on some gossip.
No one comes here to just feed pellets from the other side of the fence. When we visited, we really got up close and personal with the animals, as well as the wonderful people who care for them.
They don’t open daily, but they do host open houses throughout the year, where you can visit for free.
Even better, you can stay for as long as you like—and honestly, we lost track of time chatting with the volunteers, learning about the animals’ stories of survival. Except for the mud, the entire experience was phenomenal.
Pro Tip:
They’ll post event dates on IG. Give them a follow so you don’t miss out.
7. Valleyview Little Animal Farm
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Website: http://www.valleyviewlittleanimalfarm.com/
Location: 4750 Fallowfield Rd, Nepean
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +16135911126
If your idea of a peaceful day is locking eyes with a wise old donkey or petting a fluffy bunny—yeah, same. And that’s exactly why we like Valleyview, a little animal farm with all our petting zoo favorites: horses, sheep, pigs, donkeys, cows, goats, and more.
With the train rides, puppet shows, and playgrounds, we knew it was a fun spot for kids, but didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as we did. The vibe was super relaxed, not the usual chaotic petting zoo energy where goats roughhouse with the children.
We had enough time to meet the animals, feed them, and just hang out. And yes, we took so many photos with the cute residents who didn’t shy away from the cameras.
Pro Tip:
Drop by the Sunflower Cafe to grab packed lunches, baked goodies, refreshments, and ice cream.
8. Serendipity Farm and Sanctuary
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Website: http://www.serendipityalpacas.ca/
Location: 929 S Lavant Rd, Lanark
Operating hours:
Tuesday, 10 AM to 2 PM
Phone: +16132593304
Located in the beautiful Lanark highlands, Serendipity is a sanctuary where alpacas and llamas reign supreme. You’ll see them frolicking on the grass, sunbathing on the daisy fields, and following the volunteers around the farm.
When we visited, we got up close and personal with a few of their residents. One of my favorites is Serendipity, the herd’s alpha male—a gentle giant who gladly took a treat from my hand.
While the llamas were curious and friendly, the alpacas were a bit more skittish. But with a few handfuls of hay, we won them over.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to say hi to Percy, the resident peacock. Sometimes, you’ll spot him perched on the fences, wooing the peahens or the guests.
9. Russander Farm
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Website: http://www.russanderfarm.ca/
Location: 5039 Russell Rd, Carlsbad Springs
Phone: +16135138853
Email: [email protected]
Russander Farm is a 15-minute drive away from downtown Ottawa. It’s a working farm where you can get fresh produce and meet cute animals.
Rain or shine, they’re open, so no need to cancel your plans if the weather gets sketchy. You’ll leave with mud-spattered jeans, but you’ll end up with unforgettable memories and heartwarming experiences.
Bonus points for the friendly staff. Thanks to them, we were able to go near the horses—and yes, we even brushed their hair, which was oddly satisfying.
Pro Tip:
They charge by the hour, which costs anywhere from $40 to $60 per group.