Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
A working farm in the heart of Ottawa, offering live animals, interactive exhibits, and a taste of Canadian agriculture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A working farm in the heart of Ottawa, offering live animals, interactive exhibits, and a taste of Canadian agriculture.
"A refreshingly down-to-earth museum that trades glass cases for fresh air, muck boots, and a dose of reality. "
🎯 Pet the Baby Animals!
Don't miss the chance to pet baby cows and lambs – a 10/10 experience!
👃 Embrace the Barn Smells
It's a real farm! Expect authentic smells and flies – part of the genuine experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Farm Animals
Barns
Get up close with cows, sheep, horses, and even baby animals. Petting opportunities available!
Interactive Exhibits
Various buildings
Engaging displays connect farming, food production, and modern life. Fun for all ages.
Working Farm Experience
Outdoor grounds
Explore the only working farm in a capital city, showcasing agricultural practices.
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Cooking & Educational Programs
Activity areas
Participate in hands-on activities like cooking classes and learn about Canadian heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Farm Atmosphere
Family Fun & Free Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pet the Baby Animals!
Don't miss the chance to pet baby cows and lambs – a 10/10 experience!
👃 Embrace the Barn Smells
It's a real farm! Expect authentic smells and flies – part of the genuine experience.
⏰ Check for Free Hours
Some museums offer free admission in the late afternoon. Check schedules!
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
There's a large parking lot, but be aware of hourly parking fees.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pet the Baby Animals!
Don't miss the chance to pet baby cows and lambs – a 10/10 experience!
👃 Embrace the Barn Smells
It's a real farm! Expect authentic smells and flies – part of the genuine experience.
⏰ Check for Free Hours
Some museums offer free admission in the late afternoon. Check schedules!
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
There's a large parking lot, but be aware of hourly parking fees.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around barns and grounds, so comfy footwear is a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum for its authentic working farm experience right in the city, offering real animal encounters and engaging exhibits. It's a highly recommended spot for families seeking fun and educational outings, though some note the admission price and the authentic farm smells.
"🌾 Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Where barns meet science — a working farm right in the city.
Real animals: cows, sheep, horses — you can actually smell the hay, not just see pictures of it.
Exhibits connect the dots between farming, food, and modern life in a way that feels grounded.
Kid-friendly without being kiddie — adults learn plenty too.
Visitors tip: Go early in the day — animals are more active. Expect strong barn smells and flies — it’s authentic farm life, not sanitized.
Bottom line: A refreshingly down-to-earth museum that trades glass cases for fresh air, muck boots, and a dose of reality."
steve goon
"Location: pretty easy to find
Parking: large parking lot, but $4 per hour
Admission: it seemed a little pricey, but maybe on par with other museums of similar caliber
Facilities: all the buildings and equipment are well taken care of and in good condition.
Washrooms: the washrooms are clean and are in every building so there are no worries there.
Staff: I was surprised how few staff there were around to ask about the animals. However, there were lots of staff running interactive programs geared towards children, so I’m sure children would give a five star rating. As adults, it was informative but entirely self-guided.
Animals: the animals all seem very well taken care of and there was a massive variety in different breeds of farm animals.
Overall: we were able to see and read literally everything in two hours, so I was quite surprised there wasn’t more to see and do. But it’s absolutely worth visiting at least once whether you’re an Ottawa native or a tourist."
Derek Vanstone
"A Hidden Gem for Families - Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
We absolutely love the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum! It’s hands down our favourite spot to visit as a family, and it’s no surprise that it’s my kids’ top pick. My son, especially, has been asking to go every single day during the week, and we finally made it happen this past Sunday. And oh boy, it did not disappoint!
The museum has something exciting happening every 30 minutes, so there’s never a dull moment. From hands-on activities to interactive exhibits, the kids were completely engaged all day long. One of the highlights of our visit was when my kids got to participate in a cooking class – they made maple cupcakes! Being able to bake something so Canadian and delicious really topped off the experience. The cupcakes were amazing (and yes, we ate them all)!
Another memory that will stay with us forever was getting to meet the adorable baby cows and lambs. The little ones were just too cute, and it was heartwarming to see my kids learn about where their food comes from in such a fun and engaging way.
If you're looking for a place to spark joy and learning in your little ones, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is definitely worth a visit. It’s an enriching experience that brings our Canadian heritage to life, and it’s one we will be coming back to again and again. Highly recommend!"
Anna Derevianko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 901 Prince of Wales Drive in Ottawa. It's generally easy to find with a large parking lot available, though parking fees apply.
Ottawa has an extensive public transit system. You can check OC Transpo for routes and schedules that service the museum's location.
There is a large parking lot available for visitors. However, please note that there is an hourly fee for parking.
The museum is generally accessible, with facilities and equipment well taken care of. Washrooms are available in every building.
Yes, the museum is often included in lists of top Ottawa attractions and can be part of a broader city exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission can seem a bit pricey, but it's often on par with similar museums. Look out for potential discounts like CAA Member offers.
Yes, some social media posts mention free admission hours, typically in the late afternoon (e.g., 4-5 PM). It's best to verify current schedules.
While not always explicitly stated, booking in advance can be a good idea, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Check their official website.
Keep an eye out for special offers. CAA Members, for example, can receive discounts on admission.
Operating hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Canada Agriculture and Food Museum website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of farm animals, including cows, sheep, horses, and even baby animals like calves and lambs. +1
Yes, there are opportunities to pet baby animals, which is a highlight for many visitors, especially children.
The exhibits connect farming, food, and modern life in an engaging way. They are designed to be educational and fun for all ages.
The museum often has scheduled activities, including interactive programs geared towards children and even cooking classes.
Be prepared for authentic farm smells and potentially flies, as it's a working farm. This adds to the realistic experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining options is limited, but it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for current amenities.
While not explicitly mentioned, many museums allow visitors to bring their own food for consumption in designated areas or on the grounds.
Being located in Ottawa, there are numerous dining options in the surrounding areas. You can explore restaurants near the Experimental Farm.
The museum connects farming to food production and modern life, with exhibits like 'Taste of Science' exploring food spoilage.
The museum offers hands-on cooking classes where kids can make things like maple cupcakes, which are then enjoyed!
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most museum areas, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions.
The live animals, especially the baby ones, and the rustic barn settings offer great photo opportunities. The grounds also provide scenic backdrops.
Yes, capturing images of the diverse farm animals is a popular activity for visitors.
While not explicitly stated, it's common practice in many museums to avoid using flash photography, especially around live animals, to prevent disturbance.
Visitors often share photos of the animals, the farm setting, and their family's experiences, highlighting the educational and fun aspects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a place where learning about food and farming is fun and memorable. The authentic farm atmosphere, with real animals and barns, provides a unique educational experience that children will talk about long after you leave.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a parking fee, exploring the museum's grounds and enjoying the animal exhibits can be a very rewarding experience without breaking the bank. Consider visiting during off-peak times or weekdays to potentially avoid larger crowds and make the most of your self-guided exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with capturing the textures of the farm, the expressions of the animals, and the joy on visitors' faces. Remember to be mindful of any flash restrictions, especially around the animals, to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Working Farm in the Capital
This working farm aspect allows for a more immersive understanding of where food comes from. Unlike traditional museums with static displays, here you can smell the hay, hear the animals, and see agricultural practices in action. It’s this tangible connection to farming that sets it apart and makes it a memorable visit for both children and adults.
While the museum is a working farm, it's also a place of learning. Exhibits are designed to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern food systems, making it an educational destination that is both grounded and forward-thinking.
Family Fun and Educational Experiences
Beyond animal encounters, the museum offers unique educational opportunities. For instance, visitors can participate in cooking classes, where children can learn to make delicious treats like maple cupcakes. This hands-on approach to learning about Canadian food heritage is a standout feature that many families rave about.
The museum's approach is described as 'kid-friendly without being kiddie,' meaning that adults also find the exhibits informative and engaging. It’s a place where the entire family can learn together about agriculture, food science, and Canadian heritage in a fun and accessible way.
Navigating the Museum and Visitor Tips
For the best experience, visiting early in the day is recommended, as the animals tend to be more active. While the museum is generally well-maintained with clean facilities, some visitors note that there are fewer staff members available for general animal inquiries, but plenty are present for interactive programs.
Consider checking for free admission hours, often in the late afternoon, to make your visit more budget-friendly. Also, remember that while parking is available, it comes with an hourly fee. Comfortable footwear is essential as you'll be exploring the barns and grounds.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit