Farm animals beat Ottawa traffic. This Pontiac farm tour strings together four real working farms with pickup from Ottawa and Gatineau and an energetic guide named Brandon.

My two favorite parts were the up-close time with alpacas and the full Coronation Hall stop with cider tasting plus apple pie. You also get a proper country break from the city rhythm, not a rushed drive-by.

One consideration: the tour needs good weather, so plan to be flexible if conditions force a reschedule.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group pace (max 14 people): you’ll spend more time at each stop, not waiting around.
• Brandon’s guiding style: upbeat and practical, with helpful tips for your time in Ottawa and Quebec City.
• Hands-on animal time: yaks, ostriches, and time with alpacas, plus extra farm moments like feeding chickens and sampling honey where available.
• Coronation Hall food that actually counts: lunch plus cider tasting and apple pie, in a traditional cider mill setting.
• Easy start from Ottawa and Gatineau: pickup is timed to reduce standing around.
• Mobile ticket and English tour: simple to use, and straightforward for English speakers.

The day’s structure: 7 hours that moves at farm speed

This is a 7-hour day trip, starting at 9:00 am. The whole point is to trade city time for hands-on country time, with a guide running the show so you’re not doing math with parking lots and GPS.

Pickup is offered from both Ottawa and Gatineau, with a pickup time emailed to you ahead of departure. Expect that pickup window to fall within about 10 minutes, typically around 45 minutes before the tour begins. It’s the kind of planning that makes the day feel smooth, even though it’s a full schedule.

I also like that the group size is capped at 14 people. That number matters: with smaller groups, you get more time looking closely at animals and talking with staff at each farm, instead of being shoved along like you’re at a conveyor belt.

The tour runs best if you’re the type who enjoys simple, real experiences: animals, food, and learning how people run farms in the Outaouais area. If you want long museum-style narration or lots of free time wandering on your own, you might find the pace a bit structured. But if you like clear stops and a guide who keeps things flowing, it’s a strong fit.

Pickup and the ride: what makes logistics feel painless

Right away, you should know this is built for convenience. You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the transportation is handled end-to-end from Ottawa and Gatineau.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, which means no digging through paper tickets when you’re half awake in the morning. If you’re picky about timing, the emailed pickup window helps you get your bearings fast—especially if you’re not sure whether your accommodation is in the pickup area. You’re told you can message the operator with your address or map screenshot to confirm.

The tour is English-speaking, and a guide stays with you for the entire day. That matters more than it sounds, because each stop has its own rhythm, and you’ll get context instead of just watching from a distance.

Because the day is weather-dependent, I’d think about what you’ll wear on a day where you might be outside around working farms. If it’s even slightly damp or chilly, it’s better to dress in layers than to count on the sun to save the day.

Stop 1: Ferme Pure Conscience yak farm (and why it’s more than a photo stop)

Your first farm stop is Ferme Pure Conscience, a guided tour of a yak farm. It runs about 1 hour, with an admission ticket included. The farm experience here is focused on both the animals and the farm’s approach to sustainability, which gives the visit more meaning than simply seeing something unusual.

What I like about this kind of start is the novelty factor. Yaks are not something most people grow up seeing, so you’re immediately curious—and the guide’s job becomes easy: explain what you’re looking at, why it matters, and how the farm is managed.

You’ll also get special treats as part of the visit. That’s not just a nice extra; it creates a more interactive feel for the day, so you’re not only observing. And because it’s guided, you’re more likely to leave with a few facts you can use later when you’re talking about your trip.

The practical drawback: first stops can set the tone for the whole day, so if you’re someone who struggles with early morning, this 1-hour guided session may feel like you need a moment to warm up. But starting here also means you’re seeing the most “wow” animal moments before the schedule gets tight.

Stop 2: Ferme Ostribee ostrich farm in 45 minutes

Next up is Ferme Ostribee, an ostrich farm stop at about 45 minutes, again with admission included. That shorter time window is intentional. It keeps the day from dragging, while still giving you enough time to get a close look and ask questions.

Ostriches can be a tricky animal to understand from the outside. They’re big, they move differently than you expect, and you can’t help but stare once you spot them. This is where having a guide is useful. You’re not left guessing what’s normal behavior versus what you should find interesting.

I also picked up from the experience details that some of these farm visits include extras like feeding chickens and sampling honey. You won’t always get that kind of bonus at every farm tour, so it’s a small part of the day that adds variety without adding hours.

The main consideration here is timing: 45 minutes is not a long session. If you’re the type who wants to linger for a second viewing, keep an eye on where the group gathers and be ready when the guide signals the move to the next stop.

Stop 3: Coronation Hall cider mill tour, lunch, and apple pie

This is the meal stop, and it’s set up to be the centerpiece of the day. At Coronation Hall (tea room and gift shop), you’ll enjoy a traditional cider mill tour plus a full lunch. The stop also includes cider tasting and apple pie, with about 1 hour total time.

This one feels practical for a road trip: it’s where you refuel, but you don’t lose the farm-focus. Instead of a generic lunch break, you get something tied directly to local production—plus the tasting gives you a chance to compare flavors rather than only buying what sounds best.

Cider tasting changes the vibe. You’re not just eating; you’re sampling and learning what makes the local cider style. And the apple pie brings a simple, comforting finish to the stop. It’s the kind of food break that feels like part of the experience, not a pause between attractions.

One possible downside is obvious: if you’re watching what you eat, a lunch plus pie and tastings means you’ll probably want to pace yourself. I’d plan to arrive hungry and then stop at your comfort level once you’re full.

Also, because this is a gift-shop style stop, it can be tempting to overspend. A good tactic is to decide ahead of time whether you’re buying cider products, honey, or something else. Then stick to that plan so the day stays about the memories, not the receipt.

Stop 4: Les Alpagas de Willow Lane for alpaca time you’ll remember

The final farm stop is Les Alpagas de Willow Lane, built around time with alpacas. This is about 1 hour, with admission included. If you love animals, this is likely the moment you’ve been waiting for.

The experience is described as quality time with alpacas, including being close enough to pet them. That’s a big part of why people remember this day trip: it’s not just watching from behind a fence. It’s interactive in a friendly, hands-on way.

From the way the day’s details come together, alpacas become a highlight because they’re curious and calm compared to some farm animals. They’re also photogenic, but the real value is the chance to slow down. In a small group, you get a better chance to have that gentle, personal contact before the guide moves the group along.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is often the stop that lands best because it’s simple: you show up, you meet alpacas, and you leave with a story. Even as an adult, you’ll likely find that the petting time resets your mood after the earlier animal viewing.

The only consideration is that the day is still part of a scheduled route. Give yourself mental permission to enjoy it for what it is—an hour that goes by quickly—rather than expecting an all-day alpaca hangout.

Lunch, snacks, and what’s actually included

Food is a big part of the value here, and it’s handled in a straightforward way. You get a full lunch at Coronation Hall, plus cider tasting and apple pie as part of the stop.

There are also healthy snack(s) provided at a lookout. That detail matters because it fills the gap between farms, and you’re out for about 7 hours. For most people, that’s the difference between enjoying the day and feeling snack-starved in the car.

Admissions are included for each of the four main stops, so you’re not paying extra at the gate. The combination of guide, transport, admissions, lunch, and snacks is what makes the price feel more reasonable than a basic sightseeing outing.

When I look at value on a day trip like this, I focus on what you’d otherwise have to organize yourself. If you were driving, you’d still need to handle transport, ticketing, and timing between multiple farms. Here, those pieces are bundled—so your main job is to show up and have good weather.

Price and value: what $85.89 really buys you

At $85.89 per person, you’re paying for a lot more than a list of attractions. You’re getting:

• Pickup and transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau
• An air-conditioned vehicle
• A guide for the entire day
• Included admission tickets at each farm stop
• Lunch, plus cider tasting and apple pie
• Healthy snacks at a lookout

That bundle is the key. If you price out a guided day with multiple admissions and a meal, you’ll usually end up near this range or higher, especially when you account for transport.

This also helps you avoid decision fatigue. Instead of choosing which farm to visit first, when to eat, and how to coordinate tickets, the day is pre-built. For a first-time or short-stay trip in Ottawa, that’s a real convenience.

The price is best justified if you genuinely want the mix of animals and food. If you’re only here for one thing—say, the alpacas—you might feel the other stops are extra. But if you’re open to yaks, ostriches, and cider culture too, the day makes sense.

Who this day trip fits best (and who might want a different plan)

I think this tour is ideal if you like:

• Animal encounters with a guide explaining what you’re seeing
• A food stop that includes more than a quick sandwich
• A small-group schedule that keeps you from waiting around

It’s also a great option for people who don’t want to drive themselves out to the farms. Pickup from both Ottawa and Gatineau means you can focus on the day.

If you prefer totally free time—long unstructured stops, or roaming at your own pace—this is more structured than that. And if you’re sensitive to weather, the outdoor nature of farm visits means you’ll want flexible expectations.

One small note: the tour says most people can participate. That’s helpful, but it doesn’t remove the fact that you’ll be moving between stops on a schedule, and some parts may be outdoors.

Should you book the Pontiac Farm Tour?

Yes, if you want a high-value day that mixes hands-on animals with a proper cider-mill lunch—and you like the idea of having a guide named Brandon keep the day lively and organized.

Book it especially if it’s your first trip to this region and you want a different perspective on Canada beyond museums and city streets. The alpaca time and the Coronation Hall meal are the moments that tend to stick, and the small group size helps you feel like you’re part of the day, not just passing through.

Hold off if the weather in your travel window is questionable. Since the tour requires good weather and is non-refundable, that flexibility matters for your peace of mind.

FAQ

How long is the Pontiac Farm Tour from Ottawa and Gatineau?

The tour runs about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $85.89 per person.

Do you offer pickup from Ottawa and Gatineau?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Ottawa and Gatineau, and you’ll receive a pickup time by email, typically within a 10-minute time frame about 45 minutes before the tour begins.

What stops are included on the tour?

You’ll visit Ferme Pure Conscience (yak farm), Ferme Ostribee (ostrich farm), Coronation Hall (cider mill with lunch, cider tasting, and apple pie), and Les Alpagas de Willow Lane (alpacas).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at Coronation Hall, along with cider tasting and apple pie. Healthy snacks are also provided at a lookout.

Are admission tickets included for the farms?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for each of the four stops.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 14 people.

Is the tour guided, and what language is it in?

Yes, there’s a guide for the entire day, and the tour is offered in English. You’ll also use a mobile ticket and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What if I need to cancel or the weather is bad?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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