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Complete Guide to Parc Omega Wildlife Park from Ottawa 2024
If you’re looking for an exciting day trip destination that’s perfect for the whole family, look no further than Parc Omega Wildlife Park!
Situated just outside of Ottawa in the town of Montebello, this park is home to a wide variety of animals from all across Canada.
Whether you’re interested in seeing bison and elk up close or want to take a walk on the wild side and explore the park’s nature trails, there’s something for everyone at Parc Omega.
If you’re as obsessed as I am with wolves, you’ll adore the wolf observatory – and the chance to sleep in a cabin that shares a glass wall with their enclosure!
Keep reading for my complete guide to everything this amazing park has to offer!
About Parc Omega
Parc Omega is a wildlife park that spans over 2,200 acres of land in the Outaouais region of Quebec. It has a 12km car trial for visitors to explore.
The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including bison, deer, elk, bears, wolves, and birds.
You can explore the park by car, rented golf cart, or one of their bus tours (currently closed for social distancing).
You drive through a range of 20+ species of Canadian wildlife, with the ability to interact safely and peacefully with friendly animals. Some even pop their head into your car for a second carrot if they’re feeling greedy!
You’ll have the chance to stretch your legs on the 15+km of trails throughout the park, safely away from the larger animals.
The park was founded in 1985 as a way to show off the natural wonders of Canada so visitors can “discover North American wildlife in a grandiose natural site of the nature landscapes of the region” (English translation).
Animal Rehabilitation
Unlike a zoo (which are problematic for a whole host of reasons), Parc Omega features 20+ species of wild animals living in their natural environment.
They don’t have polar bears in fake ice houses or lions trying to survive Canadian winters in a forest.
They separate animals only by predator/prey and natural habitat, but allow them to roam freely within large swaths of the park.
The are a “living museum” to help people connect with animals. Through this interactive park, you’ll get a sense of the majesty of local animals and come a way with a greater respect for Canada’s nature.
I love that Parc Omega doesn’t just work with animals in half-captivity. They also help the government of Canada reintroduce injured animals or orphaned animals back into the wild. Those that can’t be released for their own safety, are able to get care and treatment at the park while snacking happily on carrots all day.
First Nations Trail
I love hiking, so getting to go for a walk through the trails was exciting for me after the drive from Ottawa to Parc Omega (it’s not long, but I get antsy after a morning coffee).
This 1km trail was developed with local Indigenous artists to celebrate the history of 11 of Quebec’s First Nations tribes.
My older sister works with First Nations peoples, so I’ve learned a fair bit just from listening to her work stories. But I learned so much more from this trail!
You start the trail by going right at the Thunderbird – a massive carving that is symbolic to most First Nations tribes in the region. It’s believed that if you walk under the wing and make a wish (within reason of course!), it will come true.
Along the route, you’ll find 11 totems representing the local tribes and a placard explaining some of their history.
This is an easy walk – but in the winter, the bridge across the small lake is closed, so the trail becomes 2 km since you have to double back.
Aerial Boardwalk
Parc Omega may not have monkeys – but you can climb like one!
The aerial boardwalk through the trees is open in the summer for children to enjoy.
Golf Cart Rental
Golf carts are available for rent at Parc Omega to get to the Old Farm from the trails. These start at $30.
They also offered caged golf carts for general use around the park during the summer season. Prices start at $175 for a half day.
Visiting Parc Omega
Entrance to Beaver Lake
The drive to Beaver Lake is the first part of the park that you pass through.
This is where you’ll meet the unofficial greeters of Parc Omega: the elk. Sometimes a few deer mix in amongst them as a secondary welcome party.
If there’s a line up to get into the park, this is likely the reason as the elk are quite demanding about their entrance tax: aka. carrots handed to them out of your car window.
In the meadow, you’ll find elk, red deer, white-tailed deer, and fallow deer.
You’ll pass the open raccoon enclosure right after Beaver Lake, where the little fur balls can hang out during the day and nap.
You may spot red foxes, wild turkeys, or squirrels as well! There’s always a chance of spotting beavers throughout the lake too.
Beaver Lake to Land of the Pioneers
Bison are one of the main attractions at Parc Omega. Here you’ll pass through their separate prairie area.
Do not feed the Bison! They are massive and could do serious damage to cars if they got too close. It’s recommended you keep your windows rolled up during this part.
Beyond the Bison, you’ll pass the black wolf area.
This is a caged enclosure to prevent predators from having easy pickings of the elk and deer on the acreage.
Stop at Land of the Pioneers for the kids play centre, the Aerial Boardwalk, picnic areas, snack bar, toilets, and the Old Farm. This is a great place to stop for lunch and to stock up on more bags of carrots if you’re running low.
There are also hiking trails here that are a great way to stretch your legs.
If you need it, you can rent a golf cart to get to the Old Farm rather than hiking.
The Tundra
Before arriving at the Land of the Pioneers, you have the option to turn right and visit the Tundra.
This is where you’ll see Arctic Fox and Caribou.
The Arctic Fox are in an enclosure and are incredibly cute.
Along this route is the Sugar Shack, were you can buy maple syrup treats.
It’s not a true sugar shack in that they don’t have demonstrations of maple sap tapping and the process of making maple syrup.
But you can get some sugary treats!
Note: the sugar shack is only open for the maple season (typically February and March).
The Wolf Observatory
Wolves are my favourite animal and the main reason I wanted to visit Parc Omega.
Here you can see a pack of grey wolves at the Wolf Observatory. They have a lot of room to explore away from viewers, but often they come right up to the glass barrier of the faux wood lodge.
We visited at feeding time, by accident, and got to watch the full pack sitting at attention as a snack of some raw meat was thrown to them while we learned more about their species and personalities.
I think I morphed into a 10 year old, I was so giddy!
Parc Omega Farm
The Old Farm at Parc Omega is essentially a petting zoo.
No one can feed the animals, but children can pet a variety of farm animals here.
Birds of Prey Show
Parc Omega runs wildlife shows to demonstrate their bald eagles. When I visited, they weren’t running them either due to weather or safety precautions with social distancing.
Land of the Pioneers to Deer Lake
Heading south from the Land of the Pioneers, you’ll pass back through the roaming bison and musk oxen as you head toward Deer Lake.
Along the way, you’ll be able to stop and feed some stray elk.
Here there are a lot of wild boars.
I was kinda freaked out by them (I think The Princess Bride gave me some deep trauma as a kid that I didn’t know I had from that pig-rat demon!). But the babies were sooo cute!
You can’t feed the boars!
As you loop around Deer Lake, you’ll see arctic wolves, rocky mountain goats, coyotes, and alpine ibexes.
The ibexes are the biggest hazard of the park.
Their giant horns scratch cars by accident all the time. And they have a bad habit of standing on the steps of car doors to get up to reach treats.
You can’t miss them on the drive unfortunately, which is why some people (my best friend included) refuse to bring their own cars to Parc Omega.
My mom and I drove through with only a couple minor scratches I noticed later. But they’re so hard to see they equally could have been wear and tear or from driving to hiking trails and I’d just never noticed before.
Bear Valley
The last significant animal area at Parc Omega before the exit is Bear Valley.
Next to wolves, bears are probably my favourite wild animal.
Here you can see black bears and cinnamon bears (yep, it’s a real thing I’d never heard of either!) in large enclosures. There’s no feeding of the bears for obvious reasons. But some elk and deer may be lurking around hoping for a carrot along the way.
Bird Lake
Bird Lake gets its name from the plethora of wild birds that hang out here.
There aren’t specific species that are guaranteed to be here. But you’ll likely see a mix of Canadian Geese, ducks, heron, and local birds like sparrows and crows.
Snowy owls are around the park as well, but they’re more likely to be spotted in winter and when it’s dark out.
How to Visit Parc Omega
Ticket Prices
Adult tickets (ages 16 to 64) = $38.27/day
Senior ticket (ages 65+) = $33.92/day
Child’s ticket (ages 6 to 15) = $27.83/day
Child’s ticket (ages 2 to 5) = $14.79/day
Children 1 and under = Free
Family ticket bundle (2 adults, 2 children) = $132.20 ($12 saved)
If you love Parc Omega, you can purchase a yearly membership (at the park only) for:
Adults = $109.95
Child (age 6 to 15) = $79.95
Child (age 2 to 5) = $40.95
When is Parc Omega Open?
Parc Omega is open year-round, even holidays.
Park hours are 10am until 5pm in winter, but last entry is allowed at 4pm.
Park hours are longer in the summer but vary by season. You can check the times here.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Parc Omega?
While you can buy tickets at the gate, it is recommended that you book your ticket online. Reservations fill up quickly and you may be turned away at the gate.
You can only arrive without a ticket booked in advance if you have an annual membership, a gift card, a reservation for accommodation at Parc Omega, or are accompanying someone with a disability (and have the appropriate documentation).
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Parc Omega year round! The animals are true Canadians, so they aren’t bothered by the cold or even rainy days.
I recommend visiting in spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds. Parc Omega is especially popular in the summer when children are on school holidays.
Visiting before noon is great to avoid crowds, as well.
Food at the Park
Cookerie
This is a great place for hot dogs and BBQ eats at the Land of the Pioneers.
Ice Cream Bar
Grab a frozen treat by the Land of the Pioneers.
OmegaBon Restaurant
OmegaBon is the best gastronomic experience at Parc Omega.
Overlooking Bird Lake, you can enjoy a delicious meal made of local and seasonal ingredients.
Dinner is reservation only.
The restaurant is open from 11:30am to 2:30pm most days, but till 8pm Thursday to Saturday.
Park House
At the Park House, you can grab sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and more when you buy a bag of carrots for the deer.
Can you bring your own food?
Yes! You can pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic areas throughout Parc Omega.
Stay Overnight at Parc Omega
Wi-tent
These 1-4 person tents with a conical shape come with a round patio. They’re kind of like a yurt, but they have an enclosed roof. They have 1 Queen bed and 2 single beds, an outdoor fireplace, an outdoor toilet, and a private patio.
It’s a more luxury camping experience!
Pods
The 2 people pods are great for a couple looking for a getaway. There is electricity, hot water, air conditioning, heating, a little kitchenette, and a privat ebathroom. The small porch out front even has Muskoka chairs.
House on Stilts
The house on stilts is exactly what it sounds like. With a roof made of palm leaves, it’s meant to mimic a jungle house that’s off the grid.
Log Cabins
The log cabins are great for 1-4 people who are ok being off the grid without electricity.
Wolf Lodge
The ultimate experience at Parc Omega is sleeping with the wolves at the wolf cabin. There are three options with increasing numbers of beds.
Starting a $560 a night, these cabins have more amenities AND they have a glass wall connecting to the wolf enclosure.
You’ll get to make friends with the grey wolves as you cozy up by the fire!
Tips for Visiting Parc Omega
- Bring carrots with you. Buying them isn’t super expensive, but the line ups can get long.
- Plan 2-3 hours in the park.
- Wear good sneakers or hiking boots for the hikes. Prepare to get muddy if it’s rained recently.
- Watch out for ibexes! They are the animals most likely to damage cars.
- Keep all body parts inside the car unless you’re handing a carrot to a deer or elk.
- You can tune into the park’s radio station to learn more about the animals as you drive.
- There aren’t good gluten-free or vegetarian options in the park (vegetarians can eat at the OmegaBon restaurant), so I recommend packing food.
- Be prepared to drive very very slowly and stop if animals cross your path.
Getting to Parc Omega from Ottawa
Parc Omega is a 1 hour drive from Ottawa.
The easiest way to get there is to cross the Portage Bridge to Hull and follow signs for the Autoroute 50 E/QC-148 E. Merge on the A 50 E to Montreal.
The signs will start showing exit 210 for Montebello for QC-323, take this exit.
Follow signs for Parc Omega from there.
Getting to Parc Omega from Montreal
Montreal is a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Parc Omega.
Take QC-136 Le Sud-Ouest. Exit onto Autoroute 15N towards Laval.
Take exit 70 -E towards Laval.
Continue onto the A. 50 West (Ouest).
Take exit 210 for Montebello for QC-323, then follow signs to Parc Omega.
FAQs:
How long does it take to go through Parc Omega?
It takes about 1 and a half hours to drive through Parc Omega. However, the average visiting time is 3 hours.
Many people spend full days here at the children’s areas and on the hiking trails.
How much are carrots at Parc Omega?
$3.75 per bag – only slightly more than a grocery store.
Can you walk in Parc Omega?
Yes, you can walk at the designated hiking trails in Parc Omega. You cannot walk along the driving route in Parc Omega amongst the animals – for their safety and yours.
If you don’t have a car, you can rent a golf cart to go through the wildlife park.
How much does it cost to stay at Parc Omega?
Accommodations at Parc Omega start at $179 for a 2-person Wi-tent. Staying at the Wolf Lodge is the most expensive option, costing over $800 CAD per night for up to 4 people.
Is Parc Omega ethical?
Yes, Parc Omega is an ethical wildlife park. The animals are well taken care of and have plenty of space to roam.
Parc Omega also participates in many conservation efforts, such as the rehabilitation of wild animals and releasing animals back into the wild if they have healed properly.
Is there WIFI at Parc Omega?
There is free WIFI in public areas at Parc Omega. Additionally, there is a radio station to share information about the park with guests.
Those staying overnight at Parc Omega will have access to WIFI in the public areas.
What animals are at Parc Omega?
Parc Omega is home to:
- Elk
- Red deer
- Fallow deer
- Musk ox
- Bison
- Grey wolves
- Black wolves
- Red fox
- Wild turkey
- Black and cinnamon bears
- Alpine ibex
- Mountain goats
- Great blue heron
- Canadian geese
- Raccoons
- Wild boar
- Beaver
- Squirrels
Does Parc Omega have moose?
Yes, Parc Omega has moose. However, they are very solitary creatures and are not often spotted at the park.
Is Parc Omega good in the winter?
Yes! Parc Omega is open year-round. In the winter, you can drive through the park in your own car and see all the animals enjoying Canadian winter weather.
There are also cross-country skiing trails and a snowshoeing trail open in the winter.
Is Parc Omega open in the winter?
Yes, Parc Omega is open year-round. These are local Canadian wildlife that are built to handle cold temperatures.
Can you sleep at Parc Omega?
Yes, you can sleep at Parc Omega at one of their various accommodations. They have tents, pods, cabins, and even a Wolf Lodge where you can sleep with the wolves (with safety glass protecting you).
How many acres is Parc Omega?
Parc Omega is 2,200 acres.
Can you bring your own carrots to Parc Omega?
Yes! You can bring your own carrots or buy carrots for $3.75 per bag. My mom and I bought two and finished them off by the end of our journey.
How far is Omega Park from Montreal?
Omega Park is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Montreal by car.
Are dogs allowed at Omega Park?
No pets are allowed at Omega Park to protect the animals.
Who owns Parc Omega?
Batipart, a French company, owns Parc Omega.
Wrap Up: Visiting Parc Omega from Ottawa
If you’re looking for a great day trip or weekend getaway from Ottawa, Parc Omega is the perfect destination.
With plenty of activities to keep you busy – from hiking and biking trails to animal viewing – as well as comfortable accommodations and an ethical approach to wildlife care, Parc Omega is a winner in every respect.
And if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out their Wolf Lodge for an overnight trip!
I hope you’ll have the chance to visit soon!
Read More Amazing Day Trips From Ottawa
- A Local’s Guide To Pink Lake in Gatineau Park
- 13 Best Gatineau Park Hiking Trails for Summer
- Ultimate Guide To Wakefield Quebec: From A Canadian
- 25 Day Trips From Ottawa (Within a 2 Hour Drive)
- 5 Best Drive-in Theatres Ottawa (A Local’s Guide)
- Best Ottawa to Toronto Drive (& Where to Stop on a Road Trip!)
- 25 Best Beaches in Ottawa From a Local!
Ottawa Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?
100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.
💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)
🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?
Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.
📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?
Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?
For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?
For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.
🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?
Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.
📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.
