Animals, cider, and a mini countryside reset. This Pontiac farm day trip is a simple way to swap city sidewalks for working farms, tasty Quebec-style treats, and close-up animal time. It’s built around four stops—yak farm, ostrich farm, a traditional cider mill lunch with tasting, and an alpaca visit—so you’re not just looking, you’re actually doing things.

Two things I really like: the guided pace (and the energy of guide Brandon) and the hands-on animal moments, especially the baby alpacas. This one also stays small, with a maximum of 14 people, so it doesn’t feel like a rushed cattle-car tour. One consideration: the whole experience depends on good weather, and the standard cancellation rules are strict.

Key Highlights Worth Booking

• Max 14 people keeps the day from feeling rushed and makes questions easier
• Pickup from Ottawa & Gatineau gets you out the door without stress
• Admission to every stop is included, so you’re not paying again at each farm
• Cider mill lunch + tasting + apple pie means a full food payoff, not just snacks
• Air-conditioned vehicle helps if the weather is hot or muggy
• All-day guide in English keeps the day organized and makes the farm stories make sense

Pontiac Farm Tour: A Quick Route to the Country Side of Quebec

If you’re based in Ottawa (or nearby Gatineau), this tour is a clean answer to the question: what’s actually different about rural Canada? In about 7 hours, you get a real mix—animals raised sustainably, a traditional cider stop, and lots of time that’s spent learning rather than just passing by.

The best part is the rhythm. You start with a yak farm, then switch gears to ostriches, then you land at a cider mill for lunch and tasting, and you finish with alpacas. That pattern matters because it keeps the day from turning into one long “look at animals” stretch. It also gives you a natural break between animal time and food time.

Price and What You’re Getting for $85.89

At $85.89 per person, the value is less about a bargain price and more about what’s bundled. You’re paying for transportation from Ottawa & Gatineau, an air-conditioned ride, a guide for the full day, lunch, and snacks. On top of that, admission tickets are included for each stop.

When you add it up this way, the price starts to feel fair. You’re not organizing multiple admissions and separate driving plans, and you’re not sacrificing the guided context that helps the day feel meaningful. And with a group size capped at 14, you’re not likely to feel lost in a crowd.

Pickup and Timing: What the Morning Actually Feels Like

The tour starts at 9:00 am. If pickup is included for you, you’ll receive an email with the pickup time, typically within a 10-minute window about 45 minutes before the tour begins. That means you should plan to be ready earlier than you think—don’t build your morning around a last-minute coffee run.

You’ll be in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a small comfort that matters on long days. The route is also described as being near public transportation, which can help if you’re coordinating your own pre-pickup plans.

Finally, you’ll use a mobile ticket. Bring your phone with battery life so you can check in quickly when needed.

Stop 1: Ferme Pure Conscience Yak Farm (and Why It’s a Great Start)

This is the warm-up stop, and it works. You get a guided tour of the yak farm—about 1 hour—plus admission is included. The farm is described as incredible, and the tour includes special treats and a look at how the place operates with sustainability in mind.

Why start here? Yaks are different from the usual roadside farm animal lineup. That novelty grabs your attention fast, which helps you settle into the day. It also gives you time to ask questions early, before the group gets spread out later on.

A practical tip: wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. Even if it’s not a long trek, farm visits tend to involve short distances on uneven ground and lots of time standing while you watch and listen.

Stop 2: Ferme Ostribee Ostrich Farm for Close-Up Animal Time

Next up is Ferme Ostribee, where you’ll spend about 45 minutes and admission is included. This is the stop with the shortest time window, so it’s the one that benefits most from paying attention to the guide’s pacing.

Ostriches aren’t just big for the sake of being big. They’re distinctive to watch up close, and this stop is the “wow” interlude between the yaks and the food stop. If you like animal behavior—how they move, how they react, how the farm staff explain care—you’ll likely feel like those 45 minutes fly by.

Keep your expectations realistic: it’s not a long stay. Your job on this stop is to slow down, watch carefully, and ask any questions you’re holding onto. With a max group size of 14, you won’t feel like your voice disappears.

Stop 3: Coronation Hall Cider Mill Lunch, Cider Tasting, and Apple Pie

This is where the tour turns into a full Quebec-style meal moment. At Coronation Hall, you get about 1 hour that includes a traditional cider mill tour, lunch, cider tasting, and apple pie.

If you’ve only had cider in a bottle, this kind of stop changes how you think about it. Even if you don’t consider yourself a cider person, tasting during the tour usually makes the flavors easier to understand. The same goes for the pie—you get that classic sweet finish that feels like a reward for sitting through farms and animals all morning.

One caution: cider tasting means you should think about the rest of your day. It’s not stated how much tasting is offered, but it’s enough that you’ll want to pace yourself. You’re still on the schedule right after.

Stop 4: Les Alpagas de Willow Lane for Baby Alpaca Magic

This is the stop many people remember most. At Les Alpagas de Willow Lane, you’ll spend about 1 hour with alpacas, get close enough to truly see them, and there’s time to pet a few.

From the overall experience, the most praised moment is the baby alpacas. That makes sense. Young animals tend to be more expressive and more “in the moment,” which turns a farm visit into a watch-and-smile experience. It’s also a nice contrast after ostriches—alpacas feel calmer, smaller, and more interactive.

If you want to maximize your alpaca hour, don’t spend all your time trying to photograph. Watch first. When you understand how they move and respond, you’ll get better pictures and a more satisfying experience without feeling rushed.

Guide Brandon: The Human Part That Makes the Day Click

A schedule is only half the story. The other half is the guide—here, the guide is Brandon. The vibe described is enthusiastic and entertaining, and that matters because farm tours are more fun when you know what you’re looking at.

A good guide also prevents you from wasting time. For example: when the group shifts between stops, Brandon’s role isn’t just to direct you—it’s to keep things flowing so you get the right amount of time at each farm and don’t feel like you’re standing around waiting.

Even better, Brandon includes practical recommendations for what to do during the rest of your trip, including ideas around Ottawa and Quebec City. That type of advice turns your day trip into part of a bigger plan instead of a one-off outing.

Food on the Tour: Lunch Plus Snacks at a Lookout

You’re not on a “bring your own lunch” adventure. Lunch is included, and so are snacks. The details mention a healthy snack provided at the lookout, which is a thoughtful break during the day.

The value here is simple: you won’t have to scramble for food between stops, and you can stay focused on the experience instead of juggling meal plans. It also helps if you’re traveling with limited time and want one guided day that already handles the basics.

If you have dietary needs, the data doesn’t specify options. I’d plan to ask before booking so you know what to expect at lunch and during tasting.

Group Size and Pacing: What a Max of 14 Means for You

A maximum of 14 travelers keeps the tour from feeling like a production. With a smaller group, you can usually:

• hear the guide explanations more clearly,
• take photos without fighting for space,
• and get quick answers when you’re curious.

The tradeoff is that you should be ready to move when it’s time. This tour is built around set durations: 1 hour, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1 hour. So you’ll feel the structure, which is good for day trips—just don’t plan to “linger” on your own timetable.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy)

The tour info says your email will include a recommended list of things to bring and useful tips, but the specifics aren’t provided here. Still, you can plan in a sensible direction:

• Comfortable walking shoes for farm surfaces
• A light layer if weather shifts
• Your phone with battery for the mobile ticket
• A refillable water bottle if you like to stay hydrated (not listed, but helpful)

Also think about sun and weather. The experience requires good weather, so you’ll likely be spending time outside or near animal areas. If it’s warm, dress for comfort. If it’s cool, bring something you can add.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This Pontiac Farm Tour is ideal if you want a day trip that mixes animals and local food without needing to drive yourself. It’s especially good for people who like learning while seeing—because the stops are guided and the schedule is organized.

It also works well for families or anyone who enjoys animal encounters that feel close and personal. The alpaca stop, in particular, is a strong fit if you want hands-on time and a high-likelihood of smiles.

Who might want to think twice? If you hate fixed time schedules, the 45-minute ostrich stop might feel short. If you’re sensitive to weather changes, remember the tour requires good weather.

Should You Book the Pontiac Farm Tour? My Take

Yes, I’d book it if you want a straightforward day trip from Ottawa or Gatineau that gives you real variety: yaks, ostriches, a cider mill lunch with tasting and apple pie, and alpacas—plus the added bonus of an energetic guide like Brandon.

It’s also a good value when you compare what’s included. Transportation, admission tickets, lunch, and the guide for the full day are all part of the deal, so you’re not piecing it together yourself.

Just go in with the right expectations: it’s a structured 7-hour experience with set stop lengths, and it depends on weather. If that fits your style, you’ll likely end the day with a fresh perspective on rural Quebec—and some great stories.

FAQ

What time does the Pontiac Farm Tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is pickup available from Ottawa and Gatineau?

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

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a guide for the entire day, transportation from Ottawa & Gatineau, air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, healthy snacks (at the lookout), and admission tickets for all listed stops.

Which stops are included?

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

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

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