Parc Omega

About Parc Omega

Parc Omega is a 2,200-acre wildlife park in Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours, Quebec, just north of Montebello and about an hour's drive east of Ottawa. Founded in 1991, the park is home to approximately 800 animals representing over 60 North American species, all living in habitats that closely replicate their natural environments across Quebec's lakes, meadows, forests, and rocky hills.

The park operates year-round, even on holidays, and draws roughly 280,000 visitors per year. It is one of the most popular family day trips from Ottawa.

Animals and Wildlife

The park features an impressive range of North American wildlife. Species you can observe include:

• Large Mammals: Moose, elk, bison, caribou, muskox, white-tailed deer, mule deer, fallow deer, wild boar
• Predators: Timber wolves, black bears, cougars, Canadian lynx, bobcats, wolverines, coyotes, red foxes
• Smaller Animals: Beavers, raccoons, yellow-bellied marmots, prairie dogs, American badgers, eastern moles, turtles
• Birds: Wild turkeys, birds of prey (featured in live demonstrations), and various bird species around the park's lakes

During the drive-through portion, deer and elk will approach your vehicle to be fed. Carrots are the only approved food and can be purchased at the Park House or brought from home.

Activities and Experiences

Drive-Through Safari

The core experience is a 15 km car trail winding through the park's diverse landscapes. Visitors stay in their vehicles (doors and windows must remain closed in predator zones) while animals roam freely around them. The full park experience typically takes two to three hours.

Walking Trails and Boardwalk

Several pedestrian areas allow you to stretch your legs:

• Aerial Boardwalk (Sector 11) — An elevated walkway through the forest canopy
• First Nations Trail — A walking trail with cultural and natural points of interest
• Pioneer Land (Sector 11) — Walking paths with animal presentations and dining

Wolf Observatory

An unforgettable experience featuring a cocktail reception and exclusive meeting with wolves, led by a knowledgeable guide. Available by reservation with a 2026 calendar on the website.

Oniro: The Night Walk

Created by multidisciplinary artist Michel Lemieux, Oniro is a one-kilometre immersive nighttime trail through the forest featuring spectacular projections, enchanting scenery, and spellbinding music across 17 different scenes. The roughly 60-minute experience follows a wolf cub named Oniro through dreamlike animal worlds, narrated by accomplished Quebec actors.

• Summer schedule: Thursday to Monday (late June to early September)
• Fall schedule: Friday and Saturday (September to early November)
• Winter schedule: Friday and Saturday (mid-December onward), with extended hours during school holidays
• Note: The trail involves unpaved surfaces (wood chips) and gradients up to 35 degrees. Not recommended for people with reduced mobility. Baby strollers are permitted.

Animal Presentations

Included with general admission:

• Wolf presentations at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM daily (Sector 11)
• Wolverine presentations at 1 PM and 3 PM daily
• Birds of prey demonstrations at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM on select days

Old Farm

Dating back to 1847, the historic Old Farm is home to domestic farm animals and is accessible year-round. In winter, the farmhouse provides a warm indoor seating area with an outdoor fire.

Other Activities

• Caged golf cart rentals — $50/hour (2-hour minimum, max 4 people per cart, first-come basis, summer only)
• Horse-drawn carriage rides (seasonal)
• Tractor tours (seasonal)
• Sugar shack with maple taffy on snow (spring)
• Snowshoeing with complimentary equipment (winter)
• Tube sliding at Pioneer Land (winter)
• Picnic areas throughout Sectors 2, 4, and 11

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (April–May): Baby animal season. Sugar shack serving maple taffy on snow. Tractor tours. Milder crowds and pleasant temperatures for visiting.

Summer (June–September): Peak season with the longest hours. Golf cart rentals available. Oniro night walk running Thursday to Monday. Birds of prey demonstrations. All dining facilities open.

Fall (October–November): Beautiful autumn foliage along the drive-through route. Oniro running Friday and Saturday evenings. Fewer crowds than summer.

Winter (December–March): A unique experience with snow-covered landscapes. Snowshoeing with free equipment. Tube sliding at Pioneer Land. Oniro night walk around the holidays. Bears hibernate during winter, but all other animals remain visible.

Visitor Information

Hours

The park is open every day of the year. Hours vary by season:

• Summer (mid-June to early September): 9 AM – 7 PM
• Spring/Fall shoulder (mid-May to mid-June, early September to mid-October): Weekdays 10 AM – 6 PM, Weekends 9 AM – 6 PM
• Winter (mid-October to mid-May): 10 AM – 5 PM

Always confirm hours on the official website before visiting, as hours may vary.

Admission

A 10% family discount is applied automatically when purchasing three or more tickets (must include at least one adult).

Oniro Night Walk (evening only, without day admission):

Day + Oniro combo tickets are also available. Online ticket purchase is recommended. Prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to change.

Dining

• OmegaBon Restaurant — Full-service restaurant at Bird Lake featuring local and seasonal produce with boreal-inspired cuisine
• Maison du Parc (Park House) — Snack bar
• La Cookerie at Pioneer Land — Québécois menu with poutine, burgers, and more

You can also bring your own food. Picnic tables are available in pedestrian areas. Gas and propane barbecues are not permitted.

Payment

Visa, Mastercard, Interac, and cash accepted. American Express is not accepted.

Tips for Families

• Bring carrots from home to save money on animal feeding, or buy them at the Park House
• Plan for 2–3 hours minimum for the drive-through and walking trails
• Stay in your vehicle during the car trail — exiting is strictly prohibited, even for photos
• No pets allowed anywhere in the park, including accommodations
• No motorcycles or convertibles — all vehicles must have closed doors and roofs
• Pickup truck beds are off-limits for passengers
• Cameras: Photography is permitted from inside your vehicle. Avoid using flash as it startles the animals
• Re-entry is allowed all day with your receipt
• No EV charging at the park currently. Nearest chargers are at the Montebello Train Station (502-A Rue Notre-Dame)
• Strollers work on some walking trails but not all. Sectors 4 and 11 are the most accessible
• Arrive early in summer to avoid crowds and see animals at their most active

Overnight Stays

Parc Omega offers 68 unique accommodations for visitors who want an immersive overnight wildlife experience:

• Wolves Chalets — Overlooking the wolf habitat
• Panoramic Chalets — With views of the park landscape
• Habitat Pods — Compact modern lodging
• Ready-to-Camp Options — Log cabins, Wi-tents, tipis, prospector cabins, and houses on stilts

Accommodations can be booked on the official website.

Getting There from Ottawa

By Car: Take Highway 417 East to Highway 174 East, then follow Highway 50 East through Gatineau toward Montebello. Exit onto Route 323 North. The park entrance is about 4 km north of Montebello. Total drive time is approximately 1 hour from downtown Ottawa (about 110 km).

Parking: Free parking is available at the park.

Note: This is a drive-through park, so a vehicle is required. There is no public transit to the park.