Parc Omega
A drive-through wildlife park just north of Montebello, about an hour from Ottawa, with wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose and caribou on a forest route of roughly 12–15 km. It's open year-round.
Parc Omega tips
- Buy tickets online and arrive early on summer weekends, the busiest time.
- Stay on the marked road and only get out at designated stops. No pets.
- Bring a bag of carrots if you want deer and elk at your window; check the park's current feeding rules first.
- Budget at least two to three hours for the drive and the walking areas.
Parc Omega in winter
Quieter and very atmospheric. The wolves are most active in winter, but the bears hibernate from about December to March.
The wolf cabins
Parc Omega rents a handful of cabins and suites with big windows looking straight into the wolf enclosure. There are very few of them, so they book up months ahead. The park also has tipis, cabins and other stays.
Château Montebello
Fairmont Le Château Montebello, built from 10,000 red cedar logs in 1930, is billed as the world's largest log cabin. Non-guests can come for a meal and a look at the huge stone fireplace in the lobby. Reservations are required for outside guests at the main restaurant, Aux Chantignoles, so book before you drive out.
Things to do in Montebello
- Manoir-Papineau National Historic Site, next door to the Château: the 19th-century home of Louis-Joseph Papineau.
- ChocoMotive, a chocolate shop in the old log train station, which also houses tourist information.
- Fromagerie Montebello for local cheese to take home.
A simple day plan
- Leave Ottawa by 9 am and drive Route 148 east along the river.
- Spend the morning at Parc Omega.
- Have lunch at the Château (reserve ahead), then walk the grounds or visit the Manoir-Papineau.
- Pick up chocolate and cheese in town and drive home.
Drive times are from downtown Ottawa with normal traffic. Hours and seasons change, so check the venue's own site before you go.
FAQ
How far is Parc Omega from Ottawa?
About an hour's drive east of downtown Ottawa, near Montebello on the Quebec side.
Is Parc Omega open in winter?
Yes, it's open year-round. The wolves are most active in winter, but the bears hibernate from roughly December to March.
Can you visit Château Montebello if you're not staying there?
Yes. Non-guests can visit for a meal; reservations are required for outside guests at the main restaurant.
How do you book the Parc Omega wolf cabins?
Through Parc Omega's own website. There are only a few wolf-view units, so book months in advance.
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Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, hours and seasons change, so confirm with the venue before you go.