Canada Agriculture and Food Museum 🇨🇦

If you are exploring Ottawa, Ontario, you can experience Canada's rich farming heritage at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Located directly within the historic Central Experimental Farm, this unique national museum functions as a real working farm. It offers engaging public programs and exhibitions that highlight agricultural sciences alongside the history of Canadian agriculture.

As you walk through the grounds, you will discover several historical structures, including the designated Federal Heritage Building known as the Dairy Barn, which was rebuilt in 1913 following a fire. Inside this three-storey barn, you will find fascinating exhibition spaces and the museum's own dairy herd. The site features roughly 150 farm animals in total, including beef cattle, dairy cows, horses, pigs, goats, poultry, and sheep.

You can also inspect an impressive historical collection of tractors, explore an outdoor energy park showcasing renewable energy sources, and attend live public demonstrations. The museum operates across seven public and administrative buildings, offering diverse event spaces such as the Meadowview Barn and Cereal Barn. Managed by Ingenium, this destination delivers an informative, hands-on look at Canada's scientific and agricultural past, making it an ideal stop while exploring the capital.

What to see at Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

• Working farm with 150 animals including dairy cows, horses, pigs, goats, poultry, and sheep
• Historic Dairy Barn (Building 88), a designated Federal Heritage Building
• Outdoor energy park displaying renewable energy sources
• Historical collection of tractors and agricultural equipment exhibitions
• Live demonstrations on farming practices and agricultural sciences

Visiting tips

Make sure to catch the live demonstrations offered on-site during your visit to the working farm grounds.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is easy to reach on Ottawa’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rideau Hall and Bank of Canada Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ottawa travel guide.