Liam SmithHave you ever had one of those days where everything just seems dull and grey? Well, last summer, I had a day just like that—my spirits were down and my mood was off. That’s until my friend dragged me to a sunflower farm.
I was sceptical at first, but little did I know that I was about to be cured by fields of happy, sunny faces. Seeing those vast fields, with their tall, cheerful blooms, is an experience that can only be described as pure joy.
It got me thinking that everyone could use a sunflower therapy session once in a while. So I put together a list of the must-visit sunflower farms in Ottawa that promise a delightful treat. Check them out below!
Central Experimental Farm
– Media credit: sparkinordinary
Address: 960 Carling Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 759 1982
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free to visit
Central Experimental Farm is a massive science hub and brilliant, especially when the sunflower blooms from late July to early August. Besides the gorgeous sunflowers, you can also check out the 125 different lilac varieties, 65 different plant species, and more.
There are historic buildings too, such as the Dominion Observatory and the Dairy Barn, which are recognised and classified for their national significance.
And if you fancy a bit of tropical adventure, the Tropical Greenhouse is a must-see, especially since it’s been around since 1928!
| Pro tip: Parking can fill up quickly during the blooming period, so arriving early is a smart move. |
Green Corners Farm
– Media credit: green.corners.farm
Website: http://greencorners.ca/
Address: 1259 York’s Corners Rd, Edwards
Contact details: +1 613 898 1801
Operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11:30 AM, 4 PM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Looking Ticket – $7 (weekday), $10 (weekends)
- Picking Ticket – $17 (weekday), $20 (weekends)
From late July until the first frost, usually in September or October, Green Corners Farm bursts with blooming sunflowers. One of the best things is that they offer U-pick flower sessions—just wander around, pick some sunflowers, and take home a bunch of joy.
It doesn’t stop there—they’ve got this nifty bouquet subscription service too, so you can keep the blooms coming well after your visit. The place is also kitted out with picnic tables and washrooms.
Plus, if you’ve ever fancied holding an event in a field of sunflowers, this is the spot to do it—great for weddings, photography sessions, or any events that need a touch of nature’s beauty.
| Pro tip: Green Corner Farm is pet-friendly and your four-legged mate is welcome as long as they’re on a leash. |
Sultan Sanctuary Farm
– Media credit: cuties_in_canada
Website: https://sultanfarmsanctuary.com/
Address: 8520 Flewellyn Rd, Ashton
Contact details: https://sultanfarmsanctuary.com/contact-us-2/
Operating hours:
- No set hours (temporarily closed now and will reopen in summer 2025)
Cost: By donation (suggested amounts: $5 per person or $20 per family)
Sultan Sanctuary Farm is quite the haven, being a family-run sanctuary for unwanted farm animals. It’s not just about the animals; although they are lovely, there’s a cracking big sunflower field that you can stroll through as well.
There’s nothing like seeing these tall beauties swaying in the breeze. While the sunflowers are a major attraction, of course, you shouldn’t miss checking out the animals.
| Pro tip: You’ll want to bring along shoes that can handle a bit of rough terrain; the path is simply a mowed area, not a paved walkway, so it can be a bit bumpy. |
Wilmead Farms
– Media credit: jason_from_ontario
Website: http://wilmeadfarms.ca/
Address: 1430 Dunning Rd, Cumberland
Contact details: +1 613 833 9035
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Cost: Free to visit
Wilmead Farms is a family-run farm that offers a delightful way to enjoy sunflowers. While there aren’t loads of activities except for admiring and snapping photos with the sunflowers, it’s a peaceful and picturesque place to visit.
The farm also produces maple syrup, honey, and sunflower seeds. The honey is a particular highlight because it’s made by their own bees.
If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth or someone who loves natural products, just pick up a jar or two to take home.
| Pro tip: For those who are beekeepers or are interested, the farm also sells health-inspected starter colonies, nucs, and queen bees. |
Fields of Gold
– Media credit: sunnyfieldsofgold
Website: http://www.fieldsofgold.ca/
Address: 17650 Strathmore Rd, Monkland
Contact details: +1 613 330 8843
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Sunflower Walk – $15 (Adults), $10 (Child)
- U-pick flowers – $35 per adult (includes make-your-own-bouquet experience)
- Sunset Stroll (Sundays, 5 PM) – $70 for 2 people
- Kids Club – ages 5 to 10 (Thursdays, 10 AM) – $30
- Stroller Squad (Wednesdays, 10 AM) – $30 per person
Fields of Gold gives you a proper countryside experience with acres of stunning sunflowers to feast your eyes on. There’s absolutely loads to do beyond just admiring the sunflowers.
They’ve got this fantastic cut-your-own flower operation where you can craft your own bouquet right after. Plus, you can book a mini-photo session with one of their pods.
If you’re visiting in the fall, they roll out the wagon rides, spooky trails, and a wicked corn maze, all topped off by a classic pumpkin patch.
| Pro tip: Fields of Gold offers a bouquet subscription service where they deliver seasonal bouquets right to your door. |
Scotch Line Farm
– Media credit: jyothi_nag
Website: https://www.instagram.com/scotchlinefarm/
Address: 2579 Scotch Line, Perth
Contact details: https://www.instagram.com/scotchlinefarm/
Operating hours: (will re-open in sunflower season – late July to mid-August)
- Wednesday and Thursday – 1 PM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $10 +tax (Online), $12 +tax (at the gate)
- Ages under 18 – $5 +tax (Online), $6 +tax (at the gate)
- Ages under 10 and adults over 90 – Free
Scotch Line Farm over in Perth is a fantastic little spot if you’re looking to enjoy a mixture of sunflowers and farm-style adventure. Apart from admiring the sunflowers, you can also experience their ‘pick your own’ feature.
They’ve also carved out a great spot for families and friends to gather, with picnic areas perfect for taking a break and enjoying your surroundings. In addition to the sunflowers, there’s loads more to keep you entertained.
They’ve got a corn maze, wagon rides, and pumpkin picking. The maze is a bit of a laugh—not too tough, so it’s good for little ones, but still a challenge if you like a bit of a puzzle.
| Pro tip: After you’ve gathered your bounty and explored the fields, don’t forget to try their homemade lemonade and sunflower cookies at their on-site store. |
La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac
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Website: https://labelledecoteaudulac.com/
Address: 75 Rte 201, Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec
Contact details: +1 450 601 2992
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $13.50
- Ages 4 to 17 – $9
- Ages 65 and above – $12.50
- Family – $56
- 1 adult + 1 bouquet – $26
La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac is a bit of a gem just over in Quebec and well worth the trek if you’re near Ottawa. Their sunflower fields are immense and provide a proper, cracking backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a cheeky photo session.
They’ve got these lovely self-pick flower pots as well, so you can come away with souvenirs for the day. Apart from that, photography opportunities abound with their various photo booth settings, and the kids can go wild in the playground.
Add to that the picnic area and a good old corn maze, and you’re well sorted for a day out. They’ve got events like FestiLunch as well, which sounds rather special if you want to break up the day with some good grub.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their Sunset & Campfire evenings. It’s a lovely way to wind down the day, relax around the fire, and maybe take one last look at the fields as the sun dips. |
