Mādahòkì Farm — Attraction in Ottawa

I'm not sure that I can really give a fair and comprehensive rating because I only visited the farm for a luncheon. However, there are several things that I can comfortably comment on

Arriving at the Farm: my GPS was telling me that the Farm was 100 metres west of where it actually is. Thankfully, on both sides of the entrance, there are multiple banners marking the entrance

Parking: there appears to be two separate parking lots, but this is not clearly indicated as you drive in from Hunt Club. I have some mobility issues and would prefer to park closer to where I'm going. However, as this was my first visit to Mădahòki, I was unaware of the second parking lot that is beyond the first one that is marked by a sign

Way finding: thankfully, there were some other luncheon guests ahead of me and I saw where they went / which building they entered (and door they used). It is not marked - at least not in English (or French)

Washrooms: there are NO washrooms in the hall where the luncheon was. There are only heated portapotties outside

Handicapped Parking: if there is any, I never saw any. Maybe there are some designated spots in the closer parking lot I only learned of after I parked in the first lot

Accessibility: except for walking on gravel, there are no physical barriers to movement. However, the entrance into the hall where the luncheon was definitely creates a visual barrier, especially on a brighter (sunnier) day. The door into the hall is a solid metal door, and there are no windows nearby. The interior lighting is also not strong. So, as you first open the door to enter, you are temporarily faced with a noticeable change in lighting levels, making it difficult to see where you are and where you are going at first. Of, with time, you adjust; BUT for anyone who can see but is visually challenged, this adjustment could...

Recommend that you go when there is a specific event or activity going on: like their solstice event or sign up for a dream-catcher workshop, a walk along the trail with a guide or spirit horse experience! These take place Thursday to sunday in the summer months (see photo of visitor experience sign). Otherwise, you can just show up to see the small animals and the beautiful spirit horses, teepee and walk the 1k trail. We were warmly greeted at the entrance on a saturday morning and there was no cost to walk around. There was a private event (wedding?) But we spent an hour just looking around. They are open year round. You can book group visits either on-site or 'off-site' ( where you can book an experience or workshop that will come to your location). For instance, you can book a dream catcher making workshop for a group of at least 20 people (but it is pricey). They also have group events on-site (minimum 25 people). If you have a large enough group, a pow-wow for $1000 may be affordable for your group. The marketplace is amazing! I bought two beautiful prints to hang up in my home and my friend bought frozen bannock and jam to bring home to enjoy! Lots of beautiful gifts and treasures! You can also have a dining experience there ($69 or $89 per person). They are very responsive to email or you can see the group prices and book online. Sign up for the newsletter from their website to...

Mādahòkì means “share the land,” and this is precisely what this farm, owned by Indigenous people, does: it is free to visit, and the whole family can learn much about how Anishinaabe people relate to the world by reading the numerous signs on the Legacy Trail. They also host the only horse breed native to this land (to Canada), the Ojibwe Spirit Horses. They just built an indoor riding arena and are now offering Mishdatim (Horse) Equine Assisted Learning, blending EAL with Indigenous teachings! I highly recommend taking part in the seasonal festivals they organize four times a year! There are certain activities you have to book in advance: just make sure to book early because they’re very popular. If you want to help, they need volunteers on a...