Ottawa Valley Farm Show, March 9-11, 2027, Ottawa, Canada. Celebrating 100 years of agricultural excellence.
Dates
9–11 Mar 2027
City / country
Ottawa, Canada
Venue
EY Centre
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Ottawa Valley Farm Show is Ontario’s longest running agricultural trade show.
The show opened at Landsdowne Park, Ottawa in 1959 and has grown into one of the region’s most popular agricultural events.
It serves as a vital hub for farm-related business, where producers, suppliers, and innovators come together to showcase the latest in agricultural technology.
TL;DR
The Ottawa Valley Farm Show is Eastern Ontario's largest indoor agricultural gathering, filling the EY Centre for three days each March with hundreds of exhibitors across machinery, livestock, seed, crop inputs and farm-business services. Visitors come to: • Compare tractors, planters, sprayers, hay tools and implements side by side, with dealer representatives on hand to quote financing and delivery into spring planting. • Meet seed growers, feed and nutrition suppliers, crop-protection firms and precision-agronomy providers from the Ottawa Valley and across Ontario. • Sit in on practical seminars covering crop rotation, soil health, drainage, herd genetics and farm succession planning. • Source dairy, beef, poultry and equine genetics and herd-health services directly from breed associations and veterinary suppliers. • Network with the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association, county federations of agriculture, 4-H groups and agri-business lenders in one heated, step-free venue. Because the show sits minutes from Macdonald-Cartier Airport and inside the Uplands business park, farm operators and agri-business buyers can cover the entire show floor in a single long day while still meeting every supplier they need before the growing season starts.
Exhibitors gain direct access to a large audience of potential customers, showcasing their products and services to a targeted market. The Ottawa Valley Farm Show plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector by providing a platform for farmers, suppliers, and innovators to connect and share knowledge. It fosters advancements in agricultural technology and practices, which are essential for the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, ON K1V 2N6, Canada
Free parking is available compliments of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association.
Parking: Free parking compliments of Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association.
Attend
General Admission
Kids 12 and under free.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 15,000
Exhibitors: 300
This edition
2027
Visitors: 13,000
Exhibitors: 360
Next edition
Not announced yet
Testimonials
The show has been an awesome tool for building my company, there is no possible way I could see that many potential customers in 3 days driving around in my vehicle! It is also a great way to visit past customers. The Show staff are an amazing group, always there to help to make sure your needs are met.
Impact
The Ottawa Valley Farm Show is Ontario’s longest running agricultural trade show. The show opened at Landsdowne Park, Ottawa in 1959 and has grown into one of the region’s most popular agricultural events. It serves as a vital hub for farm-related business, where producers, suppliers, and innovators come together to showcase the latest in agricultural technology.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Farmers and producers seeking the latest agricultural technology, Agricultural suppliers and service providers, Industry professionals and innovators, Students and educators in agricultural studies. Dates: March 9-11, 2027. Location: EY Centre, Ottawa, Canada. Over 360 exhibitors showcasing the latest in agricultural technology. Expected attendance: 13,000 visitors. Ottawa Valley Farm Show attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors gain direct access to a large audience of potential customers, showcasing their products and services to a targeted market. The Ottawa Valley Farm Show plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector by providing a platform for farmers, suppliers, and innovators to connect and share knowledge. It fosters advancements in agricultural technology and practices, which are essential for the growth and sustainability of the industry. Exhibitor categories include Seed and crop producers, Agricultural equipment.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Ottawa Valley Farm Show on 2027-03-09 to 2027-03-11 in Ottawa lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.
Sustainability in procurement
Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.
Automation and labour efficiency
Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.
Hybrid engagement models
Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.
Producers and agri-business exhibitors in Eastern Ontario typically plan the Ottawa Valley Farm Show alongside national and provincial peer shows to compare machinery lines, seed programmes and dealer coverage across regions. Because the Ottawa Valley show sits in the pre-season March window, it pairs naturally with summer field-demonstration events and the large November indoor fairs.
Pre-show (December–February)
Confirm exhibitor meetings, machinery quotes and seed-programme discussions for the Ottawa Valley Farm Show; lock stands and hotel blocks.
Show week (March)
Hall walk-throughs, equipment demonstrations, livestock genetics meetings and pre-season input contracting.
Post-show circuit (June–November)
Field demonstrations and national indoor fairs to verify performance claims made in Ottawa before committing to volume orders.
Peer events are established Canadian agricultural shows; verify dates and venue details on each organiser website before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Closest gateway and the natural choice: the EY Centre sits in the Uplands business park just north of the airport. Taxis rank at the arrivals level and the drive to the venue is a single straight run on Uplands Drive. Direct flights connect Toronto, Montréal, Chicago, Washington, Halifax, Calgary and seasonal sun destinations; US pre-clearance is available on departures.
~5 km
to venue
8–12 min off-peak
by car
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
The region's largest international gateway, with far more transatlantic and long-haul options than YOW. Drive via Autoroute 40 West then Highway 417 West, or take VIA Rail from Montréal's Central Station to Ottawa Station and switch to a taxi or O-Train Line 1.
~200 km
to venue
2 h–2 h 20 min
by car
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Best for long-haul connections if YOW and YUL routings are inconvenient. Driving is via Highway 401 East then Highway 416 North; VIA Rail's Toronto–Ottawa corridor service takes about 4 h 15 min into Ottawa Station with onward taxi to the EY Centre.
~450 km
to venue
4 h 15 min–4 h 45 min
by car
Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Practical for US exhibitors and buyers flying a domestic route before driving north: take I-81 North to the Thousand Islands crossing at Alexandria Bay, then Highway 416 North into Ottawa. Carry a passport and be ready for CBSA processing at the land border.
~290 km
to venue
3 h–3 h 20 min
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
Free hot breakfast, free airport shuttle and free parking — the most practical base for exhibitors moving equipment and samples to the show floor.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Airport
Budget-friendly mid-range option with breakfast included and easy access to Uplands Drive; book early because the block fills first during show week.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Airport
Comfortable mid-range rooms with complimentary breakfast and parking; a short taxi ride from the venue's main entrance.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Airport
All-suite property with kitchenettes and a free evening social — suited to exhibitor teams staying four or more nights.
Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East
Good mid-range choice if you want restaurant and evening options nearby; on-site parking and quick access to Highway 417.
Fairmont Château Laurier
Premium heritage property next to Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal — the choice for hosting supplier dinners and executive meetings alongside the show.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
8–12 minutes off-peak. Airport taxis rank at the arrivals level; the venue is a straight run up Uplands Drive and fares are metered with a published airport zone minimum.
taxi
20–30 minutes off-peak via Highway 417 and Uplands Drive; allow 40–50 minutes during the 07:30–09:00 commute. Ride-hail pickup is at the EY Centre main entrance loop.
bus
About 35–45 minutes to downtown with luggage racks and step-free boarding. Use South Keys as the transfer point for the Uplands Drive hotels and a short taxi for the final leg to the EY Centre.
metro
Ottawa's light-rail spine links downtown hotels, the University of Ottawa and the eastern suburbs; transfer to OC Transpo buses at Tunney's Pasture or Hurdman for connections toward South Keys and the airport district.
train
Corridor trains from Toronto and Montréal arrive at Ottawa Station, which connects to O-Train Line 1. A taxi from the station to Uplands Drive takes about 20–25 minutes.
taxi
2 h–2 h 20 min; The region's largest international gateway, with far more transatlantic and long-haul options than YOW. Drive via Autoroute 40 West then Highway 417 West, or take VIA Rail from Montréal's Central Station to Ottawa Station and switch to a taxi or O-Train Line 1.
taxi
4 h 15 min–4 h 45 min; Best for long-haul connections if YOW and YUL routings are inconvenient. Driving is via Highway 401 East then Highway 416 North; VIA Rail's Toronto–Ottawa corridor service takes about 4 h 15 min into Ottawa Station with onward taxi to the EY Centre.
taxi
3 h–3 h 20 min; Practical for US exhibitors and buyers flying a domestic route before driving north: take I-81 North to the Thousand Islands crossing at Alexandria Bay, then Highway 416 North into Ottawa. Carry a passport and be ready for CBSA processing at the land border.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | Visa-exempt air travellers, including citizens of the United Kingdom, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and most Caribbean nations, as well as US lawful permanent residents. | $5.00 | Usually approved within minutes; allow up to 72 hours and apply before booking flights | |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa) | Travellers from visa-required countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines and first-time Brazilian applicants. | $73.00 | Typically 3–12 weeks depending on the visa office; apply three to four months before travel | |
| Business visitor status (no permit required) | Exhibitors, buyers and agronomists attending meetings, negotiating contracts or staffing a stand, provided they are not selling goods or services directly to Canadians in Canada. | — | Covered by the eTA or TRV already held; no separate application |
US citizens and US lawful permanent residents need neither a visa nor an eTA for Canada; a valid US passport (or PR card plus passport) is sufficient. Canadian citizens and permanent residents re-entering Canada must present their own valid Canadian documents.
Canada does not accept ATA Carnets. Exhibitors bringing display machinery, samples or booth materials use a CBSA Form E29B Temporary Admission Permit, backed by a commercial invoice and a security deposit where applicable; arrange this with your freight forwarder at least four weeks before the show.
Official visa pageWeather
March in Ottawa is a late-winter month that swings between hard freeze and early thaw: daytime highs run about −2°C to +5°C while overnight lows drop to −10°C to −4°C, and roughly 25–35 cm of snow falls across the month, occasionally as freezing rain or ice pellets. Mornings are icy underfoot and sidewalks around the Uplands district turn slushy by mid-afternoon. Pack insulated, waterproof boots with good grip, a warm parka, gloves, hat and scarf, and dress in removable layers because the EY Centre halls are heated and you will be indoors for most of the day.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Canada.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% on restaurant bills before tax, CAD 2–3 per drink at a bar, CAD 10–15% for taxis and ride-hail, and CAD 2–5 per bag for hotel staff. Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including show-floor food outlets.
Greetings and language
Ottawa is officially bilingual, and many exhibitors and producers in the Ottawa Valley and Outaouais are comfortable in both English and French. Business greeting is a firm handshake with eye contact and first names are used quickly; the farm community is informal and values directness over formality.
Show and farm etiquette
Ask before photographing equipment, animals or stands, and follow biosecurity practice at livestock exhibits by using the boot dips or sanitizer provided. Bring business cards — dealers and breed associations exchange them constantly — and follow up by email within a week, as spring purchasing decisions are made in late March and April.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: YOW
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Ottawa; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Canada splits visitors into two streams. Travellers from visa-exempt countries — the United States, United Kingdom, most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and most Caribbean and Latin American passport holders — need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air arrival, costing CAD 7 and normally approved within minutes to 72 hours. US citizens and US lawful permanent residents are exempt from both the visa and the eTA but must carry a valid passport. Travellers from visa-required countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines and Brazil, need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) at CAD 100 plus CAD 85 for biometrics, so apply three to four months ahead. Attending a trade show, meeting suppliers and negotiating contracts are covered by business-visitor status and do not require a work permit, provided you are not selling goods or services directly to Canadians in Canada. Every arrival should carry a passport valid beyond the return date, a show registration or exhibitor letter, and proof of accommodation.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Valid for up to five years or until passport expiry. Airlines deny boarding without a linked eTA, so apply online at canada.ca and keep the confirmation number with your travel documents. CAD 100 visa fee plus CAD 85 biometrics (about USD 73 + USD 62). Attending the show, meeting suppliers and negotiating contracts fall under business-visitor status and do not require a work permit.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW): 8–12 min off-peak; Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL): 2 h–2 h 20 min; Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): 4 h 15 min–4 h 45 min; Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR): 3 h–3 h 20 min. Allow road or rail time to EY Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near EY Centre: Uplands / airport district, 5–10 min drive to the EY Centre: Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport; Uplands / airport district, 5–10 min drive to the EY Centre: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Airport; Uplands / airport district, 5–10 min drive to the EY Centre: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Airport.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Ottawa; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Use local bus, tram, or metro routes serving EY Centre; check operator timetables.
Parking: On-site parking is available at EY Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Daytime highs of −2°C to +5°C with overnight lows of −10°C to −4°C; the average March high in Ottawa is around +2°C.
Seasonality: Late-winter snow season: about 25–35 cm of snow across March, with freezing rain and rapid freeze-thaw cycles. Precipitation falls mostly as snow rather than rain, and snowmelt makes afternoons wet and slushy.
Packing: Insulated, waterproof boots with strong grip; a warm parka over sweater layers; gloves, hat and scarf; a compact umbrella or hood for wet snow. The EY Centre halls are heated, so choose layers you can remove indoors, and keep a spare pair of socks for the walk between parking and the doors.
Plan your trip
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Wednesday 10 March 2027 (Day 2)
Day 2 of the three-day run is when exhibitor staffing is at full strength and the seminar programme is at its densest: opening-day setup pressure is gone, machinery dealers have their demonstration teams and inventory on the floor, and the livestock judging classes run through the middle of the day. Wednesday also falls mid-week, so producer traffic is serious business rather than weekend browsing, giving better access to decision-makers at the seed, input and equipment stands. If you only have one day, arrive at opening and stay until the halls close to cover both the machinery and crop-input sections.
Montréal, Quebec
Old Montréal, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Jean-Talon Market and a deep restaurant scene make this the strongest post-show weekend add-on; French-speaking farm suppliers from the Outaouais and Montérégie also meet here easily.
Kingston and the Thousand Islands, Ontario
A compact, walkable historic waterfront city with Fort Henry, the Kingston Penitentiary tours and the 1000 Islands boat cruises — an easy two-day extension for visitors already in Eastern Ontario.
Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association booth, Hall 1 lobby
Organiser hub
The association organising the show hosts the seed-grower stand here; it is the fastest route to introductions to county federations, 4-H leaders and seed-variety specialists.
Exhibitor food court and seating area, EY Centre
Show-floor networking
Central tables where dealers, breed associations and producers sit between hall visits; the highest-volume spot for informal leads and quote comparisons.
Livestock show ring sidelines
Producer networking
Breeders, herd managers and veterinarians gather ringside during judging classes — the best place to discuss genetics, herd health and handling equipment with working producers.
Preston Street and Little Italy, downtown Ottawa
Evening business dining
A 15–20 minute drive from the Uplands district with a dense strip of restaurants suited to supplier dinners and dealer negotiations away from the show floor.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General Admission
CAD 12 / per person
visa_fee
visitor · Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
USD 5 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa)
USD 73 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General Admission | CAD 12 / per person | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | USD 5 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa) | USD 73 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You are buying or comparing equipment, seed, feed or on-farm services this season and want face-to-face quotes, live machinery demonstrations and seminar content in a single day or two.
Best for
Farm operators, acreage managers, dairy and beef producers, agronomists and agri-business buyers from Eastern Ontario and western Quebec who need to compare equipment, seed and inputs before spring planting, plus procurement staff sourcing from 300+ exhibitors in one venue.
Min. budget
$465.00
Timeline
3–6 weeks: book airport-district or downtown Ottawa hotels as soon as the March dates are confirmed, and register online for badges before the early-bird cut-off.
Risks
Show-week hotel pricing in the Uplands and downtown districts rises 20–40% once the March dates are published — airport-district rooms sell out first.
March storms can delay flights into Ottawa and Montréal; keep one flexible buffer half-day on either side of your visit.
Visa-required nationalities need a TRV several weeks ahead of travel, and visa-exempt air travellers must hold an approved eTA before boarding.
exhibit
Your sales cycle is driven by pre-season farm buying decisions and you can commit staff, inventory and a working budget to three days of concentrated producer traffic at the EY Centre.
Best for
Machinery dealers, seed and input companies, livestock genetics and breed associations, livestock equipment makers, financial and insurance providers, and ag-tech firms that want direct access to Eastern Ontario producers and county buying groups during the pre-season decision window.
Min. budget
$2,600.00
Timeline
4–6 months for booth booking and creative, plus 8–12 weeks for freight, staffing and show logistics.
Risks
Prime machinery-floor space is booked early and large-equipment positions are limited by hall door clearances — commit to booth size and layout well before Christmas.
Heavy equipment and display units crossing into Canada need CBSA temporary admission paperwork (Form E29B); Canada does not accept ATA Carnets.
March weather can disrupt inbound freight and staff travel to Ottawa; book freight with a weather contingency and a local rigging partner.
skip
Your products, pricing or channel strategy do not address Canadian farm operators or agri-business buyers, and a regional indoor farm show adds no qualified pipeline.
Best for
Technology, software and services vendors with no agricultural customer base, and international companies whose Canadian revenue does not justify a North American field-trade-show commitment this cycle.
Timeline
No planning required; revisit if your product roadmap adds an agri-food or farm-equipment channel.
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
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References
2
Publishers
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Date checked
Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association
Ottawa Valley Farm Show
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
