Ellis Bird Farm

Loved it! My 93 year old dad could easily navigate a lot of it with his walker. We had lunch at Rilla's cafe in the old farmhouse. The food was delicious 😋. There's lots to see, great parking and very peaceful surroundings.

First time here. Nice place to walk around and enjoy the flowers, ponds, interpret center. Enjoyed a lunch at the Cafe. Will be back again

Love this place very much. The staff is very friendly and enthusiastic. We saw a young Great Horned owl in the trees, and it was magical. The kids also enjoy the pond, and learning about the animals in it. Also amazing that there are really good binoculars available to borrow at no cost. An amazing and educational experience with beautiful surroundings.

Lovely place to walk around. Tranquil and beautiful. Wonderful information centre and also a Cafe with home made entrées and desserts. Definitely recommend. Would
be excellent to see all the birds in the summer months.

We visited today and was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful this place is. Not only can you see purple martens but the grounds are lovely for a stroll or a hangout. Accessible paths, shop and pond areas, I was smitten. The sounds of the birds is glorious. Thank you to the young people counting the eggs and babies for allowing us to peak to see babies! Very kind atmosphere.

Great Half Day Trip for Bird Watchers

Bring your binoculars and your camera so you can enjoy the many birds and butterflies that live at Ellis Bird Farm. If you have children it's worth it to check before you go to see what time their "knee high nature" walks are. "Knee High Nature" is a program for children that runs July and August on Tuesday and Thursdays.

Lovely way to spend an afternoon! It was our first visit to Ellis Bird Farm and we loved it. Many trails and ponds and little hidden corners with benches and flowers and so many bird houses and birds. There are a few picnic tables and many of them were in use on a Friday afternoon in late July. Admission is by donation and there is a nice administration building with washrooms and some farm fresh goodies for sale. They also have a gift shop and some birdhouses for sale. The kids will love to visit the goats as well. A really beautiful and fun place!

Fantastic experience, everytime we go. Thanks for the great time. Daughter had a blast!

Cute little cafe! The chef was wonderful and super sweet! It was all delicious and my uncle got a little extra kick in his rum cake!

Great Sandwiches at the cafe and the homemade pie with an all butter crust is to die for! The bird farm itself is a very fascinating story and a very cool experience with beautiful trails, birds and farm animals and if you want to see purple martins or mountain bluebirds it's the best place in central Alberta!

If you are interested in Mountain Bluebirds, Ellis Bird Farm is THE place! The farm takes care of nearly 500 nest boxes and along with Mountain Bluebirds these boxes are occupied by Tree Swallows, and Purple Martins. In June 2021, we were able to observe a hard-working pair of bluebirds tirelessly collecting insets and bringing them to the box for their babies.They also have a number species of waterfowls, Cedar Waxwings, Owls. The farm in located about 15 minutes north of the town of Lacombe on Highway 12 by car.

We really enjoyed the new addition of the natural playground at Ellis Bird Farm for our kids. Everything is made out of wood, and not a packaged design. It's very unique, and appears like most of the building structure (such as the playhouse and raised treehouse/platform) is hand-hewn lumber. They have old bowls, saucers, pots, and tins lying around for the children to be creative with. Also two child sized wheelbarrows, a broom, numerous sized rocks and boards to make their own balancing beams and creations, among other things. It shouldn't have, but surprised me how long my 8 and 5 year old played for.
This is what a playground should look like! It's so perfect for encouraging creative play.

I love this place and keep coming back. The birds, the nature, the colour always makes me feel at peace.

Beautiful place to explore and take pics! It was a spontaneous decision to stop by on our way to Red Deer and it ended up being the highlight of our day trip!

If you like birds, butterflies and nature in general, then this is the place for you. Visit the water garden, wetlands center, and see hundreds and hundreds of birdhouses. What a great place!

What a great establishment for everyone to come enjoy and learn about nature and birds. The site is handicapped accessible and includes an interpretative walk, butterfly gardens and ponds for kids to investigate the bugs. Highly recommended family day trip!

Our family has been visiting the bird farm frequently for the past couple years. We constantly discover new features and creatures upon each visit. if you get the pleasure of visiting the farm, dining at the cafe with food served by Sharaz and her team is a must. Don’t forget to check out the website and plan ahead for any special activities available on the day of your visit.

Quiet and tranquil the Ellis Bird Farm is an oasis of nature providing a truly unique experience away from daily life and as such it has become a firm favourite for a day out.

Excellent well kept grounds criss-crossed with walking paths and plenty of seating provide for a laid-back day while educational resources appropriate for all ages of curious minds grant context and meaning to the surroundings.

This place is absolutely beautiful, the bird sounds are soothing and calming and everything thing seems put together perfectly!

Great place for kids to have fun and learn about birds and today insects. Great staff, very clean and lots to do.