Explore our home

Visit - The sanctuary

Sanctuary amenities

In addition to our amazing wolfdogs, we have a brand new visitor centre filled with souvenirs and additional information and resources on wolfdogs and wolves. All proceeds from the sale of merchandise go directly towards caring for our wolfdogs, as well as supporting incoming rescues. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, there’s ample parking for buses and RV’s as well as outdoor picnic tables. 

The Sanctuary grounds

Pathway

Enclosures

Visitors Centre

Intro Tour Meeting Area

Restrooms

Visitor parking

Range Road 53

Picnic Tables

Getting here

Follow the link below to get directions from your location to Yamnuska. Simply click on the directions icon, then enter your starting address.

Google map directions

What our visitors have to say

This was one of the most informative, awe inspiring, humbling experiences of my life. The amazing animals & the passion of our guide Angie was fabulous. Not only will I go back again, highly recommend for all dog lovers.

I was extremely impressed at how they want to do as much as possible to educate the public about the plight of these wolfdogs. Thank goodness there is a place like this to help them. I am planning on returning yearly if not more often.

This was by far one of my favorite activities to do when I was on vacation in Banff.
The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and really impressed. The entire experience exceeded my expectations.

Absolutely amazing, certainly a hidden Alberta gem. We participated in an interactive tour where Angie shared her stories and knowledge of working with the wolfdogs. It was great, we got to feed them treats. Nova performed tricks. Loki welcomed us into the enclosure, eventually shaking my hand.

Can't even explain how amazing this experience was. The staff were so kind and knowledgeable. The wolfdogs were so beautiful and friendly to meet. Gift shop is a must if you want to support this non profit place.

The wolfdogs were majestic animals and it was amazing to have them eat treats out of our hands. We even got to participate in a wolfdog howl. So much fun, so interesting and really enjoyed the beautiful animals!

The Sanctuary rules 

You are a visiting a sanctuary, not a zoo, and our top priority is to protect the wellbeing of our wolfdogs. Many of our rescued wolfdogs have had negative experiences with humans prior to arriving at the sanctuary and therefore can be quite fearful of certain smells, sounds, and objects.

The wolfdogs are much more sensitive than regular dogs and therefore the following rules must be followed to ensure your visit to the Sanctuary does not disrupt the wolfdogs.

Visitor accessibility 

Thanks to our Accessibility Pathway Project and a grant from the Calgary Foundation, the Sanctuary pathways offer a wheelchair-friendly experience. We aim to create an inclusive experience for all visitors. Our pathways are level with a durable Rundle Fine material. This pathway works with, not against, the trees to ensure that the natural aesthetic of the Sanctuary Walk is maintained for both you and the wolfdogs.

Our Interactive Tour is currently not wheelchair/walker/cart accessible, however, our Intro Tour will have wheelchair accessibility in 2023. There aren’t any service dogs allowed on the site as they would negatively impact the well-being of the wolfdogs.

No Dogs permitted

No dogs are permitted on the Sanctuary grounds at any time. This includes service dogs and dogs in the parking lot. The wolfdogs are extremely sensitive to other canids, therefore bringing your dog (even in your car) is extremely disruptive to the animals living at the Sanctuary. If we see a dog in your vehicle we will immediately call Cochrane Animal Control to have the dog removed.

No smoking permitted

No smoking is permitted on the Sanctuary grounds (including the parking lot). This poses a major fire risk to the Sanctuary as well as also being very irritating for the wolfdogs sensitive olfactory senses.

Children

Children are not allowed to run, wander, or behave loudly on the Sanctuary grounds. In order to ensure a stress-free environment for the wolfdogs, children must be monitored at all times and kept close by. Any parent or child not respecting our policies will be asked to leave immediately. Check Tour Descriptions for age requirements. The minimum age requirement to visit the Sanctuary is 6 years old. Unfortunately, there are no tour options suitable for kids under 6 years old.

Dress Code

Tours run in all weather conditions; rain or shine, -30C or +30C. Please ensure that you dress for the weather as you will be outside for the duration of the tour, and wear appropriate footwear as this is a walking tour. On cold winter days, we highly recommend snow pants, gloves, a toque and a warm coat! We kindly ask you don't wear any fur products.

Umbrellas are not permitted on the Interactive Tour or Intro Tour, however, these tours do have shelters. While walking the general admission pathways on the Sanctuary Walk umbrellas are welcome.

Should you have any questions about the dress code, please feel free to contact us!


General Behaviour

Loud or unruly behaviour towards the wolfdogs will not be tolerated. Visitors must not whistle, call or otherwise heckle the wolfdogs. Visitors must be respectful of the wolfdogs and the facility at all times (i.e. do not throw things into the enclosures, do not climb over fences, do not go through restricted areas). Anyone found not respecting our policies will be asked to leave immediately.