Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary near Cochrane offers tours and up close with 55+ wolfdogs
This 160-acre nonprofit sanctuary less than an hour from Calgary educates visitors on wolfdogs and wolf conservation through guided tours and interactive experiences.
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Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, located east of the Rocky Mountains near Cochrane and less than an hour's drive from Calgary, is a 160-acre nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about wolfdogs while assisting in homing displaced animals. The sanctuary is currently home to over 55 wolfdogs.
Visitors can choose from four tour options. The Sanctuary Walk allows guests to explore at their own pace with informative signage throughout the enclosures, with the option to join daily Wolfdog Wisdom Sessions at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. The minimum age is six years old. Cost is $37 per person, or $22 for children ages six to 11.
The 30-minute Intro Tour takes visitors into an enclosure onto a large viewing platform for close observation without visual barriers, with an expert guide answering questions. General admission is included. Minimum age is 10; cost is $52 per person.
The Interactive Tour gives guests hands-on time with the wolfdogs for up to an hour, with insights into pack behaviour and individual stories. General admission is included. Minimum age is 15; cost is $99 per person. The sanctuary recommends booking one to two weeks in advance. A new Photography Tour is also available.
A new visitor centre sells merchandise, with all proceeds supporting the wolfdogs and incoming rescues. The sanctuary is open year-round Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:15 p.m. Visitors will need a personal vehicle, rental car, or prearranged taxi — standard public transit does not reach the site. The sanctuary's website provides exact directions.
At a glance
Where is Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary?
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is located east of the Rocky Mountains near Cochrane, less than an hour's drive from Calgary, on a 160-acre property.
What tour options are available?
Four tours are offered: the Sanctuary Walk (self-paced with optional Wolfdog Wisdom Sessions at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.; $37 per person, $22 for ages 6–11), the 30-minute Intro Tour with a guide ($52 per person, minimum age 10), the Interactive Tour for hands-on experience up to an hour ($99 per person, minimum age 15), and a Photography Tour.
How do visitors reach the sanctuary?
Visitors need a personal vehicle, rental car, or prearranged taxi, as standard public transit does not reach the site. Exact directions are available on the sanctuary's website.
