DeirdreLocated just outside Cochrane, Alberta, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary presents an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to explore and learn. This unique sanctuary not only offers a glimpse into the lives of wolfdogs but also serves as an educational hub where people can immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of these remarkable animals.
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a non-profit organizing that focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of wolfdogs. This guide offers comprehensive insights into the activities available at the sanctuary, provides directions for reaching the location, and offers invaluable tips for maintaining respect during your visit.
What’s a Wolfdog
Wolfdogs result from the crossbreeding of a domestic dog with a wolf. However, most contemporary wolfdogs are produced by mating high-content wolfdogs with other dogs. These animals are often sold as exotic pets but can be a challenge due to their unpredictable behaviour. As a result, these creatures are often abandoned or given up for adoption.
Wolfdogs can be classified into three categories: low, mid, and high content, which refer to the percentage of wolf genetics they possess.
Low-content wolfdogs possess 20-49% wolf genetics. These animals exhibit characteristics more closely aligned with domestic dogs than with wolves. With proper training and patience, these low-content wolfdogs can be integrated into households as pets.
Mid-content wolfdogs have 50-79% wolf genetics and are not suitable as pets. Although they may physically resemble domestic dogs, their behaviours lean more towards those of wolves, including tendencies towards aggression and fear.
High-content wolfdogs, comprising 80% or more wolf genetics, closely resemble pure wolves both in appearance and behaviour. This includes traits such as breeding habits and the requirement for spacious enclosures to accommodate their wild instincts.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary Information
Established in 2011, the sanctuary spans 160 acres of land and provides a home to 57 wolfdogs. Among them, 10 participate in the diverse interactive tours offered.
Across the sanctuary, there are 18 enclosures housing the wolfdogs.
The sanctuary welcomes visitors from Thursday to Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm, offering entirely outdoor experiences. Regardless of weather conditions, including rain, shine, or blizzards, the facility remains open year-round.
There is free parking, washrooms, and a gift shop on site. The sanctuary embraces a natural aesthetic, providing visitors with a distinctive and immersive experience. The pathways are however wheelchair friendly.
How to reach it
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is located on Range Rd 53, just 16 minutes west of Cochrane. There are no shuttle buses or other forms of public transit that go to the sanctuary, so having your own car is essential when visiting.
Address: 263156 Range Rd 53, Cochrane, AB T0M 2E0
Driving directions from:
What to do
There are three different types of tours the sanctuary offers: Sanctuary Walk, Intro Tour, and Interactive Tour. Each tour has its own price range and age restrictions.
Sanctuary Walk
The Sanctuary Walk is a self-guided stroll along the footpaths and enclosures of the facility. This walk typically takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour and passes by each wolf-dog enclosure.
Interpretive signs are situated throughout the facility, offering information about the individual wolf-dogs, the species’ history, and ways to make a positive difference in their lives.
The enclosures are large, allowing the wolves some privacy, if need be.
- Price: $29/adult and $18/youths (6-11 years)
- Minimum age: 6
- Time: Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm
- Reservations: No
Wolfdog Wisdom Sessions are also available as part of the Sanctuary Walk Tour, taking place daily at 11:30 am and 3 pm near different enclosures. Joining one of these sessions will provide you with a deeper understanding of the featured wolfdog.
Intro Tour
The Intro Tour is a guided 30-minute tour with a knowledgeable staff member through the facility. Not only will they provide insight into the wolfdogs but also the efforts made by the Sanctuary to protect the species.
This tour offers visitors to have unobstructed views of high content wolf dogs on one of the viewing platforms. It also includes access to the Sanctuary Walk as well.
- Price: $43/person
- Minimum age: 10 years old
- Time: Saturday-Sunday, 10:45am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:45pm
- Reservation: No, but groups larger than 10 will need a booking
Interactive Tour
Led by a guide, the interactive tour provides a thorough exploration of the sanctuary, featuring visits to two enclosures. Throughout the experience, visitors can engage with specific wolfdogs, offering treats within one of the designated enclosures. Advanced booking is required for these tours.
This tour takes around 45-60 minutes, plus the walk around the sanctuary.
- Price: $73/person
- Minimum age: 15 years old
- Time: Thursday-Monday, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm
- Reservation: Bookings required 1-2 weeks in advance
Sanctuary Rules
Visiting the sanctuary requires adherence to specific rules and guidelines, which safeguard the welfare of both the wolfdogs and visitors.
- Smoking is prohibited on the premises, including within vehicles.
- No dogs, including service dogs, are permitted within the sanctuary to avoid potential discomfort for the wolfdogs.
- Given the timid nature of wolfdogs, disruptive or loud behaviour is strictly prohibited.
- Visitors are reminded not to throw items into the enclosures, and children should be kept at a safe distance and encouraged to be respectful.
Best time to visit
The sanctuary welcomes visitors throughout the year, regardless of the temperature. Summer attracts larger crowds, offering an enjoyable outdoor experience with the wolfdogs. In winter, the wolfdogs are particularly active, though the cold temperatures can pose a challenge for some visitors.
During my visit in February, temperatures plummeted and a blizzard shortened our time at the sanctuary. Bottom line, be prepared for any and all weather, as this sanctuary is outdoors.
How You can help
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary depends greatly on the generous contributions of its visitors to uphold its facilities and provide ongoing care for the wolfdogs. If you’re interested in supporting the sanctuary, there are numerous ways you can help:
- Make a visit to the sanctuary
- Purchase an annual membership
- Sponsor a wolfdog
- Become a monthly donor
- Explore the offerings at the onsite or online gift shop
