Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

The basics

Choose between several options when visiting the sanctuary. For a more flexible experience, opt for a drop-in self-guided walk, which allows you to view the various packs of wolf dogs at your own pace. For a more immersive experience, take part in the drop-in intro tour, during which a guide will take you to a viewing platform inside one of the sanctuary’s enclosures (you’ll have excellent photo opportunities). For the most comprehensive tour option, sign up for an interactive tour. Pre-booking is essential for interactive tours, which include up-close encounters with the sanctuary’s furry residents.

Things to know before you go

• Most of the tour takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately.
• Minimum ages apply: the sanctuary walk is suitable for visitors age 6 and over, the intro tour is for visitors age 10 and over, and the interactive tour is for visitors age 15 and over.
• Avoid whistling, loud noises, or calling out to the wolf dogs, which may cause them stress.
• Check the sanctuary’s clothing guidelines and avoid wearing items with dangling strings, faux fur, leather, down feathers, or sheepskin.

How to get there

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is about an hour’s drive from Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway: take exit 131 and follow Morley Road and the Bow Valley Trail from there. Driving from Calgary takes about 45 minutes: follow the Alberta Highway 1A west. There is no public transit to the sanctuary, so if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to get a taxi.

When to get there

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is open Thursday–Monday year-round. Check the sanctuary’s social media feeds for scheduled enrichment activities, which include feedings, training sessions, and meet-and-greets with friendly wolf dogs.

Where to see wolves in the Canadian Rockies

Yamnuska is the only wolf dog sanctuary in Canada, but if you are keen to see and hear more about purebred wolves, arrange a visit to the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre—about a 2-hour drive west of Banff—which has its own resident pack. Though sightings of wolves in the wild are uncommon, there is a chance you may hear them howling, so keep an ear out while exploring Banff and Jasper national parks.