Explore Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where wild meets wonder in winter and summer

Have you ever wondered what a wolfdog looks like, or how they behave compared to wolves in the wild? You can see (and even meet) these mysterious and misunderstood animals on a guided or self-guided tour at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where you’ll learn about their unique traits and the challenges they face.

Just a 15-minute drive from Cochrane, the sanctuary is nestled on 160 acres of forest in Alberta’s foothills. It’s open year-round and is home to around 70 wolfdogs, each with their own unique mix of wolf and dog DNA. It’s not just an unforgettable place to visit — it’s primarily a non-profit dedicated to rescue, education, and conservation.

A stop at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a bucket list item on any trip to Cochrane. The sanctuary even made headlines when the stars of Netflix’s My Life With the Walter Boys gave it a shout-out on Etalk CTV. So, come on by and see why this place is so special. Whether you visit on a sunny summer afternoon or a snowy winter day, every season offers a new way to connect with the spirit of the wild.

Experiences for every visitor

For first-time guests, the Intro Tour is one of Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary’s most popular options. Available for ages 10 and up, it runs four times daily and doesn’t require advance booking — perfect for spontaneous travellers.

During the tour, you’ll spend time with a wolfdog expert in an open-air viewing space, learning about the animals, their behaviours, and wolf conservation. It’s also a chance to see the wolfdogs up close as they’re fed some snacks and to ask questions about life at the sanctuary.

The intro tour also includes access to the self-guided Sanctuary Walk, where you can stroll past several enclosures, read interpretive signage, and watch the wolfdogs in a natural setting. This is a great option either on its own or if you arrive an hour before the next intro tour is set to run and want to fill your time.

Along the way, you just might catch one of the daily Wolfdog Wisdom sessions. During these demonstrations, staff enter an enclosure to engage a pack in enrichment activities like introducing new scents or puzzles. The sessions happen four times a day and are included with all admission options.

Looking for an even more immersive experience? The Interactive Tour allows small groups to spend time inside a wolfdog enclosure. Here, under the guidance of staff, you might get the chance to feed treats to the sanctuary’s low wolf-content residents — if they decide they’re comfortable approaching you! The wolfdogs occasionally even accept a pat. These tours are limited and often sell out, so be sure to book your spot in advance.

Something different for every season

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is open year-round, and each season has its own appeal. In cooler weather, the wolfdogs tend to be more active. Their appearance even changes slightly when winter hits and they grow thick coats to stay warm.

Come spring, the wolfdogs begin shedding and you can witness their dramatic seasonal transformation. And in summer, the sanctuary trails bloom with wildflowers, and Wild Enrichment Saturdays (hosted on the first Saturday of every month), sometimes include pool parties to help the wolfdogs cool off.

Autumn brings brilliant foliage that makes for a beautiful backdrop to visit with the animals and wander the sanctuary trails. Enrichment activities can include celebrating fun events like National Cinnamon Roll Day. The team whips up wolfdog-safe cinnamon rolls and even creates cardboard cinnamon rolls with hidden snacks inside, giving the wolfdogs a tasty and stimulating way to explore new scents and textures.

No matter what time of year you visit the sanctuary, you’ll discover something new. Each experience is unique and memorable in its own way.

Supporting the wolfdogs

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is dedicated to increasing public understanding of wolfdogs and their wild relatives. The organization works to raise awareness about responsible ownership and highlight the importance of wolf conservation. It’s also a great place to see these animals up close.

The best part? Your visit directly funds the sanctuary’s rescue efforts. Not all of the wolfdogs are visible along the public pathways — some prefer life out of the spotlight — but every ticket, donation, or gift helps support all 70-plus residents.

Visitors who want to make an even greater impact can donate online, follow and share Yamnuska’s stories on social media, or contribute practical items like freezer-burnt meat to help care for the wolfdogs.

Plan your visit

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is open year-round, Thursday through Monday. Whether you join an intro tour, book ahead for an interactive experience, or simply enjoy a self-guided walk and a Wolfdog Wisdom session, your visit will leave you with a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals — and the knowledge that you’ve helped give them a safe and lasting home.

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