Wolves are majestic animals, but they are also incredibly important to the ecosystem’s natural balance. There’s so much to learn about these beautiful creatures, that’s where the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center in Golden, British Columbia comes in.

Wolves in Canada have a deep history and are seen as sacred animals to many First Nations People. Even though these beautiful creatures are loved by many and considered a keystones species in Canada, they have a troubled history and their future is threatened by the presence and interaction with humans.

Learning about wolves in Golden, British Columbia, Canada is a great way to educate yourself and then pass along that knowledge to help ensure the survival of this important and beautiful animal.

So whether you’re looking to gain more information about the role of wolves in Canada, or looking for a fun and educational activity in Golden, BC, make sure to stop by the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center!

 

Where is Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center?

The Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center is just outside the small mountain town of Golden in Canada’s most western province, British Columbia.

How do I get to the Wolf Center near Golden?

Getting to the wolf center just outside of Golden takes around 17minutes for the 18km drive. The address is: 1745 Short Road.

• Head northwest from Golden along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
• Take the right onto Moberly Branch Road
• Take the left at the ‘T’ intersection of Golden Upper Donald Road, as you curve around to the right this road turns into Oberg Johnson Road
• Soon after, turn right onto Short Road and the wolf sanctuary will be on your left.

The road all the way to the wolf sanctuary is an easy drive. Even in the slippery conditions of winter, the road shouldn’t be too difficult.

 

How much does Golden’s Wolf sanctuary cost?

There are different levels of spending time with the wolves. Most visitors experience just the wildlife center where the wolves reside. There’s no reservation needed to visit the wolf sanctuary in golden.

The cost of entering the center is:

• Adult – $12 Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Children – Between $6-9 CAD, with kids 0-3 years old free
• Family of 4 – $35 CAD

Note: only cash is accepted as an entrance fee to enter the sanctuary. There is an ATM inside the little gift shop.

The center is open year round, opening times range from 9-12am and closing times 5-7pm depending on the season.

If you would like a more personalized and close interaction with these Wolves, you can go on the Blackwolf Photography Walk. The wolves are taken for regular and free-roaming runs. You can join them on these adventures as they play and explore with other wolves. Contact the wolf center for detailed information about walking with the wolves.

 

 

What will I learn at British Columbia’s Northern Lights Wolf Center?

There is plenty of information on display around the signs and pamphlets at the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center.

Included in every entrance fee is a 25-minute talk about wolves. From what they eat, to the importance of pack structure, why scientists think they tend to howl at the moon and why this apex predator is vital to the survival of the natural world they hunt in. It really is the best way to learn about wolves.

The wolf population has taken a massive hit in the last few decades and it is due to human interaction. Highways cause a lot of deaths and intentional poisoning of wolves is leading to dangerously low numbers of wild wolves. Being a keystones species of their environment, it has a heavy negative impact these predators are killed in unnatural ways.

Learning why wolves are so important to a healthy environment in Canada is incredibly important, and done very well at Goldens Wolf Sanctuary.

This included tour leaves every half hour and each talk is identical. It is a very insightful tour and covers a lot. It can be also interactive with the guide asking members of the gathering questions.

 

What else should I know before I visit Golden’s Northern Lights Wolf Center?

• One important fact; no animals are allowed inside the visitor center.
• There is also a limited amount of cabins to stay in the visitor center overnight. Contacting the center directly is the best way to check availability.
• All wolves that live here are from affiliated captive breeding programs and are unfit to be released into the wild as they would most likely not be able to survive.
• The wolves live in large enclosures, separated into their packs and others they get along well with.
• You can visit the Wolf Sanctuary near Golden as a school group on a field trip, or even organize a visit from the wolves to schools in the area.

 

Have you visited the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center near Golden, B.C.? I’d love to hear what you thought about it below in the comments!

If you found this article helpful, I’d appreciate helping others by sharing it to your favorite social media – use the buttons to your left, or down the bottom for mobile users.

 

Related Canada travel reading:

• 18 photos that will make you want to visit Canada right now!
• The best things to do in Edmonton, Canada
• Experienced a culture shock? Learn how to overcome, adapt and enjoy!

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels

Ben – Horizon Unknown