If you’ve ever wanted to feel a little closer to wildlife than a glass window or fence normally allows, you’re in luck. Tucked away in the town of Innisfail, just over an hour from Calgary, Discovery Wildlife Park offers a more personal way to experience animals through guided encounters and up-close moments.
Not your typical zoo experience
Discovery Wildlife Park is a rescue-based wildlife facility that focuses on caring for animals that can’t be released back into the wild. According to Discovery Wildlife Park, it’s not a traditional zoo; it’s centred on education, conservation, and creating more meaningful connections between visitors and the animals.
All the experiences here are guided by knowledgeable zookeepers who share the stories behind each animal and the role they play at the facility.
What makes it especially unique are the up-close encounters you can experience during your visit. One of the most popular experiences is the “Walk With A Wolf,” where you’re paired with a timber wolf for a short guided walk. There’s also a bear photo experience, where you can safely get your photo taken with one of the resident bears.
Beyond the animal encounters, there’s also a full dinosaur-themed area featuring life-sized dinosaurs, some of which move, along with play structures including themed climbing areas and sand play zones.
What to know before you go
Before you head out to the park, there are a few things to know beforehand. Since most experiences are guided and have limited spots, they must be booked online in advance. Pricing varies by experience; the “Walk With A Wolf” starts at $50 per person, and the bear photo experience starts at $25 per person.
If you want to make a full trip out of it, you can also stay overnight at the campground on-site. There are RV sites and cabins available during the summer, and you can pair your stay with evening wildlife experiences.
It’s not every day you get to walk alongside a wolf or stand just a few feet away from a bear and hear the story behind it. And that’s exactly what makes Discovery Wildlife Park stand out. Not only are you seeing animals up close, but you’re also getting an opportunity to learn about rescued wildlife that are getting a second chance at life.
When: Open 7 days a week until Sept. 30, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 5400 42nd Ave., Innisfail, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $21
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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