Ontario is home to some incredible wildlife, and you could get an up-close view without disturbing their habitat. The Wolf Centre at Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve is described as an “Ontario signature education experience” about the ecology and behaviour of wild wolves.

The Wolf Centre spans 5,000 square feet and is an entirely indoor facility dedicated to the conservation of these beautiful animals.

The self-guided, museum-style exhibits will tell you everything you need to know about these animals and the efforts being made to protect their population.

The most unique feature of this space is the large indoor observatory, where you can view the wolves through one-sided glass.

The observatory overlooks the 7-acre naturally forested enclosure of the Haliburton Forest’s wolf pack.

And because of the one-sided glass, the wolves won’t see you watching them, so you will get to see how they truly behave in the wild.

Most days, the pack chooses to hang out in sight, which means that there’s a good chance you will see them during your visit — however, it’s not guaranteed.

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The Wolf Centre recommends visiting in the winter “to see the majesty of wolves in their thick winter fur,” and also because they tend to be more playful and active in cooler weather.

It’s worth noting that you will not be able to interact with the wolves here.

That’s because this facility is designed to mimic the wild as closely as possible, which means that the wolves are afraid of people.

“This also means they maintain much of the behaviour and social structures of wild packs, and we are able to observe them in a way that is not typically possible in a zoo environment,” says the Wolf Centre’s website.

This observatory is wheelchair accessible and the team of friendly staff will happily answer any questions that you have.

So, if you’re looking for a breathtaking experience in authentic wildlife, the Wolf Centre is totally worth a visit.

Wolf Centre at Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve

When: Daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM from July to mid-September (peak season hours)
Where: 1305 Redkenn Road, Haliburton, Ontario
Cost: $13.28 per adult

Curiocity Staff

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