Experience the Wild Side of Muskoka with a Guided Tour at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Hidden in the heart of Muskoka, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is more than just a place to see animals. It is a safe haven where stories of rescue, rehabilitation, and second chances come to life. Whether you are a nature lover, an animal enthusiast, or simply looking for a meaningful Muskoka experience, the Guided Group Tours offer an unforgettable way to connect with wildlife.
Where to Find Aspen Valley
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Rosseau, Ontario, deep in the natural beauty of Muskoka. Surrounded by forest and lakes, the sanctuary is about a 30-minute drive from Bracebridge, Huntsville, or Parry Sound. Its remote location allows the animals to live in a peaceful, natural environment, while still being accessible for visitors.
A Sanctuary, Not a Zoo
Aspen Valley is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned animals back into the wild. Each year, more than 1,000 animals arrive in need of care, from tiny squirrel kits to moose calves and even bears. For those who cannot be released due to captivity, injury, or human interference, Aspen Valley provides a forever home in large, naturalized enclosures.
Unlike a zoo, Aspen Valley puts the animals first. The sanctuary covers 460 acres of forest, wetlands, and fields, giving wildlife the space and freedom to choose how visible they want to be. This means each tour is unique. The animals decide whether to step into the spotlight or remain resting in the shade.
What to Expect on a Guided Tour
Guided Group Tours are available year-round at 9:00 and 11:00, with an additional 10:00 tour in July and August. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers 2 km of outdoor walking, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must.
During the tour, you will meet some of Aspen Valley’s permanent residents. These include moose, coyotes, bears, foxes, and even wolf packs. Each animal has its own remarkable story of survival, and the guides share how they came to call Aspen Valley home. You will also learn about the sanctuary’s rehabilitation efforts and what it takes to help animals return to the wild.
Tours are limited to 15 people, creating an intimate experience where visitors can ask questions and truly connect with the sanctuary’s mission. Tickets are $25 per person, children 5 and under are free, and all proceeds go directly toward caring for the animals.
Plan Your Visit
Arrive 10 minutes before your tour start time and park in the designated tours parking lot.
Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray, especially during the summer months.
Cameras are welcome, as long as photography respects the animals.
Pets are not allowed for the safety and wellbeing of the sanctuary’s residents.
Meet the Residents and Their Stories
One of the most memorable parts of a visit to Aspen Valley is hearing about the residents who cannot return to the wild. Some were once kept as illegal pets, while others were raised in captivity and lacked the skills to survive on their own. Each animal has a story, from bears rescued after human interference to wolves who now roam together in naturalized packs.
The guides share these stories to help visitors understand the impact humans can have on wildlife, both positive and negative. You will see how Aspen Valley provides specialized care, from species-specific diets to spacious habitats, to ensure these animals live with dignity and comfort for the rest of their lives.
A Mission That Matters
Since the 1970s, Aspen Valley has been a leader in wildlife rehabilitation. What began with one woman’s compassion has grown into a registered charity that continues to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals every day. For animals that cannot return to the wild, Aspen Valley provides lifetime sanctuary care that respects their natural behaviors.
By joining a Guided Tour, you are not only learning about Muskoka’s incredible wildlife, you are directly supporting the animals that live there. Every ticket purchased helps feed, house, and care for Aspen Valley’s residents and patients.
