We are open Wednesdays and Sundays, from 10am to 4pm, from May to October.

For a map and directions, click http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/contact-us.

Although we'd love to be open every day, unfortunately, we don't have the resources to do so. The DSC is a working farm, and to keep costs down (so we can spend more on the animals) we have only a few staff members. They have a lot of work to do each day, giving medications, cleaning the barnyard, and attending to the animals' needs. On days we’re not open to the public, we use the time for haying, farm maintenance, veterinary and farrier treatments, and other big jobs, and we like to be able to do so uninterrupted. The farm is also home for two private residences. Please respect their privacy and our hours of operation.

A note about the Donkey Parade/Carrot Walk:We have discontinued our Carrot Walk/Donkey Parade on Open Days. Our donkey herd is facing serious weight issues, and we have divided the herd up into smaller groups to better address their individual nutritional requirements. This has meant reconfiguring our pastures to meet the donkeys’ dietary needs, and the new layout does not allow us to do the Carrot Walk any more. We’re all disappointed about cancelling our Carrot Walks, but hope everyone understands that the changes have been made to better our donkeys’ health.

What is there to do at the Donkey Sanctuary? Lots. Here's a list to get you started.

1. Meet the donkeys in their world (prepare to be charmed).
2. Brush a donkey and discover the wonder of connecting with one of these marvelous animals.
3. Watch a donkey care demonstration - learn more about the day-to-day lives of donkeys.
4. Visit your sponsored donkey - if you've sponsored a donkey for a minimum of $50/year, you can visit him/her on our open days.
5. Attend one of our Donkey Talks - scheduled on Open Days at 11:30, 1:00 and 2:30 - and learn about the donkeys, as well as about what is involved in their lifelong care at the DSC.

You can also take a hike on our Nature Trails, enjoy a picnic by the pond and perhaps finish your day with a stop at the Long Ears Boutique.

Before you visit, a helpful FAQ.

All of these questions and much more are answered in the DSC Guidebook, which is available for download, or you may pick one up when you visit. We look forward to seeing you!

Q: Do you charge admission?

A: All funds we collect are used for the care of the animals, therefore, we appreciate a donation to the DSC when you come to visit. We suggest the following: Adults - $7, Students, Seniors & Children - $5.

Q: Do you require advance notice for visits from larger groups?

A: For parties of 10 or more planning to attend on one of our Open Days (May through October, Sundays and Wednesdays, 10am - 4pm), please call the day before your visit. If you would like to schedule a group tour on a different day, please call for more information.

Q: Will I be able to explore the barnyard and paddock areas?

A: We invite you to walk down the lane (from the parking area) into the barn and barnyard areas, and to stay as long as you wish. DSC Staff and Volunteers will be on hand to cheerfully tell you about our work and to answer any questions.

Q: Will my children enjoy a visit to the DSC?

A: Absolutely. There is much for young people to enjoy at the DSC, as well as much for them to learn about the care and humane treatment of animals. We do request, however, that all children aged 4 and younger be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times. It is difficult for the animals to see little bodies. In addition, please note that strollers and wagons are not permitted in the barnyard area.

Q: May I bring my dog when I visit?

A: You may. However, dogs are not permitted in the barnyard area and must be kept on a lead elsewhere on the farm, e.g. picnic and parking area and trails. If you visit with a group of people and choose to bring your dog, a member of your party will be asked to stay with your dog outside the barnyard area. Please do not leave your pet in a hot car.

Q: What is appropriate footwear for my visit to the Sanctuary?

A: You will be in a barnyard setting with loose animals, and you may encounter wet and/or uneven terrain. We suggest that you wear boots or sneakers.

Q: What should I wear/bring with me?

A: The DSC is a working farm, so come prepared for an outdoor experience: we recommend sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing for the weather. If you have outdoor allergies (pollen, animal dander, bees, etc.) come prepared to treat these if necessary.

Q: Will I be able to feed the animals?

A: Please do not attempt to feed the donkeys or mules, as it encourages them to expect treats from everyone, and may cause them to nip at people. As well, equines as a rule have a hard time distinguishing between carrots and fingers - we'll leave it to you to imagine the risk involved. You may, however, leave treats for the animals at our Long Ears boutique, and our staff will distribute them after hours.

Q: Can I bring a picnic and stay for the afternoon?

A: Certainly - we have picnic tables available, which overlook the pond. And of course, you may spread your picnic blanket on the hillside if that's more your fancy. However, for insurance reasons, there is no swimming or wading and please do not use the private dock.

Q: Are there trails to explore at the Sanctuary?

A: Yes! Our walking trails are located in the northerly section of the Farm. Note that the trails are not paved and in some sections there will be climbing involved. The Ring Walk is the most level of the trails. You'll find a map of the trails in the DSC Guidebook, which you may download, or simply pick up upon your visit.

Q: Will I be able to take home some kind of memento of my visit?

A: We do hope so - visit our Longears Boutique to discover lots of interesting and wonderful donkey-related, and DSC-related items for sale. All proceeds from items purchased in the boutique of course go toward the care of the animals.

Q: If I can't come on a Wednesday or Sunday, can I just drop by for a visit on another day? (I promise not to be a nuisance.)

A: Although we'd love to be open every day, unfortunately, we don't have the resources to do so. The DSC is a working farm, and to keep costs down (so we can spend more on the animals) we have only a few staff members. They have a lot of work to do each day, giving medications, cleaning the barnyard, and attending to the animals' needs. On days we’re not open to the public, we use the time for haying, farm maintenance, veterinary and farrier treatments, and other big jobs, and we like to be able to do so uninterrupted. The farm is also home for two private residences. Please respect their privacy and our hours of operation.

Finally, before your visit, you may wish to read the following PDF files, which contain helpful guidelines about visiting farms.