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Discovery Wildlife Park
Overview
Discovery Wildlife Park in Innisfail, Alberta, offers a truly unique camping experience that blends traditional RVing with an immersive wildlife sanctuary. Unlike typical campgrounds, this facility focuses on the care of orphaned and retired zoo animals, providing them with a permanent home on 90 scenic acres. Visitors have the rare opportunity to stay overnight just a short walk from bears, wolves, and big cats, making it a destination focused on education and conservation rather than just a simple place to park.
Location & Surroundings
Situated conveniently along the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, the park provides an accessible stop between Calgary and Edmonton. The surrounding landscape of Innisfail is characterized by rolling prairie fields and quiet rural charm. Despite its proximity to the highway, the campground area feels tucked away, offering a peaceful environment where the sounds of nature—and occasionally the call of a wolf—provide the soundtrack to your evening under the Alberta sky.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is designed to accommodate various setups, offering spacious sites with power and water hookups. Most sites are pull-through, making them ideal for larger rigs. Essential park features include:
- Individual fire pits and picnic tables at every site.
- Clean washroom and shower facilities for guest use.
- On-site sani-dump station for convenient waste management.
The most notable feature is the exclusive after-hours atmosphere for registered campers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
While the animals are the main draw, the area around Innisfail offers plenty of variety. Golf enthusiasts can spend a morning at the Innisfail Golf Club, while those interested in local history can visit the nearby Historical Village. For a quick day trip, the city of Red Deer is only a short drive north, offering expanded shopping and dining options. Nature lovers might also enjoy the Aspen Beach Provincial Park at Gull Lake for a day of swimming and boating.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for families looking for an educational adventure that children will never forget. It is also a fantastic choice for animal lovers and photographers who want more time to observe the residents than a standard day pass allows. If you are an RVer seeking a memorable experience rather than just a gravel pad for the night, this sanctuary provides a heart-warming and engaging environment that stands out from standard commercial parks.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Larissa Porto
Stopped by Sunday night to see the "Light the Night" Drive Through Xmas Display. Got to drive around at our own pace, enjoy the view, take photos during the drive and even got pictures with The Grinch after! The lights are not so much "wow factor" for adults but still very enjoyable, but it was a fun date. Amazing for kids! They were stoked with each figure. I would have liked if the concession halls had posters of "why we chose this figure" or "how we made this motorcycle Santa". This would be something to learn and talk about and an excuse to hang around for longer and make me feel like the money was worth it. I enjoyed it. I sure reccomend it. But it does feel like its missing something, specially if one would make the drive from Calgary just to see those.
Lauren
Price quite high but beautiful park, many animals in small enclosures despite all the extra un-used land for humans to walk around in. Lots of space for kids to run and play. Very tired and sad looking g animals. Honestly though, they looked very tired or highly lol . Also felt bad for one man lost his 2$ and the poor deer heard the coin go in and waited for over an hour for the treats to come out! Such a tease. So sad. Told 4 staff and not one went to fill the treats. Also this was before noon, so …. Not cool. Would love to see more going I. I. This great place, hire a pro facepainter, sell balloons or hire a balloon clown, so much potential here. Please make the fences larger and help the animals feel more happy/awake ? Many animals stuck to the camp side of fence so was hard to see those ones . Such as camel and lamas… lived the art and nice gift shop. The reptiles should not be I. There first tho g people see who have a huge fear. Should have a more separate area for those types, such as Yyc zoo has.
Kim Lynne
Always a great experience. Team is very knowledgeable. The facility is so clean the wildlife are cared for in such a humane way. Everytime we have gone the keepers are always ensuring the enclosures are spotless. It is a wonderful spot for all ages. Skip the zoo and support a local community you wont regret it. Golf carts are available for ease especially for those who have a harder time walking longer distances. Pack a lunch and spend the day, or pop by the concession for a snack.
Steve Van D
A must stop. This place was cool. Some walking involved. Rest stops and coverage along the way if it rains. You can rent a golf cart if needed. $20 an hour to rent. Staff were informative and friendly. The main building and bathrooms are in good condition and clean. You get to get pretty close to the animals. There’s even Dino’s along the walk as well as play structures.
russ H.
Excellent place. Well maintained and landscaped. Friendly staff, knowledgeable, and happy to help. The animals seem happy, well provided for. There are golf carts available if mobility is an issue. The paths around the enclosures are well thought out. Where else can you safely get 3 feet from a grizzly? Highly recommended.