A Trip Years In The Making

Wolves have been my favorite animals for years, so when I heard of a wolf sanctuary that offered overnight accommodations allowing you to “sleep with wolves”, I knew I wanted to go. This incredible place is called Parc Omega, and it is located in Montabello, Quebec, Canada. My mom and I made the long trek up, making several stops along the way. We finally arrived at the park and after checking in with their very kind staff, we drove down a secluded, gravel road to the relatively new and modern wolf chalets. When we entered our chalet, we discovered a pack of wolves in a beautiful, large exhibit right behind us. Through floor to ceiling windows and a large upstairs deck we could watch-and photograph- the wolves day and night.

Getting to observe and photograph these beautiful wolves was amazing for me, and I was constantly in awe of the majestic animals. I also loved how natural everything felt. Their enclosure was heavily wooded with natural features including large rocks and a waterfall, as well as quite spacious, and their behaviour mimicked that of wild wolves, including hierarchy within the pack. They ran and played, napped and kept watch-reminding me often of one of my own dogs, a young husky who we lovingly call our “baby wolf.” They went about their business, mostly unconcerned by our presence, but I also felt connected to them when they would occasionally look up at me with their soulful eyes or come to the window. One of these experiences became my very favorite moment from this trip. A beautiful black wolf came up to the window and locked eyes with me. Then he jumped up, paws on the glass, and continued to watch me. But as he came down, my hand was on the window, and he licked his side of the glass, as though he was trying to lick my hand. This was a magical experience for me, and likely one I’ll never forget.

We also drove through the park, which is CZA accredited and functions as a sort of drive through zoo, highlighting mostly native species. I got to see several different types of animals including elk, deer, boar, bison, moose, and even an arctic fox- that I didn't know was an arctic fox until later because it was black! (It was still adorable though!) We drove through, and I got to photograph everything in an area that felt natural. I also got to feed the elk and deer carrots. They would come right up to the window and just stare at me, and we joked that they were waiting for their "taxes". It was utterly adorable.

I also got to see Przewalski's horses! Przewalskis are an endangered species of horse that live mostly in Mongolia, China, and Russia. They almost went extinct in the 1960's but reintroduction and conservation programs have their numbers at about 2,500 now. It was incredible to photograph such beautiful and endangered animals, and to see many of them either safely free roaming or in very large enclosures with many natural elements.

This entire trip was magical and incredible, and it was truly a dream come true. Getting to watch wolves and getting to photograph them in a natural habitiat was something I've always wanted to do. If you're anywhere near, run, don't walk, to Parc Omega.