Our Park

Our Park

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is a nature lover’s dream. Explore our multiple trails and venues, each featuring unique wildlife in enclosures, and some living naturally in the trees and grounds around you. Feel free to set your own pace. It generally takes about 2.5 hours to see all the key areas in the park.

Wildlife Station & Tours
Wildlife Station & Trails

Our Wildlife Station & Trails offer a 2 km scenic route starting at the Wildlife Station, where visitors can explore our pod buildings and find washrooms. The Wildlife Trails are where you will find the Park's permanent residents, including eagles, black bears, beavers, and white-tailed deer.

 

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Wetland Station & Trails
Wetland Station & Trails

The Wetland Centre was built in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, and features a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and interactive displays, along with a gift shop and knowledgeable Nature Interpreters. The 1 km Wetland Trail offers birdwatching, critter dipping, and scenic views of the restored wetlands.

 

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St. Andrews Marsh Trail

Body The St. Andrew's Marsh Trail is a scenic 2km out-and-back path that winds through a wooded area, offering a peaceful stroll with opportunities to spot wildlife signs. At the trail's end, a gazebo nestled within a hemlock stand provides a stunning view of the Nova Scotia Treasured Wetland. A short drive from our main parking lot, our picnic area offers both covered and uncovered picnic tables, providing a perfect spot to relax. With a playground for the little ones and plenty of open space, it's an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors.

 

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Shubenacadie Sam

Shubenacadie Sam is a famous groundhog residing at the Wildlife Park, known for their role in predicting the arrival of spring. Every year on February 2nd, Sam emerges from their burrow to determine whether we will experience six more weeks of winter or an early spring. As one of Canada’s most well-known groundhogs, Shubenacadie Sam attracts visitors and media attention during their annual Groundhog Day event. Our park features two seasonal food and drink vendors, operated by our partners. One serves delicious ice cream, sweet treats, and snacks, while the other offers sandwiches, hotdogs, and fresh salads—be sure to check their social media for updates on hours and closures.

 

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Picnic Area
Picnic Area

A short drive from our main parking lot, our picnic area offers both covered and uncovered picnic tables, providing a perfect spot to relax. With a playground for the little ones and plenty of open space, it's an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors.

 

Learn More →

 

Food & Drink
Food & Drink

Our park features two seasonal food and drink vendors, operated by our partners. One serves delicious ice cream, sweet treats, and snacks, while the other offers sandwiches, hotdogs, and fresh salads—be sure to check their social media for updates on hours and closures.

 

Learn More →

 

Education Programs & Tours

Education is a big part of our mandate. We offer a number of education programs and tours for schools and park visitors.

Education at the Park

It’s a field trip like no other for school classes from primary to high school

Guided Park Tours

Book a private guided tour of the park with family and friends

Education in the Classroom

It’s a field trip like no other for school classes from primary to high school

Outreach Sessions

We come to you with fun wildlife-themed activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Can I brink my pet?

For the safety of both our animals and your pets, all pets are prohibited from the Wildlife Trails. However, pets are welcome on the Wetland and St. Andrew's Marsh Trails, as well as in the picnic area, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times, not causing a disturbance to others, and are in compliance with all provincial and municipal regulations and bylaws. Please do not leave pets unattended in your vehicle, as animal services will be contacted if there are signs of distress. Service animals are welcome in the park with proper certification and identification.

+ Where do the animals come from?

Most of the animals at the park come to us from other zoological facilities in North America where they are born in captivity. Some of the animals originated in the wild but are injured or orphaned and rehabilitated but cannot be returned the wild. Read more information on this subject.

+ What happens to the animals in the winter?

Most of the animals at the park are native species to the province and well adapted for winter weather. The animals who would typically migrate or are non-native, and don’t adapt to the weather, are moved offsite for the cold season.

+ Can I bring you an injured animal?

If you find an injured or orphaned animal please contact your local Department of Natural Resources district office, Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, or Hope for Wildlife.

+ What do you feed the animals? When is feeding time?

The animals are given specific diets tailored to their needs, with each meal carefully measured and their intake tracked daily. Feeding takes place at various times throughout the day, and for most of the animals, it's a calm and routine part of their day.

+ Can we feed the animals?

Our animals have special diets to ensure their health and well-being. Overfeeding or giving them human food can make them sick or interfere with their care. Visitors are only allowed to feed designated animals using their coin-operated feeders. Feeding any other animals is strictly prohibited.

+ How long does it take to walk through the park? How long is the park trail?

The Wildlife Trails through the park are about 2 km in length. How long it takes will depend on how much time you spend at each enclosure! The walk around the Wetland trail is 1 km in length and the St. Andrew’s Marsh trail is about 2 km. We recommend at least 1 hour to see the Wildlife Station & Trails, and more if you would like to explore our Wetland Centre and other trails!

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