Most adventures start with a plan. This one began with a heartbeat. Standing at the edge of a forest in Golden, British Columbia, I waited to meet a wolf named Flora. Not behind glass, not on a leash, but face to face in her world. Completely free to wander through the forest with us on her terms. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew one thing for sure: this was going to be a walk I’d never forget.
My visit to Golden, B.C. was hosted. All opinions are my own.
Arriving at the Wolf Centre
When we arrived at the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre in Golden, British Columbia, we had time to check out the Wolf Centre before our walk began. Several wolves were visible in fenced areas. One of the wolves yelped, and soon they were all serenading us with their morning howls. I started to wonder what I had gotten myself into and whether a walk with a wolf would be an enjoyable adventure or a scary experience.
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Our Guide
Our guide, Shelley Black, welcomed our group with calm authority. She’s the owner of the Northern Lights Wolf Centre, a non-profit organization that aims to promote wolf conservation through education and research. Shelley has dedicated her life to educating people and plays a crucial role in this mission.
She provided some safety instructions and told us we would drive to the backcountry for the walk. We would ride in one vehicle, and she would take Flora the wolf in the back of a truck. When we arrived, we were to move away so that she could let Flora out to adjust without a lot of people around. Shelley told us, “We walk on Flora’s terms,” and she wasn’t kidding.
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A Walk I’ll Never Forget
Flora jumped out of the truck and trotted around, her grey-white fur shimmering in the light. She was graceful, powerful and utterly indifferent to us. She sniffed moss, trees and fallen logs, wholly absorbed in her surroundings.
Flora didn’t seem interested in human approval. She was more captivated by the forest’s scents. As she trotted along a path in the woods, we followed quietly, cameras ready, a little nervous and hearts racing. I captured candid shots of Flora all along the hike. A few shots look like she is posing, but most are of her in action.
Time For Photos With Flora
After about forty minutes, we came to an open clearing. The sun filtered through the trees, and Flora enjoyed the open space to roam around. Shelley smiled and said, “This is where we’ll try for photos.”
She asked us to pair off and sit on a grassy bank, about six feet apart. Flora might wander between us, Shelley explained, and if she felt comfortable, she might pause for a moment, perfect for a picture.
The Photo Moment
My partner and I settled into our spot and waited for Flora. She wandered behind us, sniffing the ground. Then she came closer and moved toward me. She paused, eyes curious, nose twitching. My heart pounded. I sat perfectly still.
She moved even closer and sniffed my hair. Then my face. And before I could react, she was licking my cheek.
A wolf kiss!
For a second, I froze, unsure what to do. I was afraid to move, afraid Flora might misread it as aggression. So I held still, eyes closed, heart racing. A few more licks and then she pulled back, glanced at me, and trotted off as if nothing had happened.
I was the only one in our group to receive a wolf kiss that morning. In hindsight, Lucky Me!
The Walk Back
The air smelled of pine and damp moss; each step crunched faintly under my boots. We continued along the trail, Flora leading the way. Now and then she’d stop to sniff a rock or bush, then dash ahead again.
Shelley shared facts about wolf packs, their communication and their fragile place in North American ecosystems. Her passion was contagious. This wasn’t just an adventure; it was an enlightening education. I had shared space and a special moment with a creature that remains wild.
A Deeper Meaning
What struck me most was how peaceful the walk felt. It wasn’t a zoo animal encounter. It wasn’t a performance. Flora was curious, independent and wild. This experience with Flora has reshaped my understanding of wildlife and our place in the natural world.
When she licked my cheek, it wasn’t affection in the human sense. It was a fleeting exchange.
Walking with Flora reminded me that the wild doesn’t need our control. It requires our respect.
If you ever find yourself in the Canadian Rockies, carve out a morning to walk with Flora or one of her packmates. This isn’t just another wildlife adventure. For me, that single moment, a wolf’s warm breath, a gentle lick on my cheek, will stay with me forever.
Planning Your Visit
The Northern Lights Wolf Centre is about 15 minutes north of Golden, BC. The setting is remote, surrounded by rugged mountains and quiet forest, perfect wolf country. Golden is in the Mountain Time Zone.
Allow at least an hour for your visit for the interpretive presentation, viewing the various wolves, time to ask questions and visit the gift shop. There are restrooms, vending services and you can purchase books and wolf-related items in the shop.
If you wish to do the Walk With Wolves experience, plan for a minimum three-hour visit. The walk takes about 90 minutes, and you will need time to travel to the walk destination after checking in and to explore the centre. The walk requires reservations.
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How to Book
You can obtain information about reserving your walk through their website. Walks are offered year-round, though spaces are limited and reservations are required. The experience is called the “Walk With Wolves/Blackwolf Photography Walks.”
Best Time To Visit
The centre operates as a year-round facility where visitors can observe wolves in their habitats.
- Spring – Fresh scents and lively wildlife.
- Summer – Warm days and green trails, but bring bug spray.
- Autumn – Crisp air and golden leaves. My favorite time.
- Winter – Quiet beauty and snow-dusted wolves, if you don’t mind the chill.
I went on the last day of September. The air was cool, the light soft and the forest felt alive in that in-between season.
What To Bring
- Comfortable, closed-toe hiking boots
- Long pants and layers (no leggings or holes in jeans)
- Waterproof jacket
- Neutral-colored clothing
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Camera or phone
- Water bottle
- Cash for entry and purchases
Do not bring food or snacks.
Rules and Safety Guidelines
Walking with a wolf is not a casual hike. It’s a privilege that comes with rules designed for your safety and the wolf’s comfort.
Before the walk:
- Participants must be at least 16 years old and capable of hiking uneven terrain.
- Reservations are mandatory; groups are small (usually fewer than six people).
- Leave food, gum, or scented items behind. Wolves are curious and have powerful noses.
- Wear long pants without holes. Leggings are NOT permitted.
- Wear close-toed shoes or hiking boots.
During The Walk:
- The wolf is free-roaming, you are entering her territory.
- Never approach the wolf. Let her approach you, if she chooses.
- Stay calm and quiet. Sudden movements or loud noises can startle her.
- Do not touch unless the handler specifically allows it.
- Always follow Shelley’s instructions.
General Tips:
- Do not howl at the wolves.
- Keep gloves and other items securely in your pockets. If hanging out, it is an invitation for the wolf to grab it and carry it away.
- Keep cameras and gear close to your body.
- Avoid wearing fur-trimmed hoods or fluffy hats that might resemble prey.
- No pets allowed anywhere on the property.
- Bring cash. The facility is cash only.
These guidelines keep everyone, including the wolves, safe and stress-free.
Other Things To Do In Golden, BC
After your walk, spend some time exploring Golden and the surrounding area:
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort : Ride the gondola or hike alpine trails. Visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge and see Boo.
- Yoho National Park : Stunning waterfalls and turquoise lakes just 30 minutes away. Have a picnic lunch beside Emerald Lake.
- Blaeberry River : A glacier-fed river great for canoeing, fishing, or simply enjoying mountain solitude.
- Golden SkyBridge : Walk across Canada’s highest and second-highest skybridge.
- Sightflight with Kicking Horse Aviation : Fly over the Canadian Rockies, view glaciers, snow-covered mountaintops, lakes and more in a Cessna 185. It is a high-winged aircraft with unobstructed views.
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