Visit Us

Is Avian Flu an issue right now? What do guests do?

Avian Flu (HPAI) is a seasonal concern for us. We post regular updates about our hospital protocols here. Depending on where our levels of concern are, you may be asked to wear disposable booties or spray your shoes with a veterinary-grade disinfectant to mitigate disease transmission to our ambassador birds and eagle patients. If you have chickens or ducks, please let your guide know.

Can I do a self-guided tour to see eagles and owls?

No. For the protection of our patients and resident animals, we do not allow self-guided tours. You are welcome to drop in on our open days to visit our gift shop and explore our exhibits hall, but if you wish to see our Bald Eagle patients or resident ambassador owls, eagles, and crows, please book a tour.

Can I go into the hospital?

No. To ensure the best care for our wild patients, our wildlife hospital and recovery enclosures are not open to the public. We manage stressful situations carefully to give our patients the best chance of recovery and a successful return to the wild.

Can I see fawns or raccoons?

No. Caregivers work hard to make sure that our patients, including fawns and raccoons, stay wild and do not imprint on humans or come to depend on people for food. Once recovered, they must live independently in the wild.

Can I take pictures of ambassador birds?

Please do! You are welcome to take pictures throughout your tour. Our flight pen has ports for long lens cameras. Tour guides and bird handlers are always happy to help you get good photos of your family and friends visiting MARS. Photographs of wildlife in our care must not be used for commercial purposes without permission. Please share your photos and story of your experience on Google Reviews, Facebook, Instagram, or in a review on TripAdvisor.

Can I bring my dog on leash?

No, pets are not permitted on the MARS’ property. Just seeing or hearing a dog can cause stress to our ambassador birds and increase the healing time for our wildlife patients.

If you have a service dog, you are welcome to explore the visitor centre and gift shop, but we cannot allow any dogs around our birds as it stresses them out. If your dog is vocal we may ask you to leave. No unattended dogs allowed on-site for the safety and security of our guests, patients, ambassadors and, of course, your dog.

Why are you open Friday to Sunday only?

Like most not for profit organizations, we have a limited number of staff and volunteers available to welcome visitors. The Canada Summer Jobs grant helps us extend our summer open days.

Do you sell food or drink in your gift shop?

No. Food crumbs attract insects that are a constant threat to our taxidermy mounts so we do not sell or allow food in our exhibits hall. You are welcome to bring a lunch to eat outside at one of our picnic tables or benches. Please pack out what you bring in.

Can a stroller be pushed around the site?

Most of the site is flat. The lower portion of the ambassador bird aviaries is inclined and will require care to navigate.

Is your site fully accessible by wheelchair?

The visitor centre building, washrooms, gift shop and exhibits hall are fully wheelchair accessible. Our parking lot and paths are packed gravel; weather can affect their wheelchair accessibility. The lower parts of our property are inclined and uneven, and we are happy to make accommodations for partial tours.

Do you have infant change tables?

Yes.