Location & Directions
In order to be sure that you have a wonderful experience here at the Donkey Refuge, the following information will help you plan your visit.
The Refuge is not a petting zoo. It is a working farm dedicated to caring for donkeys and mules that are here in their forever home. Visitors are welcome to spend time with the donkeys over the fences, and the donkeys are always happy to receive kind words, hugs, and gentle attention. For your safety and the safety of the donkeys, visitors are not permitted inside the donkey enclosures or inside the barn and infirmary areas. Please do not share any food with the donkeys.
Donkey riding is not permitted.
Visitor hours and days are carefully scheduled to align with the daily care routines of the donkeys, which include feeding, health care, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and providing structured activity and training. During closed times, the donkeys also need time to rest. Hours and open days may change depending on the season, and the Refuge is closed to visitors during the winter months for the safety of both visitors and animals.
To find the most up-to-date information about current hours and open days, please check the green banner located at the bottom of each page of the website. As hours may also vary depending on weather conditions during the non-peak season, it is always best to check the website before planning your visit.
Visitors are encouraged to allow at least one hour to fully enjoy their time at the Refuge. In addition to visiting the donkeys and mules, guests can explore the Donkey Shoppe, where special mementos and gifts are available. The Shoppe also offers light snacks and drinks for purchase. Many visitors choose to bring a lunch and enjoy a peaceful picnic at the picnic tables or on the sundeck while watching the donkeys.
At this time, there are no discounts available for families or larger groups. However, if you are planning to visit with a group larger than 20 people, please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your arrival.
For directions to the Refuge, please refer to the Driving Directions section.
At this time, one-day volunteer opportunities for employee or corporate groups are not available. The Refuge’s primary mission is donkey care, and we are currently unable to allocate the staff and trained volunteers required to safely support large volunteer groups. However, if your corporate group is interested in organizing a fundraiser to support the donkeys, we would be happy to hear from you.
We strive to make visits enjoyable for everyone. Most areas of the Refuge are accessible for wheelchairs and walkers, and the fencing allows for interaction with the donkeys without restricting your experience.
Ample parking is available on-site for all visitors.
Donations to support donkey care are always welcome and greatly appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible, and tax receipts are provided. We accept cash, cheques, VISA/Mastercard, and Debit, which can also be used for admission and purchases at the Donkey Shoppe. Additional information about supporting donkey care is available in the Shoppe, and our hosts will be happy to assist you. Popular donation programs include the “Buy-A-Bale” and Donkey Sponsorship programs.
After a short welcome at the Shoppe, visitors are encouraged to explore the Refuge through a self-guided walk-about in the barn and paddock areas. Informational signs and boards are available throughout to share important facts about donkeys and mules, allowing you to enjoy your visit at your own pace. If you have additional questions, staff or volunteers will be happy to assist you, although their first priority is always the care and comfort of the donkeys.
Pets are welcome; however, they must remain with you at all times during your visit and should not be left in vehicles. Please ensure your pet is on a leash, and kindly clean up after them. If needed, bags can be provided.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it at the picnic tables provided. Please clean up after yourselves, as donkeys are naturally curious and litter can pose a choking hazard. Coffee, tea, and water are available, and visitors are also welcome to support the Refuge by purchasing snacks and drinks such as pop, juice, chips, and frozen treats.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises under any circumstances.
For visitor safety, certain areas of the barn and infirmary are designated as Staff Only. Visitors may interact with donkeys in specified areas of the barn or over the fence when the donkeys are in the paddock or pasture. Entry into gated areas with the donkeys is not permitted.
The Refuge provides two new gender-neutral, accessible washroom facilities for visitors.
As the Refuge is an outdoor facility, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend bringing sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, suitable footwear, and a hat. Most importantly, bring a smile! You may get a little donkey dust on you during your visit, and washing stations are available for your convenience.
If you require further information, please email the Refuge at donkeyrefuge@gmail.com
or call (250) 679-2778.
Stay In Touch!
(250) 679-2778
donkeyrefuge@gmail.com
7877 Skimikin Road, Chase, BC V0E 1M1
Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly online newsletter “eBRAY”.
Open Days & Times
Remember to check ahead of time for our open days and times as they vary during the year…we are all about the donkeys so our hours and open days are determined by the care needs of the donkeys.
Driving Directions
We are geographically located in the Turtle Valley which is south of the TransCanada Highway between Chase and Sorrento. Please note GPS/Apple Maps are not reliable in Turtle Valley and we advise you to use the directions or to get your directions via Google Maps (see below)
From Salmon Arm (See Google Maps Directions Here)
- Drive West out of Salmon Arm, past Sorrento.
- Turn Left off of Highway #1 at the Squilax/Adams Lake/North Shore turn-off between Sorrento and Chase, B.C. (Do Not Go Over the Squilax Bridge.)
- You are now on Squilax-Anglemont Road.
- Turn left off Squilax-Anglemont Road just before the Squilax Bridge onto Squilax-Turtle Valley Rd (Do Not Go Over the Squilax Bridge; if you do, turn around and come back to take the first right up the hill after the bridge).
- Follow Squilax-Turtle Valley Rd up a long hill up into the Valley. (about 10 mins)
- You will come to a junction; continue straight on Squilax-Turtle Valley Rd.
- Continue on Squilax-Turtle Valley Rd to the next junction.
- Turn right onto Skimikin Road.
- Continue on Skimikin Road, the Donkey Refuge will be on your right.
- Turn right into the Donkey Refuge.
- Follow the parking signs.
- Check-in at the Donkey Shoppe upon arrival.
From Kamloops (See Google Map Directions Here)
- Drive to the West End of Chase, B.C.
- After you pass the Canco gas station on your right, keep an eye out for the exit to Chase/Falkland Highway (Shuswap Rd).
- Please note there is currently highway construction along this stretch, please check Drive BC for more information.
- Turn Right off the Highway at the Shuswap-Chase Creek Rd (Chase/Falkland Highway). (If you pass the Chase Petro Canada, you have gone too far.)
- Continue on Shuswap-Chase Creek Rd (Chase/Falkland Highway) upwards until you come to Skimikin Road. (about 10 minutes)
- Turn left onto Skimikin Road.
- Go over a small bridge. You are now on a dirt road. Please drive with caution as some parts of the road have been affected by soil movement, especially the right side banks of the road in some places.
- Continue on Skimikin Road.
- You will see the entry sign for the Turtle Valley; continue on Skimikin Road.
- Drive past T-BAR-K Ranch and you will see the Donkey Refuge in the distance on the left.
- Turn left at the Donkey Refuge.
- Follow the parking signs.
- Check-in at the Donkey Shoppe upon arrival.