Kirks Alpaca Farm: A Fun Day Trip From Calgary

Last Updated on September 7, 2022

Alpaca Farm Day Trip From Calgary

Looking for a fun day trip from Calgary? Why not visit the Kirks Alpaca Farm? This alpaca farm is located just 90 minutes from the city and offers a unique experience for visitors. Here you can learn all about these gentle animals, take a tour of the farm, and even purchase some of their wool products.

If you’re looking for something different to do from Calgary, be sure to check out the Kirks Alpaca Farm!

The alpaca farm is home to a large herd of amusing, inquisitive creatures that will steal your heart.

Alpaca Or Llama? The Difference!

Alpacas are a domesticated species of South American camelid, while llamas are their wild counterparts. Alpacas and llamas look quite similar, but there are some key ways to tell them apart. For one, alpacas are smaller than llamas and have softer fur. They also tend to be more docile and less aggressive than llamas. Finally, alpacas are bred specifically for their fiber, while llamas are used as pack animals.

Why Visit An Alpaca Farm?

Alpacas are gentle, intelligent creatures. They were first imported to North America in the 1980s and have since become popular farm animals. One visit to interact with these adorable animals will have you head over heels in adoration for them!

How Many Alpacas Are There?

With almost one hundred alpacas in the pasture, you’re bound to have a good time walking around and feeding the ones that will let you. And if you’re looking for something extra special, petting one of the baby alpacas (crias) is always a hit! Alpacas are gentle by nature and very curious, making any visit enjoyable.

The Kirks Alpaca Farm

In 2019, the family purchased 38 alpacas and since then have learned how to breed, shear, market, and purchase alpaca fiber-based items.

In August 2020, they decided to let the public visit their farm and meet their alpacas for a unique experience.

Don’t Miss The Farm Store!

At the fun farm, you not only get to meet the alpacas but also have the opportunity to buy products made from their wool!

Their farm store carries alpaca socks, headwear, scarves, gloves, and yarn for sale. It also has teddy bears and other alpaca items constructed of real alpaca fiber!

How Much Does A Visit Cost?

To visit Kirks Alpaca Farm, you must register online for your visit. You will pay an $8 reservation fee to guarantee your spot. After your visit to the farm, you then go into the store to make a donation for your admission. Keep in mind that whatever amount you decide to pay for your admission helps to keep the farm running, and keep this unique experience available!

We loved how they set up the costs with a reservation fee and admission donation. This helps to keep their farm running, as well as keeps it affordable for families to have a fun day out at the farm.

It’s critical to book ahead of time so that the farm can manage the traffic flow not only for the animals and neighbors, but also for everyone who wishes to enjoy the alpacas.

All bookings are two-hour time slots.

What To Expect During Your Visit

When you enter the fields of alpacas, they may run to you!
You will be given food to hand feed them.
There is a large kids’ area with climbing structures, a basketball hoop, plasma cars, digging toys, and more. It was a kid paradise!
There are also chickens to feed; they have different feed bags available for this.
Pit toilets are available.

Read Next: Looking for an infusion of cuteness? Check out this darling market on Vancouver Island, where goats graze right on the roof overhead!

Why You Need To Go

If you’re seeking a fun and inexpensive activity outside of Calgary, this farm is a great way to spend a couple of hours feeding and petting adorable alpacas. Is there a better way to spend that time? Likely not! While there are a plethora of adorable animals in the world, few compare to the alpaca for cuteness.

Fun Facts about Alpacas

Alpacas were originally native to the Andes Mountains in South America.
They were first imported to North America in the 1980s.
Alpacas are often compared to llamas, but they are actually smaller and have softer wool.
They are gentle by nature and very curious, making any visit enjoyable.
Alpacas’ average life span is 20 years.
In 90% of cases, female alpacas do not require assistance in delivering their young. The pregnancy period for female alpacas is 11 months.
Alpacas come in a variety of colors, including fawn, grey, brown, black, white, and any other combination thereof.
Baby alpacas are referred to as “crias,” and they are born weighing up to 20 pounds.
Alpacas are usually safe to be around; they are very quiet and gentle. However, you should still never walk directly behind one.
Therapy alpacas are becoming increasingly popular at hospitals, healthcare centers, and retirement homes all over the world.
Alpacas spit when they’re angry or annoyed, just like their cousins, the llamas. They usually only do this with each other when they’re fighting over food, but occasionally one might let fly in your direction!