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Little Ray's Nature Centre image

Little Ray's Nature Centre

Tourist attraction Toy store Event planner Zoo Wildlife refuge Animal shelter Animal protection organization

👍👍 Wonderful place to visit and to learn from. Little Ray’s not only has many animals, but many from cruelty cases or some those who didn’t realize how much care went into the animal they had purchased. There is a wide range of animals to see, from turtles to iguanas, bats to macaws. The private tour... People often mention tour, animals, experience, guide, kids, private, time, great, worth, knowledgeable,


Address

2781 Colonial Rd, Sarsfield, ON K0A 3E0, Canada

Website

www.littlerays.org

Contact

+1 613-822-8924

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (719 reviews)

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Working Hours

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (29) animals (26) experience (18) guide (14) kids (14) private (13) time (12) great (12) worth (8) knowledgeable (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sara M. 3 years ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Wonderful place to visit and to learn from. Little Ray’s not only has many animals, but many from cruelty cases or some those who didn’t realize how much care went into the animal they had purchased. There is a wide range of animals to see, from turtles to iguanas, bats to macaws. The private tour is right up my alley. One on one time with a staff member, learning about the care (and sometimes history) of the animals. My group had Alex as our guide, and he was wonderful. He took the time to talk about each animal, answered all questions we had, and entertained my kids info-dumping on him when he reached their favourite animals. He was very engaging and appeared to enjoy providing the tour. He started the tour by asking if anyone in my group has snake or spider phobias so that he could adapt the tour as needed. The new facility is excellent. It is well laid out, large aisles (so to speak) so social distancing can be maintained. It is wheelchair accessible, but there are one or two areas that might be difficult to reach if the wheelchair is larger than average. I did not notice if there are wheelchair accessible washrooms, however. I definitely recommend checking Little Ray’s out. It is a great way to spend an afternoon, and a great way to help this learning centre keep operating.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tamara VB (Real Estate A. 2 years ago on Google • 179 reviews
    Wonderful private tour with the sloth encounter at Little Rays. Dress for a warm climate. The staff give fantastic information and kids love it. Great way to spend an afternoon.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tyler K. 3 years ago on Google • 143 reviews
    The new place is somewhat nicer but the area where it's located is better. My kids even took many pictures that you guys could see. During the covid19 time it's much slower but I'm sure they will pick up once we are back to normal. Cheers
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jess W. 2 years ago on Google • 182 reviews
    What a great experience with my son! The staff are super amazing, and the animals are a treat to look at and watch. The souvenirs are so cute to!! Very happy they were able to open up a general admission day! It's been a long time, but worth the wait.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ray W. 4 years ago on Google • 217 reviews
    Great place to bring the kids for an afternoon. Lots of different reptiles and the staff put on a few demonstrations throughout the day. Be sure to head out back and see the kangaroos, lynx, and eagles!

  • 5/5 Elizabeth G. 2 years ago on Google
    Our bubble group got a private tour. Our guide was awesome, very friendly and knowledgeable. Love the new location. We got to hold a snake and were taught how to pick up a turtle to help them cross the road. Love the free roaming pigs too! Definitely recommend going and checking them out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Majed J. 5 years ago on Google • 103 reviews
    Don't be fooled by thinking that it's downtown because the address says it's on bank street. It's quite far, like over 10 minutes south of the airport. It's well worth the trip nonetheless. The biggest surprise is that they're all rescue animals! Even that massive snake and huge crocodile... What were these owners thinking really?! Kids loved every bit of it. Good for kids, young and big, my daughter, who is two, wasn't afraid to have the African emperor scorpion crawl on her hand a little bit 😁. Older kids have a lot more fun asking questions. It's lovely to see all the junior volunteers as young as 12 carry snakes and take care of lizards.

  • 1/5 Kerry P. 9 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Not impressed at all. We had booked for my child's birthday weeks in advance, had the confirmation email/time at set up. The lady (no fault of hers as she was going by the schedule given by Little Rays I'm sure) showed up nearly an hour late! When you have your entire party planned around this event with no plan b (because why would/should we need one), a bunch of overly excited toddlers waiting for what they were promised with NO SHOW for almost an hour, no one answering their phone to get answers, disappointed barely covers the emotions felt....This is BEYOND unacceptable and unprofessional. We paid alot of money for this to happen for my daughter....and not only were they late...it lasted HALF the time of what we paid. Honestly, I'm glad that my daughter is so young, but as far as a parental standpoint-- this ruined the experience/planning done for this day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kayla 11 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Came all the way out here just to see a sign on the door that says “closed until further notice” Website says open till 4… Day ruined.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isabella Z. 5 years ago on Google • 22 reviews
    even though this place was small, you can tell that there was a lot of work that went into the care of these animals and that the people working here truly love what they are doing. the hands on shows are excellent while still giving the animal space and respect. i wish this place has the funding and attention it deserves. it’s a great place to bring children there too, as long as they can understand and follow the instructions given by the keeper!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc D. 3 years ago on Google • 13 reviews
    We had a group tour, and it was excellent! Fun for kids of all ages (even the teenagers had a good time)! Highly recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayla S. 2 years ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Jasmin was so knowledgeable and very clearly dedicated to the animals! You can really tell the staff there have such big hearts and want the best for each animal. Loved being there so much. Can't wait to go back! The private tour made a great date activity.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alison C. 1 year ago on Google
    Only do private tours now, but staff was very nice! My three year old had a blast running around and seeing all the reptiles and animals!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven L. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic place. Kyle and Zach were incredible and gave is a phenomenal tour. The kids had a great experience, and the adults had nothing short of the same. I highly recommend. Kyle is passionate about the animals and you can easily tell he is element.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim B. 1 year ago on Google • 31 reviews
    What a wonderful place. We were able to see every exhibit and touch many animals including the sloths (as part of the sloth experience). Our guide, Connor, was awesome! It's obvious that the people who work their really care about the animals. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Cory T. 11 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    A beautiful new facility with reptiles and mammals to see. You can also reserve your very own private tour and interact with their resident two-toed sloths.

  • 5/5 Ron R. 7 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    They came to our campground and did a show what a great time the kids and adults had an excellent time

  • 1/5 Imran Z. 6 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Worst experience ever, drove 50 mins to get here and a rude lady sitting eating sandwich says we are closed. I said it is not mentioned on Google and the website link mentioned on Google - her reply was sorry and back to eating sandwich…. Very unpleasant and unprofessional behaviour

  • 3/5 Abhilash K. 6 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    The website was not updated and after a long drive from Montreal we came to know that the place was under renovation.

  • 1/5 mike d. 1 year ago on Google
    Don't bother. Run by teenagers. Made it a big deal that we didn't pre order tickets. Had to wonder around without a guide, my son got to watch as other groups with guides were able to touch a few animals and got a much better experience. Told no guides were available, but there were 2 employees at the front desk when we arrive. The older location was bigger and more interactive. Its a shame, I even donated to little rays when they were worried about bankruptcy during covid closures. Cost 40 bucks and we were done in less than 30min. Took longer to drive there (in sarsfield now) Won't be returning.

  • 5/5 Robert Van T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit. It is their new location so be aware that they don't have a sign out front yet. It is easy to find though. We booked a private tour and we allowed to feed the Sloths. My spouse and toddler had loads of fun feeding them. They moved alot more than I was expecting. Actually they seemed to move the whole time while being fed or moving to their preferred sleeping areas. The other animals were alone of fun to see and interact with. There were all kinds of dancing birds, crocodiles, alligators, and bats.

  • 5/5 Neil S. 2 years ago on Google
    Our tour guide Tristan was awesome! Great to get background info on all the rescue animals - much better than just viewing animals at a zoo. Admission is supporting a great cause.

  • 5/5 Lynsay 2 years ago on Google
    I absolutely love little rays, I remember them coming to events when I was a child. Now I bring my children, they love it! We had a private tour the guy who showed us around was super friendly and knowledgeable. He even brought some snakes out for my children to touch. We can’t wait to go back.

  • 5/5 Jessica S. 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Omar and his presentation for my daughters birthday was phenomenal! Parents and kids loved it, very flexible as well with a last minute location change.

  • 5/5 Vicki C. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic experience. There is no signage yet so it was a bit hard to find. Once there we had a terrific tour. My grandsons enjoyed learning about all the animals, feeding the turtles, petting the ferret, dancing with the parrots. Our guide was lovely and did her best to answer all the questions the boys could come up with.

  • 5/5 Richard L. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience at the new Sarsfield location. Red-Best-Mike was amazing, informative and fun! The kids had an amazing one on one experience. If you are looking to break free of the lockdown and have some family fun, no matter the price, it's worth every penny for the memories!

  • 5/5 Brett G. 2 years ago on Google
    Rented out the place for a private tour for my 30th birthday. All I can say is 20/10. The animals were amazing, there was more than reptiles too! Our tour guide was 20/10 funny never had a guide make me laugh as hard. All I can say is that it was worth every single penny, hands down, no questions asked. Just go!!

  • 5/5 Suzanne N. 11 months ago on Google
    Visited the sanctuary a while ago but forgot to leave a review. I purchased the combo tour for myself and my two sons and our guide Ella was amazing! Very knowledgeable and very patient with us - especially when we got to hold Mandy (sloths are my favorite animal!). I highly encourage people to read the website and book tours rather than just drop in, as we initially wanted to drop in but ended up booking a tour. However the tour was well worth the price and wait for our time slot!

  • 5/5 Phillip Z. 1 year ago on Google
    An absolute must visit for anyone that loves animals and reptiles! Omar was an incredible guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. The sloth experience was worth every penny. Very happy Little Ray's is still around! Made me feel like a kid again being there.

  • 5/5 Ivan G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great new facility with lots to see. You have to book your tour privately now, but our hostess Charlotte did a tremendous job of personally walking through and showing us all the animals. Well worth the price of admission.

  • 5/5 Jay7T6 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I did a combo tour today (sanctuary and sloth encounter). I have to say it was one of the best animal tours I have ever done. Our guide (I'm sorry I forget your name) was fantastic. He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Truly an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!!

  • 5/5 Steven Crocco [. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I took our children to Little Ray's and we had the pleasure of taking a private tour with Omar. What a fun and educational experience. My children had a great, and loved the close encounters with so many interesting exotic reptiles, birds and lemurs. Omar was attentive, patient, and highly knowledgeable. Very friendly and welcoming place! Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 John and Linda W. 2 years ago on Google
    This was one of my favourite zoo tours. Kyle was our guide and he made our adventure informative and fun. He was amazing with my grandchildren and grown children alike. Kyle interacted with everyone and made our experience outstanding. You could see he truly loves these reptiles, animals and birds. If you are ever wondering if this is worth the money. I would say absolutely. We need to support them as they continue to provide this great learning experience for young and old alike. The private tours are wonderful. Thanks Kyle for the wonderful tour. Linda,John, Darren, Kim, Steph,Jon, Juliet and Marshall.

  • 5/5 Emille M. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a great experience. We learned so much on the tour and really loved petting the sloths. Great fun for all ages.

  • 5/5 Lynn-Ann S. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly recommended! We booked a private tour due to cover measures, but even when things open up, I'd definitely recommend the private tour experience. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with two toddlers and we learned so many new and interesting facts. We can't wait to go back!

  • 5/5 Julie S. 2 years ago on Google
    Jasmine was fantastic as our guide! The animals are so well cared for! We loved the whole experience!!!

  • 4/5 Curtis B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great tour, the kids loved the animals. Can be very warm, dress cool. Littler kids (<6) may enjoy the animals but not so much the info in the tour and just prefer to look around.

  • 5/5 Liana K. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a fantastic tour today with Kyle! Very clearly loves the animals, and was so good with kids. My almost 4yo is very nervous in new situations (was crying and wanting to leave when we first walked in), but Kyle was so great with him, followed his lead, and got him petting the animals and absolutely loving the whole experience! What a fabulous time. We’ve also been very covid cautious this whole pandemic, and we felt like this was a very safe/low risk outing. Absolutely recommend going.


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