Canada is a land of striking natural beauty and biodiversity, with vast forests, huge mountains, crystal clear lakes and some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. From grizzly bears to moose, and from beluga whales to chipmunks, Canada is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. If you’re looking to experience the Canadian wilderness for yourself, here are our top picks of the best places to see wildlife in Canada.
It’s important to remember to always practise responsible wildlife viewing, by respecting the natural habitats and wildlife, and following park guidelines and regulations to make sure we continue to protect and preserve these precious ecosystems.
1. Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta
Found in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Jasper National Parks are two of North America’s most iconic national parks, offering plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. In Banff National Park, you may encounter majestic elk, elusive wolves, and bighorn sheep along the scenic Icefields Parkway or spot grizzly bears feasting on berries in the woodlands. Jasper National Park is famous for its healthy population of moose, black bears and caribou, but make sure to keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats perched on rocky cliffs too.
2. Churchill, Manitoba
Commonly known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is a bucket-list destination for many. From September to November, join a guided bear-watching tour to observe the polar bears that gather along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form. If you’re really lucky, you may also spot other species including beluga whales, arctic foxes and caribou, making Churchill one of the best places to see wildlife in Canada.
3. Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia
Located on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park is a haven for marine wildlife enthusiasts and the animals they’re looking to find. With its rugged coastline, ancient rainforests and pristine beaches, the park offers opportunities to spot grey whales, orcas, sea lions and sea otters. You can also explore tidal pools teeming with colourful marine life or take a guided kayak tour to spot wildlife along the rocky shores.
4. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park is a wilderness paradise located in central Ontario and is one of Canada’s oldest and most famous areas of wilderness. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, wolves, black bears and beavers. The park boasts a vast network of hiking trails and canoe routes, providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife with a stunning Canadian backdrop.
5. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the rugged western coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. This park offers unique opportunities to spot marine wildlife such as humpback and minke whales, seals, woodland caribou and moose. Take a boat tour of the coastal fjords, hike the rugged trails, or go on a guided wildlife viewing tour to witness the breathtaking beauty of this remote region.
6. Prince Edward Island National Park
Although Prince Edward Island is famous for its red sand beaches and charming landscapes, it is also home to a variety of birdlife including a colony of endangered piping plovers, as well as other shorebirds and seabirds. Take a stroll along the boardwalks and beaches to spot these fascinating birds in their natural habitat.
7. Tofino, British Columbia
Nestled on the picturesque west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a small town known for its pristine beaches, ancient rainforests and wildlife tours by boat. Take a whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of majestic grey whales, orcas, and humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. On a bear watching tour, once you’ve had your fill of watching the black bears flipping rocks along the rugged coastline in search of crabs, you may also spot playful sea otters, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds as you return to shore.
8. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Located on the rugged coast of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers a unique opportunity to witness wildlife against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is known for its resident population of moose, which can often be spotted grazing along the park’s winding roads and hiking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife such as red foxes, bald eagles, and boreal songbirds as you explore the park’s dramatic cliffs, forests and scenic lookouts.
9. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is a hidden gem known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to grizzly bears, black bears, elk, bighorn sheep and numerous bird species, which you may be lucky enough to spot on a hike along the park’s scenic trails, such as the Red Rock Canyon or the Crypt Lake Trail.
10. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Located in the heart of Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park is a diverse ecosystem that is home to a large population of elk, white-tailed deer, bison and black bears. Explore the park’s network of trails and scenic drives to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You may also encounter otters, beavers and a variety of bird species as you explore the park’s lakes and wetlands.
11. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park is a coastal gem known for its rugged cliffs and pristine forests, as well as an array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red foxes and porcupines. As you explore the park’s trails and beaches, keep an eye out for seals, whales and a variety of bird species that call Fundy home. Witnessing the park’s wildlife against the backdrop of the bay’s dramatic tides is a truly unique experience that makes Fundy National Park a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
12. Wapusk National Park, Manitoba
Located in northern Manitoba, Wapusk National Park is a remote and pristine wilderness that offers unparalleled opportunities to see polar bears in their natural habitat. The park is home to one of the largest known denning areas for polar bears, making it a prime destination for seeing polar bear mamas and their cubs. Take a guided tour or join a guided adventure to spot these majestic creatures as they roam the Arctic tundras and hunt for seals along the Hudson Bay coastline.
13. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan is a unique but underrated destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s rolling grasslands, rugged badlands and unique geological formations are home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, bison, coyotes and a diverse range of bird species. Explore the park’s trails, take a guided tour, or camp under the stars to witness the unique and fragile ecosystem of Canada’s prairies come alive with wildlife.
14. Kluane National Park, Yukon
Located in the rugged wilderness of Yukon, Kluane National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its snow-capped mountains, vast icefields and pristine wilderness. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wild sheep, moose and caribou. Take a guided tour or embark on a backcountry adventure to witness these majestic creatures against the breathtaking backdrop of Kluane’s remote landscapes.
15. Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta and Northwest Territories
Wood Buffalo National Park is a massive park that spans across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, making it the largest national park in Canada and another great place to see wildlife in the country. The park is home to the world’s largest herd of free-roaming wood bison, as well as the endangered whooping crane. Witnessing these iconic species in their natural habitat is best enjoyed through guided tours, camping adventures and hikes along the park’s pristine wilderness.
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So, pack your binoculars, grab your camera and embark on an unforgettable adventure to some of Canada’s best wildlife viewing destinations. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian wilderness and let the sights and sounds of the wildlife captivate your senses. Whether it’s your dream to spot polar bears, moose or humpback whales, get ready to be amazed by the natural wonders of Canada!
