Where to Spot Bears, Moose, Whales, and Other Canadian Legends
Canada isn’t just maple syrup and ice hockey, it’s also home to some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. From grizzly bears fishing for salmon to moose blocking the highway like they own the place (spoiler: they kind of do), the wildlife in Canada is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re heading into the Rockies, the tundra, or the coast, you’ll find animals that make you go “wow,” “awww,” and occasionally, “let’s get back in the car.”
If spotting wildlife is on your travel bucket list, here’s where to go, what to look for, and how to do it safely (and responsibly).
The Big 5 of Canada
Forget Africa—Canada’s got its own version of the Big 5. Here’s the list of animals everyone hopes to see at least once.
1. Grizzly Bears in Canada
The ultimate bucket-list sighting. Grizzlies are found mostly in British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of the Yukon. These big fluffy (but not actually cuddly) beasts are powerful, majestic, and surprisingly shy—unless you’re between them and a salmon stream. The best place to see bears in Canada (grizzlies, that is) includes the Great Bear Rainforest and Knight Inlet in BC, where they come down to fish during salmon season (roughly late August to October).
If you’re visiting Banff or Jasper, you might get lucky and spot one from the car. Always keep your distance—your telephoto lens was invented for a reason.
2. Polar Bears in Canada
Yes, Canada is home to the polar bears. The top spot? Churchill, Manitoba—aka the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Every fall (October to November), hundreds of polar bears gather near Hudson Bay waiting for the ice to form so they can start hunting seals again. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll never forget.
You can take guided polar bear tours in Canada that keep both you and the bears safe. Most tours use tundra buggies—massive all-terrain vehicles that let you watch bears from above. Think safari, but snowy.
3. Moose
No list of wildlife in Canada is complete without the moose. These long-legged, awkward-yet-graceful creatures can be found across the country, especially in Newfoundland, Ontario, and the Rockies. They’re enormous—sometimes over two meters tall—and they have a knack for appearing out of nowhere when you least expect it.
If you’re driving through areas like Banff or Jasper National Park, keep your eyes peeled at dawn and dusk. They love hanging around wetlands and lakes.
4. Wolves
Wolves are some of the most elusive animals in the wild, but they’re definitely around. You’ll find packs in northern British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of Ontario and Quebec. If you’re really into them, consider a wildlife tracking tour in places like Jasper or Yoho National Park. Spotting one is rare—but hearing a distant howl in the middle of nowhere? Goosebumps guaranteed.
5. Whales
On Canada’s coastlines, the action moves offshore. You can see orcas and humpback whales in British Columbia, belugas in Manitoba, and even blue whales off the coast of Newfoundland. Some of the best whale watching in the world happens right here in Canada. The west coast, especially around Vancouver Island, is prime orca territory from May to October.
Where to See Bears in Canada (and Other Wildlife Hotspots)
If bears are your main goal, here’s where you should go—and what else you might find nearby.
Banff National Park, Alberta
If you’re hoping to see wildlife in Banff National Park, Canada, you’re in luck. This place is full of grizzly bears, black bears, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Mornings and evenings are the best times for sightings, especially along the Bow Valley Parkway or Icefields Parkway. Just remember to stay in your car when wildlife appears—it’s not a petting zoo.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
A bit wilder and less crowded than Banff, Jasper is a wildlife lover’s dream. You might see black bears right on the roadside, moose near lakes, and even the occasional wolf if you’re lucky. The Maligne Lake area is especially great for spotting animals at sunrise.
The Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia
This remote stretch of temperate rainforest is one of the best places to see bears in Canada, hands down. It’s also home to the rare Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear—a white-furred subspecies of black bear found only here. You can join guided wildlife tours in Canada that take you deep into this pristine wilderness to spot bears fishing and foraging.
Churchill, Manitoba
For polar bears in Canada, Churchill is the place to go. You can also spot Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and even beluga whales in summer. Visiting in late autumn means almost guaranteed polar bear sightings, with tours designed to keep things safe for everyone involved (including the bears).
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
If you want to mix coastal vibes with wildlife watching, Vancouver Island is your spot. You can see black bears feeding on shoreline crabs, go whale watching out of Tofino, or even kayak alongside seals. It’s like Canada’s wild side meets surf town chill.
Wildlife Tours in Canada: Worth It?
In short—absolutely. While you can spot animals on your own, joining a guided wildlife tour makes things safer and way more interesting. Guides know where to find animals, how to approach safely, and they’ll share fascinating facts you won’t get from Google.
Popular wildlife tours include:
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Grizzly bear tours in British Columbia (Knight Inlet, Great Bear Rainforest)
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Polar bear expeditions in Churchill
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Whale watching off Vancouver Island or Newfoundland
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Wildlife safaris in Banff and Jasper
Many tours also focus on conservation and sustainability, so your money helps protect the animals you’re there to see.
Safety Tips for Spotting Wildlife
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Keep your distance – Always stay at least 100 meters from bears and wolves, 30 meters from other large animals.
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Don’t feed them – Ever. Human food can make wildlife sick (and dangerous).
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Stay in your car (if possible) – Especially for bears, elk, and moose. You’re in their home, not the other way around.
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Be loud when hiking – Talking or clapping alerts animals you’re coming so you don’t surprise them.
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Use binoculars or zoom lenses – You’ll get a better look and stay safe.
The Takeaway: Wild at Heart
Whether you’re cruising through the Rockies, kayaking off Vancouver Island, or braving the tundra in Churchill, there’s no shortage of wildlife encounters waiting for you in Canada.
So grab your binoculars, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to meet the locals—the furry, feathered, and finned kind. Because when it comes to the wildlife in Canada, it’s one big, beautiful, unpredictable show.
Start planning your Canada adventure