Planning a holiday in Canada and hoping to spot some of the world's most iconic wildlife? The Great White North is home to thousands of species and vast ecosystems that stretch from Atlantic cliffs to Pacific rainforests and Arctic tundra. Whether you are dreaming of seeing bears, orcas, moose or whales, Canada offers remarkable opportunities for wildlife encounters across its provinces and territories.
Below, we highlight 12 of the best places to see wildlife in Canada, from celebrated national parks to remote wilderness regions. These destinations pair beautifully with Entire Travel Group's curated Canada holiday packages and self-drive journeys.
Trip Highlights
Enjoy unforgettable wildlife sightings across Canada, including:
- Spot polar bears in Churchill during peak viewing season.
- See grizzly bears in their natural habitat in Great Bear Rainforest.
- Cruise along the Bay of Fundy to see humpback, finback and minke whales.
- Explore Banff and Jasper National Parks for elk, black bears and mountain goats.
- Visit Vancouver Island for orca encounters and coastal wildlife.
- See the rare Spirit Bear in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
One of Canada's most beloved parks, Algonquin Provincial Park is known for its dense forests, maple hills and shimmering lakes. It is home to over 55 mammal species, including black bears, white-tailed deer and the elusive Algonquin moose, a favourite sighting for many travellers.
The park also provides habitats for more than 140 species of breeding birds, along with an impressive collection of reptiles and amphibians. Paddle routes, interpretive hiking trails and lookout points provide excellent chances to view wildlife throughout the year.
"We saw a moose grazing by the river at sunrise. It felt like the quintessential Canada moment."
– Marcus L., 2023
Plan Your Trip Today with an Ontario wilderness extension through Entire Travel Group.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, is one of the richest wildlife regions in the Rockies. More than 50 mammal species live here, including elk, deer, moose, black and grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, and marmots.
Travellers keeping a careful eye along the Bow Valley Parkway or Icefields Parkway may even spot the area's famed grizzly bears, particularly around dawn and dusk. For a comprehensive guide to exploring this entire mountain ecosystem, the 15 best national parks in Canada showcase similar alpine wilderness experiences.
Birdlife is abundant as well, with over 300 species documented.
"Seeing elk wander through the morning mist in Banff was magical. Nature completely takes over your senses here."
– Olivia P., 2022
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Bordering both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the Bay of Fundy is known for the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 70 feet. It is also one of North America's premier destinations for whale watching.
During summer, whales flock to the bay to feed and raise their young. Humpbacks, finbacks, harbour porpoises and minke whales are commonly sighted. Lucky visitors may even encounter the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Whale cruises depart from several scenic coastal towns, and conservation laws help protect these waters, making it a safe and respectful environment for marine wildlife.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador boast spectacular wildlife encounters both on land and at sea. More than 21 species of whales and dolphins are known to frequent the region, including humpbacks, pilot whales, orcas and blue whales.
Coastal cliffs and bays offer excellent vantage points for spotting whale activity. Inland, visitors will find thriving populations of moose, caribou and black bears. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Consider exploring with Entire Travel Group's Newfoundland Discovery and Self-Drive holidays, which often include opportunities for both whale watching and wilderness touring.
"Icebergs, whales and moose all in the same day. Newfoundland was beyond anything I expected."
– Sam D., 2023
Churchill, Manitoba
Known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill is one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on the planet. Each autumn, polar bears gather along Hudson Bay as the sea ice begins to form, offering travellers a breathtaking seasonal spectacle.
From July to September, thousands of beluga whales also migrate to the Churchill River estuary, giving visitors the chance to see these gentle creatures up close. The summer experiences in Churchill reveal a completely different side to this Arctic gateway.
Churchill is remote, but Entire Travel Group can help coordinate flights, tours and accommodation to make your visit seamless and unforgettable.
Elk Island National Park, Alberta
Elk Island is one of Canada's best locations for spotting bison. Once nearly extinct, these animals now thrive here thanks to extensive conservation efforts. The park is home to approximately 400 Plains bison and 300 Wood bison.
Other wildlife includes elk, moose, wolves, coyotes and more than 250 bird species. Scenic hiking paths such as the Hayburger Trail provide excellent viewing spots.
Wildlife is most active around dawn and dusk, when travellers can appreciate the tranquillity of the forest.
The Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia
Covering nearly 6.4 million hectares, the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the world's largest temperate rainforests and a sanctuary for rare and remarkable wildlife.
Animals that call this region home include grizzly bears, grey wolves, black bears. Along the coastline, visitors may spot orcas, sea lions, otters and humpback whales.
One of the forest’s most iconic and rarest residents is the Kermode bear, often called the Spirit Bear. This elusive cream-coloured black bear is only found in a small portion of the rainforest. The Kitasoo Xai’xais Traditional Territory is home to the largest proportion of Spirit Bears.
Travellers can explore wilderness lodges, river safaris and guided coastal tours for an immersive experience.
The Northwest Passage
Stretching across Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, the Northwest Passage is a legendary route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Cruises through this region offer breathtaking views of icebergs, fjords, and remote Inuit communities.
Wildlife highlights often include the Arctic Big Five: beluga whales, muskox, narwhals, polar bears, and walrus, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Bowhead whales, seals, Arctic foxes and more than 100 species of birds also inhabit the frozen north. For those seeking similar Arctic adventures, Canadian Arctic tours and cruises provide detailed expedition options.
This is one of the most unique ways to experience Canada's wildlife, ideal for adventurous travellers seeking something unforgettable.
Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Prince Albert National Park spans nearly 4,000 square kilometres of boreal forest and grasslands. Wildlife sightings may include black bears, woodpeckers, pine martens, white-tailed deer and elk.
The park provides year-round activities, such as canoeing, cycling, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Multi-use trails cater to both beginners and experienced hikers.
"Prince Albert felt wild and untouched. We saw elk walking across the road like we were the visitors in their home."
– Harriet M., 2021
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, offering extraordinary wildlife encounters amid glaciers, lakes and soaring peaks.
Elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears and occasional grizzly bears can all be seen throughout the park. The Maligne Valley and Pyramid Bench areas are particularly good for wildlife viewing.
Travellers can combine a visit to Jasper with Banff as part of Entire Travel Group's scenic rail or self-drive holidays.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island is a wildlife haven known for both marine and forest species. Orcas and humpback whales are frequently spotted on whale watching tours from Victoria, Telegraph Cove and Tofino.
Black bears forage along the coast during low tide, and the island is home to bald eagles, sea otters, seals and wolves. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is an excellent place to combine rainforest walks with coastal wildlife viewing. The region's diverse ecosystems mirror those found in major Canadian cities, where urban areas often blend seamlessly with natural habitats.
Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
Kluane is a remote and spectacular wilderness area in the Yukon, featuring Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan. Wildlife sightings here may include grizzly bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats and wolves.
Travellers visiting Kluane often combine their adventure with a journey along the Alaska Highway or a Northern Lights viewing holiday.
"Kluane felt like the edge of the world. Seeing Dall sheep climbing the cliffs was unforgettable."
– Tom S., 2022
Expert Travel Tips
- Plan wildlife viewing for early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.
- Always maintain safe distances from wildlife and follow local park guidelines.
- Bring binoculars for better viewing of birds and distant animals.
- Dress in layers, especially in mountainous or Arctic regions.
- Consider joining guided wildlife tours for deeper insights and additional safety.
References
Parks Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Service
- Government of Canada Travel Advice
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Provincial park authorities (Ontario Parks, BC Parks, Alberta Parks)
