Wildlife in Canada
Including Bay of Fundy, Churchill, and Gros Morne National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Observing wildlife here feels like a quiet, respectful intrusion into a landscape that remains firmly in the control of bears, whales, and wolves. The best sightings occur during the transition seasons, when animals are most active and moving between feeding grounds. It is a pilgrimage-style experience where you spend long hours in your vehicle or on foot, often feeling like a small observer in a very large, wild system.
A park permit is required for entry into protected wildlife zones.
Bay of Fundy
New Brunswick
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Famous for the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy is also a vital summer feeding ground for several whale species, most notably the endangered North Atlantic right whale. The nutrient-rich waters attract humpbacks, finbacks, and minke whales.
Access. Whale-watching tours operate from ports like St. Andrews and Brier Island.
Notes. Whale-watching season runs from June to October.
Churchill, Manitoba
Manitoba
Martin Lopatka / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, this subarctic town offers unparalleled opportunities to see polar bears in their natural habitat as they gather along the Hudson Bay coast. Travelers also visit in summer to witness thousands of beluga whales congregating in the Churchill River estuary.
Access. Accessible by train or plane from Winnipeg; tundra buggy tours are the primary way to safely view bears.
Notes. Polar bear viewing is best in October and November; beluga whale season is July and August.
Gros Morne National Park
Newfoundland and Labrador
Patrick Mueller from apex, usa / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
This UNESCO World Heritage site in Newfoundland is celebrated for its dramatic geology and its large population of moose and woodland caribou. The park's coastal cliffs and fjords also provide nesting grounds for a variety of seabirds, including puffins.
Access. Accessible by car; boat tours through Western Brook Pond offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Notes. Moose are frequently seen near the roads, but use caution while driving.
Haida Gwaii
British Columbia
tasugringo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Often called the 'Galapagos of the North,' this archipelago is home to unique subspecies and massive colonies of seabirds. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including sea otters, sea lions, and diverse whale species.
Access. Accessible by ferry or flight; zodiac tours are the best way to access remote coastal wildlife sites.
Notes. Respect local Haida cultural sites and follow all wildlife viewing guidelines.
Jasper National Park
Alberta
Anthonymaw / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
This vast Rocky Mountain park is a prime location for spotting iconic Canadian megafauna, including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, and mountain goats. The diverse landscape of alpine meadows and dense forests provides a sanctuary for wildlife that is often visible from the park's road network.
Access. Accessible by car via the Icefields Parkway; guided wildlife tours are highly recommended for sightings.
Notes. Maintain safe distances and never feed animals; spring and early summer are peak times for bear viewing.
Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
British Columbia
Roy Luck / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Located between Vancouver Island and the mainland, this strait is one of the premier places in the world to observe resident orcas in the wild. The area is also frequented by humpback whales, Dall's porpoises, and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Access. Boat tours depart from Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill.
Notes. Best viewing season is from July to September; strict whale-watching distance regulations apply.
Kluane National Park and Reserve
Yukon
Home to Canada's highest peaks, this park supports a high density of grizzly bears and Dall sheep. The rugged, untamed wilderness provides a true backcountry wildlife experience for those seeking animals in a pristine mountain setting.
Access. Accessible via the Alaska Highway; hiking and flightseeing are common ways to explore the interior.
Notes. Requires backcountry experience and bear safety knowledge.
Point Pelee National Park
Ontario
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
As Canada's southernmost mainland point, this park is a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways. It is famous for its spring birding festival, where hundreds of species can be observed in the marshes and Carolinian forests.
Access. Accessible by car; walking trails and boardwalks provide access to the marsh and forest habitats.
Notes. Peak birding occurs during the spring migration in May.