9 Incredible Wildlife Experiences in Canada: A Journey through Canada’s Wildlife Haven (2024)

Imagine having eye-to-eye contact with Polar Bears. Or, wonder how it will feel standing amongst 300,000 migrating caribou. Or what it would be like to see a bear and her cubs emerging from their winter den for the first time. Ahh, every experience will be simply remarkable. And why not? When you are in Canada, a wildlife haven in the world, you are never far from remarkable wildlife encounters. And these are just a few since there are a lot of Incredible Wildlife Experiences Awaiting For You In Canada.

Whether you dream of spotting whale varietals, photographing grizzly bears, or observing beaver, Canada’s national animal, you are here for a treat. This article will take you on a virtual journey through Canada’s great wilderness and its incredible wildlife. There we are sharing nine incredible wildlife experiences that can be found nowhere else. Pack your bags to witness some of the world’s greatest animals in their natural habitat.

9 Incredible Wildlife Experiences in Canada: A Journey through Canada’s Wildlife Haven

While traveling around Canada, wildlife enthusiasts will never wish to leave this land. Here’s why?

1. Spy Polar Bears in Churchill

If there’s a wildlife-watching experience in Canada that the nation is proud of, it is observing Polar Bears in Churchill. Also known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, wildlife enthusiasts frequently visit Churchill. Every year a huge number of travelers visit this small town on the shores of western Hudson Bay. Churchill is actually the easiest place to spot Polar Bears in the wild, and their population makes it a more rewarding experience. The best way for the same is to join the Tundra Buggies that tour the landscapes. These oversized trucks keep participants safe, whereas the Polar Bears freely roam around the vehicles. Churchill is also home to unique polar bear lodges strategically located to offer panoramic views of the bears. These lodges are ideal for extended observation periods within a comforting environment.

PRO TIP: If you are in Churchill during the fall and winter months, do take a chance to witness mesmerizing Northern Lights, aka Aurora Borealis.

2. Watch Grizzle Bears in British Columbia

Canada’s Giant Grizzle Bears live between thick and tall western cedars and a great rainforest. And to watch them, wildlife enthusiasts choose to visit British Columbia. Some of the popular B.C. spots for bear watching include the Great Bear Rainforest, Knight Inlet, Bella Coola, and the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. Every location offers different viewing opportunities with a unique experience. The best time to watch Grizzle Bears in British Columbia is from late summer through early autumn. Wildlife enthusiasts interested in this experience can join boat tours or reach elevated viewing platforms for a safe experience. Since bears can be dangerous, keeping a safe distance and avoiding direct interaction is recommended.

3. Enjoy Whale Watching at Vancouver Island

Nestled off the southwest coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is a popular tourist attraction in Canada. This section, though, is popular for a range of activities in Canada, and Whale Watching is the most popular of them. The waters surrounding Vancouver Island are home to a variety of whale species. Whale Watching at Vancouver Island is an incredible experience. The area is popular for Orcas, the Killer Whales. These magnificent creatures are spotted year-round. Besides them, humpback whales, gray whales, minke whales, and even fin whales are often spotted here. The best time for this experience here is typically from May to September. Most tours depart from Victoria, the island’s capital, along with West Coast’s Tofino and Ucluelet. Participants can choose from half-day excursions and full-day trips. Besides whales, the other popular sea creatures you can spot here include sea lions, seals, bald eagles, dolphins, porpoises, and sea birds.

4. Or Watch a Variety of Whales at Tadoussac’s Salty Shoreline

Since whale watching is a popular activity in Canada, you will never fall short of options. Once done with the former option, head to Tadoussac’s Salty Shoreline for more fun. Tadoussac in Quebec is known for its rich marine life, especially the presence of various whale species. Nestled at the intersection of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River, Tadoussac creates a unique environment for various whale species. The area is particularly renowned for its whale-watching opportunities and, in fact, is one of Canada’s best spots for the same. Some of the popular Whale species you can spot here include Beluga Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and Fin Whales. To enjoy this experience, local companies offer multiple whale-watching tours in Tadoussac. Some tours include a boat ride that heads into the St. Lawrence River for Whale sightseeing.

5. Spy on Wolves in Alberta

If you are interested in watching Wolves, do not miss planning a wildlife tour to Alberta. The Jasper National Park in Canadian Rockies is known for its diverse population of wolves. Although watching Wolves in their natural habitat is challenging, the local wildlife tour operators and other guided tours in Jasper make that possible. These tours with knowledgeable guides allow for observing wolf activity. Tour participants can also learn about wolf behavior, ecology, and conservation. Booking a tour with a reputable operator is recommended to increase the chances of wolf sightseeing. Since wolves are elusive and typically avoid human presence, spotting them is always good luck. But the operators who have long been into this business in Jasper know tricks for making all this possible. Wildlife enthusiasts can also check out Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Alberta. Although it doesn’t have wild wolves, wolfdogs are a hybrid of wolves and dogs.

6. Encounter Beaver in Alberta

For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, encountering Beavers in Alberta is a wonderful opportunity. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is an experience on its own. Beavers are the largest rodents found in various habitats throughout Alberta. They can be spotted in rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. The Elk Island National Park in Alberta is a popular spot to see beavers in their natural habitat. Multiple guided wildlife tours increase the chances of watching these animals. Other than that, Nose Hill Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary also boast a Beaver population. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park near Kananaskis is also popular for spotting these wilds. Except for the alpine subregion, almost every natural region in Alberta has Beavers. Consider visiting the hotspots at dusk and during the night since it is when Beavers are primarily active.

7. Checkout Elk and Moose in Yukon Wildlife Preserve

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is a conservation and educational facility and a must-visit wilderness in Canada. Spanning over 700 acres, this pristine wilderness is home to diverse wildlife, the iconic northern species. Some popular animals to spot here include woodland caribou, muskoxen, mountain goats, mule deer, Bison, lynx, Arctic foxes, etc. However, the Elk and Moose sightseeing tops all of the experiences. Elk, one of the largest animals in the deer family, are known for their majestic presence. They shed their impressive antlers and regrow them again every year. Moose, the deer family’s largest species, is another notable to observe. Wildlife watchers can witness elk roaming the expansive natural enclosures of the preserve. At the same time, Moose are often spotted at marshes and lakeshores, ideally, the wetlands, where they can feed on aquatic plants. While visiting Yukon Wildlife Preserve, visitors can also go for guided tours.

8. Witness the Great Caribou Migration, a Remarkable Natural Phenomena

One of Canada’s most incredible wildlife experiences is watching the Great Caribou Migrate. In Canada’s far North, every year during Spring, a rare spectacle of barren-ground Caribou proceed to migrate. It is, in fact, the world’s longest land mammal migration. Caribou travel thousands of kilometers each year between wintering and calving grounds. The migration is crucial for their survival, allowing Caribou to escape harsh winters and access new foraging areas. Watching this spectacular event under the Midnight Sun and overnight is surely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. It isn’t just a significant natural spectacle but also holds immense cultural and ecological value. Caribou migration is an important part of the region’s ecological balance. Some popular spots to witness the same includes the isolated Ennadai Lake, the Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge, and Northwest Territories.

9. Watch Bison Before They Vanish

Bison sighting is a popular activity in Canada’s Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. To the lesser knowns, Bison is a large mammal also referred to as American Buffalo. It wasn’t very long enough when North America had over 10 million Bisons. However, due to overzealous hunting in the late 19th century, their population dropped drastically. Efforts to conserve and reintroduce bison populations are being made, but the number hasn’t reached like before. However, Canada still has a lot of places for Bison sightings, an experience on its own. The Buffalo National Park in Alberta is home to around 3500 Bison kept under careful protection. These gigantic mammals are also found at Elk Island National Park. Or, if you are in Manitoba during the month of June, visit Riding Mountain National Park and observe a group of Bison in their natural habitat.