We’re Canadians. We’re fortunate to have a crazy amount of wildlife. No, we’re not talking about the cowboys at the Calgary stampede. From coast to coast, there is no shortage of intriguing creatures – be it in our own backyards or in the wilderness. We’ve scoured the country for the best places to see, and even meet some marvellous animals who call Canada home. Vote here for the best destination for wildlife spotting.
Vancouver Island
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada’s seawaters are home to one of the most majestic creatures in the world – whales. From humpbacks to orcas, these aqua-kings are ready to greet you. The west coast of British Columbia is prime territory for whale watching, so invest in a whale watching tour. The best time to go is between May and October. Find Free Willy in Victoria, British Columbia.
Banff National Park
Banff, Alberta
Who ever said the lion was the king of the jungle? Get to know the Canadian Moose. Not your spirit animal? Check out the wild elk, goats, or deer. Banff National Park offers guided tours and cruises, so you can get a glimpse of the Canadian animal kingdom.
Nunavik
Quebec and Nunatsiavut, Northern Labrador
Want to see the biggest wildlife spectacle in North America? You have to see the great caribou migration. Watch them migrate through the tundra to graze. Full disclosure, the barren-ground caribou are real trendsetters. Arctic foxes, wolves, and bears often follow the caribou, so prepare to see something amazing in Nunavik or Nunatsiavut.
Churchill River & Hudson Bay
Churchill, Manitoba
Ever wanted to see a ghost? Okay, how about a ghostly white beluga whale? Find them in Churchill, Manitoba where the Churchill river meets Hudson Bay. Get up close and personal while on a snorkeling excursion in the frosty waters. We’re talking metres away people! If you’re lucky, you’ll see the belugas feeding or giving birth to their calves.
Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park, Ontario
The Public Wolf Howls at Algonquin park are a life-changing experience. Stand in absolute silence with hundreds of others as you await the call of nature – a wolf pack howling in the distance, reinvoking the animal within.
Tofino
Tofino, British Columbia
In Tofino, surfers aren’t the only wild things. Humpback whales migrate by the area often, so if you’re looking for something wild – this is a good place to start. While seeing sea life on a surfboard can be a lot of fun, in Tofino, you can see it any way you want — it’s all around!
Desolation Sound
Desolation Sound, British Columbia
Whales are a big thing in BC. There’s a good chance you’ll see an orca if you’re in Desolation Sound. Every 3 to 5 years, whales give birth in the wild. If you time it right, you can see the baby and its mama!
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland
The puffins are the star of the show at Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland. No, they are not penguins, but they do look similar. Brothers from other mothers, or sisters from other misters. Check out the puffins at Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
Prince Albert National Park
Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Want to see the elk? Rumour has it that they’re pretty friendly, but we wouldn’t get too close. What does the elk say? Find out at Prince Albert National Park.
Digby Neck
Digby Neck, Nova Scotia
Digby Neck is the best place to see both whales and sea birds. The plankton attract even the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. While bird or whale-watching are fun –In a pinch, a seal will do.