Guide to Canadian wildlife: Where to see bears, moose and more

If spotting a moose in the wild or watching a grizzly bear fish for salmon is on your bucket list, Canada delivers. Home to one of the most impressive ranges of Canadian wildlife on the planet, its national parks and wilderness regions offer front-row seats to nature at its most raw and beautiful. From coastal rainforests to Arctic tundra, every corner of Canada has a wild side worth exploring.

If you're dreaming of tracking moose at dawn, watching wolves in the wild or photographing polar bears in the snow, this guide highlights the best regions and tours to get you there.

Where to see grizzly bears in Canada

Grizzly bear standing in a river catching salmon mid-leap

Grizzly bears are one of Canada’s most powerful and awe-inspiring predators. From rugged mountain ranges to remote coastal rainforests, Canada offers some of the world’s best bear-watching opportunities, especially during the salmon run when these giants are most active. Whether by foot, boat, or viewing platform, these experiences blend adrenaline and respect for nature.

British Columbia is the beating heart of bear watching in Canada. Remote lodges on the coast and riverbanks offer front-row seats to grizzlies during salmon spawning season (typically September to early October). Guided excursions from places like Bella Coola or the Great Bear Rainforest take visitors by boat or on foot to safe but thrilling viewing locations.

You can also spot grizzlies in the Canadian Rockies, particularly in areas near Banff and Jasper. Guided backcountry hikes and wildlife tours in these regions are excellent ways to spot not only bears but also other predators and herbivores.

Did you know?

Grizzly bears have a sense of smell up to seven times stronger than a bloodhound.

Where to spot moose in Canada

Young moose walking through a Canadian forest clearing

Towering, solitary, and somewhat awkward, the moose is a true Canadian icon. Moose sightings in Canada are common in regions with dense wetlands and boreal forest, including Algonquin Provincial Park, Newfoundland, Quebec and even parts of the Yukon.

Early mornings are best for spotting them, especially during the spring and autumn rutting seasons. Guided moose tours in Canadian national parks ensure your safety while maximising your chances of an unforgettable encounter. These tours often focus on low-impact, respectful observation.

In eastern regions like Newfoundland and Quebec, moose migration patterns follow seasonal changes, with the animals moving between highland summer grazing areas and lower-elevation forest cover during the colder months.

Did you know?

Male moose can weigh over 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds) and grow antlers up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) wide.

Tracking wolves in the wild

Canadian wolf in snowy Algonquin Park during winter

Grey wolves are elusive, but Canada remains one of the few countries where they still roam freely. You'll find them in remote areas of Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, and the Rockies.

Wolf watching experiences in Canada often include guided tracking tours in winter, when footprints are easier to spot. In summer, experienced guides may rely on howling or scent trails to locate packs. Algonquin Park is one of the best areas for these experiences, and it’s not uncommon to hear wolves communicating across the forest.

Did you know?

A wolf’s howl can be heard up to 16 km (10 miles) away, especially in dense forest.

Wildlife in Canada’s national parks

Scenic view of Berg Lake and Mount Robson in summer

Canadian national parks are some of the best places to encounter native wildlife in their natural habitats. From alpine meadows to remote wetlands, these protected areas are home to an incredible array of animals – if you know where to look.

In Banff National Park, you might spot elk grazing in open valleys or mountain goats navigating sheer cliffs. Over in Jasper, sightings of black bears, bighorn sheep and even wolves are common along the park's quieter trails and scenic highways. Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario is known for its early morning moose sightings, while Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island is perfect for those hoping to glimpse sea lions, bald eagles and black bears combing the shorelines.

Each park offers its own flavour of wildlife watching, from boat safaris and ranger-led walks to self-guided hikes. And if you’re after the perfect photo, sunrise and sunset provide golden light and the best chance of seeing animals on the move.

Beyond bears, moose and wolves

Orca whale breaching near Vancouver Island

Of course, Canada’s animal kingdom goes beyond the big three. Watch orcas and humpbacks off Vancouver Island, spot puffins and caribou in Newfoundland, or marvel at beavers, foxes and lynx deep in forested trails. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a wolverine in the Rockies.

Our 10 Day Wild Vancouver Island Small Group Tour includes both land and sea-based wildlife adventures, offering the chance to spot marine and land mammals in one of the country’s most ecologically rich regions.

Family-friendly safaris, small group trips and wildlife lodges in Canada for nature enthusiasts are available year-round and offer a memorable way to connect with nature.

The polar bear capital of the world

Polar bear walking across snowy tundra in Churchill

Churchill, Manitoba is a bucket list destination for polar bear enthusiasts. Known as the polar bear capital of the world, this Arctic town sees bears migrate from the tundra to the Hudson Bay each October and November.

Our 6 Day Canada's Polar Bears and Northern Lights Expedition includes time in Churchill, with specially designed vehicles offering close yet safe encounters. You’ll also have the chance to possibly witness the aurora borealis in one of the best viewing locations on Earth.

Did you know?

Churchill is one of the only human settlements where polar bears can reliably be seen from land.

Spotting wildlife along the Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer train passing through forested mountain landscape

For those who prefer to see Canada’s wildlife in comfort, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a front-row seat to spectacular scenery and animal sightings. This iconic rail journey glides through some of the most pristine areas of the Canadian Rockies, where wildlife often appears just outside the window.

Wildlife sightings from the train

Travelling through the Canadian Rockies by train offers a unique perspective on the country’s wildlife. As part of the 16 Day Inspiring Eastern Canada & Rocky Mountaineer tour, travellers can enjoy panoramic views from glass-domed carriages while keeping an eye out for elk, mountain goats, and even bears along the forested slopes. The slower pace and elevated rail route offer a relaxed way to take in Canada’s natural beauty without venturing deep into the wilderness.

The journey also includes time in Banff and Jasper, two of the country’s most wildlife-rich national parks, where it’s not uncommon to see bighorn sheep grazing near the roadside or black bears foraging at dawn. With expert guides and comfortable accommodation throughout, it’s a seamless way to connect with Canada’s native fauna.

Exploring coastal ecosystems on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island’s coastlines and forests are bursting with life. This region is a biodiversity hotspot where land meets sea, and it offers opportunities to spot marine animals, coastal predators, and birdlife all in one trip. Its lush landscapes and tranquil trails make it ideal for slow, intentional wildlife watching.

What makes Vancouver Island unique for wildlife

Dense temperate rainforests and a rugged coastline make Vancouver Island one of the best places in Canada for coastal wildlife encounters. In regions like Ucluelet and Tofino, black bears can sometimes be seen foraging along the tidal flats, while sea lions, bald eagles, and even grey whales make regular appearances offshore. Inland, ancient cedar groves provide shelter for countless bird species and smaller forest animals.

Spending time in these ecosystems allows for a slower, more immersive wildlife experience. Whether you're walking quiet trails through mossy rainforest or scanning the ocean from a windswept headland, the island’s biodiversity rewards patient observation and quiet curiosity.

Sustainable wildlife tourism in Canada

Canada’s wild spaces are vast, but they’re not invincible. With wildlife tourism on the rise, it’s more important than ever to explore in ways that support conservation. Responsible travel practices ensure that these encounters are respectful, educational, and beneficial to the ecosystems and communities involved.

Responsible ways to explore

Sustainable wildlife tourism in Canada is a growing priority, with travellers more aware than ever of their impact on the natural world. Exploring Canada's wild spaces responsibly means respecting local wildlife, following designated paths, and observing animals from a safe distance without disturbing their natural behaviour.

Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid any experiences that involve feeding or baiting animals, and be mindful of the delicate balance between tourism and conservation. Choosing experiences that support local communities and protect fragile ecosystems helps ensure Canadian wildlife remains thriving and accessible for generations to come.

Wildlife photography in Canada: How to get the best shot

Capturing wildlife on camera is about more than having the right lens—it’s about being in the right place at the right time, with the patience to wait for magic. Canada’s natural settings provide the perfect backdrop for wildlife photography, whether you're shooting from a boat, a hiking trail, or a frozen tundra.

Essential gear and techniques

Whether you're capturing a moose at dawn or the glow of the aurora behind a polar bear, these conditions call for a bit of planning. Our top tips include:

Use a zoom lens (200mm or more) to safely photograph animals from a distance
Head out during golden hours: early morning or late afternoon light is ideal
Be patient and still: sudden movements scare off wildlife
Dress in layers and keep your gear protected from the elements

Our tours through the Rockies, coastal regions and Arctic allow for incredible photo opportunities, especially when guided by experts who know the best places to spot wildlife safely and ethically.

The best times and places to see Canadian wildlife

Puffins perched on rocky outcrop in coastal Newfoundland

The timing of your wildlife adventure can make all the difference. Many of Canada’s iconic species are best seen during specific seasons, migrations, or times of day. Planning your trip around these natural rhythms increases your chances of meaningful encounters and unforgettable memories.

Seasonal guide to top wildlife encounters

Want to know when and where to spot Canada's most iconic animals? From the forests of British Columbia to the Arctic shores of Hudson Bay, timing and location make all the difference.

Grizzlies: Best seen in BC during salmon run (Sep–Oct)
Moose: Spot them in Algonquin and Newfoundland, mostly early mornings
Wolves: Winter tracking is best, especially in Algonquin and the Rockies
Polar bears: Visit Churchill in Oct–Nov for prime viewing
Whales and puffins: Head to coastal provinces in summer

Ready to explore Canada’s wild side?

Travellers looking to experience the best of Canadian nature and wildlife will find thoughtfully designed itineraries to match every style of traveller. From polar bear sightings in the Arctic to coastal bear-viewing and whale-watching excursions on Vancouver Island, our range of Inspiring Vacations tours showcase the very best of the Canadian wilderness.

For more tips and trip ideas, explore “A First Timer's Guide to Canada” and “What type of Canada traveller are you?”.

Discover our full range of Canada tours and let 2025 be the year you experience Canadian wildlife at its most extraordinary.