Iconic wildlife to see in Canadian national parks

Parks Canada

National parks, park reserves and marine conservation areas are the perfect places to observe a variety of wildlife in their element. Remember, along with this unique opportunity, comes the responsibility to treat wildlife with respect. Check out our top ten tips to respect wildlife and stay safe and help contribute to the survival of wildlife – and your own safety! 

Atlantic Canada   

Moose

At 2 metres in height, moose are the largest of North America’s antlered mammals. Their large, flat antlers can grow to 1.5 m in width and weigh nearly 30 kg! These kings of the forest can be spotted in national parks all over Canada, but are especially abundant in Gros Morne and Cape Breton Highlands National Parks in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Living around wetlands, lakes, and rivers, moose tend to be more active at dawn and dusk.  

Salmon 

Get up close and personal with the unique Atlantic salmon by joining the Snorkel with Salmon for Science program in Fundy National Park! Led by park biologists and First Nations experts, this snorkelling expedition will take you through the backcountry of the inner Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick and help you discover the Atlantic salmon’s gripping story of survival. 

Turtles

Let the many turtle crossing road signs greet you as you enter Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia, the richest area for turtles in all of Atlantic Canada. Three types of aquatic turtles reside in the shallow coves of Kejimkujik’s lakeshore and quiet river sections where an abundance of aquatic plants and insects reside for turtles to munch on. 

Seals

See if you can recognize the grey seal on your visit to Kouchibouguac National Park by its long snout, black coat with grey spots for males, silver grey coat and and black spots for females and young pups. Measuring up to 3 metres in length and weighing up to 450 kg, these chunky semi aquatic mammals feast on a variety of fish along the banks of the St Lawrence and throughout Atlantic Canada. 

Quebec

Common loons 

Spot the emblem of our one dollar coin or “loonie” in real life! Although loons are found all over Canada, they are well-known at Lake Wapizagonke in La Mauricie National Park in Quebec. Did you know that there is usually one couple per lake? At night, listen for their quiet hunting call as you sit around a crackling fire at your campsite. Visit in July and August when the eggs have hatched and admire young loons exploring waters with their family. 

Beavers 

Well-known for building dams, canals, and lodges, these wide-tailed toothy rodents can be seen hard at work in streams and ponds all over Canada. The best time to see these adorable Canadian symbols performing their engineering marvels is at dawn or dusk. Head out on a hike in La Mauricie National Park and catch glimpses of gnawed trunks from fallen trees, huts made of branches, dams and chewed branches floating in the water. At La Mauricie, these resourceful rodents are monitored every 10 years to assess population density. As of the most recent account, there are around 155 colonies in the park. 

Whales 

Visit one of the best places in the world to whale watch: Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Head to the rocks at Cap de Bon-Désir, and see if you can observe all 14 species of whales. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered St. Lawrence beluga, the largest marine mammal on the planet (blue whale), and the humpback whale, who travels thousands of kilometres between Quebec and the Caribbean Sea where they give birth every year. Or hop aboard a whale watching cruise and ride along the Saguenay Fjord, a natural passageway for belugas used for research that contributed to the creation of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and the protection of the endangered St. Lawrence beluga. 

Black bears

Did you know that unlike their name, black bears can also be light reddish brown and have multi-coloured streaks and patches? Known for their long faces and large ears, black bears have an excellent sense of smell and are very smart. While these magnificent creatures can be found in almost every province and territory in Canada, keep your eyes peeled in Forillon National Park and make sure to observe from a safe distance. Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear is the best way to enjoy the park safely.

Atlantic puffins

Observe over 35,000 seabird couples over 12 different species during breeding season in Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Among these birds, the Atlantic Puffin steals the show with its clown-like head and bright multi-coloured beak, earning them the adorable “sea parrot” nickname. Observe two large colonies on Île de la Maison and Île à Calculot des Betchouanes, and a small colony on Île aux Perroquets. Migrating to the archipelago in mid-april, these cute birds leave again in early September. 

Ontario

Monarch butterflies

From the end of August to mid-October, visit Point Pelee National Park and see a beautiful gathering of monarchs before they head off on their 3000 km journey to the mountainous forests of Mexico. They tend to move on cold fronts, and monarch numbers only increase when weather conditions like rain, wind or temperatures prevent them from crossing Lake Erie. Head to ‘The Tip’ just before sunset or early morning and scan the trees for monarchs. Remember, when their wings are closed, they resemble dead leaves, so make sure to bring a pair of binoculars!

Massasauga rattlesnakes

Observe Ontario’s only venomous snake, the Massasauga rattlesnake, in Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay Islands National Parks from early spring until late fall. Up to a metre in length, with a thick body and a diamond shaped head, these snakes are solitary, passive and timid… however when threatened, it will shake its tail in warning. It prefers to hide or retreat from danger rather than attack and only strike as a last resort if it cannot escape. You are most likely to encounter rattlesnakes sunning themselves on rocks along the trail or in the campground. Did you know its “rattle” gains a new ring every year? Be respectful and observe from a distance.

Turtles

Southern Ontario is the best destination to see turtles in Canada, with eight native species found in a variety of habitats such as lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and bogs. Keep an eye out for them in Rouge National Urban Park, Bruce Peninsula, Thousand Islands and Point Pelee National Parks and even Trent—Severn Waterway National Historic Site. Turtles are excellent swimmers and love to bask in the sun on rocks and logs. 

American white pelicans

Watch the grandiose American white pelican along the north shore of Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area in Nipigon Bay and Black Bay at Hurkett Cove. Visit in May and June for greater chances of seeing this large bird measuring between 1.25 and 1.65 m in length with a wingspan of up to 3 m. Unlike other pelicans that plunge-dive to catch fish, this pelican simply floats along the water and scoops up fish with its distinctive long orange beak. 

White-tailed deer 

Admire the beautiful white-tailed deer in Rouge National Urban Park. Best spotted at dawn or dusk, you can easily recognize the white-tailed deer when it is running with its small white tail raised. In the winter, deer often take shelter in the dense cedar forests of the park. 

Canadian Prairies

Bison

Once hunted to near-extinction, bison are once again roaming the prairies! To see one of Canada's few remaining populations of free ranging plains bison, head to the west side of Prince Albert National Park and try to spot the Sturgeon River plains bison or visit Grasslands National Park and embark on the Ecotour Scenic Drive, a 20 km self-guided driving tour through magnificent prairie landscape. 

Be on the lookout for bison at Elk Island National Park, one of the only places in Canada where you might get stuck in a bison traffic jam! For a sight of enclosed bison, visit the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure in Riding Mountain National Park, where a herd of approximately 40 plains bison reside. 

Burrowing owls

The burrowing owl is a peculiar little owl that is endangered in Canada. The burrowing owl is remarkably well adapted to the prairies, nesting underground in burrows abandoned by prairie dogs, foxes, coyotes and badgers. Spot these fluffy birds at Grasslands National Park in September as they prepare to migrate. Walk the Top Dogtown Trail and look out for burrowing owls that may have reclaimed an abandoned prairie dog’s burrow for a home. 

Black-tailed prairie dogs

Watch black-tailed prairie dogs scurry around in Grasslands National Park. These comical animals spend the first two hours after sunrise foraging and eating, and the rest of the day grooming, dustbathing, stretching, socializing and repairing their burrows. Head out on the Ecotour Scenic Drive, a 20 km self-guided driving tour and sneak a peek at prairie dog colonies through the telescopes at Stop 2 and Stop 7.

Western Canada

Elk (wapiti) 

Listen to the song of a very vocal member of the deer family in Elk Island National Park. Best heard in fall, older elk bark to warn others of danger and young elk keep in contact with their mothers with squeals, chirps and mews. Established in 1906 to protect a small band of remaining elk, Elk Island transformed into a 200km² fenced park supporting over 1000 elk as well as moose, bison, and white-tailed deer. Elk Island has provided many elk for reintroductions and has also served as a research area for study of the species.

Mountain goats 

With their white coat, beard and small dagger-shaped black horns, mountain goats have an amazing ability to climb steep rocks, snow and ice in the mountains. Mountain goats are seen all year long, but are easier to spot in the summer when their coats contrast with the mountains. Observe these furry animals in alpine and subalpine areas of Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay as well as other mountain national parks and Canada’s north. Head to Mount Kerkeslin “Goat Lick” viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway and at Disaster Point on Highway 16 east of Jasper for stunning views and a high chance of observing mountain goats!

Bighorn sheep 

Unmistakable with their massive curved horns, bighorn sheep are also known for their sandy coloured coat and white rump. Mainly grazers, bighorn sheep migrate seasonally between grassy slopes in the lower elevations and higher alpine meadows. They stay close to steep, rocky “escape terrain” that they use to flee from predators and often live in groups of 10 to 20. You can find bighorn sheep all year long among the steep rocky slopes of Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton Lakes National Parks.

Grizzly bears 

Known for their large muscular shoulder hump, grizzly bears can weigh up to 320 kg. That’s about 750 pounds! You can often spot grizzlies and black bears in Waterton Lakes National Park on the drive out to Red Rock Canyon, Jasper National Park on the drive out to Maligne Lake, and Banff National Park along the Bow Valley Parkway and on the outskirts of town. Make sure to observe from a safe distance. Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear is the best way to enjoy the parks safely.

Killer whales (orca)

The killer whale is the largest member of the dolphin family. Its size, distinctive black and white markings, and tall dorsal fin characterize the species. Southern Resident Killer Whales can be found around Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. These killer whales live in close-knit communities known as pods, made up of females and their offspring. Orca’s are best admired from the shore as boat disturbances and noise interfere with their ability to find prey and communicate with each other. Be sure to visit Saturna Island and spot seals, sea lions, porpoises and orcas right from shore! 

Northern Canada

Polar bears 

Visit Wapusk National Park, one of the largest known polar bear maternity denning areas in the world. Known as the largest land carnivore in North America, polar bears are strong, fast, agile, on land or ice, and are expert swimmers and divers. Polar bears congregate near Churchill during October and early November, and can be seen as early as June in coastal areas when there is no sea ice present. Visit in November for the opportunity to view polar bears from tundra vehicles at Cape Churchill. Polar bear viewing opportunities are also available in February and March with outfitters.

Beluga whales 

Nicknamed “sea canaries” for their high-pitched underwater vocalizations, almost 3,000 beluga whales inhabit the warmer waters of the Churchill River after the ice breaks up. When visiting Prince of Wales National Historic Site, zip in a boat to discover the historic site and an unforgettable whale watching route. Don’t be surprised when their curious nature inspires them to investigate…you! July and August are the best times to spot these fascinating creatures.

Narwhals 

Nicknamed the “unicorn of the sea” and long shrouded in mystery, the narwhal is famous for its long ivory tusk, which spirals counterclockwise and can reach up to 2.5 meters. Over the summer months, the Canadian Arctic is home to about 90 per cent of the world’s narwhal population. 

Sirmilik National Park is accessible by water, as the various sections of the park are connected by the sea. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Lancaster Sound - Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and Eclipse Sound - Tasiuja. Local boat operators and guides are available to provide marine transportation to the park and wildlife viewing excursions. Observe whales from land near Victor Bay or Arctic Bay in the summer or have an outfitter take you to the floe edge from Arctic Bay in the spring to observe majestic narwhals. 

Muskoxen

Muskoxen are large, shaggy beasts that roam the Arctic tundra feeding on roots, mosses, and lichens. Their undercoat, called qiviut, is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool and finer than cashmere! Both male and female muskoxen have impressive horns, although the females are less massive. You can see the muskox in the Canadian tundra in Aulavik and Quttinirpaaq National Parks and many other northern parks.

Whooping cranes 

Each spring, the endangered whooping crane travels from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to nest in Wood Buffalo National Park. At 1.5 metres tall, they are North America’s tallest bird. Thanks to international conservation efforts, this wild flock has grown from 15 whooping cranes to more than 300. Although seeing whooping cranes is rare due to them nesting in remote areas, they can occasionally be seen in June, July and August. 

Caribou  

For thousands of years lndigenous people have had a strong connection to caribou, often altering their hunting patterns to follow the migration. Each caribou herd travels within a specific geographic area. Each year, the more than 190,000-strong Porcupine caribou herd migrates about 2,000 kilometres through Ivvavik National Park, which protects a portion of their calving grounds. In fact, Ivvavik means ‘a place for giving birth, a nursery,' in Inuvialuktun. 

Dall’s sheep 

Dall’s Sheep have all white fur with tan-coloured horns. While males have thick horns that grow larger and spiral with age, female horns remain small and slender. Dall’s sheep spend the summer grazing in alpine meadows atop the peaks. In the fall they move to their winter range a few kilometres away where the wind keeps the snow shallow and the sun warms south facing slopes. They use the same migration routes for generations and return to the same cliffs to give birth to their lambs every year. Keep your eyes peeled and you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of some Dall’s sheep near the Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre in Kluane National Park and Reserve.