This fall, go wild(life watching) with Parks Canada
Come and meet some of Canada's most iconic animals! Plan your visit at dawn or dusk for better chances of seeing wildlife. Move slowly and drive carefully on scenic roads. Remember: national parks are their habitat, therefore keep your distance so that they can roam freely. A good rule of thumb is that if you distract the animals from their natural activities, you’re too close! Use binoculars and a telephoto camera lens to make the most of your experience and see our list of top tips to respect wildlife and stay safe.
Witness a butterfly migration
Explore the Tip Trail at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario and travel to the southernmost point of continental Canada, which, believe it or not, is at the same latitude as northern California! Time your visit to coincide with the annual migration of monarch butterflies. Thousands of butterflies settle temporarily in Pointe Pelee each fall before reaching their final destination, sunny Mexico!
Are you a birdwatcher? Be delighted by the more than 200 species of migratory birds that also stop here every fall. Discover other must-see birding destinations at Parks Canada and enjoy the fresh air along with the chirping of the birds.
Follow the whale route
Discover one of the best whale-watching areas in the world: the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in Quebec. Thirteen species frequent these waters, six of which, like the blue whale, humpback and beluga, are more frequently observed. Bring a picnic and watch them from shore - you'll be helping to reduce their stress, and there are plenty of places where surprises await.
Are you a cycling enthusiast? Escape to the ends of the earth and ride the scenic trails along the sea at Forillon National Park in Quebec. Keep an eye out for whales, seals and seabirds along the coast, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Visit the home of a tireless builder
Beavers can be observed at work in rivers and ponds across Canada. Keep an eye out for gnawed branches and trunks, floating branches, huts, or dams while hiking in Quebec's La Mauricie National Park. According to the most recent estimate, there are approximately 155 beaver colonies in the park. Explore the Mekinac Trail, an intermediate-level loop that skirts a pond where the architectural talents of the resident beavers is sure to impress, or embark on the shorter Lac-Étienne hike.
Or treat yourself to a tailor-made cycling tour of the beaver habitat, where 55 kms of gravel forest trails await you! Look for signs of their presence along Bouchard Creek, near Isaïe Lake and Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew, or in the wetlands near Parker Lake.
Take a hike in moose country
Enjoy a hike in Newfoundland and Labrador's Gros Morne National Park. Moose were introduced to Newfoundland over 100 years ago where, in the absence of predators, their numbers have increased dramatically since that time. Moose density is 5 to 20 times higher here than elsewhere in Canada so be very careful on the roads!
Embark on the Gros Morne Mountain Trail and hike to the base camp, where you'll have a good chance of spotting moose. Up for a bigger challenge? Continue your hike on the demanding 17-km loop to the summit, the park's highest peak. At the top, a spectacular landscape stretches out all around which is home to a diverse range of wildlife. You might even spot rock ptarmigan, Arctic hare or woodland caribou!
Travel back in time in search of caribou
Follow the Viking Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador to the famous Viking site of L'Anse aux Meadows. This scenic route leads you through beautiful coastal landscapes, historic sites and picturesque communities. You’ll be amazed at the spectacle of whales, seals and seabirds off the coast.
En route, stop off at Port au Choix National Historic Site and hike the Point Riche Trail to enjoy the coast and the magnificent limestone barrens. Keep an eye out for herds of caribou grazing near the lighthouse. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic with a view!
Dive into the world of dolphins
Explore the Whale Trail in British Columbia to observe killer whales, the largest member of the dolphin family! The trail is accessible from Gulf Islands and Pacific Rim National Park Reserves, as well as Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites.
Be sure to visit East Point on Saturna Island in the Gulf Islands to see not only killer whales but also seals, sea lions and even porpoises! Watching marine animals from shore is less stressful for marine life, and you can combine your outing with other activities such as a picnic, a hike or a stroll on the beach.
Experience a bison traffic jam
Explore Alberta's Elk Island National Park, one of North America’s premium wildlife viewing areas. Take a drive along scenic routes, and you may be lucky enough to find yourself in the middle of a traffic jam like no other! Although bison may appear docile, they can be quite unpredictable. Keep your distance and explore the park in a way that ensures your safety and that of the animals.
The number of bison in the park varies from year to year; generally, there are around 600 prairie bison and 400 wood bison. Parks Canada actively manages these populations, which are used for reintroduction projects in other parks. If you see a bison in Canada, chances are it or its ancestors passed through Elk Island! Some bison have even travelled as far as Russia and Montana.
Go on a photo safari in the prairies
Take the Ecotour Scenic Drive to Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park. This 20-km self-guided road trip offers magnificent panoramic views of the prairies. Keep a careful watch on the hills and you’ll most likely spot some wildlife! Be sure to stop and observe prairie dog colonies through the telescopes at stops 2 and 7.
Take a picnic break or stretch your legs along one of the many hiking trails, such as the Top Dogtown Trail, where you might spot burrowing owls in burrows abandoned by prairie dogs.
Travel through the musical world of the common loon
Treat yourself to a day of biking around Clear Lake in Manitoba's Riding Mountain National Park. The lake is a favourite spot for common loons. It's not unusual to see more than 50 at a time, as loons gather here to prepare for fall migration. Follow the trails on the southern shore of the lake and take a break on the red chairs before continuing your adventure to Frith Beach. Treat yourself to a picnic on the beach before hitting the road again to explore the northern shore!
Before returning home, visit the Lake Audy bison enclosure from the comfort of your car, where a herd of around 40 plains bison live in captivity.
Scour the mountains for Dall's sheep
Keep your eyes peeled for Dall's sheep near Thechàl Dhâl Visitor Centre in Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon. Using the spotting telescopes, watch as they travel the same migration routes used for several generations, returning to the same escarpments each year to give birth to their young.
Hiking enthusiasts should embark on the Sheep Creek or Bullion Plateau trails near the Visitor Centre for a chance at a closer look. Remember, if you distract the Dall’s sheep from their activities, you're too close! Be discreet and respect their living space.
Discover other animals you might see at Parks Canada: a larger than life story awaits you! Plan your visit today and discover what's in store for you.