The Amazing Types of Wildlife To See on a Canadian Safari
The amazing types of wildlife to see on a Canadian safari are varied and truly extraordinary, offering unforgettable encounters with nature’s most majestic creatures. Canada’s unspoiled wilderness teems with an array of creatures ready to captivate your spirit and invigorate your love for the wild. A Canadian safari offers thrilling wildlife encounters that create lasting memories and inspire renewed interest in conservation efforts.
Wait, Aren’t Safaris Supposed To Be in Africa?
Traditionally, the term “safari” conjures up images of khakis, hats with the brims turned up on one side, and smiling mustachioed Englishmen brandishing rifles on the plains of East Africa.
That’s not the case anymore.
The word “safari” originates from the Arabic word “safar”, meaning a journey, and Swahili later adopted it to describe overland journeys for hunting and exploring. However, “safari” can now refer to any excursion where the goal is to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Where in Canada To Observe Wildlife on Safari
Nearly every province in Canada is a treasure trove of diverse wildlife, each offering its own unique blend of environments where fish, birds, and mammals thrive.
Canada’s numerous national and provincial parks, scattered across its expansive geography, serve as protected sanctuaries for many amazing creatures. From the rugged Rockies of Alberta to the serene landscapes of Quebec’s La Mauricie National Park, each park is a testament to Canada’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
Tours To Observe Specific Types of Canadian Wildlife
The variety and abundance of excursions available that can bring a traveler close to Canadian wildlife can be dizzying. It helps to first determine what species you’d most like to observe and photograph and which would provide you with the biggest thrill of seeing animals in the wild.
Below, we’ll provide an abbreviated list of many of the species that adventurers seek to see in Canada.
Bears
For a close experience with bears, head out during late summer and fall. The west coast of British Columbia is home to the elusive Spirit Bears, also known as Kermode bears. These black bears brandish highly unusual white coats caused by a recessive gene. If you’re very lucky, you can catch a glimpse of these bears from August to October.
To see grizzly bears, visit the Great Bear Rainforest in spring or fall. Travel by floatplane to remote regions and stay in floating lodges for the best viewing opportunities.
Polar bears rule the icy landscapes of Churchill, Manitoba. You can see them during the warmer months of July and August as they roam the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to return in the winter. Take a Churchill wild polar bear tour that can bring you within safe viewing distance of the largest apex land predator in the world.
Whales and Narwhals
In Churchill, you can also see beluga whales from late June to late August by kayaking or boating. Many other varieties of whales are viewable from additional locations in Canada. For example, visitors can spot orcas and humpbacks in the waters of British Columbia from May to October. Rare sightings of blue and bowhead whales can occur in Tadoussac, Quebec. Reach these remote locations via boats or seaplanes.
Narwhals
Known as the unicorns of the sea, narwhals explore the frigid waters of the Canadian Arctic. Their iconic, spiraled tusk is a remarkable sight, punctuating the icy seascape with a touch of magic. The best time to witness these mystical creatures is during the short Arctic summer, from late June to August. Journey to the Lancaster Sound, an Arctic waterway in Nunavut renowned as a narwhal hotspot.
Moose
Experience the majesty of moose in Newfoundland and Labrador from May to September, best viewed by boat in the early mornings or late evenings.
Moose live in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, where the dense forests and numerous streams offer a perfect habitat for them. Visit in the spring, when the moose venture to the roadside salt pools to consume the minerals left behind from winter road maintenance.
The vast expanses of the Yukon’s wilderness areas, brimming with pristine lakes and boreal forests, provide another thrilling arena for moose encounters. In La Mauricie National Park, Quebec, catch sight of moose ambling along the banks or taking a leisurely dip in the cool waters. These excursions are best during the summer months when the days are long and the wildlife activity is at its peak.
Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies has a network of valleys and wetlands that form a perfect stage for viewing these creatures in the wild.
Wolves
To see wolves, venture to the sprawling plains of Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta. A four-by-four truck is the best mode of transport here, with summer and fall offering the best viewing opportunities.
Wolves are protected in several parts of Canada, such as the Great Bear Rainforest and the Bowron Lake Provincial Park. These proactive steps, ranging from strict hunting regulations, habitat preservation, and public awareness campaigns, have played a pivotal role in maintaining the wolf population.
Wolves play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They control herbivore populations, which promotes vegetation growth and biodiversity, allowing small mammals and birds to thrive. Moreover, the leftovers from their hunts provide meals for scavengers, highlighting their role in maintaining the ecological web of life.
Caribou Migrations
Witnessing the spectacle of thousands of caribou embarking on their grand migration is an experience that transcends the boundaries of ordinary adventure, catapulting you into a realm of awe-inspiring wonder. The sight of these creatures navigating their ancient paths across the breathtaking landscapes of Canada’s subarctic is nothing less than mesmerizing.
The barren grounds of Nunavut, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories offer the best platforms to witness this natural phenomenon. From July to September, the tundra comes alive as the vast herds of caribou pass through, their antlered silhouettes painting a tableau against the vast canvas of Canada’s wild frontiers.
Monarch Butterflies
Point Pelee National Park in Ontario is a haven for Monarch butterflies. Best visited at the start of the fall migration in September and October, you can drive or cycle through this beautiful park to witness these colorful creatures.
Wilderness and Luxury Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
If you think that traveling to a remote wilderness necessitates “roughing it,” think again. Gangler’s Adventures provides five-star luxury accommodations, floatplane and expediting services, as well as unique guided tours designed to offer guests wildlife encounters they’ll never forget. Our North Seal and Churchill combo tours offer the best of our luxury lodge in the North Seal, northern lights viewing, and several nights in Churchill to observe wildlife and tour the area. Learn more and book your amazing Canadian wildlife safari today!
