Observing the majestic grizzly bear as it wades through a mirror-like body of water, expertly catching a leaping salmon between its razor-sharp teeth, is just one of many nature experiences you can enjoy on your holiday to Canada. There are over 80,000 classified Canada wildlife species spread out across the vast tundra, boreal forests, grasslands and temperate rainforests. But which are the ones you should have at the top of your wildlife-watching wish list?
We’ve detailed ten of the most spectacular, with expert insights into where to seek them out, the best time of year to see them and how to give yourself the best chance of spotting them.
10 Canada Wildlife Species to See & Where to Find Them
1. Polar bear
The Arctic’s apex predator
Scientific name: Ursus maritimus
IUCN status: Vulnerable
Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, marine oceanic, marine intertidal, marine coastal
Perhaps the most iconic of the Canadian wilderness animals, the polar bear is a hulking giant of a mammal, able to stand up at 10 ft tall when perched on its hind legs. You might see it lumbering its 600 kg frame across the shrub-covered Low Arctic tundra. Or, there’s always a chance that you can spy it venturing out to sea to hunt seals, as it’s an excellent swimmer.
Despite its size, the polar bear has the ability to reach speeds of up to 30 mph, allowing it to quickly track down prey when hunting. Though they’re at risk of heatstroke as a result of this.
Where to see polar bears in Canada
Churchill is dubbed the ‘polar bear capital of the world’. Based in the north of the Manitoba province, this sleepy town is the gateway to the sprawling, 8,400 km² Churchill Wildlife Management Area, where the Nanook (the Inuit name for polar bear) resides. Animals here roam completely free, from the flat, freshwater estuaries to the spruce-pine forests.
Best time to see polar bears in Canada
October—November is the best time to see polar bears in Canada, as this is when they congregate on the shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill to begin their winter seal hunting.
Our Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure sample itinerary takes you deep into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area on escorted tours. You’ll join your knowledgeable guide, who’ll provide their expertise to help you seek out and observe the polar bears.
2. Grizzly bear
The titan of Canada’s wilds
Scientific name: Ursus arctos horribilis
IUCN status: Least concern
Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands (inland), desert, terrestrial
Powerful, huge, deceptively quick – these are just some of the words you’d use to describe the grizzly bear. However, this subspecies of the brown bear has a diet consisting mostly of vegetation, insects and fruits (75-90%). Depending on the season, they’ll adapt to what’s around them, choosing to eat the most abundant foods that are full of calories and nutrients.
This Canadian wildlife species is distinguished from the brown bear by its grizzled fur (white-tipped hair). It has a shoulder hump, long claws and small ears. Individuals may also have a luminous blond, reddish blond, light brown, dark brown or almost fully black coat.
Where to see grizzly bears in Canada
You can see grizzly bears in British Columbia and the Yukon. Specifically, this would be in areas with a temperate rainforest, such as Klahoose Wilderness Resort on the southern edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. In season, you’re able to view the wild animals from a safe distance as they fish for salmon along the river or graze on the vibrant, plentiful plants.
Best time to see grizzly bears in Canada
The peak period for grizzly bear watching in Canada is late August—mid-October. This is because of the annual salmon migration, leading the mammals to head upstream to poach their prey, all before they hunker down to hibernate from late October—April/May.
We’ve included four nights at Klahoose Wilderness Resort on our Toba Inlet Grizzly Bear Adventure sample itinerary. Two full days are dedicated to grizzly bear viewing in Toba Inlet, with purpose-built platforms for observing the bears in their natural habitat.
3. American black bear
The elusive rainforest wanderer
Scientific name: Ursus americanus
IUCN status: Least concern
Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands (inland), desert, terrestrial
Mostly solitary, the American black bear spends most of its existence seeking out food to feed their insatiable hunger. They’re more naturally shy and timid than other bears, avoiding human contact whenever possible. You can also differentiate them by their smaller size, around 5 ft tall and 90-270 kg, as well as their ability to agilely climb trees to escape danger from grizzly bears.
Interestingly, a rare subspecies of American black bears called the ‘spirit bear’ exists. While sharing all the same characteristics, the main difference is the mutant gene, which results in its unusual white fur. With some luck, you may spot one of the elusive individuals on your visit.
Where to see American black bears in Canada
The Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is the best place in Canada to see American black bears. It has everything they need – plenty of space to be isolated in (64,000 km²), abundant food sources and cavities in ancient, large-diameter trees for denning purposes.
Best time to see American black bears in Canada
Late May—early October is when American black bears are most active outside the winter hibernation period. You may also be able to see cubs as they first emerge from their slumber.
Why not tailor this Grizzly Bears of British Columbia sample itinerary? At the remote Spirit Bear Lodge, in the land of the Kitasoo Xai’xais People, you have an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeply personal level and discover American black bears in the process.
4. Beluga whale
The bright traveller of the ocean
Scientific name: Delphinapterus leucas
IUCN status: Least concern
Habitat: Marine neritic, marine oceanic
An extremely social marine mammal, the beluga whale is part of the Monodontidae family of whales along with the narwhal, and shares similar features with its porpoise cousins. Belugas travel in pods, communicating with one another through a series of clicks, whistles and clangs. Using their bulbous forehead – the melon – they send and interpret sound through water over distances.
Everything from salmon to capelin, herring, shrimp, flounder and molluscs can be found in the beluga’s diet, feeding in shallow and deep waters. They use ‘passive acoustic localisation’, in which they determine a sound source before making their sharp, sudden hunting movements.
Where to see beluga whales in Canada
You can see this Canada wildlife species in Churchill, Manitoba, and the St. Lawrence Estuary, Quebec. Heading out on a kayak along the Churchill River gets you as close as you can at a respectful distance, where they swim alongside your vessel as you paddle along.
Best time to see beluga whales in Canada
The best time to see beluga whales in Canada is July—August, when they gather in their thousands on Churchill River, offering you a chance to see where they give birth and feed.
Begin your own marine life search with our Belugas and Bears Adventure sample itinerary. Across nine days, you’ll enjoy exploring the cities of Toronto and Winnipeg before heading off to Churchill, where you’ll be able to watch beluga whales and polar bears in the wild.
5. Orca
The hunter of the Pacific waters
Scientific name: Orcinus orca
IUCN status: Data deficient
Habitat: Marine neritic, marine oceanic
Part of the oceanic dolphin group under the cetacean family of marine mammals, the orca is known simply as the ‘killer whale’. They received their nickname from sailors who saw the marine mammal hunting larger whales.
At up to 6 ft, it has the largest dorsal fin of all cetaceans and measures almost 32 ft in length overall, with a weight of around 5,500 kg. You can easily identify one by its smooth, rubbery black-and-white skin, which allows it to glide through the ocean. Should you venture out on a guided boat excursion, you may encounter a pod that’s swimming and socialising together.
Where to see orcas in Canada
Vancouver Island in British Columbia is an excellent spot to see orcas in Canada. The waters just off here host three different types of killer whales: the southern resident, northern resident and offshore. Each one hunts its own particular form of food.
Best time to see orcas in Canada
May—October is the best time to see orcas in Canada. This season is when the waters are warmer and the plankton and fish populations are more abundant. Though there are resident orcas that live near the waters of Vancouver Island year-round.
To be in with a chance of observing orcas in the wild, our Sunshine Coast and North Island Circle sample itinerary is a great starting point. One section of the tour heads to Alert Bay, where you may witness orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, eagles, bears and seabirds.
6. Humpback whale
The voice of the Atlantic waters
Scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae
IUCN status: Least concern
Habitat: Marine neritic, marine oceanic
One of the most tremendous sights to behold is that of a humpback whale breaching. Water sprays in all directions before the beautiful creature crashes back down into the depths below.
Humpbacks can sing, too. A haunting melody bellows out of the 48—62.5 ft marine mammal, combining drawn-out groans and hums with mid- to high-pitched harmonics, rumbling percussion and short, sharp chirps. While females can communicate, scientists believe only males can sing – a behaviour associated with lekking or male-to-male competition.
Where to see humpback whales in Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador boasts the world’s largest population of humpback whales in season, sometimes as close as 30 metres from the shore. Additionally, you can spot individuals along the coast of places such as Vancouver Island in the west.
Best time to see humpback whales in Canada
July—September is the best time to see humpback whales in Canada. Approximately 5,000 visit the Atlantic side in these summer months, during which they perform their breaching, spyhopping and feed in the nutrient-rich waters.
For a great chance to see them on your Canada adventure, our Sunshine Coast and North Island Circle sample itinerary includes visits to Telegraph Cove and Alert Bay. Humpbacks are known to frequent these areas, along with other species like bears, orcas and eagles.
7. Moose
The forest giant of the north
Scientific name: Alces alces
IUCN status: Least concern
Habitat: Forest, wetlands (inland), terrestrial
Largest of all deer types, the moose rises from hoof to shoulder at 6 ft tall. The iconic Canada wildlife species is instantly recognisable by its huge antlers, which males use to battle other males. Loud, thudding clacks ring out through the valley as they spar for dominance.
‘The Great White North’ has long been associated with the moose, featured on the coats of arms of Ontario and Newfoundland, largely due to its abundance across the country. You can find them in all provinces, with there being around 500,000—1,000,000+ roaming the subarctic, boreal and temperate forests. Where there’s seasonal snowfall, there’s most likely moose.
Where to see moose in Canada
Common regions to spot the moose include Newfoundland, Quebec and parts of the Yukon. Algonquin Provincial Park is particularly teeming with them along the Highway 60 Corridor.
Best time to see moose in Canada
Moose migrate to low-lying areas between May—June (early summer) and to more open areas around September—October (early autumn). The latter period is rutting season, when the bulls appear to socialise with the cows, providing you with more reliable opportunities to see them.
Tombstone Territorial Park features on our Yukon Explorer Self-Drive sample itinerary, where moose reside alongside grizzly and black bears as well as numerous bird species. Guided tours help you get your bearings, while time on local trails lets you explore further.
8. Sea otter
The protector of marine ecosystems
Scientific name: Enhydra lutris
IUCN status: Endangered
Habitat: Marine neritic, marine oceanic
Floating peacefully aloft a body of water, tucking into the mussels it cracked open on the nearby rocks of the shore you’re standing on, the sea otter couldn’t be happier than it is in this moment. The skittish mammals are often hidden, though, from predators like orcas, sharks and eagles.
Should you spot one, stay silent and simply watch as it scrounges for food or sleeps in the river. The sea urchin is also part of their diet. By feeding on them, the sea otter does its part for the planet and helps protect kelp forests from overgrazing. Other marine animals sheltered in and amongst this underwater ecosystem include rockfish, octopus, crabs, seals and sea lions.
Where to see sea otters in Canada
Vancouver Island in British Columbia is the best place in Canada to see sea otters. There are at least 4,000 individuals who can be seen draping themselves in kelp to stop drifting away.
Best time to see sea otters in Canada
May—October is when the weather’s most comfortable in Canada. Sea otters are present in the waters around Canada year-round, but it’s best to prioritise the best conditions and times when other marine creatures are likely to appear, such as humpback whales and orcas.
You have plenty of time to explore Vancouver Island on our Great Bear Rainforest & Chilcotin Circle Route sample itinerary. Begin with areas such as San Josef Bay and Port Hardy, where you’ll seek out diverse wildlife species from sea otters to grizzly bears.
9. Bald eagle
The ruler of Canada’s skies
Scientific name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
IUCN status: Least concern
Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands (inland), marine neritic, marine intertidal, aquatic & marine
You may be more familiar with the bald eagle as a symbol of the United States of America, but it also resides in the lakes, rivers and estuaries of Canada. They make their nests near large bodies of water, where you’re likely to find an abundance of fish and space for them to glide.
The first thing you’ll notice upon setting your sights on this Canadian wildlife species is its large, 6 ft wingspan. As well as helping it overpower its prey while hunting, they’re able to conserve energy while flying by soaring and can dive at speeds of up to 100 mph. Razor-like talons and binocular vision, which can help it spot targets from a mile away, make it an apex predator.
Where to see bald eagles in Canada
You can reliably see bald eagles in Brackendale, British Columbia – the ‘Bald Eagle Capital of the World’. This birdwatcher’s paradise presents you with prime sightings; some areas, such as Eagle Run, are set up specifically so you can view the big birds as they roost in the tall trees.
Best time to see bald eagles in Canada
The winter, specifically mid-October—January, is when thousands of bald eagles flock to the rivers to feed on chum salmon. If you’re lucky enough, you may observe this exact scene right in front of your very eyes. The two times to set out include early in the morning, when the bald eagle takes flight in search of food, and mid-afternoon, when it returns to its roosting spot.
Across ten nights, you have many chances to spot bald eagles on our British Columbia Sailing Expedition sample itinerary. Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago often described as ‘the Galapagos of the north’, with six of its ten native land mammals being endemic.
10. Atlantic puffin
The coast’s charismatic cliff-dweller
Scientific name: Fratercula arctica
IUCN status: Vulnerable
Habitat: Grassland, marine neritic, marine oceanic, marine coastal
Affectionately known as ‘sea clowns’ thanks to their multi-coloured beaks and red-and-black eye markings, the Atlantic puffin oozes charisma based on appearance alone.
On top of this, did you know that they can reach speeds of up to 55 mph? They can flap their wings at a rate of up to 400 times per minute, propelling them forward at a surprisingly fast pace. On land, they meander at a slow pace along rocky clifftops and spend time in their colonies, which range from a few hundred pairs to over one million, depending on where you visit.
Where to see Atlantic puffins in Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador is home to roughly 95% of North America’s breeding puffins. Travel to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where you’ll discover the province’s largest colony.
Best time to see Atlantic puffins in Canada
Late May—early September is the best time to see Atlantic puffins in Canada. These Canadian wilderness animals breed annually at this point in the calendar, gathering in their masses as they return to the same exact burrow to raise a single ‘puffling’ chick, which they then defend. Strangely, puffins are socially monogamous, reproducing with the same partner for life.
Our Newfoundland Explorer Self-Drive sample itinerary is perfect for puffin watching. You’ll have two chances to watch the ‘sea parrots’ – in Witless Bay and the Bonavista Peninsula – in addition to observing whales and seabirds on a St. Anthony marine tour.
Observe these spectacular Canada wildlife species with Rainbow
Whether it’s spotting polar bears on the tundra or watching humpback whales breach offshore, Canada delivers wildlife experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. To plan your tailor-made itinerary to ‘The Great White North’, speak with one of our Travel Specialists today.
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