From Bison to Bears: Alberta’s Wildest Residents and How to See Them

The diverse ecosystems of Alberta make it one of the best places in Canada for unforgettable experiences with wildlife — as distinctive and varied as the landscapes. The province boasts massive mammals such as bison and bears, antlered wilderness wardens such as moose, elk and bighorn sheep, and silent hunters such as cougars, lynx and bobcats. With five national parks and over 460 provincial parks and protected areas, Alberta’s lands provide epic wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wolverine of X-Men and Avengers fame was born here, purportedly somewhere near Cold Lake. His namesake is an elusive member of the weasel family known for strength disproportionate to its size — a classic Alberta characteristic.

In addition, Alberta's position along major migratory flyways and its more than 400 native species make it a prime location for birdwatchers.

Spring wildlife viewing is ideal in Alberta, with proud mamas teaching their new offspring the ways of the world. Winter migrations and active foraging make fall another ideal season for wildlife viewing.

Wildlife viewing from a vehicle

Wildlife viewing is perfect for those of all ages, as animals can often be spotted from the side of scenic highways from the comfort of a vehicle. To help keep wildlife safe in Alberta, drive slowly, especially at dawn or dusk when animals are most active, stay alert and stay in your vehicle. Constantly scan the roadsides for movement and use high beams when safe to do so.

Watch carefully for road signs indicating wildlife corridors and crossings and reduce speed accordingly.

If an animal unexpectedly jumps onto the road, stay in your lane and slow down. A sudden swerve can cause more damage to both the animal and vehicles rather than hitting it directly.

Passengers can take photos from inside the vehicle or at designated observation points. Never stop along the roadside.

Wildlife viewing from trails

Wildlife encountered on Alberta’s myriad hiking and biking trails may appear unbothered by humans nearby, but they are highly aware of their surroundings and never predictable.

• Keep a minimum distance of 30 metres (98 feet) away from large animals such as elk or moose.
• Keep 100 metres (328 feet) or more away from bears.
• Stay on trails and do not approach, follow or corner any wildlife.
• Keep dogs leashed and under control: it’s the law. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
• Never hike with headphones on.
• Don’t forget to bring binoculars!

Wood Buffalo National Park

Wood Buffalo, Canada's largest national park, is located in northeast Alberta. It is home to the world’s largest free-roaming herd of wood bison — approximately 3,000 animals. North America’s largest land mammals, wood bison weigh in at more than a tonne and stand about two metres (6.6 feet) high at their shoulders.

Wood Buffalo is also a great place to see wild whooping cranes, which were brought back from near extinction after the discovery of a nesting area in the 1950s. The wild eggs were used for captive breeding and their population is now more than 500 birds.

Wildlife viewers will also see black bears, lynx, moose, fox, beavers, owls, wolves, loons, bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

Pine Lake Campground is a gorgeous home base for exploring the park’s numerous trails.

Found nearby, approximately 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) north of Fort McMurray, Crane Lake Nature Trails are well-known for their birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Elk Island National Park

East of Edmonton in Alberta’s Lakeland region, Elk Island National Park houses a smaller translocated bison herd. Get an exclusive, up-close look at bison conservation with the Bison Backstage experience, where visitors tour the Plains Bison Handling Facility and learn about the history of bison and how they affect the prairie landscape, plus the ongoing role of bison conservation efforts.

Within the park, meander past waterfowl including ducks, geese and swans as well as other birds such as herons and pelicans. Also watch for Canada’s national animal, the venerable beaver.

Rocky Mountains

Alberta’s Rocky Mountains are home to two iconic and important national parks that are also UNESCO World Heritage sites: Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Amid the soaring mountains live a prolific amount of wildlife among jaw-dropping scenery that attracts visitors from around the world.

Both Banff and Jasper National Parks offer opportunities to see moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, deer, wolves, lynx, beavers, and, of course, Alberta’s legendary black and grizzly bears.

The Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) and the Lake Louise Gondola in Banff National Park are great (and safe) ways to view wildlife.

Popular viewing locations in Jasper National Park include the Maligne Lake Road, Highway 16 west of Jasper towards Mount Robson and the Icefields Parkway.

It's important to know the difference between Alberta’s two bear species. Black bears are usually smaller and darker, but size and colour is not the best indicator. The most reliable way to tell them apart is a prominent shoulder hump. If present, it’s likely a grizzly.

If you spot a bear from the roadway, they are most likely simply foraging for berries:

• Do not stop or get out of your vehicle. Drive by slowly.
• Warn approaching motorists by flashing your high beams.

When on a hiking or biking trail:

• Make noise to keep bears aware of the presence of humans. Talk loudly, clap or sing often.
• Hike in groups of four or more. Larger groups are less likely to encounter serious bear issues.
• Be especially cautious around a female with cubs, as they are highly protective of their young.
• Do not step off marked trails and avoid hiking or biking at dawn and dusk.
• Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

A planned excursion with wildlife viewing experts guarantees an amazing experience. In Banff National Park, Great Divide Nature Interpretation provides “edu-taining tours” by experienced master interpreters. Discover Banff Tours offers personalized, small-group tours for one-of-a-kind experiences. Radventures is another top-rated adventure tour operator catering to smaller group sizes.

In Jasper National Park, SunDog Tours helps plan and execute unforgettable wildlife expeditions. As does Maligne Adventures, Canadian Skyline Adventures and Jasper Hikes and Tours, all of which have passionate, knowledgeable guides.

Kananaskis Country

The picturesque town of Canmore is located just east of Kananaskis Country provincial park, where much of the same wildlife as Banff and Jasper can be seen. Canmore Trails and Tales has experienced guides to show visitors the extensive local trail system.

Nearby, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary on the way to Calgary houses and protects wolfdogs — a cross between a domestic dog and a wolf. Some are cousins to the “direwolves” featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones.

For bird watchers, Calgary hosts the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, a 36-hectare wildlife reserve visited by more than 270 different species year-round.

Foothills

Alberta’s foothills around the Red Deer area provide the opportunity to view species such as elk, moose and deer as well as golden eagles and snowy owls.

The Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary just outside the city is Alberta's first and oldest Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy five kilometres (3.1 miles) of walking trails, a bird blind and viewing decks. A little further northeast is the Ellis Nature Centre, a working farm showcasing how the agriculture industry can coexist with wildlife conservation.

Canadian Badlands

Along with fossil-hunting and an otherworldly landscape, the Canadian Badlands region offers unique opportunities to view smaller carnivores such as coyotes, red foxes, lynx, bobcats and the cagey wolverine. Visitors can also detour to Lethbridge to the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, which is found in a 200-acre nature preservation park.