Wildlife spotting in Canada
Canada’s vast landscapes are home to many iconic creatures. From bears and beavers to orcas and moose, discover the country’s incredible wildlife through small-scale experiences led by passionate local guides.
Spot bears in the wild
A trip to the Great White North would not be complete without bear spotting. From the infamous grizzlies to the elusive spirit bear, these impressive animals can be observed in several key locations.
Vancouver Island’s Toba and Bute Inlets offer prime viewing during September’s salmon run. Watch from viewing platforms as grizzly bears gather to catch migrating fish in an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Black bears can be found nationwide, from Ontario’s lake country to British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast and the Ucluelet Peninsula. For something truly special, visit the Great Bear Rainforest, the only place in the world to see the rare white spirit bear.
Northern Manitoba is one of the few places where you can view polar bears in the wild, with expeditions offering a remarkable opportunity to observe them in their natural Arctic habitat.
Go whale watching
Canada’s coastal regions offer a wealth of whale and marine life-watching tours. For the best experience, we recommend smaller-scale excursions that venture beyond the busiest routes.
Atlantic Canada's breathtaking coastline is a standout, with humpback and minke whales commonly sighted between June and October. The Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton blend stunning scenery with excellent viewing opportunities.
On the west coast, British Columbia is renowned for orca viewing. Its rugged shoreline is one of the world’s premier marine environments, with tours running throughout spring and summer.
Alongside whales and orcas, you may be treated to sightings of eagles, seabirds, dolphins, and sea lions as you explore Canada’s wildlife-rich waters.
At Little America, we work with locally owned operators that offer a more intimate experience. With smaller vessels and limited group sizes, you can admire these majestic creatures in comfort – no jostling for a glimpse beyond a sea of cameras!
Stay in a wilderness lodge
To truly immerse yourself in Canada’s pristine landscapes, stay at a wilderness lodge. Offering authentic, tailored experiences often incorporating wildlife tours, these unique retreats place nature at the heart of your stay.
Imagine a remote oasis nestled in the lush rainforest of Desolation Sound. Accessible only by boat, this Indigenous-owned lodge is an ideal base for bear and whale watching while offering rare insight into the landscape and the people who call it home.
Alternatively, for the best chance of catching a glimpse of a spirit bear, stay within the Great Bear Rainforest for a truly unforgettable wilderness escape.
Discover Canada’s other iconic animals
Canada is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, both great and small. In the Rockies, bighorn sheep and elk roam freely, and keen walkers may spot them along the winding trails of Jasper National Park.
For a different perspective, embark on a boat tour of Algonquin Provincial Park. From the water observe moose, otters, and beavers against a stunning natural backdrop, particularly breathtaking in autumn.
On Vancouver Island, stay at a beachfront B&B and head out with your hosts in search of sea otters, often spotted drifting just offshore.
For something truly memorable, spend the night in a lighthouse on a small island in the St. Lawrence River in Québec, a haven for puffins, terns and other seabirds.
Explore with the locals
Wherever in Canada you roam, opportunities to encounter iconic wildlife are never far away. We help you uncover Canada’s natural gems and observe its inhabitants safely and respectfully through locally guided experiences.
Every region has its own rhythm, character, and wildlife, and those who live there know it best. Our local guides know where to take you for the best chance of spotting remarkable wildlife, which routes are quietest, and when the landscape is at its most beautiful.
Explore alongside them and you’ll discover hidden places, local stories, and meaningful encounters you would never have found on your own.
Discover things to do in Canada
From wine tastings to scenic flights, discover your next adventure.
