Animal activities Banff

Wildlife Encounters in Banff

Banff National Park is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. To experience these incredible animals in their natural habitat, consider the following activities:

Bear Watching

• Take a scenic drive through the park’s valleys and meadows to spot grizzlies and black bears foraging for berries and nuts.
• Look for bears near streams and rivers, where they often come to fish or drink water.
• Keep a safe distance from bears: at least 100 meters (330 feet) away.

Elk and Moose Sightings

• Drive through the park’s valleys and meadows during dawn or dusk when elk and moose are most active.
• Look for these large mammals near willow flats, alpine lakes, and river valleys.
• Be aware that elk and moose can be unpredictable, especially during mating season.

Bighorn Sheep Viewing

• Take a short hike to the top of Sulphur Mountain or Vermilion Lakes for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Look for bighorn sheep scaling the steep mountain slopes or grazing in meadows.
• Keep your distance from sheep, as they can be skittish around humans.

Wolf Howling

• Join a guided nighttime tour to learn about wolf behavior and listen for their haunting howls.
• Visit the Banff Park Museum to learn more about wolf ecology and conservation.
• Be respectful of these magnificent predators and keep your distance.

Safety Reminders:

• Always follow park regulations and guidelines for wildlife viewing.
• Keep children close and within arm’s reach when observing animals.
• Do not approach or feed wildlife, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and lead to negative consequences.