13 locations rich in wildlife to discover…
Each year large numbers of whale, dolphins and porpoises migrate to the waters around the Newfoundland coast – about 15 species are normally present, seasonally or year round. St. Mary’s Bay is well-known for whale watching, and is easy to reach on a self-drive tour from St John’s.
Northern Manitoba is a pristine wilderness with a coastline so remote that it has not changed in thousands of years. The ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ lies right in the migratory path of the polar bear, as they head north onto the ice floes to spend the winter hunting seals.
Arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, Gwaii Haanas National Park is a remote reserve of 138 islands in the southern Haida Gwaii. The park – the place of wonder – is an untamed wilderness home to a superb array of marine life and land species.
This untouched wilderness offers unrivalled opportunities to watch and photograph some of North America’s most notable wildlife, including massive brown bears, soaring bald eagles and large pods of orcas. Situated 70 kilometres north of the remote settlement of Campbell River, Glendale Cove is accessible by floatplane.
One of the two largest Islands that form the Haida Gwaii, the San Christoval Mountains form its backbone and rise over 1200m. The higher elevations are dominated by mountain hemlock and alpine tundra, whereas the lower elevations are mainly cedar, pine and western hemlock, becoming densely wooded
The peaks of the seven largest islands of this archipelago rise like a submerged mountain chain, with the tallest perpetually capped in snow. Fiords plunge into the sea, mist-enshrouded forests cover their flanks and windswept sandy beaches lie at their feet and the continental shelf plummets into the Pacific Ocean.
Isolated for thousands of years, this amazing wilderness off the BC coast is one of the most pristine areas left on earth – at the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. In summer its wildlife is prolific, and a full programme of whale watching excursions provides an ideal opportunity to learn about these marine mammals.
Canada has 25% of the world’s wetlands, so it is no surprise that The Hudson Bay Lowlands are a wetland. An area of transition between boreal forest and tundra, it is host to a large diversity of wildlife, the greatest occurring in the spring, with the arrival of migrating birds and newborn animals.
The area’s mountains, valleys and forests, extending up much of BC’s coastline, offer sanctuary to large numbers of grizzlies and black bear. No other mainland location offers such intimate wildlife encounters amidst breathtaking natural splendour. You can watch bears on foot or while drifting serenely downriver.
The healthy black bear population and whale-watching opportunities make this a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Separated from the mainland by a long strait, the island’s west coast overlooks the Pacific Ocean, while the mountainous interior is heavily forested.
This village on the Saint Lawrence, beside its confluence with the Saguenay River, was once a major fur trapping centre. It lies inside Canada’s first marine national park, where the rich environment attracts numerous whales – including belugas – and is home to CIMM (the Centre of Marine Mammal Interpretation).
The pristine wilderness north of Québec along the Jacques-Cartier River consists of coniferous boreal forest, with yellow birch and sugar maple along the riverbank. Mammals include black bear, bobcat, raccoon, grey wolf, otter, moose, white-tailed deer and caribou, with birds such as barred owl, American kestrel, and osprey.
Northwest of Winnipeg, this national park – one of the first in Canada – is a forested island in the middle of Manitoba’s fertile prairie, and protects plants and animals from three distinct ecosystems. Key species are moose, black bear and bison, but lynx, cougar, bald eagle and osprey also live here.
Canada has a wealth of wildlife to discover but here are the most popular animal species and wildlife events. Let us know the ones you would particularly like to see…
10 related group tours. 6 related trip ideas. Bear in mind that our trip ideas give you a sense of what’s possible but our strength is in tailoring your itinerary.
Take the ultimate self-drive road trip through western Canada.
Focus on seeing British Columbia’s largest carnivore – the brown or grizzly bear – without distraction and in a choice of locations.
Travel at your own pace (self-driving) to ensure that you get the most of the wilderness interior.
Experience the world’s largest gathering of humpback whales and a range of marine wildlife amidst giant landscapes.
Seeing polar bears in the wild is awe-inspiring, experience the intensity of an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Enjoy spotting orcas and watching grizzly bears on this breathtaking trip to British Columbia, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Search for the legendary all-white spirit bear, and humpback whales deep in the Fiordland Conservancy.
Embark on this extraordinary adventure into the realm of the polar bear.
Spend a week with humpback whales and get to know these curious ‘aquabatic’ giants of the ocean.
A wonderful time to view the intimacy between mother and cub, and their playful approach to life.
This remote archipelago offers unparalleled opportunities to explore an area of true wilderness by land and boat.
Enjoy a short self-drive break to New Brunswick, where you'll have the opportunity to see minke, fin, humpback and North Atlantic right whales.
Discover unspoilt wilderness and a variety of wildlife, including black bear, moose and beaver on this superb self-drive trip in one of the most beautiful regions of Canada.
Treat yourself to a long weekend in Newfoundland, enjoying the freedom of a self drive whale watching experience.
Join our 21st birthday celebrations on a luxury voyage through British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest accompanied by photographer and wildlife expert Nick Garbutt.
Take this unique safari which is a showcase for the wildlife that populates the rivers and forests of Manitoba in central Canada.
Canada is huge with a varied climate and though its prime time is the summer, between May and early September, the best time to see polar bears is from October to November.
2 related expedition vessels. 12 related places to stay. But there are more options we can offer, just ask us for more details.
Knight Inlet Lodge is a floating lodge tucked into Glendale Cove, one of few protected anchorages in the inlet. Set against a backdrop of mountain peaks plunging into the Pacific Ocean.
Great Bear Lodge is a modest floating lodge in the Nekite Valley, just a short floatplane flight north of Port Hardy and offers fantastic bear viewing nearby.
Dating from the early 1930s, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is a classic former hunting lodge that was completely rebuilt in 1952 to accommodate eco visitors.
Beautifully located on Chesterman Beach in Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, t=Wickannish Inn is a relaxing rural retreat surrounded by forest and sea.
With only 12 rooms, built in traditional style, Spirit Bear Lodge is waterfront lodge and a comfortable place to lay your head after exploring the Great Bear Rainforest, and offers great value.
Tundra Lodge is remarkable hotel-on wheels which positions itself on the tundra each season, in the area of highest bear density.
Just a 15 minute flight north of Churchill, Dymond Lake Lodge is luxury wilderness eco-lodge occupying a strip of land between the lake and the bay overlooking the tundra and its wild inhabitants.
King Pacific Lodge offers exceptionally comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities and wonderful views of the forest or the ocean.
Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is in a remote location on the Hudson Bay coast 250kms south-east of Churchill and consists of four heated twin cabins with private bathrooms.
Strategically sited on the Hudson Bay shoreline, Seal River Heritage Lodge is rustic but comfortable (with fine food and wine) and provides an excellent opportunity to see polar bears in the snow.
Originally built in 1896 as a hunting lodge, Bella Coola Mountain Lodge lies in the heart of the Bella Coola Valley and is surrounded by waterfalls, forest and – of course – bears!
At the very heart of the city is Vancouver’s landmark, The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Like the city that surrounds it, the hotel is rich in history, resplendent in beauty, vibrant and cosmopolitan.
Island Roamer is a 21-metre ketch-rigged yacht, designed specifically for cruising the coastline of British Columbia and licensed by the Canadian Ministry of Transport as a passenger vessel.
Island Odyssey is a 21-metre ketch-rigged yacht, designed specifically for cruising the coastline of British Columbia and licensed by the Canadian Ministry of Transport as a passenger vessel.
1 place to go en route to or from a wildlife location…
British Columbia’s largest city stands in an exquisite coastal setting, against a backdrop of lofty tree-covered peaks. There is plenty to do and see in this lively, multi-cultural centre: lush Stanley Park, for instance, with the Capilano Suspension Bridge, is a great place to explore on foot or by bike.
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