Spring in Canada is a magical time for wildlife in Canada watching, offering some of the best opportunities to experience wildlife in Canada as animals emerge from hibernation, birds return from migration, and nature comes back to life. Whether you’re hoping to spot bears, moose, bald eagles, or even whales, spring offers some of the best wildlife in Canada encounters across the country, making it a prime season to explore wildlife Canada.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best places for experiencing the best wildlife in Canada this spring—including where to go, what to see, and expert tips for the best experience!
Why Spring is the Best Time for Wildlife Watching in Canada
✅ Animals are more active – Spring marks the end of hibernation for bears and a key feeding time for moose, deer, and elk.
✅ Bird migration peaks – Look for flocks of geese, warblers, and bald eagles returning from the south.
✅ Newborn wildlife – Spring is calving season for moose, deer, and bison, meaning plenty of adorable baby sightings.
✅ Whale watching begins – The east and west coasts start seeing whales as they migrate north.
✅ Fewer crowds – National parks and reserves are quieter before the summer rush.
Top Places for Wildlife Watching in Canada This Spring
1. Banff & Jasper National Parks (Alberta) – Best for Bears & Elk
📍 Best Spots: Icefields Parkway, Bow Valley Parkway
What You’ll See: Grizzly & black bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, wolves
Spring is one of the best times to see bears in Banff and Jasper, as they come down from the mountains to feed on fresh greenery. Moose and elk are also commonly spotted along trails and rivers.
🔹 Pro Tip: Drive Bow Valley Parkway at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife sightings.
2. Churchill, Manitoba – Best for Polar Bears & Arctic Wildlife
📍 Best Spots: Wapusk National Park, Hudson Bay coastline
🌿 What You’ll See: Polar bears, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, beluga whales
Most people visit Churchill in fall for polar bears, but spring is a hidden gem season for seeing mother bears with their cubs! Arctic foxes and snowy owls are also active, and by late spring, beluga whales start arriving in Hudson Bay.
🔹 Pro Tip: Take a guided tundra tour for safe polar bear viewing.
3. Algonquin Provincial Park (Ontario) – Best for Moose & Wolves
📍 Best Spots: Highway 60 corridor, Mizzy Lake Trail
What You’ll See: Moose, wolves, beavers, loons
Spring is prime moose-spotting season in Algonquin, as they gather near roadside ponds to lick salt left over from winter road treatments. Beavers are also active, and if you’re lucky, you might hear the eerie howl of Algonquin’s famous wolf packs.
🔹 Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best chance to see moose and other best wildlife in Canada.
4. Vancouver Island (British Columbia) – Best for Whale Watching
📍 Best Spots: Tofino, Victoria, Campbell River
What You’ll See: Gray whales, orcas, sea lions, bald eagles
Spring is whale watching season on Vancouver Island! Gray whales migrate along the coast in March and April, followed by orcas in May. Bald eagles, sea lions, and otters can also be spotted along the shoreline.
🔹 Pro Tip: Take a whale-watching tour from Tofino or Victoria for an unforgettable wildlife in Canada experience.
5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Nova Scotia) – Best for Bald Eagles & Moose
📍 Best Spots: Cabot Trail, Skyline Trail
What You’ll See: Moose, bald eagles, foxes, whales
Spring in Cape Breton Highlands offers incredible wildlife Canada viewing as moose feed in the park’s lush valleys and bald eagles soar above the coastline. Watch for whales from the cliffs of the Cabot Trail!
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for spotting eagles and distant whales.
6. Point Pelee National Park (Ontario) – Best for Birdwatching
📍 Best Spots: Tip of Point Pelee, Marsh Boardwalk
What You’ll See: Warblers, hummingbirds, herons, owls
Point Pelee is Canada’s #1 birdwatching hotspot in spring, as thousands of migrating birds stop here before crossing Lake Erie. Warblers, orioles, and rare species make this a must-visit for bird lovers and best wildlife in Canada enthusiasts.
🔹 Pro Tip: Visit during the *Festival of Birds (May) for expert-guided birdwatching tours.
7. Riding Mountain National Park (Manitoba) – Best for Bison & Bears
📍 Best Spots: Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, Ominik Marsh
What You’ll See: Bison, black bears, elk, beavers
Spring is bison calving season, meaning you’ll see adorable baby bison roaming the park’s rolling grasslands. Black bears are also active in spring, foraging near roads and hiking trails.
🔹 Pro Tip: Visit early morning or late evening for the best chance to see wildlife in Canada.
Wildlife Watching Tips for Spring
✔ Go Early or Late – Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife.
✔ Stay Quiet & Respectful – Experts know the best spots for best wildlife in Canada sightings.
✔ Use Binoculars & Cameras – Zoom in without disturbing animals.
✔ Dress for the Weather – Spring in Canada can be unpredictable!
✔ Take a Guided Tour – Experts know the best spots for sightings.
Spring is the Best Time to See Canada’s Amazing Wildlife!
From grizzly bears in the Rockies to whales off the coast of Vancouver Island and moose in Algonquin, Canada offers unforgettable wildlife in Canada encounters in spring. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, photographer, or just love nature, now is the time to get outside and explore wildlife Canada!
Which Canadian wildlife experience is on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
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Ready to plan your next adventure? Browse our exciting itineraries and book your perfect trip today!