This article is brought to you by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
- Enigmatic Cloud Wolves: Churchill, Manitoba
Located 600 miles away from Winnipeg, the provincial capital, Churchill stands apart from the rest of Canada, isolated and unreachable by road. Beyond the bustling main street, civilization gradually fades away, leaving behind a rugged frontier town. However, it is precisely this remote location that has put Churchill on the map as the polar bear capital of the world, with an abundance of these magnificent creatures roaming the nearby tundra.
But that’s not all. A mere 150 miles south of Churchill, along the Kaska Coast, lies the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, where you can now witness the mesmerizing presence of cloud wolves in their natural habitat. For those visiting in November, there’s an added opportunity to spot polar bears and marvel at the Northern Lights, as the region experiences around 300 days of auroral activity each year.
How to Experience It: Embark on Churchill Wild’s newly introduced Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast itinerary, starting at £12,509 per person for nine nights, including flights from Winnipeg.
- Majestic Spirit Bears: Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia
Within the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, three types of bears roam freely: grizzlies, black bears, and the elusive spirit bears, revered by the First Nations for generations. To increase your chances of encountering these rare creatures, seek accommodation at the newly established Klahoose Wilderness Resort, owned by the Klahoose Nation, situated on the southern edge of the rainforest.
How to Experience It: Book a three-night stay at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort, starting from £2,429 per person.
The Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is the only place where you can witness spirit bears in their natural habitat.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID HUTCHISON, GETTY IMAGES
- Captivating Narwhals: Baffin Island, Nunavut
From May to June, visitors to Nunavut, Canada’s northernmost territory, can embark on a fleeting adventure and camp at the floe edge—the juncture of sea ice and open ocean. This unique experience offers glimpses of narwhals, belugas, and even bowhead whales. On land, keep an eye out for polar bears as they hunt seals.
How to Experience It: Delve into this captivating journey for 11 nights, starting from £8,635 per person, including flights.
- Elusive Moose: Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Spotting a moose can be quite challenging, but a trip to Algonquin Provincial Park in southwestern Ontario provides the best odds of encountering these majestic mammals. With its vast network of lakes and rivers, the park offers an ideal habitat for moose. Explore the picturesque landscape by canoe during the day and spend your evenings sleeping under the stars.
How to Experience It: Embark on a six-night adventure in Algonquin Provincial Park, starting from £1,659 per person, including flights.
This article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wildlife-watching trips
Q: What are some of the best wildlife-watching trips in Canada?
A: Canada offers several incredible wildlife-watching trips. Some notable options include observing spirit bears in the Great Bear Rainforest, encountering cloud wolves in Churchill, exploring the narwhals of Baffin Island, and seeking out moose in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Q: How can I experience cloud wolves in Churchill, Manitoba?
A: To witness the captivating presence of cloud wolves in Churchill, Manitoba, you can embark on Churchill Wild’s Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast itinerary. This nine-night trip includes flights from Winnipeg and costs approximately £12,509 per person.
Q: Where can I see spirit bears in Canada?
A: The Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is the only place where you can observe spirit bears in the wild. Consider staying at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort on the southern edge of the rainforest to increase your chances of encountering these majestic creatures.
Q: What wildlife can I expect to see on Baffin Island, Nunavut?
A: Baffin Island, located in Nunavut, offers the opportunity to witness captivating wildlife. From May to June, visitors can camp at the floe edge, where narwhals, belugas, bowhead whales, and even polar bears can be spotted. Flights and an 11-night trip to Baffin Island typically cost around £8,635 per person.
Q: Where is the best place to spot moose in Canada?
A: Algonquin Provincial Park in southwestern Ontario provides the best odds of encountering moose. With its numerous lakes and rivers, the park offers an ideal habitat for these elusive mammals. Consider a six-night trip, including flights, which usually costs around £1,659 per person.
More about wildlife-watching trips
- National Geographic Traveller (UK)
- Churchill Wild
- Klahoose Wilderness Resort
- Great Bear Rainforest
- Algonquin Provincial Park
4 comments
omg spirit bears and cloud wolves sound so cool. i want to go to the Great Bear Rainforest and see them. the prices are a bit high tho. but maybe it’s worth it for an amazing adventure!
Baffin Island and Algonquin Park are must-visit places for wildlife lovers like me. narwals, belugas, and moose? count me in! can’t wait to plan my next trip and spot these amazin creatures!
national geographic is my go-to for travel inspiration. i always dream of going on these wildlife-watching trips. need to save up money and make it happen someday. the descriptions in this article got me wanderlustin’!
wow this text is amazin i luv how it gives info about best wildlife-watching trips in Canada. i wanna see bears and wolves so bad! gotta check out the links! nat geo traveler rocks!