11 Animals You May Spot in Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a wildlife lover's paradise. With 379 different species calling it home, there's always something amazing to see.
You'll find birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles here. Some of these species are even threatened and rare.
In this blog, we'll chat about the animals you should keep an eye out for when visiting Banff National Park, plus some safety tips to help you enjoy these encounters responsibly.
What Animals Live in Banff National Park? Top Species to Spot
1. Grizzly Bears
Banff National Park is home to about 65 grizzly bears, a species of special concern. These solitary animals can be seen in summer when they emerge from hibernation and start foraging for food. Fresh vegetation makes them easier to spot during this time.
But remember, grizzly bears can be unpredictable. You don’t want a surprise bear encounter—it’s safer for you and the bear to keep your distance. To keep bears wild and safe, avoid leaving food out, stay on marked trails, and make noise as you hike.
That's why the best way to watch them is from the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. It keeps you at a safe distance while giving you a great view.
So, it's best to stay in your vehicle and give them lots of space, especially from September to November when they're most active, gearing up for hibernation.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Keep bear spray with you at all times.
- Stay in your vehicle when observing bears.
- Maintain a safe distance and never approach a bear.
2. Black Bears
Banff National Park is home to about 20 to 40 black bears. They're smaller than grizzlies and less common, but spotting one is still an exciting experience.
Seeing a black bear in the wild can be both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. Their shiny black coats and curious demeanour make them fascinating to watch.
Even though the chances of running into an aggressive black bear are low, it's always a good idea to plan ahead.
That's why joining our Bear Awareness Program is a smart move. You'll learn essential behaviours and techniques to reduce your chances of a negative encounter.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear.
- Keep your food stored properly and out of reach.
- Always have bear spray handy, just in case.
3. Lynx
The Canadian lynx might remind you of a slightly larger version of your housecat, but don't be fooled—these boreal predators are anything but cuddly.
With their tufted ears, thick fur, and large paws, they're built for the cold, snowy environments of Banff. Unlike some of the faster animals in the park, lynx aren't quick runners, so they rely on stealth and patience to catch their prey.
Their favourite meal? Snowshoe hares. These elusive creatures are some of Canada's most secretive wildlife, so if you spot one, consider yourself lucky.
Although they're mostly nocturnal, they can be seen any time of day, as they roam up to 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) daily in search of food.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Respect their space and avoid making sudden movements
- Stay alert in forested areas.
4. Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn sheep are some of the most iconic animals in Banff, and you'll recognize them right away by their massive, curved horns, which can weigh up to 20 percent of their body weight.
Their coats are a warm brown with a white patch on their rumps, and their muscular build is perfect for navigating the rocky terrain they call home.
In Banff, bighorn sheep are the second most common ungulate after elk. You're likely to spot them around Lake Minnewanka or along Mount Norquay Road. These sheep are often seen in herds, grazing or lounging on the steep slopes.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Use binoculars or a zoom lens to get a closer look without approaching them.
- Keep dogs on a leash and under control to prevent any interactions.
5. Deer
In Banff National Park, you'll come across two main types of deer: mule deer and white-tail deer. Mule deer are easy to spot with their large ears and distinctive black-tipped, rope-like tails. On the other hand, white-tail deer are smaller, with reddish coats and long, triangular-shaped brown tails.
The best time to catch a glimpse of these graceful creatures is at dawn and dusk when they're most active. You'll often find them along Vermilion Lakes Drive and the Bow Valley Parkway, especially in the spring.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Deer are easily spooked by loud noises, so keep your voice low and movements calm.
- Deer hunting (or wildlife hunting) is prohibited in Banff National Park.
6. Pika
Pikas, also known as rock rabbits, are small, furry creatures that thrive in the high-altitude rock slides and talus slopes of Banff, usually between 6,000 and 8,500 feet. They're masters of camouflage, but you can often locate them by their distinctive, high-pitched "eep" call.
If you're hiking around Moraine Lake or at the far end of Lake Louise, keep an eye (and ear) out for these little critters.
Pikas are known for creating "pika piles"—small stacks of vegetation they gather and leave out on rocks to dry in the sun. These piles are a sure sign that you're in pika territory.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Pikas are often heard before they're seen, so keep your ears open.
- Don't touch the pika piles.
7. Marmot
Hoary Marmots, also known as whistle-pigs, are one of the largest rodents you'll find in Banff National Park. With their large size and distinctive silver-brown fur, they're hard to miss.
Their longer hair gives them a shaggy appearance, making them stand out even more on the rocky slopes.
If you're out on a day hike, especially on trails like the Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise, keep an eye out for these hefty critters. Marmots are known for digging burrows, which they use for shelter and hibernation.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Marmots are called whistle-pigs for a reason—listen for their sharp, whistle-like calls.
- They are usually shy, so enjoy watching them from afar to avoid scaring them away.
8. Moose
The moose is the largest member of the deer family, and these massive animals are often about the size of a horse. With their towering height and impressive antlers, moose are truly a sight to behold.
While moose were once widely distributed throughout Banff, they've become less common in the Bow Valley in recent years. Your best chances of spotting a moose are along the Icefields Parkway, particularly near Upper Waterfowl Lake and north of Saskatchewan Crossing.
Moose tend to favour lake areas, making these "hot spots" during the spring and summer months. And if you're lucky, you might even see one on Lake Louise Drive.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Moose can act unpredictably near roads, sometimes running out in front of cars.
- They can be dangerous if they feel threatened and have been known to charge.
9. Elk
Elk, also known as Wapiti, are the most common ungulates in Banff National Park. With numbers in the thousands, these impressive wild animals can be seen throughout the park, often along the roadways.
Despite their frequent sightings, elk are actually the most dangerous animals in the park—yes, even more dangerous than bears.
In the spring, mother elk are fiercely protective of their newborn calves, warding off any threats with swift kicks from their powerful hooves.
During the fall rut, bull elk become extremely aggressive, using their massive antlers to assert dominance. If you're visiting the park in late winter or early spring, you might see huge herds gathering at Vermilion Lakes, which is a sight to behold.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Always keep a safe distance of at least 50 meters from elk to avoid provoking them.
- Elk may see dogs as a threat, so keep your pets close and under control.
- Use extra caution in May, June, September, and October. These are the months when elk are most protective and aggressive, so be extra vigilant.
10. Wolverines
Wolverines are among the most elusive and rare creatures in Canada's Rocky Mountains, including Banff National Park.
Their numbers are few, and threats to their habits and habitats are on the rise. These tough animals spend their lives wandering mid- to high-elevation forests and alpine tundra, always on the hunt for their next meal.
Despite their small size, wolverines are incredibly powerful and ferocious. They've been known to take down animals as large as caribou, so it's crucial to give them plenty of space if you're lucky enough to spot one.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- Wolverines are strong and aggressive; it's best to admire them from afar.
- Be mindful when hiking in high-elevation areas, as wolverines may be on the move.
11. Mountain Goats
Mountain goats are like nature's mountaineers, perfectly adapted to Banff National Park's rugged, steep terrain. They're good indicators of a healthy alpine ecosystem because they're very sensitive to human disturbance.
Though you might not see them often due to their preference for remote, rocky habitats, they're actually quite numerous in the park.
You can easily distinguish mountain goats from bighorn sheep by their all-white coats, beards, and short, black dagger-like horns, which both males and females carry.
These goats are experts at climbing cliffs and crags, using the steep terrain to escape from predators.
Tips to Watch Safely:
- To get a closer look without disturbing them, bring binoculars or a zoom lens for your camera.
- Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing these sensitive animals.
Conclusion
If you want to experience the wildlife of Banff without getting too close for comfort, the Lake Louise Gondola is a great option. From the top, you can see plenty of animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them or putting yourself in danger.
And if you don't manage to spot all the wildlife you hoped to see, don't worry! You can always visit the Wildlife Interpretation Center at Lake Louise. Here, you'll find life-sized displays of many animal species.
You can touch and feel animal pelts, skulls, claws, and even (fake) droppings—things you definitely wouldn't want to do with real animals. It's a perfect way to get up close to Banff's wildlife in a safe and educational environment.