7 Best Places to See Wildlife in Banff National Park

Wildlife in Banff National Park

Ready to see some amazing wildlife? Banff National Park is the place to be. This park is famous for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. But where should you go to spot these animals?

Grab your camera, and let's discuss the best spots in Banff to see wildlife up close. From bears to goats, you'll know exactly where to look.

In this article, you'll get all the tips and spots you need for the perfect wildlife adventure.

Best Places to See Banff National Park Wildlife

Here, you'll get the details on where to go, what animals you can see, and tips for the perfect viewing conditions.

Lake Louise Gondola

Best Time to Visit: Summer Months (June to October)

The Lake Louise Gondola is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. It's a ski hill in winter, so the open areas make it easier to spot animals. It's a great place to watch wildlife without getting too close.

Remember not to drop anything from the lift. Even if you don't see anything below, animals might mistake trash for food, which can be harmful. Keep your zippers fastened and straps secured. Squirrels have a knack for touch screens and might not return dropped smartphones!

wildlife viewing in Lake Louise

If you don't see any animals on your way up, don't worry. Bears and other animals are always on the move, looking for food. You might catch a glimpse of them on your way down.

Check out our wildlife calendar for recent sightings from the lift, which are reported almost every day during the summer months.

For the best chance of seeing wildlife, take one of the open chairs. The lake is also a popular spot for migratory birds, making it perfect for birdwatching.

Get your tickets for Lake Louise Gondola here!

Wildlife to Watch

  • Grizzly bears
  • Black bears
  • Cougars
  • Lynx
  • Mountain goats
  • Wolves
  • Elk
  • Mule
  • Whitetail deer
  • Moose
  • Bighorn sheep
  • Wolverines
  • Birds.

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a fantastic spot for wildlife in the Rocky Mountains. The basin is home to various animals, from fish and small mammals to large predators. These creatures aren't just found around the lake but roam throughout Banff National Park and the surrounding areas.

Grizzly bears and black bears live in the Banff area and can sometimes be seen near Moraine Lake. Remember, it's important to stay safe and responsible when in bear country. Always keep a safe distance, hike in groups, and carry bear spray. It's best to avoid encounters if possible.

Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. You never know what you might see! Even if you don't spot any wildlife, you can still enjoy the lake's striking blue waters.

Best Time to Visit: July until September

Wildlife to Watch

  • Hoary marmots
  • Ground squirrels
  • Chipmunks (especially around the Rockpile Trail)
  • Snowshoe hares
  • Clark's nutcrackers
  • Gray jays
  • Various species of sparrows

Bow Valley Parkway

1A Bow Valley Parkway is a great alternative route to Lake Louise. This scenic drive runs alongside the Trans Canada, with the Bow River nestled between them. The Parkway offers so much more than just a way to get from A to B.

Stretching 50 km, it starts just outside Banff at the Fireside Day-Use Area and ends near the Lake Louise Ski Resort. You can drive, cycle, hike, or even take Roam Transit along this route.

Wildlife sightings are common. You might see elk, deer, or even bears. If you do, take a moment to admire them. But remember to pull over safely, stay in your car, and don't block traffic.

Best Time to Visit: June through September

Wildlife to Watch

  • Bears
  • Bighorn sheep
  • Deer
  • Elk
  • Foxes
  • Moose

Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes are just a short distance away from the town of Banff. In the summer, guided nature walks are available, giving you a chance to explore this natural oasis.

The shallow lakes reflect the beauty of Mount Rundle and attract various birds and wild animals.

Here's what you might see:

  • Deer grazing in the grassy areas
  • Elk along the banks of the Bow River
  • Mule deer near the Fenland Trail
  • Birds by the lakes

The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset. If you're lucky, you might even spot an elusive wolf. You can also explore the lakes by canoe or kayak for a closer look at the wildlife.

Best Time to Visit: June until August

Wildlife to Watch

  • Deers
  • Elk
  • Beavers
  • Owls
  • Bald eagles
  • Ospreys

Lake Minnewanka Loop

Lake Minnewanka Loop is a must-see. This 24 km loop is perfect for cycling. As you ride, look for the bighorn sheep that call this area home. They often wander along the paths.

Parking at the attractions on the Minnewanka Loop is very limited. Plan ahead if you want to visit spots like Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka.

Best Time to Visit: June to October

Wildlife to Watch

  • Deers
  • Wolves
  • Bighorn Sheep

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is one of the world's top ten scenic drives. The wilderness around this stunning route is home to several at-risk species, including the Woodland Caribou, the star of the Canadian 25-cent coin.

Wildlife behavior can be unpredictable, especially during mating season or when females have young. If you cause an animal to move, you're too close.

Keep a distance of at least 30 meters, and never feed or approach wildlife.

Best Time to Visit: between June and September

Wildlife to Watch

  • Bighorn sheep
  • Mountain goats
  • Deer
  • Black bears
  • Wolverines
  • Eagles
  • Marmots
  • Ptarmigan
  • Pika
  • Lynx

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of only three breeding sites for the Black Swift in Alberta. Watch for these species of birds around dusk as they swoop from the canyon walls to return to their nests. The canyon is open all year, though facilities like the restaurant and gift shop are closed in winter.

Remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed them. It's important to respect the animals and their natural habitat while enjoying this beautiful spot.

Best Time to Visit: between June and mid-September

Wildlife to Watch

  • Warblers
  • Flycatchers
  • Winter Wrens
  • Cordilleran
  • Pine Martens
  • Squirrels

Conclusion

Ready to experience the diverse wildlife of Banff National Park? Plan your visit for the best chance to see these amazing animals up close.

Don't miss the Wildlife Interpretive Center at the top of the Lake Louise Gondola. You can enjoy free nature talks and see life-sized displays of many species. It's a must-visit spot for any nature enthusiast.

So get your camera and binoculars ready for some unforgettable wildlife adventure in Banff National Park! Plan your visit today by clicking here!