The Rocky Mountains provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Canada, if not North America. For many people, observing wildlife can be the highlight of their trip. Whether it is a grazing elk, a hissing marmot, or a black bear playing with her cubs, you are sure to encounter many wild creatures.
HOARY MARMOT
Also known as ‘Whistlers’ for the high-pitched, whistling sound they make. They are photo-friendly creatures that live high up in the Alps.
Detect them: High mountain trails; often at the top of the Jasper Tramway on Whistlers Mountain.
BIGHORN SHEEP
Appropriately named because their horns are huge, they are often used as a symbol of the Rocky Mountains. They can be found in the Canadian Rockies, in all national parks.
Check them out: On Yellowhead Highway east of Jasper town, the north end of Jasper Lake, and Lake Minnewanka Road.
MOUNTAIN GOAT
This chubby goat has shaggy white fur and a rather cute “beard.” They are probably the closest thing to a Canadian animal. However, you may need to look up to see them, because they prefer the more mountainous areas, especially cliffs or steep slopes.
Check them out: along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper.
BEARS
Grizzly bears (or grizzly bears, as they are sometimes known) are probably the most famous animals in the Rocky Mountains. They are recognizable by the large hump on their shoulders, although you probably don’t want to get close enough to notice it.
Black bears tend to be smaller and are much more common. To make things confusing, they are also usually brown in color. Discovering either one in nature is a memorable experience. Keep your eyes open and stay away!
Check them out: Along the Banff-Radium Highway, especially between the Dolly Varden Picnic Area and Mount Harkin Lookout and along the Icefields Parkway at the infamous ‘bear jams’.
MOOSE AND MOOSE
Recognizable by their massive antlers and bulbous nose, moose are usually quite shy animals. During the mating season (October – November) they can become more aggressive, and you may hear them make a very loud and peculiar bellow as they try to attract a mate.
Moose are a fairly common sight in the Rocky Mountains and often appear quite tame as they nonchalantly graze by the side of the road. However, it is worth giving them plenty of leeway, especially during the mating season (fall) because they have been known to attack.
Check them out: Along the highway, especially on Highway 93A between Banff and Jasper.
