British Columbia has more than 1,100 different wildlife species and some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
Spotting wildlife in BC can take place at unexpected times and places. Hiking, boating and even driving BC’s highways present opportunities for wildlife viewing. Bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, bears, whales, and sea lions are a few of the wildlife species that can be seen here.
For the best experience, consider a professionally guided wildlife tour. Trained guides and naturalists take visitors into natural environments safely, informatively and in comfort.
Learn more about wildlife viewing in BC's regions and cities:
Kootenay Rockies: Bears, elk, bighorn sheep, cougars and wolves roam national and provincial parks set in the dramatic scenery of the Rocky Mountains.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Wildlife-rich region that ranges from whales, grizzly bears, and rare white Kermode bears on the coast to bighorn sheep, moose and beaver in interior provincial parks such as Bowron Lakes.
Thompson Okanagan: Enormous salmon runs, Canada’s only desert climate and viewing opportunities in Wells Gray and Mount Robson provincial parks.
Vancouver Island: Stunning coastlines populated with whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and other marine animals, in addition to colourful tidal pools and inland parks with bears, deer and more.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Whale watching from coastal towns, bald eagle viewing in Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park and abundant wildlife in parks such as Garibaldi and Manning.
Northern British Columbia: Enormous terrain including Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary, the unique wildlife of Haida Gwaii and a wildlife area known as the “Serengeti of the North.”
Vancouver: Large urban parks home to birds and small mammals, shoreline wildlife and more than 70,000 aquatic creatures in the Vancouver Aquarium.
Victoria: Ocean animals and seabirds on picturesque coastlines, salmon runs and bald eagles, and vibrant islands accessible only by boat.
Whistler: Spot bears and deer from chairlifts, meet pikas and whiskey jacks on mountain tops or take a canoe tour to see beaver, otter and birds.
Wildlife Viewing Tours
Go cruising to experience the rugged BC coast – take a bear-watching tour to spot rare Kermode (Spirit) bears that wander the coastal forests, or look for black and grizzly bears in almost every region.
Marine wildlife is abundant in BC. There are thousands of kilometres of coastline teeming with seals, sea lions, porpoises, fish and marine birds. Whale-watching tours look for Orcas year round, and BC’s coast lies in the migratory path of more than 20,000 grey whales.
Hiking is a great self-guided way to see wildlife in the mountains. Inland, the parks, grasslands and forests are alive with moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Canoe the countless lakes, rivers and wetlands that make for prime bird watching habitat.
A driving tour is a great way to view the wildlife and landscape; in BC, even the highways are prime wildlife viewing areas.
When to Go Wildlife Viewing
Animals are most active around dawn and dusk and many species of wildlife are seasonal. Visitor centres can provide information on local wildlife, habitat and behaviour and can also help book tours.
Wildlife Viewing Trip Ideas
Check out nature and wildlife viewing trip ideas for some suggestions on where to see bald eagles, bears, tidal pools and more.
Practical Points and Safety
- Most wild animals are easily startled; avoid loud noises or other disturbances.
- Never feed animals. This can be dangerous to both people and the animal. Though they may appear docile, all wild animals are unpredictable and may be dangerous – always keep a safe distance.
- Wildlife can be seen along many of BC’s roads, even major highways. Be alert to avoid collisions, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
- Be aware that bears are found in most parts of BC, and unexpected encounters are typical. Bear-safety awareness is recommended for any backcountry activity. Consult local visitor centres or park rangers for more information.
- Do not disturb fish and never throw debris in rivers or spawning channels.
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