Captivated by impressive photographs of wildlife in Canada's north? In Fort Nelson, step inside the photographs and view amazing wildlife in person, such as Stone's sheep, grizzly bears, and mountain caribou.
While there is never a guarantee of seeing wildlife, chances are fairly high along the Alaska Highway and near the Rocky Mountains. The area’s vast parks offer a spectacular backcountry experience, and are great places to search for local wildlife.
Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park
Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park is one of BC’s largest provincial parks and is part of the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, an enormous tract of protected wilderness. This remote park, accessed primarily by boat, plane, on horseback or on foot, is known for its exceptional backcountry opportunities. The park is inhabited by creatures large and small. Look for moose, elk, mountain goats, wolves, black and grizzly bears, and many smaller animals such as martens, fishers, weasels and wolverines.
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Stone Mountain Provincial Park
Viewing Stone's sheep, a thin horned sheep, is exceptional along the Alaska Highway in Stone Mountain Provincial Park. Watch for sheep as a road hazard. Heading north, just past Summit Lake (great for fishing and camping) the highway winds down along a cliff face. Stone's sheep are often seen hopping along cracks and crannies in the cliff. The majority of the world's Stone's sheep are found in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area.
More Wildlife
Watch along Fort Nelson roadsides and the Alaska Highway for grizzly and black bears, especially in the spring as they emerge from dens to search for fresh vegetation. Ungulates (hoofed animals) like moose, caribou, and deer are especially likely to be out during dusk and dawn hours. Smaller animals like coyotes, marten and marmots are also a treat to see. Be on the lookout for bison on the highway near Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park.
Practical Points
- Keep a safe and respectful distance from wildlife at all times.
- When viewing wildlife from a vehicle, stay inside, pull off the main highway to avoid a traffic jam, and take pictures through the window.
- Do not actively feed animals or leave garbage available for their consumption. Feeding cause animals to become habituated to people. Make sure all garbage is placed in bear proof containers. Carry out all garbage when backcountry camping.
- Check with the Fort Nelson Visitor Centre for more information on wildlife viewing and safety.
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