The Northern British Columbia region encompasses more than half of the province, and holds major populations of wildlife including bears, moose, deer and mountain goats. The coastal waters of Northern BC are alive with marine life. Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, fish and seabirds thrive in the nutrient-rich Pacific waters.
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands is known as “Canada’s Galapagos” for its unique wildlife, while the vast Muskwa-Kechika Management Area has been called the "Serengeti of the North" for its large and diverse animal population. Wildlife viewing highlights in Northern BC include Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary and the world-famous Alaska Highway.
Take a guided cruise or sea kayaking tour for comprehensive bear watching, whale watching and bird watching; the plentiful wildlife in Northern BC means there’s also a chance to see animals without a guide.
Wildlife Viewing on Roads and Highways
The network of roads in Northern BC provide prime viewing opportunities. Black and grizzly bears, moose, caribou, deer, Stone’s sheep and even herds of bison are frequently seen along the highways.
Alaska Highway
The incredible wildlife viewing along this spectacular wilderness corridor make it one of North America’s most popular driving routes. Beginning at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, this route has almost guaranteed wildlife spotting opportunities. Watch for herds of bison along the road near Liard River Hot Springs and Stone’s sheep licking minerals from the road near Stone Mountain Provincial Park.
Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway)
Like many roads in the region, wildlife such as bears, moose and deer can be seen anywhere along the highway. The section of road between Terrace and Prince Rupert follows the Skeena River and is particularly scenic – the river’s spring eulachon run brings eagles, seals and sea lions. Moose are often seen near Prince George.
Highway 37 (Cassiar Highway)
This road passes through remote and spectacular landscape frequented by bears, caribous, moose and many other wildlife species. For amazing bear watching take Highway 37A to Stewart where some of the best grizzly bear viewing in the region is at nearby Fish Creek.
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands
On Hwy 16 between Queen Charlotte City and Masset, watch for Sitka deer feeding along the grassy clearings beside the road. The island’s black bears are among the largest in North America and can often be seen here as well. The Delkatla Wildlife Refuge near Masset features a tidal lagoon, trails and a viewing platform to look for more than 130 species of birds.
Wildlife Viewing in Provincial Parks
Northern BC is home to the largest wilderness area in the Rocky Mountains. The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area features so much wildlife that it has been called the “Serengeti of the North.” Some notable parks that fall within this area are:
Stone Mountain Provincial Park
A two-hour drive west of Fort Nelson on the Alaska Highway, this park is best known for the herds of Stone’s sheep and caribou that gather along the highway to lick the mineral deposits. Stone Mountain Provincial Park boasts a multitude of wildlife including moose, mule deer and black bears.
Muncho Lake Provincial Park
Frequent wildlife sightings take place in Muncho Lake Provincial Park amidst a backdrop of stunning geological formations and brilliant wildflower meadows. A guided tour from Northern Rockies Lodge is an ideal way to view Stone’s sheep, bears, moose, caribous, deer and the significant bird population found here.
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Located in a lush boreal spruce forest, the wildlife and unique flora and fauna draw visitors to Canada’s largest natural hot springs. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park features a wooden boardwalk leading to hot springs, which provides a prime viewing area for moose that frequently feed in the surrounding warm marshy waters.
Sea Lions, Seals and other Marine Wildlife
The nutrient-rich waters off Northern BC's coast hold some of the most prolific marine wildlife on the entire coast. The waters surrounding Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands draw kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands
The islands' waters teem with sea life, including seals, sea lions, porpoises and marine birds. Eagles can be spotted – often hundreds at a time – in spring and summer. Look for grey whales in the spring as well as Orcas and humpback whales in the summer.
Marine wildlife may be best viewed from a kayaking tour, which range from a few hours in Skidegate Inlet to several days in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. Cruises are another option for marine and land wildlife-viewing, and range from trips on luxury yachts to heritage schooners.
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands are accessible via an eight-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert. Air service is also available from Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
Prince Rupert
A scenic stroll along the waterfront will yield a rich variety of marine life. Harbour seals, otters, seabirds and porpoises are often seen. Bald eagles are prolific and in certain areas along the waterfront ten or more eagles can be seen in a single tree. Guided whale watching and bear viewing trips are available from Prince Rupert’s waterfront Cow Bay area.
For information on wildlife safety, practical points and viewing tips visit the BC Wildlife Tours page.
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