BEST PLACES TO SEE WILDLIFE IN CANADA
MINNEWANKALOOP – This is a classic drive in Banff with pretty views of Rundie. Cascade, the Fairhoime Range and Lake Minnewanka itself. The wildlife like it too. especially the right fork. Watch for elk from the edge of Banff all the way to Two Jack Lake. From there on. keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, which tend to prefer the open, mature Douglas fir forest, rock bluffs and steep south-facing slopes along the road. In the winter, the bighorn sheep lick the salt off stopped cars here, which is why it’s known informally as the Banff Car Wash.
BOW VALLEY PARKWAY – As any warden knows, you’ll see more wildlife while driving than on foot. And that’s especially true on this quiet stretch of highway between Banff and Lake Louise. Watch for elk. bears, coyotes. deer, moose and even wolves in the forest and open meadows along the road. At Castle Junction, detour west to the Bow River bridge to check out an osprey nest perched on the bridge supports.
MOUNTNORQUAY ROAD – This Is another scenic drive with excellent wildlife viewing opportumties. While navigating the switchbacks, watch out for mule deer and bighorn sheep. The big open patch near the top of the road, where there’s a puilout. Is an especially good spot to see animals.
THE BUFFALO PADDOCK – There aren’t any bison in the parkland forest north of the Trans Canada Highway anymore. but elk and coyotes are frequently seen in the grassymeadows and among the aspen. To get to the area, follow the road signs from Banff Avenue to Banff’s industrial park. At Compound Road, turn right into a small pullout and park. Follow an obvious trail north under a wildlife underpass to the north side of the Trans-Canada Highway on foot. There are a few old trails and roads that you can follow aimlessly in all directions, or wander up Forty Mile Creek watching for mountain goats and bighorn sheep on the cliffs above.
THE MARSH LOOP – As its name suggests. this is a swampy area where the Bow River mixes with the hot springs pouring off Sulphur Mountain. By hiking the 2.5-km loop trail and finishing with the Marsh Boardwalk at the Cave and 8asm. you’ll pass through excellent bird habitat. Watch for elk in the open meadows of the loop. The mineral-rich. heated waters running under the boardwalk are home to an endemic snail as well as exotic fish introduced to the warm water.
