Canada · WILDLIFE

Wildlife Tours in Canada: The 15 With the Best Odds

54 tours  ·  from $14

Elk on the roadside is luck; a guide who knows which valley the bears are feeding in is not. The 15 below cover the dawn and dusk drives in Banff and Jasper, the grizzly boats out of Campbell River and the whale and seal cruises, with seasons and prices.

Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise - Leaving From 1 Dallas Road In Victoria
Boat Tours in Victoria, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Victoria

Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

1.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,729 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146Our pick

Set out from 1 Dallas Road in Victoria with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours for a 3.5-hour Salish Sea cruise. Your naturalist guide explains whales, seabirds, and local history while the crew searches for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Choose from a fast open boat or a semi-covered catamaran, with whale sightings guaranteed or your next tour free.

“This experience was excellent! The staff incredibly knowledgeable and the captain fantastic. We were lucky enough to see many humpbacks, sea lions and other wildlife. Definitely a highlight of our trip to Victoria!”

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Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Award-Winning Small Group Adventure - The Hoodoos Trail and a quick walk
Banff Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Banff

Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Award-Winning Small Group Adventure

2.Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Award-Winning Small Group Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 725 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $94

Ride through Banff National Park in a modern minibus with up to 12 people. Your guide, such as Nolan, Lubo, Ollie, Liam, or Charlie, adjusts the route for weather and recent sightings. Expect Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, mountain viewpoints, and a real chance of seeing elk, deer, sheep, foxes, or coyotes.

“This was a fantastic experience and would recommend if you’re heading to Banff. Our guide Tyler was awesome - he knew so much about the area and the wildlife which was a real hit for my husband and me. We saw Big Horn Sheep, Mule Deer and Elk on our excursion which was a highlight for us. While some people suggest you could just drive the route and save the money - I could not disagree more! It was special to be able to both enjoy the scenery and relax instead of one person constantly worrying about navigation. This is definitely the way to do these landmarks!”

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Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour - Seasonal routes instead of a fixed checklist
Evening Experiences, Jasper Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Jasper

Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

3.Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 710 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Join Maligne Adventures for a three-hour evening ride through Jasper National Park, with hotel pickup, live wildlife commentary, and seasonal stops. Guides such as Catherine, Sam, Kelli, and Ross have shared sharp insights into elk, moose, eagles, bears, beavers, and fire-affected habitats. Most viewing is from the minibus, with brief walks when conditions allow.

“Superb tour made memorable by Catherine - well driven, informative and extremely friendly. A good variety of animals witnessed which is never a guarantee on these tours (the animals have rarely read the itinerary!). Would recommend.”

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Jasper National Park: Evening or Morning Wildlife Watch Tour - Morning or evening: which departure should you choose?
Evening Experiences, Jasper Tours, National Park Tours in Jasper, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Jasper

Jasper National Park: Evening or Morning Wildlife Watch Tour

4.Jasper National Park: Evening or Morning Wildlife Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 691 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Ride a comfortable minibus through Jasper National Park on a morning or evening wildlife search. Guides such as Sam, Ross, Catherine, and Kelli use seasonal animal movements to choose the route, sharing practical wildlife advice and local stories. Expect mountain views, large windows, occasional short walks, and no guarantee of sightings.

“Our guide Ross was great. He had a lot of knowledge and had a lot of tips for trails where you can see wildlife. We were lucky enough to see marmots, an osprey, elk and a mum grizzly with her two cups. Had a great trip, worth every dollar”

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Jasper Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise - Maligne Canyon after the 2024 wildfire
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Jasper Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

5.Jasper Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $176

Travel from Jasper through Maligne Valley by minibus, with stops at Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake before a 90-minute Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island. Guides such as Sam, Jake, Catherine, and Ross add local stories, wildlife tips, and clear explanations of the 2024 wildfire. Wildlife sightings are possible, never promised.

“Wildlife sightings. Sam did a great job. Was on time and knowledgeable. Knew a lot about wildfire science.”

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Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Cruise - The 21-seat ride from Jasper
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Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Cruise

6.Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 501 reviews · from $155

Ride a comfortable 21-seat minibus from Jasper through Maligne Valley, stopping at Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, and Maligne Lake. Your English-speaking guide, names such as Jake, Sam, Josh, and Kelli on recent departures, explains wildlife, geology, and the 2024 wildfire before a 90-minute cruise to Spirit Island.

“Very well organized, our guide (Ross) shared a lot of information and was really friendly, it was overall a great experience.”

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Banff: Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour - Pickup from 13 Banff locations
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Banff: Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour

7.Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 465 reviews · 2 hours · from $55Best value

Set out in a small group with an English-speaking guide such as Lucy, Jake, Evie, or Sam for two hours of wildlife watching in Banff National Park. You may spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, or bears while riding scenic roads near Banff, Mount Norquay, and Lake Minnewanka. Sightings are never promised, but the views and park stories are part of the value.

“The ticket says i will be picked up at 7:30, thankfully I was at the pock up point by 7:06, and the van was already there by then. Our guide was wonderful, we were able to see a group of elks. The view at the norquay summit was breathtaking, too.”

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Cowichan Bay: Half-Day Whale & Wildlife Adventure - Three and a half hours in the Salish Sea
Half-Day, Nanaimo Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours in Nanaimo, Wildlife

Cowichan Bay Half Day Whale & Wildlife Adventure

8.Cowichan Bay Half Day Whale & Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $159

Set out from Cowichan Bay for 3.5 to 4 hours with Captain Gary, Captain Jane, or another certified naturalist. Small boats carry no more than 12 people, with safety gear, warm flotation suits, and live commentary provided. Expect a fast ride through the Salish Sea in search of orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, eagles, and seabirds.

“Super fun, educational, and friendly trip! Our guide was great to speak to and learn from. Would definitely do this again if I’m ever lucky enough to come to CA again in the future.”

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Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour - What you may see beyond the whales
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Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour

9.Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $131

Set out from 1 Dallas Road in Victoria for a three-hour marine wildlife cruise with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours. Choose from a fast open boat or semi-covered catamaran, depending on conditions and group size. Your guide searches for humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles, and other west coast wildlife. The trip returns to the same harbor.

“Dedicated captain doing his best to find whales. After 5 hours we did not but did see a lot of other sea animals.”

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From Banff: Banff Wildlife & Scenic Highlights Premium Tour - Pickup in Banff and the small-group vehicle
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From Banff: Banff Wildlife & Scenic Highlights Premium Tour

10.Banff Wildlife & Scenic Highlights Premium Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 266 reviews · 3 hours · from $91

Spend three hours with a local English-speaking guide, such as Lubo, Tess, or Ollie, searching Banff’s wildlife corridors at dusk. Visit Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and lesser-known viewpoints in a van for up to 12 people. Wildlife sightings are common, but bears are never guaranteed.

“Tess was a wonderful guide, very friendly and professional, and full of knowledge.”

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Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike - Starting in Jasper and watching the roadside
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Jasper, Jasper Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Jasper

Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike

11.Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · from $77

Travel by small minibus from Jasper into the Maligne Valley with guides such as Jake, Sam, Kathryn, and Jamie. Look for elk, moose, bears, eagles, and other wildlife, stop at Medicine Lake, and take an easy 2 to 3 kilometer guided walk at Maligne Lake. Maligne Canyon may be replaced by alternate viewpoints during repairs.

“Wonderful Guides and experience was amazing wish we could have seen more animals but understand that they are not around that much this time of year”

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Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour - Watching for whales, seals, and coastal birds
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Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour

12.Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

Join Orca Spirit Adventures in Victoria for a three-hour winter Zodiac ride through the waters near southern Vancouver Island. A marine naturalist helps you watch for humpback whales, Bigg’s killer whales, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. You get a cruiser suit, hat, gloves, and access to a hydrophone for whale calls.

“This tour was fun and enjoyable, even in the rain! We walked around town, taste tested a range of food and, learnt so much about the history of the area. It felt good to support local businesses.”

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Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike - Medicine Lake: Cliffs, Water, and Wildlife Watching
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Jasper, Jasper Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Jasper

Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike

13.Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 216 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $81

Travel 45 kilometers through Jasper National Park with guides such as Sam, Catherine, Josh, and Jake. Learn about geology, wildlife, and the 2024 wildfire, stop at Medicine Lake, and take a guided 2 to 3 kilometer hike beside Maligne Lake. Wildlife sightings are possible, but never guaranteed.

“Kelly was our guide and she was AMAZING! She was energetic, extremely knowledgeable, and fun to talk to. She was able to engage my two young children (8 and 11 years old) and made the walk fun for them. She was so good at spotting the wild animals!! We saw 3 moose, a bald eagle, and a bear on our tour. Highly recommend!”

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Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour - A purpose-built boat with room to change your view
3-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Victoria

Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour

14.Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $125

Join a small group of up to 12 at Victoria’s Inner Harbour for a three-hour search for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and marine birds. Marine biologists such as Nour, Alexa, Mark, and Andrew guide the trip, with heated indoor seating, two outdoor viewing areas, jackets, coffee, and hot chocolate.

“it hard to find the whales, every other boat is doing the same thing. However, it was educational in other aspects and she was very knowledgable, fun and interesting.”

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Jasper: Maligne Valley Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise - The drive along Maligne Lake Road
Boat Tours in Jasper, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jasper Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Jasper

Jasper: Maligne Valley Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise

15.Maligne Valley Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 182 reviews · 6 hours · from $150

Travel from Jasper to Maligne Lake with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Medicine Lake and wildlife viewpoints before a 1.5-hour cruise to Spirit Island. Guides such as Fred, Kevin, John, and Yvonne have led past departures, though staff vary. Hotel pickup, transportation, commentary, and the boat tour are included.

“Amazed that he picked us up directly from our Airbnb. Beautiful trip. Maligne Lake cruise is a must do.”

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New in Wildlife

★ 5.0Private day tour to wildlife Parc Omega and Montebello lodge from MontrealFrom $35940 reviews
★ 4.5Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission TicketFrom $1560 reviews
★ 4.5Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife TourFrom $6547 reviews
★ 4.5Winter Wildlife Discovery TourFrom $6768 reviews
★ 5.0Wilderness and Wildlife Hiking Tour – 3hr HikeFrom $9318 reviews
★ 5.0Explore Banff + WildlifeFrom $719 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National ParkFrom $6977 reviews
★ 4.5Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe TourFrom $6913 reviews
★ 5.0Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset & Wildlife AdventureFrom $17997 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Tour to Banff Highlights & Wildlife With Gondola AdmissionFrom $1947 reviews
★ 4.9PRIVATE Wilderness and Wildlife Walking Tour – 3hrs17 reviews
★ 5.0Private Parc Omega Wildlife Safari – Winter MagicFrom $18364 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Nature Walk & Wildlife Tour with Hotel PickupFrom $434 reviews
★ 5.0Lunenburg: Zodiac Wildlife Tour with Naturalist GuideFrom $1015 reviews
★ 4.1Kamloops: BC Wildlife Park Entry TicketFrom $1432 reviews

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