British Columbia is a paradise for wildlife lovers, offering some of the most diverse and spectacular animal sightings in Canada. From grizzly bears to bald eagles, the province is teeming with opportunities to experience nature up close. In this article, we explore the best places to see iconic Canadian wildlife in the Cariboo, Wells Gray, Lower North Thompson, and Kamloops regions.
The Cariboo: Land of Grizzly Bears and Moose
The Cariboo region is a vast wilderness known for its dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. One of the best spots for wildlife viewing is Bowron Lake Provincial Park, where visitors can embark on canoe circuit tours and spot moose grazing along the shores.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal, as moose and bears are more active.
- Wildlife to See: Moose, grizzly bears, deer, black bears, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles.
- How to See Them: Canoeing, hiking, and guided wildlife tours provide the best opportunities for sightings.
- Where to Stay: Wolf Valley Guest Ranch, Laughing Raven Resort, and many more.
Wells Gray Provincial Park: Waterfalls and Wildlife
Known as “Canada’s Waterfall Park,” Wells Gray is not just home to stunning cascades but also to diverse and iconic wildlife populations.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Wildlife to See: Black bears, grizzly bears, moose, salmon, beavers, foxes, mule deer, and the elusive lynx.
- How to See Them: Take a boat tour on Clearwater Lake, explore the park’s extensive hiking trails, or drive through the park for roadside sightings. In the fall, you can watch salmon at the Raft River viewing platform, Bailey’s Chute waterfall, and Dutch Lake. Snow or wildflower-covered meadows are also common places to see bears and moose.
- Where to Stay: Clearwater Springs Ranch, Moul Creek Lodge B&B, Wells Gray Guest Ranch, Across the Creek Cabins, and many more
Lower North Thompson: Eagle Haven and Big Game Country
The Lower North Thompson region is a mix of rugged mountains and river valleys, making it an ideal habitat for large mammals and birds of prey. The Thompson River Valley is a prime spot for bald eagle watching, especially during the salmon run.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall is perfect for eagle sightings due to the salmon migration. Spring through fall is when you’re likely to see bears.
- Wildlife to See: Bald eagles, turkey vultures, loons, bighorn sheep, black bears, and cougars.
- How to See Them: Scenic drives along the Thompson River, self-guided birdwatching, and hiking along the riverbanks.
- Where to Stay: The Rustic Resort, Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort, Skitchine Lodge, and many more.
Kamloops: Urban Meets Wilderness
Kamloops offers a unique blend of urban convenience and outdoor adventure, making it an accessible wildlife-viewing destination. Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area is a hotspot for spotting wildlife in an open, picturesque setting.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best conditions for wildlife observation.
- Wildlife to See: Coyotes, black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, salmon, and great horned owls.
- How to See Them: Hiking trails, golf courses, the BC Wildlife Park, Adams River for salmon, and early morning or dusk drives increase the chances of encounters.
- Where to Stay: Lac Le Jeune Resort, Tunkwa Lake Resort, and many more.
Tips Before for Wildlife Viewing in British Columbia
- Be Respectful: Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural habitat. When hiking, stay together, supervise children, and keep pets on a leash.
- Bring Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars or a zoom lens can enhance your viewing experience.
- If You Spot Wildlife While Driving: Stay in your vehicle and keep your windows closed. If you must stop, be mindful of traffic safety—don’t stop in the middle of the road or on a corner or hill.
From the grizzly bears of the Cariboo to the birds of the Lower North Thompson, British Columbia offers endless opportunities to witness Canada’s incredible wildlife. Plan your visit at the right time and with the right approach to experience these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. You’ll be glad you did.
Commonly Asked Questions about Wildlife Viewing in British Columbia:
What are some common wildlife species that can be seen in central British Columbia?
Visitors to central British Columbia can often spot black bears, moose, deer, caribou, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species including bald eagles, ospreys, and sandhill cranes.
When is the best time to view salmon spawning in the region?
The best time to view salmon spawning in central British Columbia is between August and October, particularly in Wells Gray Park where visitors can witness sockeye salmon jumping up Bailey’s Chute waterfall.
Are there any guided wildlife viewing tours available in the South Cariboo area?
Yes, the South Cariboo area offers guided wildlife viewing tours, including bird-watching excursions that showcase the region’s diverse avian population of nearly 200 breeding bird species.
What unique wildlife viewing opportunities does Wells Gray Park offer?
Wells Gray Park offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities such as bear watching along roadsides, moose sightings in snow-covered meadows, and the chance to see salmon spawning at Bailey’s Chute and Raft River.
How can visitors safely observe bears in British Columbia?
To safely observe bears in British Columbia, visitors should stay in their vehicles with windows closed when spotting bears along roads, make noise while hiking, carry bear spray, and properly store food at campsites to avoid attracting bears.
