Wildlife Tracker

The most reliable wildlife viewing in Banff. Elk herds graze here year-round, beaver are active at dusk, and osprey nest in summer.

The highest density of bear sightings in the park. Spring is peak season as bears forage on roadside vegetation. Speed limit drops to 60 km/h for wildlife safety.

Bighorn sheep are almost guaranteed on the road to Lake Minnewanka. They often stand on the road itself. Bald eagles fish on the lake in summer.

Elk bed down in the marsh around Fenland Trail. Owls roost in the old-growth spruce. Coyotes hunt at dusk.

Bear activity is high along Moraine Lake Road. Trail closures for grizzly activity happen multiple times per summer. Pika and marmots at Sentinel Pass.

Large elk herds gather at Cascade Ponds, especially in fall and winter. Columbian ground squirrels are everywhere in summer.

Mountain goats on roadside cliffs near the Big Bend. Bears feeding on avalanche slopes in spring. Sheep at lower elevations.

The Banff golf course is elk central in winter. Wolf packs are occasionally seen crossing the Spray River area. Bald eagles fish the open water below Bow Falls.

The Lake Louise gondola area (summer sightseeing) has one of the highest grizzly densities in the park. Bears are frequently seen from the gondola itself.

American dippers (water ouzels) are year-round residents of Johnston Creek — watch for small grey birds diving into the creek. Black bears on the Ink Pots trail.