Few places in the world rival the wildlife encounters found around Banff and Jasper. Nestled within the Canadian Rockies, these two national parks are home to an extraordinary mix of animals that roam freely through valleys, forests, and alpine meadows.
Visitors might glimpse an elk crossing a misty river at dawn, a grizzly foraging in a berry patch, or mountain goats navigating sheer cliffs with effortless balance. These parks aren’t just scenic wonders.
They’re thriving ecosystems where humans and wildlife coexist in a delicate balance. Every sighting, whether it’s a fleeting shadow of a lynx or the majestic silhouette of a moose, offers a reminder of how wild and alive these landscapes remain.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from reputable online sources. Wildlife behaviour can vary depending on season and habitat.
1. Grizzly Bear
With a shoulder hump and silver-tipped fur, grizzly bears are among the most recognizable symbols of the Rockies. Banff National Park counts them among its 53 mammal species, and they range from forested valleys up to alpine zones.
Your best chance to spot one is at dawn or dusk, particularly along roadsides or berry-rich slopes where they forage. Always keep a safe distance and carry bear spray when hiking.
Grizzlies can weigh up to 360 kilograms and are surprisingly fast runners. Respect their space, never approach, and enjoy the thrill of seeing one from your vehicle or a safe vantage point on the trail.
2. Black Bear
Black bears outnumber grizzlies in Banff and Jasper, making them the bear you are more likely to encounter. They roam forests, campgrounds, and roadside areas, often searching for food.
Smaller and more agile than grizzlies, black bears lack the prominent shoulder hump and can climb trees with ease. Their fur ranges from jet black to cinnamon brown, which sometimes confuses visitors.
If you see one, stay calm and back away slowly. Never feed or approach any bear, and always secure your food and garbage at campsites. Black bears are curious and intelligent, so proper food storage protects both you and them from dangerous encounters.
3. Elk (Wapiti)
Elk are among the easiest large mammals to see around Banff and Jasper, often grazing near townsites, meadows, and roadsides. Their size and majestic antlers make them hard to miss.
During fall, bull elk enter the rut, a mating season marked by dramatic bugling calls that echo through valleys. Watching and listening to this natural spectacle is unforgettable, though you should keep your distance as bulls become aggressive.
Elk can weigh over 300 kilograms and stand nearly 1.5 metres tall at the shoulder. They are social animals, often seen in herds, and are active throughout the day, making them a favourite subject for wildlife photographers.
4. Moose
Spotting a moose feels like a special reward because they are less common than elk and prefer quieter, wetter habitats. Look for them near lakes, wetlands, and marshy areas where willows and aquatic plants grow.
Moose are the largest members of the deer family, with bulls sporting impressive palmate antlers. Despite their size, they move quietly through dense brush and can be surprisingly hard to spot until you are quite close.
Early morning and late evening are the best times to search for moose. If you find one, admire it from a distance because moose can be unpredictable and defensive, especially cows with calves.
5. Mountain Goat
Clinging to cliffs and ridgelines where few other animals dare to tread, mountain goats are masters of the high country. Their white coats stand out against grey rock, making them easier to spot from valley roads like the Icefields Parkway.
Both males and females have short, sharp horns and specialized hooves with soft, rubbery pads that grip steep terrain. They feed on grasses, mosses, and lichens in alpine meadows during summer.
Bring binoculars to scan rocky slopes above treeline, especially in Jasper where mountain goats are more common. Patience pays off, as these sure-footed climbers often rest on ledges in plain view once you know where to look.
6. Bighorn Sheep
Few sights rival a bighorn ram posed on a rocky outcrop, his massive curved horns silhouetted against the sky. Both Banff and Jasper host healthy populations of these iconic animals, often seen along roadsides and cliffsides.
Rams use their horns in dramatic head-butting contests during the fall rut, a behaviour that can be heard from a distance. Ewes and lambs form separate groups for most of the year, grazing on grasses and shrubs.
Bighorns are surprisingly tolerant of people and vehicles, sometimes grazing near parking areas. Still, give them space and never try to feed or touch them, as they are wild animals deserving respect and distance.
7. Wolves
Wolves are the ghosts of the Rockies, present but rarely seen. They roam valleys and forests in packs, hunting elk, deer, and smaller prey across vast territories in Banff and Jasper.
Sightings are uncommon and usually happen at a distance, often requiring binoculars or a spotting scope. Early morning or late evening offers the best chance, especially if you scan open slopes and meadows from roadside pullouts.
If you are lucky enough to spot a wolf, resist the urge to approach or follow. Wolves are shy and avoid humans, and keeping your distance ensures they remain wild and unhabituated. Treasure the moment as a rare privilege.
8. Cougar (Mountain Lion)
Cougars prowl the forests and valleys of Banff and Jasper, yet most visitors never see one. These solitary predators are elusive, hunting deer and other prey under cover of darkness or thick forest.
Banff lists cougars among its mammal residents, but sightings remain exceptionally rare. If you do encounter one, make yourself appear large, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly without running.
Cougars are powerful and graceful, capable of leaping several metres in a single bound. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, travelling in groups and keeping children close reduces risk. Respect their presence as an essential part of the ecosystem.
9. Hoary Marmot
Often heard before seen, hoary marmots announce their presence with sharp whistle calls that echo across alpine slopes. These chunky rodents live among rock piles and scree, basking on sunny boulders between burrow visits.
Their grizzled grey and white fur gives them their hoary name, and they are surprisingly social, living in family groups. Marmots hibernate through winter, emerging in late spring to feast on alpine grasses and flowers.
Spotting a marmot is easy if you hike above treeline and listen for their calls. They are curious and may watch you from a safe perch, offering great photo opportunities if you approach slowly and quietly.
10. Pika
Pikas are tiny bundles of energy, no bigger than a tennis ball, living among talus and rock fields high in the mountains. Their distinctive high-pitched calls sound like a squeaky toy, making them easier to locate than to see.
These industrious little mammals gather plants all summer, creating hay piles they dry and store for winter. Unlike marmots, pikas do not hibernate, so they rely on these food caches to survive harsh alpine winters.
Look for pikas on rocky trails above treeline, especially in Jasper. Sit quietly and watch the rocks, and you may spot one darting between crevices, cheeks stuffed with wildflowers and grasses.
