In the Wild
Here are a few of the species you can meet in some of Canada’s amazing wilderness vacation spots
Wheatears and surfbirds Yukon | Dempster Highway
Canada’s most northern highway, going from Dawson City to the Arctic Circle, is a great spot to see wildlife — especially birds. Spot rarities like the northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) and the surfbird (Calidris virgata). For more information, visit env.gov.yk.ca.
Grizzly bear British Columbia | Khutzeymateen Provincial Park
Known to scientists as the North American brown bear (Ursus arctos), this impressive carnivore is one of North America’s largest mammals. You can watch grizzlies lead their lives from the safety of a boat at this park, Canada’s only sanctuary for the bears. For more information, visit env.gov.bc.ca/parks/.
Bull snake Alberta | Dinosaur Provincial Park
While taking in the fossils at this landmark park, see Alberta’s largest reptile. The nonvenomous bull snake (Pituophis catenifer sayi), which can grow up to 2.5 metres long, is just one of the species of snake that can be spotted in this park. For more, visit albertaparks.ca.
Big dipper firefly Ontario | Ojibway Prairie Complex
Found around eastern North America, the big dipper firefly (Photinus pyralis) can be seen in lawns and fields at mid-summer. Learn more at ojibway.ca.
Northern flying squirrel New Brunswick | Fundy National Park
This ruddy-colored squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is one of the only two species of flying squirrel found in North America, and it’s almost totally nocturnal, so you’ll be lucky to spot one. The squirrels eat fungi and spread their spores, helping the ecosystem. For more information, visit pc.gc.ca.