5 Big Animals to See in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are perfect for a family vacation and for one of our favorite activities, spotting wildlife! Some of the largest animals in North America can be found on the trails of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The vast wilderness, dense forests, and clean lakes make this the perfect area to see amazing wildlife. As you explore, hike, and kayak through the national parks, here are 5 big and interesting animals to keep an eye out for when you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies!

1. Bighorn Sheep

For one obvious reason, the bighorn sheep is one of the most recognizable animals in North America. Can you guess why that is? The very big horns on its head! These horns spiral around, can be over three feet long, and weigh over 30 pounds. Bighorn sheep are mostly found grazing on grassy mountainsides or getting their nutrients from roadside salt licks.

2. Elk

The elk is the second largest member of the deer family weighing anywhere from 550 to 1,000 pounds. These giant mammals are in abundance in the Canadian Rockies and are easily found while traveling through the area. Every spring stags will grow a huge set of antlers with a velvet coating. This velvet is full of nutrients to help the antlers grow. By the fall, the antlers reach their full growth and shed their velvet coating. The summer is a great time to see these beautiful animals in the midst of their antler growth!

3. Moose

The largest member of the deer family may be one of the more difficult to find. There are only around 400 moose in the Canadian Rockies region. This solitary mammal tends to spend its time near marshes and weedy lakes, although in the summer they will walk to higher elevation in search of open space. The good thing about moose is that when you find one, you’ll know it. These animals grow to six feet tall at the shoulder, over 1,100 pounds, and sport the largest set of antlers in the world!

4. Wolf

Once on the verge of extinction from the Rockies, the wolf has been making a healthy comeback. There are only about 120 wolves currently in the Canadian Rockies. These animals hunt and travel in packs up to eight, exhibit humor and loneliness, and look like giant dogs. Keep an eye out for these rare animals. Sightings are extremely special!

5. Black Bear

The average male black bear weighs about 330 pounds and the average female weighs about 220 pounds. These bears are generally harmless and can regularly be seen eating grass or berries on the side of the road. Black bears can be found all throughout the forests of the Canadian Rockies and are always a welcome site during our family vacations!

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