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Wildlife -  ‘Round every bend

From east to west, Northern British Columbia is home to some of the world’s most rare and beautiful creatures. Giants of the animal kingdom - the great Kermode, or Spirit bear, and the powerful grizzly - roam lushly wooded forests, feasting on pink salmon and fresh berries along crystal clear streams and rivers.

When spring arrives, wildflowers and dandelions lure black bear cubs and their mothers to roadsides, often slowing traffic for spectacular viewing.

Part of the beauty of Northern British Columbia is that wildlife viewing is possible, even in the larger cities. Moose are often spotted along the boulevard to the University of Northern BC in Prince George. And bordering Terrace are some of the most sought-after steelhead fishing spots in the world. Travel east along Highway 16, to McBride and see black bears and grizzly, or perhaps moose, a coyote, raptors and eagles

In addition to roadside viewing, Northern BC has a number of wilderness parks in which wildlife are abundant. The Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, located 40km northeast of Prince Rupert in the Khutzeymateen Inlet, provides a spectacular chance to see these great bears up close, in an undisturbed environment. The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area in the north also contains well over 32 different wildlife species, ranging from the magestic Woodland Caribou, to the often overlooked Columbia Spotted Frog.

Northern BC is home to a long list of nature’s most beautiful animals - wolves, wolverines, elk, caribou, wood bison, mountain goats, deer, fox, lynx, otter, marten, fisher, weasel, porcupine, and cougar.

Viewing Essentials

  • It’s essential that wildlife be viewed with respect. Visitors should always use binoculars and keep a safe distance from the animals.
  • Never feed or touch wild animals.
  • Avoid nesting sites and dens, and do not bring pets to wildlife viewing areas.
  • Keep a ‘Do Not Disturb’ attitude at all times!

 




Bear Viewing

Category thumbnailCatch a glimpse of Grizzly, Black bear, and the elusive Spirit bear. These magnificent creatures call Northern BC's pristine wilderness home.

More on bear viewing
Bear viewing directory

 

Bird Watching

Category thumbnailThe long list of birds indigenous to Northern BC includes osprey, the Great Horned Owl, Trumpeter swans and sandpipers.

More on bird watching
Bird watching directory

 

Whale Watching

Category thumbnailFrom mid-July to October, the giants of the ocean are one of the main attractions on British Columbia’s northern coast.

More on whale watching
Whale watching directory