ECOTOURISM

Wildlife Viewing in the Rockies

Look for coyote, wolf, elk, deer, moose, black bear, grizzly, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and birds of prey. While searching for wildlife, see the most beautiful landscapes and discover a unique flora. The main naturalist and interpretive guide and former Superintendent of Banff National Park, Dave Day, will share his tremendous knowledge and experience with you.

Tour Details

Day 1:
Upon afternoon arrival in Calgary, meet the guides and then travel directly south to rustic accommodations (camping or Bed & Breakfast within sight of the Livingston Range).

Day 2:
Travel by horse or foot through trails in the Foothills Country south of the Whaleback. On this trip you will get a good introduction into the vegetation, geology, and wildlife of the local area. You'll be looking for elk, deer, coyotes and birds of prey. Ground squirrels are freebies! Stay again at the same camping or Bed & Breakfast.

Day 3:
In the morning, drive the Cowboy Trail north to the Bar U Ranch to experience historic cowboy life. In the afternoon, travel over Highwood Pass for a good opportunity for an alpine hike with elk, deer, bears, sheep and a variety of birds. This evening, tour Peter Lougheed Park to look for moose and black bears. Camp in Kananaskis Country or stay at a comfortable lodge for two nights.

Day 4:
For this day, there are different options for hikes: a trip into the alpine country of the Front Ranges of the Rocky Mountains, a strenuous day hike up into Burstall Pass or Ribbon Creek. Be on the prowl for the same wildlife species and the chances are good to see a grizzly bear. There are also opportunities for fishing.

Day 5:
Drive into Banff National Park in search of sheep, elk, mountain goats and bears. Along your morning route, glimpse the famous Banff Springs Hotel and Lake Minnewanka. The journey takes you to Mt. Norquay, along the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise, up the Saddleback Trail to Saddleback Peak for goat viewing. Stay at a hotel in Lake Louise or head north on the Icefields Parkway to camp at Waterfowl Lakes.

Day 6:
In the early morning, head for the Icefields Parkway. Take a morning hike to Catherine Lake and Dolomite Pass. This is an excellent place to view grizzly bears, whistling marmots and birds of prey. Proceed to Wilcox Pass or Parker’s Ridge (depending on weather and wildlife locations) for an afternoon hike with views of either the Saskatchewan or Athabasca Glaciers. These hikes are good for viewing sheep, goats and possibly grizzly bears. Stay at Saskatchewan Crossing or a local campground.

Day 7:
Drive east following the North Saskatchewan River to the Forestry Trunk Road crossing the headwaters of the Siffleur, Ram, Red Deer, Clearwater and Ghost River. Take your lunch break at the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, the National Park horse ranch and winter home to Alberta’s largest elk herd. End your day at the Bar C Ranch with an authentic western dinner and reflect on your experiences.

Day 8:
Arrive in Calgary by 11:00am for departure. An interpretive guide and former superintendent of Banff National Park and 20-year veteran with Canada’s National Park Service, Dave will share his knowledge and appreciation for Banff’s Canadian Rocky Mountain life zones.