Wildlife & Nature

Canada is one of the greatest wildlife destinations on Earth. With so much untouched wilderness — over 40 national parks and hundreds of provincial parks — the country is home to an astonishing variety of animals, birds, and plants. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Canada is an absolute paradise. And even if you're settling in a city, you may be surprised by how close nature is.

The polar bear is perhaps Canada's most iconic animal. Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World,' where hundreds of polar bears gather each autumn as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze over. Moose are found throughout the country and are so large they are a genuine road hazard in many areas — especially at dawn and dusk. Other large mammals include grizzly bears and black bears, caribou, wolves, bison (in protected areas), and mountain goats in the Rockies.

Canada's birdlife is equally impressive. The loon — a black-and-white diving bird with a haunting, echoing call — is one of Canada's most beloved symbols and appears on the Canadian dollar coin (affectionately known as the 'loonie'). Bald eagles, great blue herons, Canada geese, snowy owls, and hundreds of migratory species can be spotted across the country.

The oceans surrounding Canada are also teeming with life. The Pacific Coast is home to orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, sea otters, and Pacific salmon. The Atlantic Coast supports large populations of humpback whales, grey seals, and the iconic Atlantic puffin. Whale watching is a popular tourist activity on both coasts.

Canada is deeply committed to conservation. The country has made significant efforts to protect old-growth forests, wildlife corridors, and marine protected areas. Climate change is a major concern, as it particularly affects Canada's Arctic ecosystems and wildlife. Many Indigenous communities are active leaders in environmental stewardship, using traditional knowledge alongside modern science.