What are the Most Common Animals to see in Banff?

Explore Banff National Park wildlife on guided sightseeing tours featuring grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.
Are you ready to become an experienced mountain explorer and spy some of the most popular animals here in Banff? Banff National Park is a giant, outdoor playground and home to some of the coolest creatures you’ll find in North America. At Banff Adventures, we love helping guests experience the wild safely and are thrilled to “introduce” you to our many park residents on our sightseeing tours.
If you’re looking to take in some of the most scenic views you’ll find in the Bow Valley Region and spot wildlife along the way, our tours are the best way to make sure you don’t miss out! Our experienced guides will show you the must-see highlights and help you keep an eye out for common creatures like:
Grizzly Bears
The king of the mountains! Grizzlies have a fuzzy hump on their shoulders and love eating berries. Famous residents like The Boss lumber through the many wooded areas in the park, and can occasionally be spotted on sightseeing tours.
Elk
Elk are among our most numerous wildlife residents, and chance are you won’t have to look too far to spy one on your trip to the Rockies. Elk are a common sight in and around Banff and love hanging out in the grassy meadows right near the town!
Bighorn Sheep
These mountain acrobats have big, curvy horns and are experts at climbing steep, rocky cliffs. You can often spot them standing high up on a ridge or occasionally strolling along the side of the road with their little ones. Remember not to get too close or to try and touch!
Pika
The Pika is like a tiny, round mountain bunny with no tail. They spend all summer collecting "hay piles" of grass to eat during the long winter and often pop up to spy on hikers as they look to summit the many peaks in the area.
Bald Eagles
With their distinctive bright white heads and huge wings, Bald Eagles are easy to spot soaring over the water looking for fish.
Must-See Sightseeing Stops
Want to see even more of Banff National park? Our tours take you to some of the most famous spots in the world, including:
- Lake Louise & Moraine Lake: These lakes are famous for their bright blue water and serene setting! Since parking is restricted to commercial providers due to demand, our Sightseeing Tours are one the best ways to get there stress-free!
- Icefields Parkway: experience ancient frozen glaciers and waterfalls while learning more about some of the most famous and longstanding formations in Banff National Park.
Stack the Fun with More Adventures
Want even more fun adventures to explore? We’ve got you covered! Additional sour sopions include:
- Check off the bucket list: See the park from the sky on a Helicopter Tour.
- Climb the Cliffs: Try the Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay to climb high like a bighorn sheep.
- Ride Like a Cowboy: Connect with nature on a Horseback Riding Tour.
Book your Sightseeing Tour today and to learn more!