In Search Of Canada’s Big Five

Just like an African safari, a wilderness adventure of Canada isn’t complete without the big five. These animals are iconic to one of the most beautiful, unspoilt countries in the world, and can be found within the rolling hills, great rivers and sprawling tundra. These are Canada’s Big Five – and it’s clear to see why.

Polar Bears

One of the best places in the world to view polar bears is Churchill, a human settlement on the western shore of the Hudson Bay. Polar bears gather here at the beginning of winter to move across the Hudson Bay ice in search of seals. As a result of prime viewing, there are many local tour companies providing tours for the thousands of travellers that flock to see them every year.

Beluga Whales

Up to 2,000 Beluga Whales gather annually at Cunningham Inlet on Somerset Island. Listed as near-threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list, the whales can be spotted swimming among Canada’s beautiful landscape alongside polar bears and seals.

Moose

The largest member of the deer family can best be found near lakes and marshes during summer and in forested areas during winter in all parts of Canada and Alaska, but most notably Newfoundland, Quebec and Ontario. While they may appear slow and goofy, they can move surprisingly fast when threatened – and you don’t want to be standing in their way when they start charging with antlers that can grow up to 1.8 metres across.

Black Bear

The Black Bear is the most common and widespread bear in Canada, usually found in forests in every province. While most are jet black colour, they can be adorned with lighter colours, even blonde in some western and southern ranges. When food is scare, black bears are known to roam close to human settlements in search of food.

Bison

Big and burly, there are two types of bison found in Canada: plains and wood. In recent years, Canada has made efforts to conserve the bison population, re-introducing them to parks such as Grasslands National Park and Banff National Park from Yellowstone and Elk Island.

Images courtesy of Jack Dykinga, Luca Galuzzi, Ryan Hagerty and Ansgar Walk