Where and When to Find the Best Animal Encounters
Canada and Alaska are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Imagine cruising through majestic fjords, navigating rugged coastlines, and witnessing some of the world’s most magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, a Canada & Alaska cruise and rail holiday package offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife. This guide highlights the best Canadian and Alaskan animal encounters you can experience in the region, including where and when you can see them.
Why Choose a Canada & Alaska Cruise or Rail Journey for Wildlife Encounters?
Cruise and rail journeys offer a unique vantage point for observing wildlife in their natural environment. With options like Holland America Line, and of course the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train journeys, travellers can experience the best of both cruising and rail travel. These companies provide a seamless way to explore remote areas that are often inaccessible by road, ensuring that you get up close and personal with a diverse array of animals.
The Majestic Whales of the North
⚓ Where: Inside Passage, Alaska
⚓ When: May to September
One of the highlights visiting these regions is the chance to witness awe-inspiring whales breaching the waters of Canada and Alaska. However, cruising the Inside Passage offers unparalleled opportunities for whale-spotting, including humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales. From May to September, these waters are teeming with activity as whales migrate to feed. The stunning displays of breaching and tail-slapping are a spectacle you won’t want to miss, and the perfect way to spot them is on an Alaskan cruise adventure!
Grizzly Bears in the Wild
⚓ Where: Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia
⚓ When: August to October
The Great Bear Rainforest – 6.4 million hectares on British Columbia’s north and central coast – is one of the world’s last untouched wilderness areas and a prime location for observing grizzly bears. Cruises along the coast of BC often include stops where you can embark on guided tours to view these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The grizzly bear viewing season peaks from August to October when the bears gather near rivers to feast on salmon. You may even spot bald eagles, gulls, ravens, and other fish-eating birds, as well as wolves, during the annual salmon run.
Majestic Bald Eagles
⚓ Where: Southeast Alaska
⚓ When: Year-round, with a peak from April to August
Alaska’s southeast region is home to one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in North America. These majestic birds are a symbol of freedom and grace, and spotting them in the wild is an experience like no other. Cruises that sail through the fjords and coastal areas offer plenty of opportunities to see bald eagles perched on trees or soaring above the water. The Rocky Mountaineer’s rail journeys also provide a unique perspective of these birds as the train traverses remote regions rich in wildlife.
Playful Sea Otters and Seals
⚓ Where: Prince William Sound, Alaska
⚓ When: Year-round, with a peak from May to September
Prince William Sound is a haven for marine life, particularly sea otters and seals. These playful animals can often be seen floating on their backs, cracking open shellfish or sunbathing on the rocks. Cruises through this area provide a front-row seat to observe these endearing creatures in their natural habitat. Depending on the season and time of day, you may see otters, puffins, humpback or killer whales, and seals playing in the icy water, and on shore you could spot bears, moose and eagles, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting in this part of Alaska.
Mighty Rutting Elk
⚓ Where: Jasper National Park, AB, Canada
⚓ When: Mid-September to mid-October
As the seasons start to change, Elks can be seen across the Rockies proving their prowess to the ladies in their group. Elk rutting season – from mid-September to mid-October – is a sight to behold, as these magnificent animals show off their antlers, necks and bodies in their version of a body-building contest. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to spot them locking antlers, although this is rare. Elk are commonly seen around the waters that are visible on the Rocky Mountaineer routes through Jasper National Park, including Journey Through the Clouds and Rain Forest, and Gold Rush routes.
Charismatic Brown and Black Bears
⚓ Where: Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
⚓ When: May to September
Brown and black bears are a common sight in Glacier Bay National Park. Black bears tend to be found among the forested areas of the lower bay, while brown bears inhabit virtually every part of Glacier Bay. Alaskan cruises that visit Glacier Bay provide numerous opportunities to observe these bears in their natural habitat, and although it is not a given that you’ll see a bear in Glacier Bay, there are very few beaches on the bay’s coastline where sign of bear activity is not visible, so there will be plenty of opportunities to spot a bear on one of their (mostly) solitary rambles.
The Great Migration of Caribou
⚓ Where: Denali National Park, Alaska
⚓ When: June to September
Alaska is home to an estimated 750,000 caribou, spread across 32 different herds, including the Denali Caribou Herd that can be found in the foothills of Denali National Park. Thousands of caribou migrate across the park each year, and they are regularly spotted by travellers and hikers along the 92-mile long Denali Park Road. The Rocky Mountaineer’s rail journeys can bring you close to this magnificent display of nature, where you can also see other wildlife like brown bears, grey wolves, moose and Dall sheep.
Majestic Mountain Goats
⚓ Where: Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada
⚓ When: Year-round
Mountain goats are a common sight in the Canadian Rockies, particularly in Banff and Jasper National Parks. These sure-footed animals are often seen climbing steep cliffs or grazing on alpine meadows. Canadian cruises that combine with the Rocky Mountaineer’s rail journeys offer the perfect way to explore these stunning national parks and witness mountain goats in their natural habitat.
Final View from the Deck
A Canada & Alaska journey – whether by cruise or rail (or both) – offers a front-row seat to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife encounters. And we’ve only named a few animals you have the opportunity to see! You could also encounter polar bears, wolves, moose, musk ox, bison, bighorn sheep and so much more. with cruise itineraries from Holland America Line, and rail options with Rocky Mountaineer, you can embark on an adventure that combines the best of cruising and rail travel, ensuring you experience the very best of Canada and Alaska’s wildlife.
Whether you are a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, a journey through these regions promises to deliver memories that will last a lifetime. So, why wait? Book your Canada & Alaska cruise and rail package today and get ready to embark on a wildlife adventure like no other.