Canmore • Kananaskis Village • Bragg Creek • Around Kananaskis
Kananaskis Country and the surrounding mountain parks are home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and mammals. Learn what you might see while exploring the region and how to view wildlife safely and respectfully.
Mountain habitats & what you might see
Kananaskis Country lies in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies
and includes a mosaic of habitats: shady subalpine forests, wetlands,
open slopes, and alpine meadows above treeline. These landscapes
support a wide array of plants and animals throughout the seasons.
In the forests you may spot delicate wildflowers such as calypso
orchids, twinflowers, wintergreen, and bunchberry. Open slopes are
often carpeted with bearberry, while wet meadows host species like
white camas, bracted lousewort, and elephanthead. Above treeline,
alpine flowers including Indian paintbrush, glacier lilies, western
anemones, and alpine forget-me-nots thrive in a harsh but beautiful
environment.
Birds
Birdlife in Kananaskis Country
Approximately 130 species of birds nest in Kananaskis Country, with
many found in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and nearby areas.
Forest songbirds & familiar friends
The friendly gray jay is a familiar companion on many outings, often
appearing near picnic areas and viewpoints. You may also spot ravens,
crows, grouse, woodpeckers, and a variety of songbirds including
warblers, thrushes, dippers, and even hummingbirds.
Often, you will hear birds before you see them. The ruby-crowned
kinglet is known for its loud song high in the treetops, while the
spiralling song of the Swainson’s thrush is a memorable sound of
summer evenings in the forest.
Birds of prey
Several raptor species nest in and around Kananaskis, including
goshawks, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, and golden eagles. Watch the
sky and ridgelines for soaring silhouettes, particularly on warm,
breezy days when thermals help these birds gain height with ease.
When viewing nesting birds of prey, keep your distance and avoid
lingering near nests to reduce stress on adults and their young.
Mammals
From small squirrels to large carnivores
Mammals range from tiny ground squirrels to large carnivores such as
bears and wolves. Many are most active at dawn and dusk.
Common campground visitors
Around campgrounds and day-use areas, the most commonly seen mammals
include red squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, least chipmunks,
and golden-mantled ground squirrels.
A slow drive at dawn or dusk can increase your chances of spotting
larger animals such as moose, deer, or elk. Bighorn sheep often lick
salt along the roadways on warm days, so please watch your speed and
be prepared to stop.
Large mammals & carnivores
More elusive species also live in Kananaskis Country, including pine
martens, weasels, lynx, cougars, wolves, coyotes, grizzly bears,
black bears, and wolverines.
Sightings of large carnivores are rare, which helps keep both people
and wildlife safe. Coyotes are the exception and are more commonly
seen travelling along roadsides and open areas. Always observe from a
distance and never attempt to approach or feed wildlife.
Wildlife safety
Wildlife viewing & safety tips
For their safety and yours, it is important to follow wildlife
viewing guidelines whenever you are exploring Kananaskis and the
surrounding parks.
Core guidelines
View all wildlife from a safe distance. Use binoculars or a zoom lens.
Never feed wildlife or leave food or garbage where animals can access it.
Keep pets under control and obey all leash laws and area closures.
Slow down on roads, especially where wildlife may be near the shoulder.
Learn more in person
The Park Visitor Centre offers interactive displays and knowledgeable
staff who can answer questions about local wildlife and current
conditions.
Various guides and checklists may be available for purchase, and
interpretive programs in park amphitheatres are a great way to learn
more about the plants and animals that call this area home.
Local resources
Learn more about wildlife in Kananaskis & Banff
These organizations provide up-to-date information on wildlife
viewing, safety, and living smart with wildlife in the Bow Valley
and surrounding mountain parks.
Alberta Parks: Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing tips and safety information from Alberta Parks,
including how to reduce human–wildlife conflicts in provincial parks.