Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Calgary, Canada
1. Banff National Park
Canada's oldest national park with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
- Abundant Wildlife: Home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and over 50 species of mammals.
- Scenic Beauty: Featuring turquoise lakes, towering mountains, and vast forests.
- Hiking Trails: Offers a range of hiking trails for all skill levels.
2. Waterton Lakes National Park
Spectacular park with unique prairie-forest ecosystem and diverse wildlife.
- Pronghorn Antelope: Only place in Canada where you can see free-ranging herds of pronghorn.
- Glacier National Park Border: Shares a border with Glacier National Park in the U.S.
- Red Rock Canyon: Features a beautiful red rock canyon with unique geological formations.
3. Elk Island National Park
Protects one of the largest free-roaming herds of elk and bison.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: Home to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
- Astotin Lake: Offers opportunities for canoeing and fishing on Astotin Lake.
- Night Sky Observations: Ideal location for stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
4. Dinosaur Provincial Park
Fossil beds showcasing one of the richest concentrations of dinosaur bones.
- World Heritage Site: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Geological Formations: Features unique geological formations such as hoodoos and badlands.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot bison, prairie dogs, and other wildlife.
5. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Home to the largest concentration of First Nations' petroglyphs in the world.
- Historical Significance: Significant historical site for Indigenous Peoples.
- Birdwatching: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Milk River Valley.
6. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Shared park straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border with diverse wildlife.
- Canada's Oldest Forest: Contains Canada's oldest forest, the Jackson-Cypress stand.
- Longhorned Beetle Sanctuary: Protects one of North America's largest populations of red-haired longhorn beetles.
- Hiking and Camping: Offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and horseback riding.
7. Grasslands National Park
Protects prairie grassland ecosystem with diverse wildlife and Indigenous culture.
- Black-tailed Prairie Dogs: Home to the largest black-tailed prairie dog town in Canada.
- Indigenous Interpretive Centre: Features an Indigenous Interpretive Centre showcasing Plains culture.
- Starblanket First Nation: Located on the Starblanket First Nation reserve.
8. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Historic buffalo jump site and World Heritage Site with wildlife observation.
- World Heritage Site: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre: Features an interpretive center that provides insights into Plains culture.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot bison, prairie dogs, and other wildlife.
9. Kakwa Provincial Park
Remote park offering hiking, canoeing, and excellent wildlife viewing.
- Peace River Valley: Located in the picturesque Peace River Valley.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot moose, grizzly bears, and wolves.
- Canoeing Opportunities: Offers canoeing trips along the Peace River.
10. Jasper National Park
Largest national park in the Canadian Rockies with diverse wildlife.
- Maligne Lake: Features Maligne Lake, one of the largest and most scenic lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot bears, wolves, elk, and moose.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels.
11. Kootenay National Park
Scenic park with diverse wildlife and unique geological features.
- Radium Hot Springs: Features Radium Hot Springs, a popular relaxing spot for visitors.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot grizzly bears, wolves, and elk.
- Geological Formations: Features unique geological formations such as the Marble Canyon.
12. Yoho National Park
Beautiful park showcasing Takakkaw Falls and diverse wildlife.
- Takakkaw Falls: Features Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking trails such as the Iceline Trail.
13. David Thompson Corridor Provincial Park
Scenic park with opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot moose, elk, and bears.
- Outdoor Activities: Ideal for camping, canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding.
14. Hoodoo Flats Provincial Park
Unique park with hoodoos and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Hoodoos: Features unique geological formations known as hoodoos.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot bison, prairie dogs, and other wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the prairie landscape.
15. Dinosaur Park in Drumheller
Museum and park dedicated to dinosaurs with interactive exhibits.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
- Dinosaur Fossils: Displays a large collection of dinosaur fossils found in the area.
- Scenic Beauty: Located in the scenic Badlands region, offering beautiful views.