Get closer to Canada’s wild side with this guide to the country’s top wildlife sanctuaries. Discover the best places to spot iconic northern inhabitants, from polar bears to rare songbirds.

From the rugged Arctic to temperate rainforests, Canada is home to a wide range of wildlife sanctuaries that offer safe havens for creatures great and small. Whether you’re hoping to see animals in their natural habitats or simply looking to enjoy some time outdoors, here are some of the top sanctuaries across the country to visit on your next adventure.

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, British Columbia

Set among the tidal marshes and wetlands of the Fraser River Delta, the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers. Around 290 bird species pass through this area annually, making it one of the most diverse birding spots in Canada. Several kilometres of trails make the sanctuary easily accessible, and bird blinds allow for quiet, peaceful observation.

Elk Island National Park, Alberta

Despite its name, Elk Island is most famous for its role in bison conservation: it has been critical in increasing populations of plains and wood bison. You can drive through or hike the park’s many trails and often see bison right from the roadside. The park is also home to elk (of course), moose, beavers, and hundreds of bird species.

Churchill Wildlife Management Area, Manitoba

Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world, and the surrounding wildlife management area is where these powerful animals roam freely in the fall as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze. It’s also a top spot to see Arctic foxes and snowy owls. While access is restricted to protect the wildlife, guided tours through local outfitters are available.

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Ontario

Wye Marsh is a restored wetland that plays a big role in education and conservation. It’s home to trumpeter swans, one of Canada’s top conservation success stories. The marsh also supports amphibians, turtles, and countless waterfowl. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly spot with interpretive programs where the whole family can learn more about ecology and conservation.

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador

Cape St. Mary’s isn’t just one of the most dramatic coastal viewpoints in Newfoundland, it’s also a hotspot for seabirds. This ecological reserve is famous for its towering cliffs, where thousands of northern gannets, razorbills, kittiwakes, and murres gather during the nesting season. A short hike brings you to a lookout that sits just across from “Bird Rock,” where many of them seek to alight.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Nova Scotia

Kejimkujik is a sanctuary for creatures that call its old-growth forests and quiet lakes home. It’s one of the few places in Atlantic Canada where you might see the endangered Blanding’s turtle, known for its distinctive yellow throat. The park is also home to the piping plover, pine marten, eastern ribbon snake, and American eel, and it’s known for its excellent paddling routes.

Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Spanning more than 50,000 square kilometres, the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest protected areas in North America. It’s remote, pristine, and largely untouched by human development. This vast Arctic wilderness is home to muskoxen, barren-ground caribou, wolves, and grizzlies. It’s not exactly easy to access, but it’s an exciting draw when adventure comes calling.

Canada’s wildlife sanctuaries highlight the country’s rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation. They’re well worth a visit for anyone interested in nature at its most untouched.