Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and summer is the perfect time to explore its wild side. With warm weather, long days, and active animals, it’s an amazing destination for anyone who loves nature. If you’re visiting Banff in the summer, you’ll want to keep your eyes open, this is when the park comes alive with wildlife.
As local travel experts, the Ten Peaks Shuttle team knows the best times and places to spot wildlife. We’ve helped countless travelers enjoy safe and memorable wildlife experiences in Banff. In this blog, we’ll share what you can expect to see, where to go, and how to do it responsibly.
What Kinds of Wildlife Can You See?
During the summer, Banff is home to a wide range of animals. You might spot big mammals like elk, deer, mountain goats, and even grizzly or black bears. Smaller creatures like marmots, chipmunks, and pikas are also very active this time of year. If you’re lucky, you might see bighorn sheep climbing the rocky slopes or moose near the lakes and wetlands.
Birdwatchers will also be happy, summer brings a variety of birds like bald eagles, owls, and songbirds that fill the air with their calls. Whether you’re on a hiking trail, near a lake, or driving through the park, wildlife is never too far away.
Where to Spot Summer Wildlife in Banff
One of the most exciting parts of visiting Banff National Park in summer is the chance to see wild animals in their natural habitat. But where do you go for the best chance of spotting them? As locals who spend every season exploring these areas and guiding visitors through our shuttle services, we know exactly where the action is.
Here are the top wildlife viewing locations that our team and guests have consistently found rewarding:
Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A)
This scenic route between Banff and Lake Louise is a hotspot for wildlife sightings, especially in the early morning and late evening. The parkway is quieter than the main highway, giving animals more freedom to roam. You might spot:
- Elk and deer grazing by the roadside.
- Black bears wandering through berry patches in late summer.
- Coyotes or even wolves in the distance.
As shuttle drivers, we often take this route and have seen guests gasping in delight at surprise sightings, especially near the Johnston Canyon area. It’s a route we highly recommend for photography lovers.
Lake Louise Area
Lake Louise is not only famous for its beauty, it’s also a great place for wildlife viewing. Bears and moose are sometimes seen near the lake, particularly around sunrise when the area is quiet. In the forested edges, you might see:
- Grizzly bears searching for food.
- Mule deer moving gracefully through the trees.
- Birds of prey soaring above, like hawks or eagles.
Our shuttle service often drops guests off early here, giving them a peaceful and wildlife-rich start to their day. The stillness of the morning paired with unexpected wildlife sightings makes it feel like a scene from a nature documentary.
Sunshine Meadows and Alpine Trails
Located at higher altitudes, Sunshine Meadows is a hidden gem for animal lovers. The meadows bloom with wildflowers in the summer, attracting animals like:
- Marmots sunbathing on warm rocks.
- Pikas darting around the edges of hiking trails.
- Mountain goats high on rocky ledges.
Because of the elevation, it’s a bit cooler here, so animals are active even later in the day. It’s a peaceful area where visitors often get a real sense of Banff’s wilderness.
Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N)
If you’re up for a longer adventure, the Icefields Parkway is a must. It connects Lake Louise to Jasper and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Wildlife you might encounter includes:
- Bighorn sheep, often seen climbing steep cliffs.
- Grizzly bears, especially near meadows and water sources.
- Caribou, though rare, sometimes make an appearance.
Banff Townsite and Surroundings
Even near downtown Banff, there’s no shortage of wildlife. While you stroll through town or along the Bow River trail, you might spot:
- Elk, especially during the early summer months.
- Birds like osprey, magpies, and Canadian geese.
- Squirrels and chipmunks, which are very active in the warm weather.
We often tell visitors not to let their guard down even when they’re in “civilized” areas. Banff blends town and nature in a way that surprises many travelers.
Final Thoughts on Summer Wildlife in Banff
Each of these places offers something unique. Whether you’re after quiet moments with chipmunks or hoping for a rare bear sighting, Banff’s wildlife is a gift you’ll never forget. The key is to go early, stay patient, and travel with someone who knows the land. And that’s exactly what our team at Ten Peaks Shuttle is here for.
If you want the best chance to see animals, early mornings or late evenings are ideal. That’s when wildlife is most active and the light is perfect for photos. Our early shuttle rides often bring guests to their locations just as nature is waking up. We’ve had guests spot elk walking near the trailheads or bears crossing the road at sunrise, it’s magical!
Seeing summer wildlife in Banff is one of the most unforgettable parts of any visit. From majestic bears to tiny chipmunks, the park is full of life in the warmer months. But it’s important to respect the land and the animals that call it home.
If you’re planning a visit to Lake Louise, don’t forget to check out our Lake Louise Summer Activities guide for more ideas on what to do during your stay.
