Wildlife Watching in the Bow Valley

Elk are the most commonly spotted large animal in and around Canmore, often seen grazing on lawns and in parks. Mule deer and white-tailed deer are equally common. Bighorn sheep frequent the rocky slopes along Highway 1 between Canmore and Banff. Black bears and grizzly bears are present in the valley, particularly in spring and fall, and are occasionally seen along hiking trails and in meadows. Bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons patrol the Bow River corridor. In Kananaskis Country, you may also encounter mountain goats, cougars, and wolves.