Heli Ski Holiday Canada: Wildlife in Northern British Columbia

As well as having the best heli skiing on the planet, northern BC is also home to some amazing wildlife. If you can spare some time away from the snow, then this is the place to spot large animals in the wild. Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary is also in northern BC, and is a highlight definitely worth the visit.

Taking up over half of the province, the land is full of wildlife, some of the highlights being bears, deer, moose and mountain goats. Venture out to the coasts and you may be lucky enough to find yourself gazing at such wondrous creatures as whales, dolphins, sea lions, porpoises and seals, along with a plethora of seabirds. The Pacific waters are high in nutrients, and as such host a vast array of different species of fish.

Finding this wildlife couldn’t be easier. Road trips along the highways of northern BC can be a great way for viewing a range of different animals.

The Alaskan Highway is an incredibly popular driving route, though you’re more likely to spot a herd of Bison along the road than get caught up in a busy traffic jam. Stone’s sheep are also an almost guaranteed sighting, look out for them near Stone Mountain Provincial Park as they lick minerals from the road.

Highway 16, also known as Yellowhead Highway includes the road between Terrace and Prince Rupert. This is a beautiful stretch of driving along the Skeena River where you should look out for seals, sea lions, and eagles at the river’s spring eulachon run. Deer, bears, and particularly near Prince George, moose are often sighted.

The Cassier Highway (Highway 37) is truly Canadian wilderness at it’s best. Remote and beautiful, many types of large animal can be spotted along this stretch of road. Stewart, home to our heli skiing accommodation – The Ripley Creek Inn is not far from Fish Creek, one of the best places to view grizzly bears in the wild.

Northern BC’s provincial parks are also a must for those traveling through the area. Three of the best are all within the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, nicknamed the ‘Serengeti of the North’ due to the abundance of wildlife that resides here.

As well as the mineral hunting sheep of Stone Mountain Provincial Park, caribous can often be found gathering along the highway here. Also look out for black bears and mule deer in this beautiful park, about two-hours drive from Fort Nelson.

Natural beauty is heavily featured in Muncho Lake Provincial Park. Large colorful meadows are filled with wildflowers from spring onwards, and the amazing geological formations will have you reaching for your camera. A large bird population makes Muncho their home, as well as the ubiquitous moose, bears, deer, and caribous.

Lastly, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is perhaps the best place for viewing moose in an idyllic setting. Take a walk to the hot springs at the end of the constructed boardwalk, and gaze out over lush marshy waters towards the grazing beasts.

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