21 amazing places to view wildlife

Travelers come from across the world to Canada, and many prioritize Banff as a destination because of the amazing wildlife. Grizzly bears, moose, black bears, wolves, and more await visitors. Visit in the spring or summer for the most animal activity and be mindful at dawn and dusk on the roads, that’s when wildlife tends to cross!

For more tropical critters, head south to the world’s largest rainforest. Book a trekking or camping tour — guides are highly recommended in the Amazon. That way, you can enjoy being on the lookout for Macaws, pink river dolphins, poison dart frogs, capybaras, and tapirs without worrying about what to do if you encounter an anaconda or a jaguar!

Uganda has made a name for itself as an international destination thanks to its protection of mountain gorillas. The critically endangered species can only be seen in a few national parks in certain countries. One of them is the Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. You’ll need to go with a guided group. Attempting a solo trek could be dangerous and is not allowed. 

These islands, teeming with life, are famous for incredible biodiversity; there’s a reason Darwin was enamored with the region. A trip to the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you’ll need to plan far in advance for any visit. However, once landed, you’ll have the opportunity to see unique animals found nowhere else in the world, such as Blue-footed boobies, giant Galapagos tortoises, flightless cormorants, and more!

This chain of islands off Washington State’s northwest coast is one of the best whale-watching spots in the country. Take the ferry from Anacortes and stay a few nights. During your trip, you might see the Orcas on the journey across the water or from shore. You can also book whale-watching cruises from the islands or take the whale-watching boat from Edmonds (just north of Seattle). The season typically lasts from April through October.

The Kruger is a popular safari destination for visitors to South Africa. Home to lions, giraffes, hippos, elephants, and more, travelers have the opportunity to see it all!

The Isle of May is a nature preserve that houses various seabirds and seals. Those who come during late spring and early summer, though, will be able to catch the adorable puffins. Ferries to the island depart from Dunbar, North Berwick, and Anstruther.

Less famous than other safari destinations, Lake Nakuru will delight wildlife enthusiasts looking for fewer crowds. Home to the endangered black and white rhinos and a large flamingo population, it’s a bit different from other animal hotspots in the country.

The country may be best known for its outstanding culinary scene, but Peru has some impressive creatures in its section of the Amazon. In Manu National Park, the jaguar population is active, hundreds of birds call the area home, and you might even spot the rare giant armadillo.

Australia has a reputation for having unique animals that aren’t found elsewhere and can be deadly. In Western Australia, though, lies Rottnest Island, a haven for whales, quokkas, and seals. 

Cloud forests can be found all over Central and South America. However, Costa Rica’s cloud forest is home to numerous monkey, parrot, and macaw species, as well as adorable sloths.

Finland and, particularly, Oulu are renowned bird-watching destinations in Europe. In fact, Oulu is known as one of the best places to see owls on the continent. Additionally, visitors may catch a glimpse of reindeer, wolves, or bears.

Patagonia has drawn nature and wildlife enthusiasts for a long time. But this peninsula on the Argentinean side, off Patagonia’s coast, should be a priority for those looking to see marine life. Whales, penguins, and seals all hang out for part of the year.

If you’ve ever wanted to see magnificent wild horses, Mongolia is the place to go. The Hustai National Park reintroduced the endangered Przewalski's horses to central Mongolia. Visitors will also have a chance to see other desert wildlife, such as marmots, Siberian deer, and gazelle.

Pandas are some of the most adored creatures on the planet, and a trip to China is worth it if you’ve ever wanted to see them up close! The Chengdu Research Base is a great stop for panda lovers, home to hundreds of pandas, where you’ll see them in their natural habitat.

Explore the Okavango Delta, where wildebeests, elephants, and lions all live. However, unique animals such as blue wildebeest, Nile crocodiles, and topi also roam the plains. Travelers can enjoy staying at luxury lodges or more affordable camps, there’s something for everyone!

Thailand isn’t just a marine life destination, you can enjoy critters on land as well. Khao Yai is home to sambar deer, the largest of their kind in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the park has numerous snakes, such as Cobras and pythons, lizards like the Chinese Water Dragon, and a plethora of birds.

If you’ve ever wanted to catch Orangutans in the wild, Borneo is your best bet. Kinabatangan is also home to many birds and other rare mammals like the Malayan sun bears, Asian elephants, and clouded leopards. 

America’s first national park has long been a natural respite for endangered wildlife. Visitors will delight in bear sightings, bison road jams, big horn sheep, and the reintroduced wolves. Make sure to keep your distance — just because an animal is on the road doesn’t mean it’s domesticated.

Rotoroa is a predator-free island near Auckland, where many birds roam free. Most famous though, are the adorable Kiwis, the ones here are of the brown variety.

This British overseas territory is a haven for numerous birds, including penguins. You’ll likely need to go as part of an expedition cruise, as access can be limited.