our staycation was wildlife viewing , the trip afforded a great opportunity to enjoy the splendours of nature in autumn and the kaleidoscope of colours . We were also impressed with the good work being done by Parks Canada to rebuild infrastructure throughout the park to provide better visitor services . The first place we stopped was at the buffalo paddock where some plains bison were bedded down near a pothole . A solitary young bull elk trotted along the fenced enclosure , heading south . We later observed a herd of bighorn sheep near the townsite . We spotted three black bears as we toured the park : one bruin near the townsite , a sow with two cubs , and a cinnamon phase black bear in Red Rock Canyon . All of the bears were close to the roads . One of the only animals we didn ’ t see was a coyote , which are usually common . Yes ,
it had been a banner trip for wildlife viewing and also to learn about nature ’ s regeneration of the park ’ s landscape and how the wildlife was recovering .
If you ’ re interested in wildlife viewing , there are guide books that provide tips on where and when to go . I reside in Edmonton and some of my go-to books are The Discoverer ’ s Guide to Elk Island National Park and Nature Walks and Sunday Drives ’ Round Edmonton . Provincially , check out the Alberta Wildlife Viewing Guide . Another excellent reference is the annual Alberta Conservation Association Alberta Discover Guide that features over 650 conservation sites accessible to the public .
There are many wildlife viewing opportunities around the next corner just waiting to be explored !
news & views SPRING 2022 | 17