Are there bighorn sheep?

Yes. Bighorn sheep can occur in the broader Sunshine Village area, although they are not among the wildlife you are most likely to encounter while hiking the main Sunshine Meadows trails.

Bighorn sheep favour open mountain slopes, rocky terrain, cliffs, and areas where they can easily escape predators. They may occasionally be seen on surrounding slopes or closer to transportation corridors at lower elevations, depending on the season.

From the Standish area and Sunshine Meadows, it is worth scanning distant open slopes with binoculars. However, you should not plan your visit around seeing bighorn sheep because their movements are unpredictable.

Visitors are generally more likely to encounter Columbian ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas, and alpine birds while walking through the meadows. Seeing bighorn sheep would be an added wildlife highlight.

If you encounter sheep, keep a respectful distance and never feed or approach them, even if they appear accustomed to people. Rams in particular are large, powerful animals.

So, bighorn sheep are possible, but not guaranteed or especially common along the main sightseeing trails at Sunshine Meadows. Book the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish ChairliftBooking the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish Chairlift Admission includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home