Can you see marmots?

Yes. Hoary marmots can be seen around Sunshine Meadows, and they are among the more characteristic mammals to watch for in the high-alpine environment.

Marmots favour rocky slopes, boulder fields, meadow edges, and areas with nearby burrows. When hiking around Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, Laryx Lake, or the Standish area, watch carefully around rocks rather than only looking across the open meadows.

You may actually hear a marmot before you see one. Hoary marmots produce a loud, sharp whistle when alarmed, which is why they are sometimes associated with the nickname “whistlers.”

Summer is the best time to see them because marmots spend the winter hibernating. During the summer months, they are active above ground feeding and building up fat reserves for the long winter.

Early morning and quieter periods can be good for wildlife watching, but sightings are never guaranteed. If you find one, keep your distance and never feed it, even if it appears accustomed to people.

For visitors hoping to see wildlife at Sunshine Meadows, marmots are a much more realistic animal to look for than bears, mountain goats, or other large mammals. 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