What wildlife can you see?

Sunshine Village and Sunshine Meadows are excellent places to watch for Rocky Mountain wildlife, although sightings are never guaranteed. Because the sightseeing gondola takes you from forested terrain into the high alpine, you pass through several different wildlife habitats during a visit.

Hoary marmots are among the most characteristic animals of the alpine environment. Look for them around rocky slopes, boulder fields, and meadow edges. You may hear their sharp warning whistles before you actually see them.

Columbian ground squirrels are also common around open grassy areas. They are smaller than marmots and are often seen feeding or standing upright near their burrows during summer.

Pikas may be found around rocky areas and talus slopes. These small relatives of rabbits are well adapted to cold alpine environments and can be difficult to spot because they quickly disappear among the rocks.

Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are possible in the broader mountain environment, although you should not expect to see them on every visit. They tend to favour rocky slopes, cliffs, and other rugged terrain.

Elk and deer are more likely around lower elevations and forested areas than in the highest portions of Sunshine Meadows. Depending on the season and location, they may occasionally be encountered around the broader Sunshine area.

Grizzly bears and black bears also inhabit the region. Bear sightings are possible, particularly where natural food sources attract them, but bears should always be viewed from a substantial distance. Never approach or feed wildlife, and carry bear spray when hiking.

Birdlife is another highlight. You may encounter Clark's nutcrackers, ravens, Canada jays, golden eagles, and other alpine and mountain birds.

For casual visitors, marmots, ground squirrels, pikas, and birds are generally the wildlife to watch for most closely around Sunshine Meadows. Larger animals such as bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, and deer are more unpredictable and should be considered a bonus rather than an expected part of the visit. 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