Epic Wildlife Adventures in Unexpected Places: Exploring Alaska, Canada & Mexico

1. Alaska: Grizzly Bears, glaciers, & indigenous culture

• A land of untamed wilderness: Alaska is a wildlife lover’s paradise, offering some of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes on Earth. From towering mountains and glaciers to sprawling forests and crystal-clear lakes, Alaska’s vast wilderness is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, bald eagles and orcas.

• Grizzly bears of Katmai National Park: For an unforgettable wildlife adventure, a visit to Katmai National Park during bear season is a must. Here, you’ll witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: grizzly bears fishing for salmon in Brooks Falls. The sight of these powerful animals in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring, and it’s all part of an eco-tourism experience that emphasizes conservation and respect for the environment.

• Visitors can stay in remote lodges that operate sustainably, often using solar power and sourcing food locally. Guided bear-watching tours are conducted with strict ethical guidelines to ensure minimal disruption to the animals and their habitat. These tours are led by experienced naturalists who educate travelers about the behavior of grizzlies and the importance of preserving their natural environments.

• Cultural connections with Alaska’s Indigenous peoples: In addition to the wildlife, Alaska offers travelers the opportunity to connect with the rich culture of the region’s Indigenous peoples. From learning traditional fishing techniques to hearing stories passed down through generations, these experiences offer a deeper understanding of the relationship between Alaska’s native communities and the land they call home.

• Visitors can participate in cultural tours with Indigenous guides, visit heritage centers and take part in traditional crafts such as totem pole carving. These interactions offer a unique perspective on Alaska’s natural and cultural history, blending adventure and education for an immersive travel experience.

• Adventure awaits: Beyond the bears, adventure abounds in Alaska. Whether you’re kayaking through fjords, hiking in Denali National Park, or taking a scenic flight over glaciers, the opportunities for outdoor exploration are endless. For the more adventurous, glacier trekking and ice climbing provide thrilling experiences in Alaska’s icy wilderness.

Why Alaska?

• Wildlife encounters: Grizzly bears, whales, eagles, moose and more in untouched wilderness.

• Cultural immersion: Connection with Indigenous cultures and traditions.

• Eco-friendly practices: Sustainable lodges and guided tours emphasizing wildlife conservation.

2. Canada: Polar bears, spirit bears & remote wilderness

• Polar bears of Churchill, Manitoba: Canada’s vast wilderness provides some of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world, and Churchill, Manitoba, is one of the premier destinations for viewing polar bears in their natural habitat. Each year, these majestic creatures congregate along the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for sea ice to form. Churchill is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” and it’s a destination where you can observe these magnificent animals up close in a responsible and sustainable way.

• Tundra vehicles, specially designed to minimize the impact on the environment, allow travelers to safely observe the bears from a close distance. Many tour operators in Churchill follow strict guidelines to ensure that wildlife encounters are ethical and sustainable, providing educational experiences that promote conservation efforts. Travelers can also engage with local experts to learn about the threats to polar bears caused by climate change and how to support ongoing conservation initiatives.

• The elusive spirit bear of British Columbia: For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest in search of the rare and mystical Spirit Bear — Kermode bear, a white-furred subspecies of the black bear. This secluded region is one of the most pristine rainforests in the world, offering not only a chance to see the elusive Spirit Bear but also an opportunity to connect with the rich culture of the Indigenous First Nations peoples.

• Spirit bear viewing tours are carefully managed to protect both the bears and the surrounding environment. These tours often include visits to Indigenous communities, where travelers can learn about the deep cultural significance of the Spirit bear and the traditional ways of life that have coexisted with this incredible ecosystem for thousands of years.

• Exploring Canada’s vast wilderness: For adventure seekers, Canada offers endless opportunities to explore its vast wilderness. Whether kayaking through the rugged coastline of British Columbia, hiking through Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Rockies, or embarking on a multi-day canoe trip in Ontario’s Algonquin Park, Canada is a paradise for nature lovers.

• Eco-friendly lodges and campsites across Canada are committed to preserving the environment and providing sustainable travel experiences. These retreats often operate off the grid, using renewable energy sources and minimizing waste to ensure that Canada’s natural beauty remains intact for future generations.

Why Canada?

• Wildlife encounters: Polar bears, Spirit bears, whales and more in remote wilderness areas.

• Cultural immersion: Connection with First Nations cultures and traditions in British Columbia.

• Eco-friendly practices: Sustainable lodges and ethical wildlife tours in pristine natural environments.

3. Mexico: Whale Sharks, Sea Turtles, and Vibrant Ecosystems

• Whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez: Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind for wildlife adventures, but it is home to some truly spectacular wildlife experiences. In the waters of the Sea of Cortez, travelers can swim alongside the gentle giants of the ocean: whale sharks. These massive filter-feeding sharks are the largest fish in the world, and swimming with them is a surreal and awe-inspiring experience.

• Eco-tourism operators in the region follow strict guidelines to ensure that these encounters are sustainable and do not disturb the whale sharks. Snorkeling alongside these magnificent creatures allows travelers to appreciate the importance of marine conservation and the need to protect these vulnerable species from threats like pollution and overfishing.

• Sea turtle conservation in Oaxaca: For travelers who want to combine wildlife experiences with conservation efforts, Mexico’s Oaxaca Coast offers the chance to participate in sea turtle conservation programs. Several eco-friendly lodges along the coast work to protect endangered sea turtles by managing hatcheries and organizing nighttime beach patrols to safeguard nesting turtles from poachers.

• Visitors can take part in turtle releases, helping newly hatched turtles make their way into the ocean, while learning about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. These hands-on experiences provide a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of nature and the critical role that conservation plays in preserving these ancient species.

• Mexico’s biodiverse landscapes: From the lush jungles of the Yucatán to the arid deserts of Baja California, Mexico offers a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems to explore. Adventure travelers can hike through the jungles of Chiapas, explore the caves and cenotes of the Yucatán, or snorkel along the coral reefs of Cozumel.

• Many eco-friendly lodges and resorts across Mexico are committed to sustainability, offering accommodations that minimize environmental impact while providing guests with a connection to the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage. These retreats allow travelers to experience the vibrant beauty of Mexico while ensuring that their presence contributes positively to local ecosystems and communities.

Why Mexico?

• Wildlife encounters: Swim with whale sharks, help conserve sea turtles and explore rich marine ecosystems.

• Cultural immersion: Engage with conservation programs and learn from local communities.

• Eco-friendly practices: Sustainable lodges and responsible tourism that protect marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Conclusion: Explore epic wildlife in unexpected places

For travelers seeking to experience the world differently, wildlife vacations in Alaska, Canada and Mexico offer the perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion and eco-tourism. These destinations provide unique opportunities to encounter some of the world’s most incredible animals while ensuring that your travel choices contribute to conservation and sustainability. Whether you’re watching grizzlies fish for salmon in Alaska, helping sea turtles on Mexico’s beaches or exploring Canada’s vast wilderness, these epic wildlife vacations promise unforgettable experiences that also make a positive impact on the planet.

Marc Scholnick, your FORA Travel advisor, believes in offering travel experiences that connect you to the world in meaningful, responsible ways. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure and let’s explore the wild, the untouched, and the incredible — together.

Day trips

These extra days or side trips could be amazing additions to your adventure.

Alaska:

• Wildlife photography tour in the Alaskan wilderness: Extend your Alaskan adventure with a full-day guided photography tour, where professional photographers will help you capture stunning shots of grizzly bears, eagles, and glaciers. Perfect for both beginners and experienced photographers, this trip offers an intimate glimpse into Alaska’s wild beauty.

• Additional days? Northern Lights Adventure: Add an extra day to your vacation and embark on a Northern Lights excursion, venturing out at night to catch the breathtaking display of the aurora borealis. Away from city lights, this experience immerses you in the serene beauty of Alaska's skies.

Canada:

• Boat tour of Prince William Sound: Take a break from land-based exploration and enjoy a full-day boat tour of Prince William Sound, cruising through ice-filled fjords while spotting seals, sea otters and puffins. You'll witness glaciers calving into the ocean, creating an unforgettable spectacle of nature.

• Cultural immersion with First Nations: Extend your stay in Canada with a dedicated day to connect with local Indigenous communities, where you can learn traditional crafts, participate in storytelling sessions and experience the deep cultural significance of Canada’s wilderness from their perspective.

Mexico:

• Bioluminescent kayaking adventure: Experience an evening of magic on a bioluminescent kayaking tour, paddling through glowing waters off the coast of Mexico. This half-day trip adds a mesmerizing touch to your wildlife vacation, providing a unique connection to nature.

• Additional day? Sustainable culinary experience: Enhance your Mexico vacation with an extra day dedicated to a sustainable seafood culinary tour, where you’ll visit local markets, participate in a hands-on cooking class and enjoy a meal crafted from fresh, eco-conscious ingredients while learning about the region’s culinary traditions.

Alaska:

• Seven Glaciers Restaurant: A stunning mountaintop restaurant accessible by tram in Girdwood, featuring seasonal Alaskan cuisine with panoramic views of glaciers and peaks.

Canada:

• Wolf in the Fog: Located in Tofino near Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, this award-winning restaurant combines a rustic atmosphere with elevated West Coast dishes made from locally sourced seafood and foraged ingredients.

Mexico:

• Tentazioni: A chic Italian-Mediterranean restaurant in Zihuatanejo offering a refined dining experience with stunning ocean views and a focus on fresh, organic ingredients.