Experience Canada’s wilderness in autumn

Autumn in Canada offers more than dazzling foliage. For those seeking remarkable encounters with iconic wildlife—and cosy lodges that blend indulgence with conservation—this season delivers unforgettable experiences in nature’s most dramatic settings. 

Wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest

Tucked into coastal British Columbia, the Great Bear Rainforest is home to one of the world’s rarest creatures: the elusive white Spirit bear. Spirit Bear Lodge, Indigenous-owned and operated by the Kitasoo/Xai’xais people, offers an intimate base for bear viewing.  

Autumn is prime time—when grizzlies, black bears and Spirit bears fish for salmon in creeks that are just metres from your platform or window. And while many visitors head for popular viewing spots, guides at the lodges know the quiet inlets where bear activity is rich. 

Polar bears in Manitoba

The town of Churchill in Northern Manitoba’s sub-Arctic region transforms each autumn into a polar bear haven. For a front-row seat, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge—a remote, fly-in eco-lodge, located 250 kilometres south of Churchill—delivers. Guests venture out on guided walking safaris across the tundra, spotting polar bears up close (safely), along with Arctic foxes, wolves and moose.  

Evenings are spent fireside with gourmet meals, and if you’re lucky, the aurora borealis may flicker overhead. Conservation is at the heart of the lodge’s ethos, and each stay supports local environmental research and habitat preservation. 

Luxury in the Rockies

In Jasper and Banff National Parks, autumn means fewer crowds, golden larch forests and migrating wildlife. For the ultimate in Rocky Mountain indulgence, base yourself at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge—a lakeside retreat with private cabins and wildlife often wandering the property.  

Elk sightings are near-guaranteed in autumn, and local guides recommend dawn excursions along Pyramid Lake Road for quiet, awe-inspiring views. You can even stay at Pyramid Lake Lodge, located right on the lake and near a wolf pack’s territory—an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the area. Combine your stay with a heli-hiking experience for panoramic wildlife spotting and high-altitude picnics. 

Wolves, moose and more in the Yukon

For those drawn to off-grid elegance, Northern Lights Resort & Spa near Whitehorse is a hidden gem. While the resort is famed for its aurora borealis displays, autumn also brings moose, lynx and even wolves into view. Private chalets, infrared saunas and forest-to-fork dining set the tone for serenity. Locals often head to nearby Fish Lake for excellent moose viewing at sunrise, when the water is still and the morning mist lingers.

The edge of the Arctic 

Deep in the boreal wilderness of the Northwest Territories, Blachford Lake Lodge is reachable only by private scenic plane—and that’s part of the magic. Expect off-grid luxury: handcrafted cabins, gourmet meals with northern ingredients, and guided wildlife excursions tailored to your interests. Autumn means crisp hikes through golden forests and the chance to spot migrating birds, foraging bears and foxes preparing for winter. 

Canada’s wilderness lodges offer more than just a place to stay—they’re gateways to wild, sacred lands, many stewarded by Indigenous communities. In autumn, the pace slows, the crowds thin and nature puts on a spectacular show. This is luxury, Canada-style: immersive, sustainable and rich in once-in-a-lifetime moments.