Can you see wildlife besides mountain goats?

Yes, although Rocky Mountain goats are the main attraction, the Goats and Glaciers Lookout offers opportunities to see a variety of other wildlife throughout the year. Because the viewpoint overlooks a diverse mountain ecosystem of forests, cliffs, rivers, and alpine slopes, many species can be found in the surrounding area. Every visit is different, and wildlife sightings depend on the season, weather, and time of day.

Bighorn sheep are occasionally seen on nearby rocky slopes and road cuts. Like mountain goats, they are well adapted to steep terrain, although they tend to prefer lower elevations and grassy hillsides. Visitors may spot rams with their large curved horns or ewes and lambs grazing together during the warmer months.

Elk are another common sight, especially in the forests and open meadows surrounding the Athabasca Valley. During spring and summer, they often graze near the valley floor, while autumn brings the annual rut, when bulls can sometimes be heard bugling in the distance. Mule deer and white-tailed deer may also be seen browsing near the roadside.

The area is also home to black bears and grizzly bears, although sightings are much less common than mountain goats. Bears occasionally travel through the valley in search of food, particularly during spring and early summer when fresh vegetation begins to grow. If you are fortunate enough to see a bear, always observe it from a safe distance and never approach or feed wildlife.

Birdwatchers may enjoy spotting bald eagles, golden eagles, ravens, Clark's nutcrackers, gray jays, and various songbirds. Eagles are sometimes seen soaring above the valley on rising air currents, while smaller birds can often be found in the surrounding trees and shrubs.

Smaller mammals also inhabit the area, including hoary marmots, Columbian ground squirrels, pikas, snowshoe hares, and red squirrels. These animals are often easier to spot during the warmer months when they are actively feeding and preparing for winter.

Although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the Goats and Glaciers Lookout offers an excellent opportunity to experience the rich diversity of Jasper National Park. Spending a few extra minutes quietly observing the landscape can often reveal much more than mountain goats, making every visit a unique wildlife experience. Book Jasper

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