IS THERE WILDLIFE SEEN ON NIAGARA FALLS TOURS?

Of course the Falls themselves are the #1 photographed thing during one of our Niagara Falls Canada tours, but something that visitors also have their cameras ready for is the often abundant and unique wildlife that can be seen during a tour.

“I have lived here my whole life and I have seen rabbits, chipmunks, skunks, raccoons, opossum, rats, mice, squirrels and a few deer and snakes in wooded areas.”
- Christina B, Niagara Falls Resident

Canadian geese on Niagara Falls tour

BIRD WATCHING ON NIAGARA FALLS TOURS

Since the formation of the Niagara River some 12,000 years ago, birds have been drawn to the reliable supply of fresh water and that remains as true today as ever.

Here are some species to be on the lookout during a tour:

Gulls: Various species, including ring-billed and herring gulls.
Double-crested Cormorants: Common near the river.
Peregrine Falcons: Sometimes seen nesting on cliffs or buildings.
Canada Geese: Frequently spotted near the riverbanks.
Great Blue Herons and Egrets: Found in calmer areas near the water.
Ducks: No hunting! :)
Other birds: Such as Sparrows, Black Birds and Blue Jays.

Should we officially put bird watching on the list of reasons why a walking tour of Niagara Falls is better than a bus tour?

MAMMALS SEEN ON TOUR

“I’ve seen coyote’s, groundhogs, star nosed moles and minks.”
- Sam D, Niagara Falls Resident

wildlife on Niagara Falls Canada tours

Beavers and Muskrats: Found along the riverbanks and in marshy areas.
Deer: White-tailed deer are often spotted in wooded areas around the Niagara Gorge.
Squirrels and Chipmunks: Common in all parkland areas.
Foxes and Raccoons: May be seen in forested areas near the falls. They’re often missed while everyone’s attention is understandably in the other direction towards the Falls.

INSECTS

Monarch Butterflies often migrate through the region in late summer and early fall while Dragonflies and Damselflies can be found near the river and wetlands.

If you’re interested in butterflies, Niagara Falls is home to one of the worlds best butterfly conservatories. Check them out here.

Niagara Falls butterflies

SHOULD YOU FEED THE WILDLIFE DURING A NIAGARA FALLS TOUR?

Oh gosh, please no!

Canadian Geese aren’t as gorgeous and majestic when they’re laying waste all over the walkways.

If you spot any wildlife during your tour you’ll likely be able to tell they’re not starving so you can keep the snacks for yourselves. :)

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SPOT WILDLIFE DURING A TOUR?

The more rare forms of wildlife are typically easier to spot earlier in the day so if you’re interested in the wildlife of the local area this makes our earlier start times even more appealing.

This is partly due to their natural behavior but the amount of human traffic can play a significant role as well. Animals do not like waiting in lines either! :)

So to wrap things up; yes, wildlife can be seen on Niagara Falls tours, especially in and around the surrounding parks and waterways and especially early in the day.

If you’re looking to see even more local wildlife, we highly recommend a hike along the Niagara Glen Trail, less than 10 km down river from where the tour concludes (use the WEGO system!)

Walk Niagara Tours offers all-inclusive walking tours of Niagara Falls. Our tour guides lead groups 7 days a week between April and November.