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Wood Buffalo Bisons

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Wood Buffalo National Park, straddling the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, is Canada's largest national park and a critical refuge for the wood bison (Bison bison athabascae). Spanning nearly 45,000 square kilometers, the park was established in 1922 to save the last remaining herds of these massive animals from extinction. Today, it hosts the largest free-roaming wood bison population in the world, with numbers exceeding 3,000 individuals. The landscape is characterized by vast boreal forests, wetlands, and the largest inland salt plains in Canada, which create a unique and harsh environment for its inhabitants. In 1983, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional ecological value and the undisturbed predator-prey relationship between wolves and bison. Beyond its namesake species, the park serves as the only natural nesting ground for the endangered whooping crane. Wood Buffalo is also recognized as the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve, providing unparalleled views of the stars and the aurora borealis. The ongoing protection of the bison within this pristine wilderness remains a cornerstone of North American wildlife conservation history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-23	-20	-14	-2	8	15	17	15	8	-1	-13	-21
Rain mm	23	17	27	30	51	59	69	63	48	32	25	23

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to see wood bison is June through August, when calves are born and herds graze on vast plains. Summer months bring peak activity.

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Best time of day

Early morning and late afternoon see bison most frequently on open ground. During midday heat, they often seek shade in forests.

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Etiquette

Keep at least 100 meters from bison - they are large and unpredictable. Do not feed them and stay in your vehicle if on a road.

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What to bring

Binoculars help observe herds from a safe distance. Insect repellent is essential in summer as mosquitoes and horseflies are common.

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Getting there

Wood Buffalo National Park lies in remote Northwest Territories and Alberta; access via gravel roads or small airstrips. Many visitors enter through Fort Smith or Hay River.

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What to expect

The park is vast and bison are widely scattered; you may need to drive hours to find a herd. Enjoy the expansive, untouched nature - it’s part of the experience.

History & landmarks

1922

Geography

Area

44807 km²

Coordinates

59.50000, -113.00000

Facts

Wood Buffalo is Canada's largest national park, covering 44,807 square kilometers.
The park's wood bison population is currently estimated at over 3,000 animals.
It is home to the world's largest beaver dam, measuring 850 meters in length.
The park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983.
The Peace-Athabasca Delta is one of the world's largest freshwater inland deltas.
It was designated the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve in 2013.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How big is the park?

It is Canada's largest national park, created to protect bison.

Where can you find the bison?

Often along the road between Fort Smith and Hay River.

Can you approach them?

No, keep at least 100 meters away; they are unpredictable animals.

When is the best time to visit?

June to August for wildlife sightings and milder weather.

Are there campgrounds?

Yes, Pine Lake Campground is very popular with visitors.

Wood Buffalo Bisons: where is it located?

Wood Buffalo Bisons is located in Canada.

Wood Buffalo Bisons: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Wood Buffalo Bisons: why is it worth visiting?

Wood Buffalo National Park, straddling the border between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, is Canada's largest national park and a critical refuge for the wood bison (Bison bison athabascae).

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