Bison Highway Road Tour from Yellowknife: Wood Bison Search
Four to six hours hunting the continent's biggest land mammals on one remote highway
A guided road tour from Yellowknife along Highway 3 south toward Great Slave Lake to search for wood bison, the largest land mammals in North America. The tour includes a light picnic lunch and runs between four and six hours depending on where the herd is spotted. A live English-speaking guide leads groups of four or more by SUV or luxury coach. Animal sightings are not guaranteed, though black bears, eagles, foxes and porcupines have been spotted on previous tours.
Step-by-step itinerary
Bison Highway Road Tour and Wildlife Viewing
- Drive along highway 3 south
- Search for wood bison herds
- Look for other wildlife sightings
- Enjoy light picnic lunch with snack and beverage
- Return after 4-6 hours tour
What’s included
- A live English-speaking guide.
- hotel pickup.
- a light picnic lunch with snack and beverage.
- travel by SUV for groups of four or by luxury coach for groups of six or more.
Next departure: 16 Oct 2027
Information
Drive south on Highway 3 from Yellowknife to search for North America's largest free-roaming wood bison herd, with a guide, light lunch and four to six hours on the road.
Compare the 5 alternatives
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour starts with a scenic drive south on Highway 3, where the guide shares facts and stories about the region as you head toward Great Slave Lake, the world's tenth-largest lake. The search focuses on wood bison: bulls that stand up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder, stretch 13 feet long, and weigh more than a tonne. Females are smaller but still massive, weighing up to 1,200 pounds. You'll be looking for the largest free-roaming herd of wood bison in North America, which roams this territory.
The driver will head in one direction for a maximum of three hours before turning back, so the full outing takes between four and six hours depending on where the bison are spotted first. A light picnic lunch, snack and beverage are provided along the way. While bison are the main draw, previous tours have also spotted black bears, eagles, foxes and porcupines, though no sighting can be guaranteed. Groups of four travel by SUV. Groups of six or more ride in a luxury coach.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
How big do wood bison actually get?
Wood bison bulls stand up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and stretch 13 feet long, weighing more than a tonne. Females are smaller but still substantial at up to 1,200 pounds.
Will I see baby bison on this tour?
Newborn and growing calves are commonly spotted among the herds, so there's a good chance of seeing younger animals alongside the adults.
What other wildlife might we encounter?
While bison are the focus, previous tours have spotted black bears, eagles, foxes and porcupines in the area, though no animal sightings are guaranteed.
How long does the drive take and what's included?
The tour runs between four and six hours depending on where the bison are first spotted. A light picnic lunch, snack and beverage are provided.
What size group travels together on this tour?
Groups of four travel by SUV. Groups of six or more travel by luxury coach, with a minimum of four people required per booking.
Operated by Bucket List Tour. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 26 days ago
Bison Highway Road Tour from Yellowknife: Wood Bison Search
4h · EN · at your hotel
from CA$ 153.25 per person
≈ US$ 110 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.