Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Winter Wildlife Excursions

Locations in this article:  San Diego, CA

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean nature tours are off the list.  In fact, there are opportunities around the country to observe animals in their natural habitat, even when snow is falling.

Every winter, for example, the Virginia Aquarium hosts two-hour wildlife excursions led by an expert guide, which allows passengers to view and learn about local marine life.

And don’t worry about the weather: the catamaran has a heated indoor section.

Of course, January through April is prime whale-watching season on the California coast. The San Diego Maritime Museum offers whale-watching excursions onboard a historic yacht.

Or, hop on an actual research vessel for a seal search around Long Island Sound with  Connecticut’s Maritime Aquarium. The cruise is led by scientists who are collecting data for aquarium’s seal census.

Birders can flock to Arkansas for winter workshops and cruises along Lake Forth Smith and Pinnacle Mountain in Arkansas.

And if you’re really feeling up for a winter-weather challenge, head north to Canada, and check out large-game wildlife excursions at Jasper National Park.

We’re talking thousands of square miles with elk, moose, bears, and more at the largest park in the Canadian Rockies.

Just make sure you’re dressed for the weather and don’t forget the binoculars.

For more fun in the snow, visit our Winter Sports section.

To get up close and personal with nature, visit our Eco-Travel section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.