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Explore the Spectacular Landscapes and Awesome Animals of Western Canada

May 31, 2025

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Enjoy some northern exposure with these 15 images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Photographs selected by Allison Scates

Text by

Tracy Scott Forson

May 30, 2025

Two polar bears fight — Two male polar bears square off for battles over territory and, ultimately, mating rights.
Randall Ball, Manitoba, 2024

What does it mean to be picture perfect? Just take a hike along the tundra regions of Western Canada, and the significance of that phrase will become clear to you.

With majestic mountains, an awesome array of animals and beautiful Banff National Park, Instagram-worthy images are easy to come by. The second-largest country in the world, Canada has one of the planet’s largest intact boreal forests. If you ever find yourself there, do like these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest entrants and be camera-ready. Take a look.

Cut out view of city — The South Saskatchewan River begins in southern Alberta and ends in central Saskatchewan.

Hadi Asgari, Saskatchewan, 2019

Bison in snow — The furry hairs on these bison may help to keep them warm on frigid days walking the tundra.

Tracy Kerestesh, Saskatchewan, 2018

Northern Lights over church — The extraordinary northern lights dance above the steeple of a modest church.

Mark Duffy, Saskatchewan, 2021

Owl in field — An owl seemingly takes a pause from its daily routine to pose for a photo.

Mark Duffy, Saskatchewan, 2021

Neon Hotel — If travelers need a place to plunge, this illuminated hotel may have just the thing.

Russ Styles, Alberta, 2017

Bison in Road — Cowboys wrangle their herd, moving bulls to pasture for the winter.

Karen Jarvie, Alberta, 2017

Bison through car — A driver admires a grazing bison near Grasslands National Park.

Stephanie Foden, Saskatchewan, 2016

2 polar bears fight — A lone willow ptarmigan walks across a wintry tundra against a soft gray background as flakes fall around it.

Dawn Wilson, Manitoba, 2021

Dog with bird in mouth — This dog picked up a bird to bring home on a sunlit morning.

Kip Earney, Manitoba, 2018

Salmon underwater — Two salmon swim upstream as they migrate back to the river of their birth to spawn.

Franco Banfi, British Columbia, 2022

Mountains behind city — A craggy mountain billows over the charming town of Banff.

Michelle Hough, Alberta, 2024

Ground hogs — Two yellow-bellied marmots are seemingly in awe of the picturesque landscape in front of them.

Alan Zhou, Alberta, 2023

Canoeing — Two adventurers enjoy the blue waters of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park as the sunlight pierces the clouds.

Dave Leduc, Alberta, 2024

polar bear walking — A lone polar bear struts across the tundra to wait for seals to exit the frozen waters of the Hudson Bay.

Randall Ball, Manitoba, 2024

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