Looking to plan a wild vacation? From the sandy beaches of Maryland to the snowy tundra of Northern Canada, discover some of the best places to visit if you're looking to spend some time off in the animal kingdom.
CUSTER STATE PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of South Dakota, you'll find Custer State Park, home to about 1,300 bisons. Though often passed over in favour of iconic Mount Rushmore, this park in South Dakota's the Black Hills features plenty of intriguing animals, from mountain lions to sheep to antelope and elk, among others – all framed against scenic backdrops along Wildlife Loop Road. The surroundings are so picturesque, in fact, you might recognize the setting from the 1990 film, "Dances With Wolves," which was filmed nearby in Badlands National Park and the Black Hills.
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, AUSTRALIA
While exploring Australia's sprawling Kakadu National Park, you shouldn't only look out for kangaroos: The park also plays host to wallaroos, wallabies and a myriad of fascinating species, from crocodiles to lizards to magpie geese and flatback turtles. On G Adventures' cross-country Yolo tour, which takes visitors from Darwin to Adelaide on a two-week journey, you can experience Kakadu's striking waterfalls, trails, swimming holes and wildlife before continuing on through Alice Springs, Uluru and Adelaide's Clare Valley for a wine tasting.
MADAGASCAR
When you picture the ultimate African safari, images of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania or Kenya – with iconic species such as cheetah, rhino and zebra – might come to mind. But for wildlife sightings like no other, consider making the trip to Madagascar. Here, you can spot everything from colourful chameleons to lemurs and fossa, you can enjoy guided walks through national parks and see fascinating wildlife as well as remote villages and beaches.
GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA
While many people make the trek to Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve to soak in inspiring attractions and landscapes – punctuated by lush forests, icy glaciers and snow-topped mountains. Inside Glacier Bay, visitors are rewarded with idyllic vantage points to see wildlife, such as eagles, bears, puffins and whales. There are also abundant opportunities for birding, with nearly 275 bird species identified in the park. And though there are a wealth of ways to explore the park, one of the best ways to spot magnificent animals and aquatic life is by embarking on a scenic cruise, where you can enjoy biking and hiking expeditions on land or whale-watching expeditions on the water.
INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER\
If you've ever dreamed of howling with the wolves, the International Wolf Center in Minnesota is the place for you. Learn more about wolf conservation while spending time with the pack.
CHURCHHILL, MANITOBA
Looking to safari somewhere a little cooler? Head up north and visit the "polar bear capital of the world" in Northern Canada. Book a buggy trip and check out these majestic bears up close and personal.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Go all out on a wildlife safari in Serengeti National Park where millions of animals migrate across the grasslands in November and December. You'll see lions, giraffes elephants and more during your unforgettable adventure.
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND
Beaches and wild ponies - what more do you need? The island is home to more than 300 of these adorable equines that have called the coastline home since the 1600s.
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Shout out to Charles Darwin for putting this wildlife hot spot on the map. Sunbathe alongside marine iguanas or go for a dive with curious fur seals. The possibilities are endless!