How To Protect Canadian Wildlife On Your Next RV Trip
RVing isn’t just about getting away—it’s about getting closer. Closer to nature, closer to wildlife, and closer to Canada. And thanks to the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the iNaturalist app, every RV journey can bring you closer to nature and give you a chance to help protect Canadian wildlife.
With the free iNaturalist Canada app, RVers across the country can help track and protect Canadian wildlife—just by snapping a photo of the plants and animals in Canada they see along the way.
What is the iNaturalist App – and Why Should RVers Use It?
The iNaturalist app is a free tool that lets RVers, campers, and nature lovers record and share photos of the Canadian animals, plants, and insects they spot while exploring. Each photo helps scientists understand how wildlife in Canada is shifting, thriving, or at risk.
Whether you’re camping in the boreal forests of Quebec, exploring mountainous regions in British Columbia, or spotting Canadian wildlife in at your local campground, your photos contribute to a national database used by researchers and conservation groups.
How to Use the iNaturalist Canada App on Your Next RV Trip
Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the iNaturalist app on your next RV trip:
- Download the app: Available for free on both iOS and Android, the app is easy to set up.
- Create an account: Sign up with a quick and easy setup. Ensure you’re logged into iNaturalist.ca rather than .org to contribute to the Canadian platform.
- Snap a photo: Take a photo (or record a sound) of any plant, animal, or insect you encounter on your journey.
- Upload your observation: Using the app or on inaturalist.ca, upload your photo and share some extra details about what you saw.
- Check out your contributions: You’ll also get feedback on your observations, helping you identify the wildlife you saw.
What is Biodiversity? (And Why Biodiversity Matters)
What does biodiversity mean? Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—all the things that make up ecosystems and keep them running smoothly.
Healthy biodiversity supports clean air, water, and food, and ensures the natural world remains balanced and thrives. But Canada’s biodiversity is facing growing pressure from:
- Climate change
- Habitat loss
- Pollution and human impact
That’s where the iNaturalist app comes in. When you upload your photos of plants, animals, and insects, you’re contributing to a global effort to monitor and protect species.
What may seem like a simple snapshot capturing a moment is part of a much larger puzzle—helping to preserve the Canadian wildlife we love for future generations to enjoy.
Tips for Respectful Wildlife Viewing While RVing
Seeing animals in Canada in their natural habitat is one of the most exciting parts of RV travel and camping. But it’s important to do so safely and responsibly. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Give Them Room: Wildlife values its space, and so should you. Use your camera’s zoom to get a close-up shot without stepping into their world. The animals will thank you for it.
- Stay ON the Beaten Path: Stick to the trails—it’s safer for you and better for the environment. Plus, wandering off the path can disturb wildlife and destroy habitat.
- Slow Down and Observe: Be quiet, take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and observe wildlife at a comfortable distance. Sometimes, the best moments come when you simply wait and let nature come to you.
- Leave the Scene Better Than You Found It: Be mindful of your surroundings and leave no trace. Let future adventurers enjoy the same beauty you’re experiencing now.
- Don’t Feed the Locals: When you feed animals, it can mess with their natural diet and behaviours. Let them stick to their own food, and you stick to yours.
These small actions help protect the very places you love to explore, ensuring that they stay wild and beautiful for others to enjoy.
Make Your Next RV Trip an Act of Conservation
RVing lets you experience Canada in a personal, unforgettable way—and now, it can also be a way to give back.
By using the iNaturalist Canada app, your RV adventures become part of a larger movement to protect Canadian wildlife, monitor ecosystems, and inspire others to care for the plants and animals in Canada we all cherish. Canada is our home.
Ready to explore and protect nature? Plan your next RV trip today.
