Are There Squirrels in Canada?

Yes, squirrels are widespread across Canada, though which species you encounter varies by region. Tree squirrels thrive throughout the country, from coastal forests to the boreal zone, making them among Canada's most visible wild mammals. You'll find them in parks, forests, and urban areas across most provinces and territories.

By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated August 11, 2026.

May, July, April
peak months

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

196,294 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Canada, most often in May, July, April.

When squirrel are recorded in Canada

Where Squirrels Are Found Across Canada

Tree squirrels inhabit nearly every Canadian province and territory from coast to coast, though which species you encounter depends on location. Eastern gray squirrels dominate deciduous forests in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, including regions around Algonquin Park and the Saint Lawrence River valley. Red squirrels prefer boreal and coniferous forests across northern Canada and higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and British Columbia. Both species occur in prairie provinces where suitable trees exist. Fox squirrels inhabit small pockets in Ontario. The boreal forest supports useful squirrel populations, as do coastal rainforests of BC. Urban areas from Halifax to Vancouver now host gray squirrels in parks and neighborhoods. Visit/wildlife/cato explore guides on Canadian wildlife across all regions.

Season and Timing for Squirrel Activity

Squirrel activity peaks in spring and early summer across Canada, with the highest observations in April, May, and July. This surge coincides with breeding season and intense food-gathering before winter. Spring brings emergence from winter dormancy, territorial establishment, and young being born in tree nests. Late spring through early summer, young squirrels leave the nest and become highly visible as they explore and learn foraging skills. Activity remains elevated through summer and into fall as squirrels obsessively cache seeds and nuts across their territory. Winter activity decreases significantly, but squirrels remain active during mild days, relying on cached food stores. Fall sees renewed urgency as preparation for harsh months accelerates. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps predict when and where you'll encounter squirrels throughout Canada.

How to Identify Squirrels

Two main tree squirrel species dominate Canadian sightings. Eastern gray squirrels are medium-sized with gray fur and white undersides, measuring 20 to 25 centimeters in body length with bushy tails nearly equal to body size. Red squirrels are smaller, typically 15 to 20 centimeters, with rusty-red fur and distinctive ear tufts year-round. Both species have sharp claws for gripping bark and can leap 20 feet or more between trees. Tails serve as rudders during jumps and blankets during rest. The calls differ noticeably: gray squirrels produce harsh barking sounds, while red squirrels make rapid chattering and piercing whines. Males and females appear virtually identical in the field. Flying squirrels, sometimes confused with tree squirrels, are smaller and nocturnal with loose membrane for gliding between trees rather than jumping.

Where Sightings Concentrate

Squirrel sightings concentrate in wooded habitats, parks, and gardens throughout Canada. Eastern gray squirrels favor deciduous and mixed forests with oak, hickory, and maple trees, making southern Ontario, southern Quebec, and Maritime provinces prime viewing areas. Provincial parks like Algonquin in Ontario and Mount Royal in Montreal host year-round populations. Red squirrels thrive in coniferous forests where spruce and pine dominate, so northern Ontario, northern Quebec, much of the boreal zone, and Rocky Mountain slopes support higher densities. Urban parks and suburban neighborhoods with mature street trees attract gray squirrels consistently. Forests along the Great Lakes, the Saint Lawrence River system, and major rivers like the Saskatchewan River valley support active populations. Open prairie, tundra, and treeless landscapes host few or no squirrels. Forest edges and transitions between habitat types often show heightened activity. See/wildlifefor more wildlife information.

Typical Squirrel Behavior

Squirrels are diurnal, active during daylight and sheltering in tree cavities or leafy nests called dreys at night. Their diet centers on seeds and nuts from oak, maple, spruce, and pine trees, supplemented with fungi, berries, bark, and insects. Caching behavior dominates fall activity: a single squirrel buries thousands of seeds and nuts in scattered locations, relying on memory and random recovery to survive winter. Squirrels are highly territorial and vocal, using chatters and barks to communicate with neighbors and warn of predators like hawks, foxes, and owls. Breeding occurs in early spring with chases through tree branches as males pursue females. Females produce one litter of three to eight young per year, born in spring. Litters disperse in late summer and fall. Social hierarchies form around food sources, with older and larger squirrels controlling top-tier foraging areas. Learn more about Canadian squirrel behavior at/wildlife/ca.

Coexistence and Safety

Squirrels and humans coexist throughout Canada with minimal conflict. They pose no danger to people and rarely carry rabies. Occasional property damage occurs when squirrels chew wooden structures or enter attics seeking shelter and stored food in fall and winter. Prevention through exclusion, sealing entry points, and removing accessible food sources like garbage and pet food is usually effective. In urban areas, squirrels become habituated to humans but remain wild and should never be hand-fed or touched. Canadian provinces protect tree squirrels differently: most allow hunting during set seasons, while city limits in some areas offer protection. Harassment or cruelty to squirrels is illegal. Some provinces classify red squirrels as fur-bearing animals. Watching squirrels from a distance and securing property is the standard coexistence approach.

Species People Confuse with Squirrels

Several Canadian animals resemble squirrels and cause identification confusion. Flying squirrels occur throughout Canada's forests and are mistaken for tree squirrels, but are smaller, nocturnal, and have loose fur membranes for gliding rather than jumping between trees. Eastern chipmunks share similar size and range but have distinctive facial stripes and spend more time on the ground. Groundhogs and marmots are much larger than squirrels and prefer open areas over forests. Fox squirrels are larger than gray squirrels with orange-tinted fur and occur only in small Ontario pockets. In western mountains, Abert's squirrels have prominent ear tufts like red squirrels and inhabit specific high-elevation regions. Gray squirrels sometimes display black fur, a color variation that doesn't indicate a different species. Knowing these differences improves field identification across Canada's diverse wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels

Q: Do squirrels hibernate in Canada? A: No, tree squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active, especially on warmer winter days, and rely entirely on cached food to survive harsh periods. Q: How long do wild squirrels live? A: Most wild squirrels live 5 to 10 years, though some reach 15 years in protected settings. Predation, disease, starvation, and accidents reduce lifespans. Q: When do squirrels have babies in Canada? A: Tree squirrels breed in early spring, with litters born around April or May after a 44-day gestation. One litter per year is standard, with rare second litters in late summer. Q: Are squirrels active at specific times of day? A: Squirrels are most active at dawn and dusk but may be seen anytime during daylight. Midday heat often reduces activity. For more details on squirrels and other wildlife, check/wildlife/ca/squirreland browse other Canadian animals at/wildlife/ca.

Gear and field guides

Field guides to identify squirrels

Plan your trip

Best time to see squirrel in Canada: May, July, April

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go