1 March 2026

Finding Canada lynx, wolves and other mammals on the Gunflint Trail, northern Minnesota

This is a short summary of how and where to look for interesting mammals in the boreal forest of northern Minnesota. It’s based on what I’ve learned from a number of trips to the Gunflint trail near the border with Canada.

The photo is of a female Canada lynx walking on the Gunflint trail road.

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Gunflint trail northern Minnesota

Post author

Charles Foley
I am interested in all mammal species, large and small, though my main expertise is in African mammals. I have lived and worked in Tanzania for 30 years and am now based in Minnesota.
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8 Comments

  • 2 March 2026
    Bozon

    Many thanks!!!

  • 3 March 2026
    Rebecca Taylor

    Thanks for this report. I just got back from trying to find a Canada Lynx in Canada & realized how hard they are to find. Wish I lived closer to MN but I still might make the trip & try some time.

  • 3 March 2026
    Rebecca Taylor

    One last thought, have you ever gone in the summer? Are they harder to find? What do you think of the possibility of seeing kittens?

    • 3 March 2026
      Charles Foley

      I avoid the Gunflint in the summer because of the large number of people visiting the area and the amount of traffic on the road. I know of someone who has seen a lynx sitting by the side of the main road in summer, but they just got lucky. I have only seen sub-adult cubs but if you tried in December you might have a chance of seeing some younger kittens. I’ve seen pictures of them on webcams taken in that part of the trail in December.

  • 9 March 2026
    Moses Swanson the XVI

    How far into March would one be able to see a lynx successfully? Is March 20th to late or just in the sweet spot?

  • 9 March 2026
    Charles Foley

    Hard to know Moses. Most of the snow may be gone by then, given the high temperatures we’ve been having, but I suspect there will still be little traffic on the road. I suspect it’s the traffic that most affects their movement so hopefully you’ll still be in with a good chance. Good luck!

  • 29 March 2026
    Moses Swanson the XVI

    Returning from said trip we did not see any lynx, or any other mammal other than red squirrel due to borderlands lodge being fully booked, but, as with most things, it was worth a try and we did see spruce grouse which was pretty cool.

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