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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7 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!

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