The Different Types of Caribou in North America: Identification & Habitat Guide

Writer: Munroe Lake Lodge

Caribou are one of North America’s most iconic animals—majestic, resilient, and perfectly adapted to some of the harshest environments on Earth. Whether you know them as Caribou here in Canada or as Reindeer across the Arctic, these incredible creatures are part of the continent’s wild heart.

At Munroe Lake Lodge, we’re lucky to host guests right in the middle of one of the healthiest Barren-ground Caribou populations in Canada—but did you know there are several different types of Caribou across North America, each with unique traits, migrations, and habitats?

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the main subspecies of Caribou found across North America, how they differ, and where you can find them in the wild.

1) Barren-Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus)

Habitat: Northern Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and parts of Alaska

These are the Caribou we see most often near Munroe Lake Lodge—and they’re true travelers. Barren-ground Caribou are famous for their long-distance migrations, sometimes traveling over 5,000 km a year between calving grounds and wintering areas. They have lighter coats, slender bodies, and tall, sweeping antlers built for endurance. Their herds can number in the tens of thousands, moving across the tundra like waves of brown and white.

2) Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)

Habitat: Boreal forests of Canada, from Newfoundland to Alberta

Woodland Caribou are the forest dwellers of the species. Unlike the massive herds of Barren-ground Caribou, these animals prefer smaller groups or even solitary living. They move quietly through the boreal forests, feeding on lichen from old-growth trees. They have darker coats, broader antlers, and shorter migrations—adaptations to life among thick spruce and pine forests. Unfortunately, many Woodland Caribou populations are threatened due to habitat loss, making conservation efforts crucial across Canada.

3) Mountain Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou, southern mountain population)

Habitat: British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of the Rocky Mountains

The aptly named Mountain Caribou are athletes of the alpine—living at high elevations where deep snow and rugged terrain dominate. They rely heavily on arboreal lichen found on old-growth trees and have powerful legs for navigating mountain slopes. They’re larger-bodied than other subspecies and have thick coats to withstand high-altitude winters. These Caribou are among the most endangered in North America, with some herds numbering fewer than 50 animals.

4) Peary Caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi)

Habitat: Canadian Arctic Archipelago (Nunavut and Northwest Territories)

The smallest and most Arctic-adapted of all Caribou, Peary Caribou live in the high Arctic islands, where temperatures regularly plunge far below zero. Their white coats, compact size, and thick fur make them perfectly suited to a frozen environment. Their population is much smaller than that of other Caribou—fewer than 10,000 individuals remain—and they’re considered threatened under Canadian law.

5) Porcupine Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

Habitat: Alaska, Yukon, and the western Arctic

Named after the Porcupine River, this subspecies is one of the most famous migratory herds in the world, traveling from Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to Canada’s Yukon and back each year. The Porcupine herd plays a key role in Indigenous traditions and Arctic ecosystems, and conservationists have long fought to protect their calving grounds from development.

Why Caribou Matter

Caribou are a symbol of Canada’s wilderness—a vital part of the northern ecosystem and our hunting heritage. At Munroe Lake Lodge, we’re proud to share a landscape where Caribou still roam freely, and where sustainable, responsible hunting helps maintain healthy populations.

Whether you’re here to hunt, photograph, or simply admire these magnificent animals, Northern Manitoba offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with one of nature’s great survivors.

Plan Your Adventure

If you’re dreaming of seeing—or hunting—these incredible animals up close, our team would love to help you plan your trip. Visit our Caribou Hunting page or Contact Us to book your next adventure at Munroe Lake Lodge.