Canada is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and native wildlife, including several species of bear. If you’re hoping to see bears in the wild, there are several places in Canada where you can do just that. From grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains to polar bears in the Arctic, Canada is one of the best places to see bears in the wild.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best places to see bears in Canada and provide tips on how to do it safely. Whether you’re an avid wildlife lover or are simply heading out on an adventure, seeing bears in Canada is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island is a spectacular destination for wildlife spotting, but with a particular focus on finding bears. While it’s possible to spot black bears on the side of the road as you drive across the island, finding them in the wild is a magical experience. On Vancouver Island, black bears can be seen along the rivers and streams feeding on salmon, as well as close to the shoreline as they flip rocks to find crabs.
One of the best places on the island to find bears is in Tofino. This coastal town on the west coast is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and guided tours to find bears, as well as a number of other wild residents, including whales, sea otters and sea lions. These tours are led by experienced guides who share their knowledge of the local ecosystem and the bears that call the island home.
In addition to bear-watching, Tofino offers many other outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and whale watching. It’s a beautiful destination that showcases the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and its abundant wildlife, making it an ideal place for nature lovers to visit.
Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia
The Great Bear Rainforest, located on the central coast of British Columbia, is home to a large population of black bears, grizzly bears, and the elusive Kermode or ‘spirit’ bear. These white-furred subspecies of the black bear are only found in the Great Bear Rainforest and are considered to be a symbol of strength and harmony by the local indigenous people.
Even though the Great Bear Rainforest is a great place to find bears, seeing any animal in the wild requires patience, persistence, and a bit of luck. To increase your chances of spotting bears, it is best to join a guided tour with an experienced local guide who knows the area well and can help you safely navigate the lush rainforest. There, you may spot a black bear foraging for food along the riverbanks or a grizzly bear fishing for salmon in the streams.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is one of the best places to see bears in Canada. The park is home to both grizzly bears and black bears, and visitors can observe them in their natural habitats by joining guided tours and hiking, or simply by driving on scenic roads.
Guided tours are the safest and most informative way to see bears in Banff National Park. Professional guides lead small groups into areas where bears are known to frequent, allowing visitors to observe them from a safe distance whilst learning about the bears’ behaviour and ecology. This makes the experience both educational and enjoyable.
For those who prefer a more independent experience, hiking in Banff National Park is an excellent option. There are several trails throughout the park where bears can be spotted, including the popular Johnston Canyon trail. When hiking, it’s essential for visitors to carry bear spray and make noise to avoid surprising any bears along the way.
Finally, driving on scenic roads in Banff National Park is a great way to see bears from the comfort of your vehicle. The Bow Valley Parkway and the Icefields Parkway are two of the most popular routes for bear-watching, and visitors can often spot bears from the roadside.
Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” making it one of the best places to see polar bears in the wild. The town is located on the shores of Hudson Bay, which is an important migration route for polar bears as they wait for the sea ice to form. Guided tours take place in the area using specialised 4×4 vehicles, designed to navigate the rugged terrain and provide a safe viewing experience.
In addition to polar bears, Churchill is also home to black bears and grizzly bears, though other possible activities include viewing the Northern Lights, dog sledging, and experiencing the culture of the local Inuit community. Seeing polar bears in Churchill is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed by anyone interested in wildlife and the natural world.
Algonquin Provincial National Park, Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park is home to a large population of black bears. Whether you choose to hike, drive, or take a guided tour, observing these magnificent creatures in Algonquin is an unforgettable experience.
Hiking is one of the most popular ways to see bears in Algonquin Provincial Park. The area is home to over 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometres of streams, making it an ideal habitat for hungry bears looking for food. If heading out into the park on foot, visitors should always carry bear spray and make noise to avoid startling any bears along the way.
Alternatively, driving through Algonquin Provincial Park is another great way to see bears. The Highway 60 Corridor is a popular route for bear-watching, and visitors can often spot bears from the roadside. If this is your preferred option, drivers should remain very cautious and avoid approaching or feeding the bears for your own safety, as well as that of the bears themselves.
For a more informative experience, Algonquin Provincial Park also offers guided tours, led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the park’s ecosystem and the behaviour of the bears. As part of a tour, your guide will take you to the bears’ favourite haunts, in order to show you how they live in the wild and to provide you with exceptional photography opportunities.
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary is a beautiful protected area that is dedicated to the conservation of grizzly bears. As well as bald eagles, black bears and sea lions, the sanctuary is home to one of the largest populations of grizzly bears in North America and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in the wild.
The setting for the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary is scenic, wild, remote and pristine, with visitors only able to access it via boat or seaplane. In addition, everyone will need a permit in order to visit the sanctuary. Not only does this make for an incredibly exclusive experience, but also one of the most authentic ways of seeing grizzlies in the wild.
Guided tours are available on boats, led by experienced guides who share their knowledge of the bears and their natural environment. The benefit of seeing bears from boats is that your approach is relatively silent, allowing you to observe the grizzlies without them being disturbed by your presence. It truly is an unforgettable experience for any wildlife lover.
Bear Safety in Canada
While seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild can be a thrilling experience, it is important to practice bear safety to avoid dangerous situations.
Firstly, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and look out for signs of bears. These can include tracks, scat, or overturned rocks or logs. If you see a bear in the distance, it is important to give it plenty of space and avoid approaching it.
If you encounter a bear at close range, it is important to remain calm and avoid making sudden movements. Slowly back away from the bear while speaking in a calm and assertive voice. Never run or turn your back on a bear, as this can trigger an attack.
If a bear charges at you, it is important to stand your ground and use bear spray if you have it. Bear spray is a powerful deterrent that can stop a charging bear in its tracks. Practising using bear spray before going into bear country is important to ensure you know how to use it effectively.
When camping or hiking in bear country, it is important to store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers or hang them from a tree. This helps to prevent bears from becoming habituated to human food, which can lead to aggressive behaviour.
Overall, practising bear safety in Canada is essential for both your safety and the bears’ safety too. By being aware of your surroundings and following the guidelines for bear safety, you can enjoy the beauty of Canada’s wildlife while minimising the risk of dangerous bear encounters.
