Whilst it is true to say that bears can be found in most rural states in the US and Canadian provinces, there is only a realistic chance of viewing them in the remote areas.
If you want to go bear watching in Canada view our guide and start planning a dream trip today.
Best Time to See Bears in Canada
We recommend planning a trip to Canada between May and October, as this is when you stand the best chances of seeing bears. Bears hibernate during the winter months and start appearing in Spring to mate and feed on berries, flowers and sedge grass. From August to October it is a popular time for bears to feast on fish and salmon. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July.
What Types of Bears Can I See?
In Canada there are three species of bear which you may see and which are area dependent: black bears, brown bears and polar bears.
Grizzly/Brown & Black Bears
Knight Inlet Lodge, Campbell River – Bella Coola – Great Bear Lodge, Port Hardy – Chilcotin, Goldbridge – Eco Adventures, Williams Lake – Khutzeymateen, Prince Rupert
Black Bears
Whistler – Tofino – Chilcotin, Goldbridge – Riding Mountain, Manitoba – Sacacomie, Québec – Sacré Coeur, Québec
Polar Bears
Churchill, Manitoba – The Arctic Cruise
Top Destinations
These are some of the best locations in Canada to get a glimpse of bears in their natural habitat.
Bella Coola, British Columbia
What to see: Grizzly Bears / Black Bears
In the Bella Coola area of British Columbia, you are always sure of a wide variety of local wildlife including the large resident populations of Grizzly and Black bears. As the nights begin to shorten, salmon start to swim up the Bella Coola River towards their spawning grounds and grizzly Bears in particular come down to the river’s edge to fish for the salmon. You observe the bears going about their feeding in the company of native guides.
Knight Inlet Lodge, British Columbia
What to see: Grizzly Bears / Seals, Sea lions / Dolphins / Orca Whales
One of the most remote parts of British Columbia known as Knight Inlet is one of the top rated places to stay. Accessible only by seaplane, the lodge accommodates a maximum of 30 people at one time, offering comfort, great food and an ideal base to see wildlife. There is a resident population of 50 grizzly bears which can normally be seen every day whatever the season. Seals, sea lions, porpoise, dolphins and minke whales are all in the area. From mid- August the killer or orca whales arrive to add to the wealth of wildlife viewing.
Churchill
What to see: Polar Bears
From mid October to mid November, polar bears congregate around the town of Churchill. They are waiting for the sea ice to form to allow them to resume the hunting of their basic food, the seal. We offer a variety of trips ranging from one to six days in length, most incorporating a trip on the tundra buggy to give that up front and personal experience safely. There is also an option in early July, as the bears leave the pack ice and the beluga whales arrive in Churchill. Early booking is essential as access is limited.
Whistler
What to see: Black Bears (possibly also black bear cubs)
This 3 hour trip departs the base of Blackcomb mountain at 6am or 6pm. Rising above Whistler Village are the vast hemlock-cedar forests of Whistler Blackcomb. These forests provide diverse food and shelter for some 50 black bears. Experience the pristine views of wildlife, glacial peaks and memorable sunsets in a 4×4 vehicle. Visit active bear dens, daybeds and feeding sites. Witness evening play between a mother and her cubs. Your local guides have been observing these bears for a long time and are experts in finding the bears for close, but safe viewing. Early booking is essential.
Tofino, Vancouver Island
What to see: Black Bears
Along the west coast of Vancouver Island the resident population of black bears have discovered a surprising food source, rock crabs. Surprising as it seems, these large creatures gently pick their way along the seashore foraging amongst the rock pools and eating these delicacies with great gusto. It is quite common to see bears accompanied by their cubs, who often take it upon themselves to play in and around the rocks. Our trip departs from Tofino or Ucluelet in a high speed zodiac to catch them as they forage. This trip is obviously tide dependent and therefore the exact viewing time is normally advised three months prior to your trip. This is also one of the best places where to see whales in Canada.
To ensure bear watching is done efficiently and safely we highly recommend that you participate in a carefully organised trip. Lots of local and international travel operators offer tours which can be booked online.
