Spotting wild bears in Canada

Will I see a wild bear? This is a frequent question we are asked by those considering a trip to Canada. It’s definitely possible & depending on where & when you go it can be highly likely.

Its an absolutely amazing experience & whilst it is never guranteed, we have a 100% track record for those visiting Western Canada in the summer months. Read on for our guide to maximise your chances of seeing one in gorgeous Canada.

Grizzly Bear

The North American sub-species of the brown bear, their fur can be white-tipped or grizzled, hence their name. These impressive animals can grow up to 8 feet & have been known to run at 30 miles an hour! 

Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary

Home to 50 to 60 grizzlies, this remote place is a 20 min flight from Prince Rupert. This is Canada's first grizzly sanctuary & is a great place to spend a few days bear spotting.

Knight Inlet Lodge

See Grizzlies from May to October from this floating lodge, from a boat during the earlier months and then from their specially built platforms for the salmon run later on. You can see Killer Whales here from July too!

Black Bear

The most common and smallest of the 3 types of bear found in North America, these bears tend to live in forested regions rather than open spaces. They can vary in colour from grey-blue to blond to brown to black.

Vancouver Island

This is a great place to see black bears as this region is home to between 7,000 and 12,000 bears. Take a boat trip from Ucluelet or Tofino on the west coast or from Port McNeill & Telegraph Cove in the North of the island, to see them foraging for food along the shoreline.

Whistler

The forests around Whistler Village are home to around 60 black bears. You can join a tour in search of bears or take your chances as you might see a bear from the gondola up the mountain or even wandering the streets.

Enquire today to plan your holiday to see wild bears in Canada

Kermode (or Spirit) Bear

With only approximately 400 in the wild, this rare black bear has distinctive white or cream fur. A single mutant gene must be carried by both parents to create the rare colouring (black bears can carry the gene too even if they aren’t a spirit bear themselves!)

Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia

This is the only place in the world where you can see spirit bears. Stay at Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu for a few days for this holy grail of bear spotting! Black bears and grizzlies are found here too.

Polar Bear