Black bears and grizzly bears inhabit the Thompson Okanagan region, so keep watch for furry wildlife as you drive the network of highways. In spring, hungry bears forage on the lush green grasses and tall dandelions that grow next to the roads.
For bear viewing in a wilder, more natural setting, head to the northern part of the Thompson Okanagan. The wilds of Wells Gray Provincial Park and the North Thompson River in the Monashee Mountains are optimal bear habitat. Check with local Visitor Centres for information about bear-watching tours available in these areas.
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Bear Watching in Wells Gray Provincial Park
Bears in Wells Gray Provincial Park snack on roadside greens in the Corridor Area from mid-May to late June. Drive the roads to look for bears on your own, or rise and shine with an early morning bear tour.
The tour escorts guests in a van and travels in and around the park to search for bears, deer or foxes foraging among grasses in fields and near the road; June is best.
Bear Watching Near Blue River
Join an hour-long wildlife river safari keen on sighting grizzly and black bears along the North Thompson River in the Monashee Mountains. Tours depart from Blue River and, within fifteen minutes, transport guests via boat to quiet wilderness. Depending on the time of year, snap photos of mothers with cubs, bears fishing for salmon, or bears chewing grasses near the water’s edge.
Bear Safety
For the safety of humans and bears, always follow these strict but simple precautions from BC Parks and the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC:
- Choose a bear-viewing operator that is respectful and protective of the bears and their needs.
- Bears may approach humans for many reasons; most are not threatening reasons. During an uncomfortably close encounter, stay calm, don’t move quickly, never run and listen to the wildlife viewing guide.
- Never feed or approach a bear – even to get that perfect photo. Hungry or angry bears can attack without warning. Do not use flash photography around bears.
- Vehicles should be well off the road when viewing or photographing wildlife.
- Leave the pets at home or on a very tight leash to avoid attracting or angering bears.
- To avoid human food conditioning of bears, food or beverages other than water should not be consumed near habitats that are frequented by bears.