Bear Watching
Grizzly bear crossing a stream (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
Northern BC is home to some the wildest landscapes in British Columbia. Grizzly, black and Kermode (Spirit) bears thrive among the old-growth forests, misty fjords and rocky coastlines.
Many of the remote spaces are best accessed with a guided bear-watching trip in Northern BC. Looking for grizzlies? Try Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, the first place in Canada created specifically to protect these giant bears.
In search of the rare white Kermode (Spirit) bear? Princess Royal Island has the largest concentration in BC. Check with local Visitor Centres for information about bear-watching tours available in Northern BC.
Of course, this much wilderness means it's possible to see bears without a guide, too. Head to the viewing platform at Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site for an elevated look at grizzlies fishing for breakfast. And while driving, scout the roadside for black or grizzly bears eating or walking next to the highway.
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Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
This sanctuary was created to protect grizzly bears and their ecosystem, and provides habitat for an estimated fifty grizzlies. Mid-May to mid-July, view mothers with cubs snacking on mussels and grasses; late-August to mid-September, watch bears splashing in the rivers as they fish for salmon.
To minimize human contact, only a handful of licensed guides are permitted to bring tours inside the wilderness sanctuary. Reservations for these guided boat-based tours must be made well in advance. Single day tours of the Khutzeymateen Inlet (outside the sanctuary) are also available.
The sanctuary is located 45km/28mi northeast of Prince Rupert in the Khutzeymateen Inlet, and is only accessible by boat.
Bear Watching at Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site (Stewart/Hyder)
Between mid-July and September, grizzly and black bears are drawn to Fish Creek to feed on spawning chum and pink salmon.
An enormous, elevated viewing platform stretches along the banks and provides fantastic views of bears, eagles and sometimes even wolves splashing in the shallows in search of salmon. A camera is a must. Early morning and evening are usually considered good viewing times.
US Forest Service representatives are on-site to answer questions and a small viewing fee is in effect. Shuttle charters are available from Stewart for those not wanting to drive or park large RVs or trailers. Fish Creek is 5km/3mi north of Hyder, Alaska; Hyder is 3km/2mi from Stewart, BC.
Princess Royal Island and the Great Bear Rainforest
Seek out grizzlies and the elusive white Kermode (Spirit) bear on a multi-day bear-watching tour to Princess Royal Island and the surrounding inlets and fjords.
Lush coastal landscapes and mist-shrouded estuaries are full of sprouting sedge grasses in spring and spawning salmon in fall – perfect for hungry bears. Spend time with local Gitga'at First Nations guides at their viewing platforms on creeks frequented by black and Spirit bears. Learn about Aboriginal culture and look for whales, porpoises, sea lions, eagles and wolves along the route.
Multi-day tours depart from Prince Rupert or Bella Bella and are usually lodge- or boat-based.
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.
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1
C2-215 Cow Bay Rd
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 1A2
Websitehttp://www.adventuretours.net
Toll-free800-201-8377
Phone250-627-9166
Experience one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth. Come aboard & let Prince Rupert Adventure Tours show you some of the most stunning & magnificent displays of wildlife that Northern British Columbia has to offer. Enjoy grizzly bear viewing in the famous Khutzeymateen 'Valley of the Grizzly'. See these legendary giants in their natural environment. Watch humpback whales flashing their unique tails as they dive to feed. Watch orca whales as they follow the migrating salmon. Along the way, you'll encounter stellar sea lions, harbours seals, eagles, blue herons & more. It is truly an unforgettable adventure experience of a lifetime.
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Websitehttp://www.bluewateradventures.ca
Toll-free888-877-1770
Phone604-980-3800
We offer multi-day cruises through Haida Gwaii's (Queen Charlotte Islands') Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Northern Vancouver Island, the Great Bear Rainforest, North Coast/ Khutzeymateen and Southeast Alaska. Our 68' vessels provide the perfect base from which to tour remote coastlines. On these world-class learning journeys we expect to see whales, bears, rich intertidal zones, and a great number of birds. With our First Nations guides we visit ancient villages, see totem poles and hope to catch a glimpse of the Kermode. Our experienced Crew and on-board naturalist will take you places that few have visited on our award-winning expeditions.
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3
209-1110 Government St.
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 1Y2
Websitehttp://www.MapleLeafAdventures.com
Toll-free888-599-5323
Phone250-386-7245
Rated "Trip of a Lifetime" by Frommer's (2000-2012) & a "Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure (2009). Take a multi-day adventure cruise on the 28 m (92 ft) schooner Maple Leaf to really experience BC's wildlife, landscape & culture. Cruise islands & fjords, explore ancient rainforests. A-list naturalists & guides lead you to intimate bear, whale & seabird viewing & First Nations sites. Frequent shore trips, gourmet cuisine, friendly crew & accommodations. Queen Charlotte Islands, Great Bear Rainforest, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands. By a leader in sustainable tourism, these trips are for people who enjoy the path less travelled. Visit us for information.
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4
Websitehttp://www.oceanadventures.bc.ca
Toll-free
Phone604-812-9453
Join us to experience unparallelled wildlife viewing, whale watching, & awe-inspiring First Nations culture, amidst BC's most spectacular landscapes. Our small group sizes mean our guests enjoy the most intimate experiences with nature & our photographers the best opportunities... our guests are never just part of a crowd. With our small groups (maximum 6 guests per trip), our fully certified professional guides can better ensure the safety of the group while having the least impact on the lands we visit & the wildlife we view. Join our scheduled trips or design your own custom (private) charter and experience the Wild in Wilderness!
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5
Websitehttp://www.outershores.ca
Toll-free855-714-7233
Phone250-244-1218
OuterShores offers multi-day wildlife & cultural expeditions along the BC coast. Explore, experience & learn about stunning wildlife & ancient cultures while living & travelling in comfort aboard our classic 70' schooner Passing Cloud. Coastal cruising, sailing, sea kayaking, & frequent shore excursions provide amazing opportunities to encounter whales, wolves, grizzly bears, Spirit bears, sea otters, seabirds & First Nations cultural heritage sites. Expedition destinations include Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, Johnstone Strait, West Coast Vancouver Island, & the Southern Gulf Islands Archipelago. Join our crew of expert mariners & naturalists on an adventure of a lifetime!
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