Bear Watching
Grizzly bear crossing a stream (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
Most bears keep their distance from urban areas. However, there is a population of black bears that live in the mountains surrounding Vancouver and its suburbs.
Each year there are reports of black bears investigating mountainside residential neighbourhoods in search of food: garbage, birdfeeders and other attractants. Residents are taught to be “bear smart” to prevent backyard bears. Hikers in the local mountains may also come across black bears while trekking through the forests.
For grizzly bear sightings just thirty minutes from the traffic and high-rises of Vancouver, head to Grouse Mountain and visit Grinder and Coola. These grizzly bears, orphaned as cubs, live in a refuge at the top of the mountain.
There are also bear-watching tours near Vancouver in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region.
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Grizzly Bears on Grouse Mountain
Travel just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver to come face-to-face with two adult male grizzly bears at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.
Grinder and Coola were orphaned as cubs and now live at the refuge. Take the Skyride aerial tram up the mountain and wander around the exterior of the grizzly habitat to get a closer look. Or listen in during a ranger talk to learn more and ask questions. Grouse Mountain is accessible by car or public transit.
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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6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7R 4K9
Websitehttp://www.grousemountain.com
Toll-free
Phone604-980-9311
Located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's Super Skyride whisks you high above the city to a mountaintop of adventure including hiking trails, ziplining, live entertainment, a wildlife refuge & much more. In winter, enjoy snowshoeing, outdoor mountaintop ice skating, sleigh rides & the best in local skiing & snowboarding. Ideally situated overlooking the city, Grouse Mountain's restaurants showcase some of the best of BC, from fine dining at The Observatory to flavourful après in Altitudes Bistro. Visit our newest attraction, The Eye of the Wind, Vancouver's iconic wind turbine.
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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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