Bear Watching
Grizzly bear crossing a stream (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
Approximately fifty black bears wander through the coastal hemlock-cedar forests around Whistler.
Bear-watching tours provide the opportunity to watch the bears in their natural environment, while getting to know their personalities and even their names.
Most bears keep their distance from urban areas. However, each year there are reports of black bears investigating Whistler’s Village and subdivisions in search of food: garbage, birdfeeders and other attractants.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to be “bear smart” to prevent backyard bears, and to use the special bear-proof garbage bins located throughout Whistler.
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Bear Watching Tours in Whistler
In summer, ride the gondola into the alpine and look down to see if any black bears are trampling through the bushes below in search of berries or grasses. Or, join a bear-viewing and ecology tour to team up with Whistler’s resident bear expert and search the slopes for bears, bear dens, deer or other wildlife. The guide recognizes many of these bears individually and knows their personalities and names. Check in with the Whistler Visitor Centre for info on tours and times.
Access to bear viewing areas is in 4X4 vehicles along dirt roads and trails. Tours take place mid-May to end of October.
Whistler Olympic Park
Located about a 15-minute drive outside of Whistler, the area just outside and before the entrance to the Whistler Olympic Park is occasionally a great place to catch sight of a bear munching grass by the side of the road. If taking pictures, ensure cars are pulled well over by the side of the road (and stay inside!).
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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