Bears

GRIZZLY BEARS

The magnificent grizzly bears once roamed much of North America west of the Mississippi, but are now almost entirely confined to the Canadian North, British Columbia and Alaska, feeding on salmon, plants and berries.

One of the best places in the world to see them from spring to autumn time is at the astonishing Knight Inlet, just 20 minutes by float plane from Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Further north towards Prince Rupert, they visit the inlet at the intimate Minette Bay in late spring, and again in late summer. Large numbers live around Chilcotin Ranch in Gold Bridge, coming out of hibernation in the spring to feed on the first fresh shoots and grasses, re-establish territories and begin the breeding season.

BLACK BEARS

Black bears can be seen in most parts of Canada. Watch out for them as you drive around. They may be grazing by the side of the quieter roads. See them also at Tofino on Vancouver Island, where there are day trips by boat, and in Whistler, on a 2-3 hour Nature Walk from May to October. From mid July to mid September, you can see black bears in the Laurentide Wildlife Reserve to the north of Québec City, staying overnight in a wilderness lodge.

WHITE SPIRIT BEARS

First Nation legends tell how the Raven, the creator, made the unique white Spirit (Kermode) Bear as a reminder of the last ice age. Actually a black bear, although coloured white, these elusive and breathtaking creatures are destined to live in peace and harmony forever, and sight of them brings good fortune Today, possibly fewer than 400 of the gentle creatures exist, and they are found only in the Great Bear Rainforest on the Central coast of British Columbia.

You can search for the Spirit Bear during September on a 5-day quest, which starts from a base in the heart of the forest at Klemtu, with its snow-capped peaks, deep fjords and open beaches, or sail along the spectacular coastline aboard the 71’ Ocean Light. And they can be searched for while at Minette Bay Lodge near Kitimat, or from the exceptionally luxurious King Pacific Lodge, on Princess Royal Island.

Click on the link to see what bear holidays are offered by Frontier Canada.