Bear Viewing

Bear Encounters

For those seeking a sure thing when it comes to viewing bears, count on the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, a 44,300-hectare site located 45 km northeast of the beautiful port city, Prince Rupert. Limiting the number of visitors to the sanctuary each year and requiring professional guides minimizes human impact on the bears.

Stewart, B.C., and Hyder, Alaska are also prime stops for wildlife viewing. Shuttles are available to famous Fish Creek in the Salmon River Valley. The carefully positioned observation area allows visitors to watch and photograph grizzly and black bears fish for salmon and chum. Bald eagles are also attracted to the plentiful supply of salmon. Canadian geese, harlequin ducks, mink, beaver and a wide range of songbirds are also common.

Ursus Americanus Kermodei, also known as the Kermode bear, is likely one of the north coast’s most elusive. Scientists say the Kermode is a brown bear, with white fur, but because they are rarely seen, they are also called Spirit or Ghost Bears. Guided adventures are best for the ultimate Kermode experience. The bears roam east to the Hazeltons, along the Skeena River, but more often are seen in the pristine wilderness called the Great Bear Rainforest, between Bella Bella and Stewart. 

The Muskwa-Kechika Wilderness is sometimes called “the Serengeti of the North”. Located off the famous Alaska Highway, this rough and ruggedly beautiful expanse contains nearly eight million hectares, where rocky summits host cliff-defying Stone’s sheep and mountain goats. Black bear and grizzlies are at home in this wilderness, as are deer, moose and caribou. While the location is remote, there are many attractions in the area, including Liard Hot Springs with its natural outdoor mineral pools.

Visitors can usually count on bear sightings between mid-May until the end of September.