Bears in Canada 2026, 2027

GRIZZLY BEARS

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

BLACK BEARS

Black bears can be seen in most parts of Canada and are the most common to be spotted when just driving around. Watch out for them, especially on quieter roads where they may just be grazing by the side of the road.

SPIRIT BEARS

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. Actually a black bear, although coloured white, these elusive and breath-taking creatures are destined to live in peace and harmony forever and sight of them brings good fortune.

When to See Bears in Canada

Grizzly and black bears are active from spring through autumn, and hibernate over winter, so the best time for bear watching is roughly May to September. Late summer and early autumn — when bears gather at rivers and coastlines to feed heavily on salmon ahead of winter — tends to offer the most reliable sightings, particularly for grizzlies. Spirit bears follow the same broad season but are only found in one place on Earth: the Great Bear Rainforest on British Columbia's central coast, where sightings depend on patience as much as timing.

Looking to see polar bears instead? Their season runs quite differently — find out more about polar bear watching in Canada here. 

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