Bear Watching on Vancouver Island

Bears on Vancouver Island are acknowledged as one of the tourist attractions the untouched nature of the islands offers the visitors. Currently, there are two types of bears inhabiting the Island; both are available for bear viewing with your family and friends. Encountering them in the pristine nature on Vancouver Island will be an unforgettable experience that will never happen again in your life unless you revisit the Island. The two subspecies living on the Island are the Vancouver Island black bear and Grizzly, of which grizzlies are scarce but still are available for viewing on a delightful day. "How many black bears are on Vancouver Island?" is the question many bear viewing lovers ask before coming to the Island. Statically talking, there are 12000 black bears in BC, of which over 7000 live on Vancouver Island, building one of the developing businesses under the title of bear watching tours. On the other hand, grizzlies are not local to the Island, but occasionally, because they are fantastic swimmers, once came to the Island and breed. However, there aren’t plenty of them. Still, you can experience a magical grizzly watching cruise provided that you choose the right tour operator for your trip. Great bears of the Bute Inlet, Knight Inlet, and the Great Bear Rainforest is nothing you want to lose. Of course, it is possible to go without a guide, but nothing better than an expert can do the job. Although bears flee the moment they gaze upon a human being, they do not take the attacking danger for granted. So, an experienced tour guide will lead you to the best spots you can enjoy bear watching and other wildlife watching opportunities. Plus, you may clear your lungs in the virgin nature of Vancouver Island. Nothing better can embellish your vacation. Further, we will discuss the details you'd better know before going on a tour. Besides, we will explain why bear watching should be on your list when you come to Vancouver Island and even if you are a resident here. Stay with us!

They are one of the indigenous species on Vancouver Island, far different from their mainland counterparts. Vancouver Island black bear is somewhat darker and more significant in size. You can see them in every corner of the Island, but the main concentration is in the less-inhabited forests of Vancouver Island. Guided black bear watching is even more delightful. You have the company of other bear viewing enthusiasts, you can make new friends, and above all, you can watch the exotic black bear of Vancouver Island. Due to the giant population black bears have on Vancouver Island, hunting them is another recreational activity you are blessed with.

The rare bear species inhabiting Vancouver Island. Although not many of them live on the Island, grizzly viewing is possible for those with a bucket list with watching grizzlies on it. Grizzly watching tours are usually on the boat and take more time, sometimes even takes 12 hours. That is why you will have the opportunity to experience other wildlife watching as well; whale watching, bird watching, and of course nature watching. Choose the right tour operator to make your bear viewing even more memorable, and help you throughout the tides and trees to reach out to the beautiful grizzlies of BC.

1. Keep the noise down to a bare minimum. Bears are timid creatures who are terrified of human contact. A bear will be less inclined to approach if the group is noisy. 2. Look for warning indicators. Bears mark their territory by rubbing, biting, or scraping trees, and they leave corpses after eating them. If you encounter any of these signals, there's a good chance a bear is around. 3. Keep an eye out for tracks. The step width of a bear varies greatly. A bear travels on small steps over difficult terrain. The bear walks with its legs visibly spread and its front and hind legs in the same footprints on soft and sinking surface, such as heavy snow. 4. Wait with patience. Because bears are timid animals, the best way to see one is to wait patiently in a specially constructed viewing hide. They won't notice you, but you will. 5. Be prepared at all times. Always keep your camera powered on, with the proper settings, and the lens cover off. It's impossible to predict when a bear will appear.

In General, bears are everywhere on Vancouver Island, which has made bear watching possible on the side of the highway, on logging roads, on the way to a campsite, near towns, or in the bush when hiking or working. Bears fear human beings, but the danger of them attacking you still remains when you are wherever close to a cub or threatening it; the rage of mama bear is definite. However, if you do not disturb them or their off-springs, they are safe, and even you can approach them to some extent to take fantastic shots.

The best time for bear tours on Vancouver Island is before their hibernation. Bears, regardless of the kind, are looking for food. According to those been on bear viewing trips on Vancouver Island, viewing bears when they are feeding is an off-the-grid experience. Bears usually eat salmon, but bears tend to eat vegetables and berries when there's no fish around. Anyhow, watching a bear eating and feeding its cubs is one the most amazing things you can experience during the hours of your bear viewing journey. Bear's hibernation happens in the fall, and it ends at the beginning of spring; thus, the best time to see bears on Vancouver Island is the first half of the year. We have exclusively mentioned the exact hibernation time for black and grizzly bears in their related articles.

Black bear and grizzly watching tours differ regarding the cost. And to be honest, it is really fair and rational. Grizzlies are rare, and they need patience and experience to spot one in the wild. Patience requires time. Therefore, grizzly watching tours are longer and more expensive. However, if you haven’t checked it on your bucket list, the best thing you can do is sign up for it on Vancouver Island. Black bears, on the other hand, are something primarily available everywhere on the island. The cost is fair, and the tours are available both on the boat and foot. If you are a tourist and that is the first time you have stepped on Vancouver Island, both black and grizzly bear watching trips are something that happens once in a lifetime; thus, do not lose them for the world and start saving up right from this moment. Our prices start from $109 per adult and $98 per kidto see black bears, and $495 per person to get on a boat seeking for grizzlies.

Bear watching has become a popular activity all around Vancouver Island. Now it's your turn! Fill out the form and customize your dream bear viewing tour.

Bears and nature are inseparable. On the other hand, the nature on Vancouver Island is so vast that even indigenous people aren’t entirely dominant on every part of it. So, if you don’t want to get lost in it, it’s best to ask a wildlife viewing tour operator to introduce you to an experienced guide. But let’s elaborate on the reasons why it is best to have a guide:

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hop on and head to Vancouver Island. Bring your nature-expedition bucket list and check them all here. Plan your bear watching with kids or friends in advance and finish it by choosing the right tour operator. For more information regarding selecting the best wildlife watching tour operator on Vancouver Island, please feel free to contact our team.