Black Bear Watching on Vancouver Island

Black bears are the dominant bear species you can find on Vancouver Island. Other than black bears, there have been rumors regarding the existence of grizzly bears on the Island. Vancouver Island is the land of endless wildlife watching opportunities, of which bear watching tours have a lot of fans between both locals and tourists. According to BC Government, there are 12,000 black bears in BC, which means half of Canada’s bear population inhabits BC, of which 7,000 black bears live on Vancouver Island. That is why Vancouver Island is one of the peak locations for bear viewing tours. Black bears on Vancouver Island are somewhat darker in color and larger in size compared to their mainland counterparts. Mama bear is furiously protective of its cubs, and watching it feeding its offspring is one of the most enjoyable things. Black bear watching on Vancouver Island is one of the favorite recreational activities for mainly two reasons; first, black bears exist in abundance. Accordingly, besides black bear watching, many people are interested in bear hunting on Vancouver Island. Second, the natural one encounters during black bear watching tours. In the following, we will discuss everything necessary you need to know before planning your bear watching adventure on Vancouver Island. Stay with us!

Black bears are everywhere on Vancouver Island. Thus, you can go on a black bear watching trip wherever you are on the Island. Nevertheless, some cities are ranked as peak locations for black bear viewing on Vancouver Island, such as Ucluelet, Tofino, Telegraph Cove, Campbell River, and Port McNeill.

The best time you can go on a black bear watching trip is before and after their hibernation. The hibernation usually starts from November to April. Consequently, the peak seasons for black bears watching on Vancouver Island are spring and fall. Before hibernation, black bears begin to feast on salmon and blackberries to store food for the next few months of sleep. Watching black bears eat is one of the most enjoyable things you can experience during your black bear viewing journey. However, remember that bears would lose weight when they come out of hibernation, and they look very skinny; therefore, try to plan your bear watching journey a week or two after the hibernation was ended. Some male bears may not have a hibernation at all, provided that weather conditions are good and food is enough in their habitat. That is primarily why there is still a chance to experience Vancouver Island bear viewing tours during winter.

If the option “bear watching” on your bucket list doesn’t refer to specific subspecies of bears, black bear watching is the most affordable tour for you on Vancouver Island. Due to the black bears vast population on the Island and their availability everywhere, black bear watching tours are cheaper than tours for grizzly bear watching on Vancouver Island. Also, for more convenience you can use the service we will provide you during your bear watching tour like meals and transportation. Our black bear watching costs starts from $109 per adult and $98 per kid. If you have any questions regarding the cost of black bear watching tours, please feel free to contact our experts.

Book and experience the best bear watching tour on Vancouver Island with Vanisle Wildlife. You can customize your tour and decide what should be included.

• Black bears are one of the 6 bear species inhabiting Canada, of which the main concentration is in BC, make it an amazing black bear watching location for enthusiasts. • Black bear watching can be possible during winter if the weather is good and food is enough. • Black bears are omnivorous; one day, they feed on salmon and the other day on berries. Before hibernation, the incredible scenery for bear watching is the bears eating before going to sleep for a long time. • Black bears are everywhere on Vancouver Island; that is why bear viewing events are available throughout the Island. • Don’t ever, ever approach a cub when its mama is away. The only thing that encourages a bear to attack humans is when they feel their offspring are threatened.

Black 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 for your black bear watching trips on Vancouver Island:

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 black bear watching adventure in advance and finish it by choosing the right tour operator. For more information regarding selecting the best black bear watching tour operator on Vancouver Island, please feel free to contact our team.