Bear Viewing from Vancouver: Five Ways to See Bears in BC

Whether you live in Vancouver or you’re just visiting, you might be surprised by the opportunities to see wild bears—black bears, grizzlies, and even the rare spirit bear—without having to travel far.

From quick day trips to wild multi-day safaris, here are five ways to experience bear country from Vancouver.

Bear Viewing in a Day

If time is tight, a day trip can offer a glimpse into the life of British Columbia’s bears. You can choose between car-accessible tours or quick flights to reach black bear and grizzly bear viewing areas popular with tourists.

1. Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge (Grizzly Bears – Day Trip) 

Located just minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is home to two orphaned grizzlies in their wildlife refuge. Though in an enclosed space rather than a true bear habitat, this is the easiest and most accessible way to see grizzly bears without leaving the city.

• Best For: A quick, accessible experience for families and visitors with limited time.  
• Learn More: Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge

2. Tofino (Black Bears – Overnight)

A scenic destination on Vancouver Island, accessible by quick flight or a 5 ½ hr ferry and drive from Vancouver, Tofino offers boat-based tours where you can spot black bears foraging along the shore at low tide. This relaxed and picturesque tour is a solid option for those combining bear viewing with other outdoor adventures.  

• Best For: Bear viewing as part of a Tofino getaway.
• Tour Prices:  Starting from $159 for adults, $149 for seniors/youth for a 2.5 hr tour.
• Learn More: Tofino Wildlife Viewing Boat Tours

3. Northern Vancouver Island (Grizzly & Black Bears – Overnight)

Coastal communities like Campbell River, Port Hardy, Port McNeil and Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island, easily accessible by car or flight, offer excellent day trips for black bear and grizzly bear viewing in their natural habitats. These tours often include the added bonus of seeing other wildlife, such as whales and eagles.  

• Best For:  A day of black bear and grizzly bear viewing combined with a broader wildlife experience.  
• Tour Prices: Approximately $400-$499 for an 8-hour guided trip
• Learn More: Bear Viewing in Vancouver Island

Multi-Day Bear Viewing Experiences

For the most immersive, off-the-grid bear viewing, nothing compares to a multi-day trip in Canada’s rainforest coast. These experiences can be accessed by a local, propeller-plane flight from Vancouver Airport.

4. Lodge-Based Bear Viewing (Multi-Day)

Multi-day lodge stays offer a more stationary bear viewing experience in BC’s remote wilderness. These all-inclusive packages typically range from 4 to 7 days and include guided tours, accommodations, and meals. Lodges are set in prime bear habitats where guests can see bears in their natural environment, often near rivers or estuaries during the salmon run.  

• Best For: Travellers looking for a comfortable, all-inclusive stay with the focus on grizzly bear viewing, bc, in a specific region.  
• Price: Lodge stays start at approximately $4,500 for a 5-day, 4-night package
• Learn More: Bear Viewing in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

5. Small Ship Expedition Cruises (Multi-Day)

For travelers seeking to explore BC’s bear country by water, small-ship expeditions offer a unique experience. These cruises sail along the coastline, stopping at prime bear-viewing sites in some of BC’s most pristine wilderness.

In the Great Bear Rainforest, guests can watch grizzlies fishing in salmon-rich rivers or, with luck, spot the rare spirit bear. In Haida Gwaii, larger black bears forage along the shores, nourished by intertidal seafood. South in Desolation Sound, black bears roam the shores, and grizzlies descend from the mountains in the fall to feast on salmon. On Vancouver Island, black bears patrol the coastline in search of crabs.

These expeditions provide intimate encounters with BC’s wildlife, from bears to whales, seabirds, sea lions, and wolves, all against a breathtaking natural backdrop.

• Best for: A moving, luxury wilderness safari with expert interpretation
• Price: From $4,900 for an 8-day, 7-night expedition
• Learn more: Bear Viewing with Maple Leaf Adventures

Wild Encounters, Responsible Journeys

British Columbia is a leader in sustainable bear viewing, ensuring that these incredible animals and their habitats are protected for future generations.

The Commercial Bear Viewing Association (CBVA) has developed best practices and a certification program for guides. By supporting companies that adhere to these standards, you help protect the bears and their ecosystems.

When Is the Best Time for Bear Viewing?

While bear viewing is possible year-round, the spring and fall are peak seasons. In the spring, bears are often seen near the shoreline, feeding on sedges and crabs as they emerge from hibernation.

Fall is one of the best times for bear viewing, as bears gather at rivers to feast on spawning salmon. In summer, they move to higher elevations to forage for berries where you’re much less likely to see them. By winter, they’ve settled into hibernation and are rarely seen.

British Columbia is bear country, and Vancouver is your gateway. Whether you’re after a family-friendly glimpse or an extraordinary safari, there’s a bear-viewing adventure for every schedule.

Start planning your wild escape today: