British Columbia Bear Lodges

On arrival at your bear lodge, you will be given a full induction on bear safety and certain rules you must abide by while you're in the Great Bear Rainforest. A few important 'bear aware' rules you should stick to throughout your trip in British Columbia and Alberta are as follows:

1) If you are out hiking in bear country, be sure to make noise as you go. Bears are definitely more scared of humans than we are of them, but it's never good to surprise a bear. If they can hear you coming they will get out of the way.

2) Carry bear spray or a horn. If you are heading to a remote spot, it's always a good idea to pack some form of deterrent - just in case. Bear attacks are almost non-existent so you mustn't let bears put you off exploring, it's just worthwhile to be prepared.

3) Food and scents are attractive to bears looking for food. This rule is only really applicable when you are camping or bear viewing. The lodges will ask you not to wear anything too fragrant and to always keep food in the boat/in an air-tight bag. It's less about the bears being dangerous and more about ensuring they do not get used to human scents and food in the wild.

Between May and the end of July/early August, the grizzly bears will be feeding on sedge in the estuaries. You will most likely view the bears by boat, as they will be close to the water's edge. When the salmon runs start (which can be anytime in August or September), the bears move up the rivers to start fishing. It is impossible to predict when this might happen, but the safest time to visit if you'd prefer to view bears in the rivers is in September and October. Viewing at this time of year is mostly from elevated platforms that you walk or drive to each day.

Despite being distant cousins, black and grizzly bears are not the best of friends. Although they live in close proximity, generally speaking if there is a grizzly around, you are unlikely to see a black bear. Black bears are also a lot more skittish and therefore if you're lucky enough to come across one, they may not stay around for long! With this in mind, it's important to remember that in comparison to the estimated 15,000 grizzly bears living in British Columbia, there are between 120,000-160,000 black bears – so you are much more likely to spot a black bear on your journey in other areas of the province.

As with all wilderness and wildlife experiences, nothing can be guaranteed with nature. However, it is hugely unlikely that you won't see any bears during your stay. Depending on which lodge you choose, you are also likely to see whales, too.