Bear Viewing & Ecology Tours
This is your opportunity to experience the wildlife, vegetation, glaciers and rainforests of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Visit bear dens and wander through pristine alpine meadows and old growth Western Hemlock forests. Learn how conservation and enhancement initiatives help to sustain healthy populations, and how mountain resorts are continually redesigning recreational experiences to ensure a sustainable future.
Contact Guest Relations or call 1.866.218.9684 to book.
Bear Tours
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are home to up to 50 black bears and cubs that have adapted to feeding, mating, and hibernating within ski area habitats. This is the only population of black bears in B.C. that has been studied for over two decades.
Travel in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle through a maze of ski area roads that traverse the largest concentration of mother bear ranges in the region. Bear feeding patterns shift from valley bottom to higher mountain elevations as the summer continues, and the tours follow this progression allowing access these hidden scenic alpine ecosystems and natural habitats any time of the summer. Take an even closer look with short walks to bear feeding sites and bear family daybeds, and wander through old growth forests where bears have hibernated through many winters.
Our experienced and qualified team of guides boasts a wealth of knowledge of Whistler's flora and fauna, ecology and bear biology for a truly incredible outdoor learning experience.
| 3 HOUR TOURS | Adult (19-64) | Children & Youth (9-18) | Senior 65+ |
| Price* | $189 | $179 | $179 |
| Bear Viewing Times | MAY 15 - JUL 14 | Jul 15 - Aug 14 | Aug 15 - Sept 14 | Sept 15 - Oct 31 |
| Morning | 6am | 6am | 6am | 7am |
| Mid-Day | 12pm | 12pm | 12pm | |
| Afternoon | 6pm | 6pm | 5pm | 4pm |
Recommend for children 9+ years old.
Meeting Location is at the Base of the Wizard Express, Blackcomb Base, 15 minutes prior to tour start. Look for the Bear Viewing sign.
Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear. Bring insect repellent and don’t forget your camera. Binoculars are provided.
All tours are subject to weather conditions. Please note that bear sightings are not guaranteed, as activity is dependent on weather, food supply, other bears and human activity.
* Special arrangements can be made for large groups/conferences.
Contact Guest Relations or call 1.866.218.9684 to book.
Guides
Our experienced and qualified team of guides boast a wealth of knowledge of Whistler’s flora and fauna, and ecology that makes for an incredible outdoor learning experience.
Michael Allen’s research is internationally represented through the BBC Natural World's "In the Company of Bears" and the U.S. Discovery Animal Planet new bear ecology website. Mike Allen Black Bear Studies provide a foundation for ski area, school, and community bear awareness programs.
She is a long-term board member of the Whistler Naturalists Society, whose mandate is "to know nature and to keep it worth knowing" and is also a founding board member of Stewardship Pemberton. While living in Whistler, Kathy has completed a Diploma in the Restoration of Natural Systems from the University of Victoria and a Masters Degree in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University. She is an avid skier and mountain biking enthusiast whose love for the Coast Mountains keeps her settled in the area.
Bear Viewing Seasons
Different seasons provide for different viewing and learning opportunities, so be sure to check the season options before booking your tour.
SPRING GRAZING & MATING
Mid May - Mid JulyBest time to see new born cubs, mating behavior, large males, and social interactions. Up to 10 Bears viewed per tour.
SUMMER ANTS & BERRIES
Mid July - Mid AugustBest time to see new born cubs, mating behavior, large males, and social interactions. Up to 10 Bears viewed per tour.
FALL BERRIES
Mid August - Mid OctoberBest time to see bears up close, foraging berries at higher elevations. Up to 15 Bears viewed per tour.
Bear sightings are not guaranteed. Bear activity is dependent on weather, food supply, other bears, and human activity.
Eco Tours
Climate Change Tour
Climate change is the most increasingly important environmental issue of our time. On this tour, guided by Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental manager, you will enter the alpine where you will visit a glacier, nature’s most sensitive ecosystem to temperature change. You will learn how landforms are continuously changing and how Whistler Blackcomb works at reducing its carbon footprint.Alpine Ecology Tour
Join one of our leading conservationists and get a closer look at the wildlife, vegetation, and glaciers while learning about Whistler Blackcomb’s unique alpine ecosystems. Wander through colourful alpine meadows and view wildlife as you learn how conservation and enhancement initiatives help protect biodiversity and support healthy wildlife populations.For complete details and pricing on the Climate Change and Alpine Ecology Tours please call 1-800-766-0449
WhistlerBlackcomb Bear/Wildlife Viewing Report
by Michael Allen - Senior Guide/Researcher - Wed, May 15 2013Last 6pm trip saw 11 bears
Photo: Alice and 4 month old cub photographed during 6pm bear tour
| Status of resident moms - we're due for alot of cubs this year: | |
| Marisa | oldest - cubs? |
| Gloria | cubs? |
| Amy | cub? |
| Alice | 1, 4-month old cub |
| Rosie | cubs? |
| Olivia | 2, 17-month old cubs |
| Elly | 3, 4-month old cubs |
| Daisy | cubs? |
| Brownie | 1, 17-month old cub |
| Lucy | cubs? |
| Also - 5 healthy males in ski area including Slumber - Whistler's largest bear! | |
Our Partners
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Coca-Cola offers the world's favourite beverage brand to Whistler Blackcomb guests as a part or their memorable resort experience. As the cold drink sponsor at Whistler Blackcomb, Coca-Cola brings more than ice-cold refreshment.
Since 1995, GMC has been the Official Vehicle of Whistler Blackcomb. GMC trucks and SUVs give you the performance, engineering and technology to get you, your family and friends and all their gear to and from the mountain any time of the year.
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Avis Car Rental and its subsidiaries operate one of the world's best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,200 locations in more than 165 countries.
The Globe and Mail, Canada's National Newspaper, daily offers unparalleled national, international and business reporting, analysis and commentary to all the guests and patrons of Whistler Blackcomb.
Our name represents a long-standing tradition of producing premium wines from Canada and around the world; it is your guarantee of outstanding quality and an uncompromising commitment to making great wine. We’ve got a wine for that.
Smirnoff is proud to be the vodka sponsor of Whistler Blackcomb. From extraordinary event experiences, to the latest in Music, Nightlife and extraordinary Cocktails. The world's best cocktails start with Smirnoff.
W.L. Gore & Associates, the makers of GORE-TEX® products, is proud to be the official technical fabric sponsor of Whistler Blackcomb. GORE-TEX® products are wearable weather protection that keeps you dry and comfortable from head to toe in any kind of weather.
American Express is the official Card of Whistler Blackcomb. The sponsorship program brings unique offers, purchase incentives and rewards for American Express® Cardmembers. ®,™: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express
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