Grizzly Bear Ecology Walking Tour

GROUP SIZE

3-6

Time of year

September 1 to October 16

Duration

Half or Full Day

Minimum Age

12+

Minimum Fitness Level Easy - Light walking with a few climbs that are more challenging than a flight of stairs. Easy does it, however, if you have mobility issues, this activity, or all our packages, may not be appropriate for you (call us to discuss).

To take part, you should be able to;
- Walk over uneven ground for several hundred metres for up to 3 hours
- Be able to step into a drift boat (3 feet high) on uneven ground

Activity Overview

In autumn, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is all about bears and a highlight activity is to venture out on foot, with a guide, to discover these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Guests will learn about bear ecology and how to cohabitate safely amongst these magnificent creatures. Guides will take guests to some of the bears’ favourite hang outs and will point out signs of bear activity such as claw marks, day beds, scat, and tufts of fur stuck in the bark of rub trees. Other wildlife species that also inhabit the forest include black bears, mule deer, moose, American beaver, mountain goats, bald eagles and numerous amphibian species. The adjacent lands are also a significant habitat for Vaux’s swift, the Peregrine falcon, fisher, wolverine, and Townsend’s big-eared bat.

All tours are designed with safety in mind. It should be noted that the objective of these walks is not to see bears, but to find the telltale signs of their passing. In the event a bear is encountered, the guides are trained in reading and interpreting bear behaviour so that conflicts are avoided. Guests will be briefed on how to act in the wilderness to avoid startling a bear and how to react in case a bear is spotted. All of our guides also carry bear spray and are trained in how to deploy it safely. They also carry radios to communicate with the lodge in the case of an emergency.

Quick Facts

• Who Should Book?
  • This educational eco-adventure is designed for guests who are interested in learning more about the fascinating biology, behaviour, and habitat of large and powerful coastal Grizzly Bears

Note: Guests must be able to follow the strict directions of their guide in the event they encounter wildlife. This activity is not suitable for guests who may panic when encountering wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Safety & Mobility Considerations
  • While in the woods the group will stay close together and broadcast their presence so that bears are not inadvertently startled 
  • Trails are rated as easy; however, guests should be fit enough to walk up and down light inclines on uneven root and rock covered terrain

Note: This activity can be tailored to the mobility level of the group.

• Minimum Age
  • 12+

Note: Guests must be 12 years of age or older to visit the lodge during Grizzly season.

What to Bring

• Comfortable closed-toe trail or hiking shoes
• Comfortable layered clothing that is appropriate for variable weather conditions, wind protection, and possible rain
• A small backpack for packaged snacks, fluids, and other important personal items
• A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray are highly recommended
• A camera to capture the experience

Sample Itinerary

• Start - This activity begins at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
  • Prior to beginning the activity guests are educated on what to expect, how to behave in bear habitat, and what to do if and when the group encounters wildlife
  • Guests walk from the lodge or board one of our shuttles and transfer to one of three additional main trailheads:

    Kettle Pond Extension Trail - 5 min drive from the lodge · distance varies  · easy

    Mosher Creek - 10 min drive from lodge • distance varies · easy 

    Walker West - 10 min drive from lodge • distance varies · easy 

  • With this half day and full day activity guests can expect approx. 2 to 6 hours of exploring Grizzly Bear habitat at a slow pace and will return to the lodge for lunch (morning) or dinner (afternoon)
  • Along the way commentary is provided by the guide who will point out things such as: rub trees, scratch marks, bear beds, stomp trails, scat, fresh diggings, middens, tracks, sources of food, and images and videos from trail cams
  • There are multiple opportunities to stop to rest and hydrate as well as to take photos

• End - This activity ends back at the trailhead where the hike began
  • Guests board one of our shuttles for an approx. 10 to 30 minute drive back to Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
  • Upon arrival back at the lodge, guests enjoy a delicious lunch (morning departures) or apres on the deck (afternoon departures) if they purchased one of our all-inclusive packages

Note: Capacity is limited in each of our activities and we prioritize space for guests staying at the lodge. That being said, we occasionally have space for guests not staying at the lodge. If you will not be staying with us and would like to book this activity, please contact us by phone at 604-905-4994 or by email at [email protected].