Page 15 - Breath of the Bear

Nikolai Coutinho Rob Daughery Rob Daughery

safaris in the area provide floating down the Stewart B.C./Hyder,Alaska Haida Gwaii - Black Bear
Atnarko River, petroglyph viewing and ever Grizzly, Black Bear Haida Gwaii (Islands of the People), formerly
bear photography workshops. Situated right across from Hyder, Alaska, known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is a
Stewart’s wilderness is alive with activity from remote archipelago on the north coast of
Whistler - Black Bear grizzlies and black bears. This unspoiled, British Columbia. The area is rich in history
Home to the 2010 winter Olympics, Whistler remote area is sure to please hikers, fisherman and outdoor adventure with very unique and
has something for everyone in every single and any outdoor enthusiast. distinct flora and fauna which gives the islands
season. In summer experience the chance to Viewing Information at Fish Creek-Hyder, the nickname “the Galapagos of the North”.
view Whistler’s famous black bears and cubs Alaska From wind-swept beaches to ancient Haida
in their stunning habitat. Travel the area in a 4x4 Bears use the site from mid-July through village sites to mountain trails, there is always
vehicle through ski area habitats while seeing early September, following the arrival of salmon something worth exploring.
the largest concentration of mother bear ranges that return to the fresh waters of the creeks to
in the region. Besides bear viewing, Whistler’s spawn. The site is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary
summer schedule includes an eclectic mix of pm daily. Forest Service employees are at the Grizzly, Black Bears
events, family friendly activities and a vibrant site during these hours to provide information This sanctuary was designated a protected
arts and culture scene. With so many activities about the bears and salmon, enforce site rules, park in 1994 as the first area in Canada to be
to choose from, every member of your family and answer questions from visitors. protected specifically for grizzly bears and their
or tour group is bound to have a memorable habitat, and is the first undisturbed sanctuary
experience. Elkford - Black Bear of its size along British Columbia’s north coast.
Elkford’s theme is “get intimate with nature” Towering peaks look out over a valley of
Torino - Black Bear and one can surely do that in this picturesque wetlands and old-growth rainforests. Within
Torino is a small district on Vancouver town founded in 1971 as a home for miners. this First Nation territory of the Tsimshian lies
Island off of Canada’s west coast. Most Today it boasts a population of almost 3,000 a very healthy and established grizzly bear
whale watching outfitters have ocean-going residents and “wilderness remains core to what population.
tours that specialize in viewing bears in their the community is and wants to be”. Take a look
own environment. On these bear watching at the town’s website at www.elkford.ca There are many ways to view bears in British
expeditions, you will see resident black bears Columbia, from just driving down the highway
moseying along the beaches as they forage for Kitimat - Black & Kermode Bears to hikes and treks into moss covered trails and
food, while you remain at a safe distance in the The city of Kitimat is a north coast community other worldly forests. However, the safest way
boat. and in the First Nation language of the Haisla would be to book a tour with a guided bear-
means “people of the snow”. The Kitimat River viewing company. In the excitement of seeing
Knight Inlet / Telegraph Cove is nearby, as well as lakes and streams with these massive animals many tourists can forget
Grizzly, Black Bear stunning scenery. This town is unique in that that bears are wild, unpredictable and can
One of the main inlets on the British it embraces an eco-friendly concept in its city be dangerous if you don’t know what you are
Columbia coast and one of the best places to planning as the entire community is connected doing. From first hand experience I count my
see grizzlies. Bear-viewing operators start their with a series of paths through green spaces, blessings for my guide who knew exactly what
amazing grizzly excursion on the northern part situated to eliminate excessive crossing of to do in every situation. These guides are from
of Vancouver Island in Telegraph Cove. In a major streets. There is a balance between work the area and make the tour enjoyable with their
comfortable vessel, you will spend two hours and leisure. Biking is a very effective mode rich knowledge of the area. The trip becomes
journeying into Knight Inlet, the longest and of transportation as the planning extends to memorable and most importantly, these
most beautiful inlet on the west coast. As you intricate bike paths with short commute times guides make your trip safe so you can come
are served breakfast, your travel companion and close proximity to schools, downtown and back to British Columbia, again and again. See
will be the most breath-taking scenery neighborhoods. the travel directory for recommended bear-
imagined. In spring when hibernation ends, the viewing operators.
hungry bears make their way from their dens to Terrace - Black & Kermode Bears
the dense grasses along the shores. As the tide Located within the Skeena River Valley and 37 * Note: bears know no bounderies and may
recedes they will be seen turning over rocks miles from the ocean, Terrace is in a moderate- travel to other regions. The above information
in search of crabs and mussles. Sometime in weather zone that allows the growing of fruit is general directions in finding these species of
early or mid-August the salmon will begin their trees along with lots of opportunity for bear bears.
run and when the conditions are right, bear- viewing. The bears thrive in this mild climate
viewing operators can position their vessels that has half the rainfall as that on the coast as
for a front row seat to one of nature’s amazing well as lush forest growth.
feeding rituals.

Praqyan Grimm

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