Whistler is Bear Country. And with a standing population of around 50 bears in the local area, it is critical for those visiting Whistler to get clued up on bear awareness and safety.
Read on to find out about the types of bear found in Whistler and how to minimize bear-human conflict.
Species of bear in Whistler
Although there have been very rare cases of grizzly bears being spotted in the Sea to Sky area, Whistler is home only to black bears. Despite their name, black bears can come in all colors, from the white Kermode bear, to all shades of brown (cinnamon bears) as well as their namesake black. Some visitors encounter lighter colored bears and will mistakenly identify them as brown bears or grizzly bears – but there are some differences.
Test your knowledge of bear species with this test from Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks.
A (brown colored) black bear on one of Whistler’s ski runs.
Bears can be seen in Whistler from April to November, depending on the yearly temperatures and snow. In early summer they are most likely to be found on the valley floor before they move up into the mountains for the berry season. The Whistler Golf course is a popular bear hangout, especially in early mornings and just before sunset.
The Bears of the Whistler Golf Club – Video from WhistlerGolfClub
How to be Bear Smart
The Bear Smart Whistler Visitor’s Guide gives 4 basic guidelines:
- Never feed a bear. This means intentionally OR unintentionally. Bears are attracted to human food as it is high in calories and easier to procure than picking berries or catching salmon. Bears that are accustomed to easily accessible human food, either from being fed or through raiding garbage, lose their wariness of humans and go to greater lengths to get their food. This can include breaking into people’s homes or cars, which results in the bear being killed. It’s the law in Whistler to dispose of all garbage in bear-proof containers.
- Give bears space. Never approach a bear, especially to pet them or for a better photo. It is recommended to keep a distance of at least 100 m (or about the length of 7 school buses) between you and the bear. Bears usually do their best to avoid people and it’s not a good idea to force them into an uncomfortable position.
- Watch out on the roads. It is not uncommon to see bears grazing on the side of the road on the Sea to Sky highway between Squamish and Whistler. Don’t stop on the highway to take photos and keep your eyes open for bears crossing the highway – unfortunately many are injured or killed by being hit by cars.
- Stay alert and aware. When out hiking in the mountains or biking through the trails, stay alert to the possibility of encountering a bear. Your goal is to avoid surprising a bear, so make your presence known by talking, singing or calling out every now and again. You can carry a bear bell attached to your backpack to warn bears of your approach. My go-to method is playing music through the speaker on my phone. If hiking with dogs, keep them on a leash or close to you, as they can often provoke bears more than the presence of humans.
What to do when you encounter a bear
If you see a bear in human territory, you should phone the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) at 1-877-952-7277 or 604-905-BEAR.
It’s important to make this call so that COS can act to remove the bear from any potential conflict with humans, steering it clear of homes, garbages etc so the bear does not become used to hanging around humans. The more accustomed bears become to people, the harder it is to change their behavior. Most of Whistler’s bear deaths take place because the bears are no longer wary of humans.
A black bear on the Whistler Golf course.
If you encounter a bear in Whistler, Bear Smart recommends the following course of action.
Stop and assess.
- Remain calm and do not approach the bear. In most cases, the bear will flee.
- If the bear is still a distance away, turn back and return the way you came. If you must pass, keep your distance and give the bear a wide berth.
If you come across a black bear suddenly at close range.
- This can happen when moving fast through the bike trails. Stand your ground and face the bear.
- Identify yourself as human by talking in a calm tone of voice while backing away slowly.
- Never run.
If a black bear approaches you.
- It’s natural to be frightened, but don’t panic.
- If you meet a bear in the woods, or in its territory, talk in a calm and respectful tone to let the bear know you are not threatening (particularly if the bear is defending cubs or a food cache).
- If you encounter a bear in an urban area or human territory, use a loud, firm voice as though you are speaking to a dog that’s misbehaving. Say “No!” and repeat as necessary. Remove your sunglasses and make direct eye contact with the bear.
- Sometimes a bear may try to motivate you to leave, through intimidation. It may “pop” its jaws or swat the ground while blowing or snorting. It may lunge toward you or “bluff” charge – run toward you and then suddenly stop and turn away. Although scary, you are not likely to be hurt. For your own safety, stand your ground until the bear turns away and then retreat.
- You can carry bear spray as a precaution and use it if a black bear is persistent in approaching you or attacks.
- If a black bear attacks you offensively making full physical contact, fight back with any weapon you can find, including rocks and branches. Do NOT play dead.
Whistler’s black bears are generally timid creatures that are tolerant of humans and human activity. Spotting a black bear is an exhilarating experience and can really enhance your trip to Whistler. Keep these tips in mind during your visit to have a happy and safe Whistler vacation!
Bear viewing optional… from your Whistler vacation rental by owner balcony.
Katharine Mills is a trail and ultra runner living in North Vancouver. Originally from the UK, she lived in Whistler for two years before making the move to the city. Compared to the UK, she thinks Canada has an incredible lifestyle, but terrible tea. Her favourite things are exploring the wilds of the BC backcountry, racing mountain bikers down the trails of North Vancouver, and Honey’s Doughnuts from Deep Cove.
Vacation Rental Pet Fees
Parking Fees
“All of these projects demonstrate our commitment to ensuring our guests have the best possible experiences when they come to our mountains,” says Dave Brownlie, President and CEO of Whistler Blackcomb. “These plans are designed to improve guest experience, enhance our weather resiliency and contribute to the year-round growth of our business. Reinvesting in our operations and continuing to provide new offerings to guests year after year is something we are very proud of.”
Whistler Village Location – 4211 Village Square across from the Whistler GroceryStore
Famous for quality and service, the sommelier-run store boasts over 125 different beer listings, and nearly 400 wine selections to choose from, as well as top quality spirits. With friendly, knowledgeable staff to offer assistance, and their range of in-store features each month, they confidently offer something for every taste, and satisfaction is guaranteed. Open every day from 9am to 11pm including Sundays and holidays, and have delivery service.
‘Fat Tire’ biking is now possible at Whistler Olympic Park!
Lost Lake offers 25 km of cross country trails and 15 km of snowshoe and Nordic hiking trails with incredible views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The cross country trails are groomed daily for classic and skate techniques, with four kilometres lit for night skiing.
Whistler Ice Rink – Skating at Meadow Park Rec Center
NYE 2016 – Mojo’s Nightclub – Enjoy an amazing array of fun and talent. Get photos of your group, be amazed by the roving magician, or toast with your complimentary champagne before enjoying the scrumptious late night buffet. Remember your New Year’s Eve celebration with Maxx Fish in Whistler as being the best New Year’s Eve of your life!
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza – Bearfoot Bistro – Celebrate the evening at a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the Beafoot Bistro. Tickets are available for $298 per adult and include an exceptional five-course menu created by Executive Chef Melissa Craig, live music, party favours, champagne sabering in the wine cellar and dancing after midnight. Early seatings available for family groups.
Smoke Free Whistler Blackcomb
Bar Oso and the Cellar
There’s stoked, and then there are the Bathgate brothers, who, along with a few friends, camped out for over 40 hours this week to get first crack at the mountain on opening day.
DID YOU KNOW?
Featuring an expansive variety of hands-on seminars, fascinating winery dinners, gala tasting events and sizzling after-parties.
New for Nourish 2015
As we move into late summer and early fall, human-bear conflicts will be on the rise. In Pique Newsmagazine Sept 8, 2015 article, Michael Allen, who’s been studying the region’s bears for over two decades, said that Whistler’s alpine berry crop – a vital food source for local bears as they fatten up for winter – has virtually disappeared after a hot, dry summer.
If you’ve spent any time researching Whistler accommodations, you know you have an overwhelming number of choices to make. 
In a rating of environmental friendliness in Canadian ski resorts by
Where do I ski if I’m… a smoker?
Born in Whistler BC, Crankworx is a 10-day multi-disciplinary mountain bike festival celebrating epic endurance, supreme flow, monster air and vertical-dropping riding.
Here’s a great shot of the kids giving it their all at Kidworx and Familyworx 2014.
The festival’s expansion doesn’t stop there; in partnership with the Province of British Columbia and Resort Municipality of Whistler, the festival is hosting a brewing industry icon panel discussion called “Master Crafters”. This will be the kick off event of the festival, held on Friday September 18 at the Westin Hotel and Spa Whistler.
This years event is no less amazing musically speaking, Michael Franti performs Saturday Aug 1 at Whistler Olympic Plaza at 7pm. Also performing during the festival is Nahko and Medicine for the People, High and Mighty Brass Band and MC Yogi.
Grass-fed, cold-pressed, small-batch, gluten-free … if it’s got a hyphen and is good to eat, it’s likely at Wanderlust. Wanderlust offers healthy fare throughout the festival, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from the hand-picked vendors in our Food Co-op or sitting down at the Farm to Table Dinner, our mountain top local food experience. For those with a wee bit of thirst, we also offer Wanderlust Uncorked, small gatherings featuring the best craft wine & beer and even better company.
Rainbow Lake Whistler BC
Pronounced “Razor” The Adventure Group is changing the Whistler Activity game. These new and exciting off-road machines provide a unique side-by-side driving experience that will be the first of its kind in Whistler. They are officially the most thrilling way to explore the backcountry trails and old growth forests of Cougar Mountain.
More Summer Activity News :: Whistler gets a record breaking zipline
For the first time ever Outerbike is coming to Whistler this June 4th – 7th! If you’re wondering what Outerbike is, you are not alone.
The steepest 400m race in the world that tests both speed and endurance is coming to Canada July 19, 2015 Whistler Olympic Park.
The new Pizzeria Antico restaurant has opened in Whistler village and they’re cooking up some fine tasting thin crust style pizza. Located in what was formerly the Bavaria restaurant, the very central restaurant location is bright, warm and filled with the smell of fresh cooking that is being enjoyed by local residents along with visitors to the resort.
The chef and owner Eric Gilchrist tells Pique Magazine his vision for the new Whistler Restaurant:
Tim Horton’s
Come out and play May 15-18, 2015 at GO Fest, Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival! With four days of events and activities celebrating outdoor recreation – the challenge starts with deciding what to do first.
Free Outdoor Whistler Concert anyone? Check out the line up 
Beat the crowds – get up and out early! Do fresh tracks have your breakie on the top of mountain and get the first runs in. And since you’ve eaten breakfast early – go for lunch early too, heading in around 10:30 or 11:00 means you will get in and out without waiting in lines and standing while you eat!
Apres early – since you’ve been on the hill since before sunrise, you’ve put in a full day by 3 and you’re good to go put those feet up and enjoy one of the epic Whistler Apres spots. If you’re not sure where to go check out the list of locals top picks 
1. Hire TasteWhistler.com to come to your home/condo/chalet/suite for a personalized wine tasting. They bring the wines, glassware and a delicious charcuterie board from Bearfoot Bistro for a casual, informative and fun tasting. The wine is left behind for you and your friends to continue the night!!
2. There are no fewer than nine spas that operate in Whistler and most of them are top-notch. It’s worth going to the baths at the top-rated Scandanave Spa. Experience the age-old Finnish tradition of soaking in soothing outdoor baths at Whistler’s most unique spa, which combines rustic elegance with majestic scenery in a tranquil, secluded setting.
3. In a town that celebrates healthy living and physical activity, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of yoga studios. Locally owned Yogacara in Function Junction is a good bet; it’s a favourite with many Whistler residents, too.