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At this time of year the bears' whereabouts are very predictable
as they gorge themselves on protein rich salmon on the numerous
streams, rivers and channels where they spawn. Viewing is
conducted from elevated viewing platforms or hides in Lower
Mainland BC, and from small rowing boats or on foot in Central
Mainland BC, Central Coast BC and Northern BC.
Spring (May & June) also produces very
good sightings, particularly in Northern BC and Lower Mainland
BC, as the bears emerge ravenous from their winter dens to
feed close to the shoreline on esturaine sedge grasses, or
forage for crustaceans at high tide. At this time of year
viewing is conducted from a boat sitting just offshore in
coastal inlets and estuaries of Lower Mainland BC and Northern
BC. In summer (July to mid August) the bears tend to head
deeper into the forest to feed on roots and berries, and are
therefore far less visible. Boat based viewing does however
continue in the remote coastal inlets of Lower Mainland BC
where bears can still be seen foraging close to the shoreline,
though sightings tend to be less frequent than in Spring or
Autumn.
Black Bear
The Black Bear is are far
more widely distributed than the Grizzly Bear, and can be seen in
both British Columbia and Manitoba. Due to their more omnivorous
diet their feeding behaviour does not tend to have as many
seasonal variations, and they can be seen throughout Spring,
Summer and Autumn (May through October). A cluster of islands off
Central Coast BC has the highest concentration of the rare and
elusive Kermode or Spirit Bear, an all white genetic variation of
black bear, and these are best observed during the autumn salmon
run in September and October.
Polar Bear
The feeding behaviour and activity levels of
the Polar Bear have more seasonal extremes than the other bear
species. During the winter they are out on the ice floes hunting
for seals, and are relatively inaccessible. In October and
November Churchill, Manitoba plays host to the largest gathering
of polar bears anywhere in the world. Despite its southerly
location, it is the first place where sea ice forms in Hudson Bay,
and as a result polar bears gather here from miles around in
readiness for the long awaited winter "freeze up". The minute the
ice comes, usually in mid to late November, there is a mass exodus
and the bears aren't seen again until the ice breaks-up agin,
usually in June. Between "break up" and "freeze up" some bears
remain in the area but they are widely distributed and tend to
keep a low profile as they attempt to conserve energy while living
off their winter far reserves, although summer sightings are quite
reliable at a wilderness lodge, 20 minutes north of Churchill by
floatplane.
Further north, off the coast of Baffin Island in Nunavut, the
season for seeing Polar Bears is much longer, but here weather is
a major factor. In July and August it is very mild, and even
positively hot at times, and this offers the chance to see Polar
Bears without having to endure the extremes of Arctic winter,
though against a somewhat atypical backdrop devoid of snow and
ice. In September and October the temperature is below zero but
still quite mild, but sea ice is relatively sparse and it is still
possible to observe Polar Bears from the comfort and safety of a
boat or motorised canoe. This is perhaps the best time of year for
sightings, and there is also every chance of a light snow covering
which adds something to the dramatic landscape, as do the massive
icebergs for which the area is famous. Between freeze up in late
November, and break-up in June, the only way to see Polar Bears
here is to venture out onto the ice on snow machines (skidoos),
and the weather conditions are not for the feint hearted , though
a truly memorable experience is guaranteed.
All 3 Bears
The respective viewing seasons for Grizzly &
Polar Bear dictate the scheduling of what we would consider to be
or signature tour. A tour combining British Columbia and
Churchill, Manitoba would need to commence in late September or
early October. An itinerary combining British Columbia and Nunavut
has more flexibility due to the longer Polar Bear season on Baffin
Island but the best time of year would be September, with August
and October also possibilities.
Whale Watching
Whales can be seen in all 3 provinces
that Bear Trails visit, but British Columbia boasts by far the
most species of cetaceans. The mass migration of the Southern
Gray Whale passes by the west coast of Vancouver Island in
April and May, but a number of these whales habitually remain
in these waters throughout Summer and Autumn, resting and
feeding in the sheltered bays. Johnstone Strait off the
northeast of Vancouver Island is the core habitat of the 16
resident Orca or Killer Whale pods and the best time to see
the ocean's apex predator is from July through September.
Humpback Whales can be seen off the coast of Northern BC in
July, August and September, and off Vancouver Island sightings
are most likely in September. Several smaller cetacean species
including the Minke Whale, Pacific White sided Dolphin and
Dall's Porpoise can also be seen in British Columbia.
In Manitoba the Churchill River plays
hosts to thousands Beluga Whales in July and August, when they
come to calve in the warm, shallow freshwater, and visitors
can observe this incredible natural spectacle from small boats
or canoes, and even don a dry suit and get into the water with
these graceful, highly social and very vocal whales. Bowhead
Whales and Orcas are also sometimes sighted offshore during
the same period. In Nunavut the Bowhead Whale, the only great
baleen whale to spend its entire life in Arctic waters, can be
seen off the coast of Baffin Island in September and October.
The Narwhal, the near mythical unicorn of the sea, can also be
glimpsed in the same period.
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