The coastal mountains of British Columbia are an ecosystem unlike any other place in the world and those visiting Whistler Blackcomb can get a taste of its incredible biodiversity as they enjoy the world class ski resort.

Whistler is home to a population of over 60 black bears that have fully adapted to feeding, mating, and hibernating within the habitats of ski area. Whistler black bears are well chronicled and are the only population B.C. that has been studied for over two decades.

While the majority of black bear activity takes place in the summer months, black bears still roam the resort during the winter months as evidenced from this footage taken at the base of the Fitzsimmons Express.

In the summer Whistler actually offers guests Bear Tours where they can experience the black bears and cubs in their natural habitat along with the wildlife, vegetation, glaciers, and rainforests of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Learn more about bear safety at Whistler below.

Whistler Bear Safety Guidelines:

Both black bears and grizzly bears live in Whistler. Bears prefer to avoid people; even if a bear appears comfortable, stay at least 100 metres away. Bears can be motivated to go near people if they smell food or a scent they believe is edible.

If you see a bear:

  • give the bear as much space as possible; back away slowly
  • check around for other bears, cubs or a food source
  • back away slowly the way you came or give the bear a very wide berth, if you must continue
  • speak calmly and firmly to show you aren’t threatening

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