While Whistler Blackcomb is most well known for its remarkable skiing and snowboarding, it offers a wide range of exceptional adventures and activities year-round. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is regarded as one of the best lift-accessed mountain bike parks in the world, and the stunning Peak 2 Peak Gondola provides incredible views throughout the winter and summer.
Whistler’s wildlife is a hole other sight to behold. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are home to up to 40 black bears and cubs with the animals often being visible from Whistler Village Gondola. Those who want a closer look can take a bear viewing tour with one of the mountain’s bear experts.
While viewing these animals from a distance can be an incredible experience, coming face to face with a bear while out on the trail is undoubtedly stress inducing. Mountain biker Obi Soash was forced to slam on his brakes after coming upon a black bear on the trail. The bear bluff charges him slightly but does move along without any attack.
If you come across a bear, whether it’s a black bear or a grizzly bear, you should give the animal as much space as possible and back away slowly the way you came. The mountain biker in this video attempts to do exactly that, backing away from the bear after coming to a stop. Read more on bear safety in 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.
Trail tips:
- make noise by clapping or talking loudly to make sure any nearby bears will hear you
- travel in a group of four or more when hiking, especially in grizzly habitat
- avoid trails at dawn and dusk
- carry bear spray and understand how to use it
- keep dogs under control and on leash — dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears
- never feed a bear
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
