Whistler Blackcomb‘s summer season transforms North America’s largest ski resort into a massive outdoor adventure destination. The Summer Alpine Experience gives visitors access to the record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, more than 50 kilometers of lift accessed hiking and trail running, scenic alpine dining, and iconic attractions including the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Lookout.
As snow melts throughout the season, wildflowers, glaciers, and sweeping views of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains create a dramatically different landscape than winter. The world famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park also draws riders from around the globe with trails ranging from beginner friendly flow lines to expert downhill terrain.
Summer at Whistler Blackcomb is about far more than just mountain biking and alpine hiking. It is also one of the best places in North America to see black bears living in their natural habitat. The mountains surrounding the resort are home to a healthy population of black bears that spend the warmer months feeding on grasses, berries, insects, and other natural food sources as they build up fat reserves before winter hibernation.
The healthy population does mean bear encounters are fairly common, both on the mountain and in the village below. Resort and village officials encourage guests to observe bears from a safe distance and never approach them. While both black bears and grizzly bears prefer to avoid people, they will bluff charge or attack if they feel threatened as we see in this video below captured by mountain biker Robert Swayze.
This was clearly a case of the guy getting too close, even if he may have been attempting to drive the bear away from a (potentially his) bag. If you see a bear, you should give it as much space as you can (Whistler requires at least 100 meters, or around 330 feet, of space between people and bears). Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is also vital. Fortunately this was more of a bluff charge than an actual attack and the guy in the video wasn’t injured.
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