bear safety on vancouver trails
Black bears live on most local trails. How to hike around them.
Black bears are common on the North Shore, in the Fraser Valley and along Sea-to-Sky. Grizzly bears are present in parts of the Sea-to-Sky backcountry.
basics
- Make noise, especially near streams and berry patches.
- Hike in groups and keep dogs leashed.
- Pack out all food and garbage.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- If you see a bear, stay calm, give it space and back away. Do not run.
- Report bear encounters as directed by the land manager or the BC Conservation Officer Service.
Sources: BC Parks wildlife safety, Government of BC bear safety.
Hike Vancouver. "Bear safety on Vancouver trails." Updated October 24, 2026. https://hikevancouver.ca/guides/bear-safety/
