Bear Watching Holidays Around the World

Types of Bear Watching Holidays & Where to Find Them

Ever dreamt of standing amidst a wild, untamed landscape, catching sight of a magnificent bear in its natural habitat? If you’re as captivated by wildlife as I am, a bear-watching holiday could be the ultimate adventure for you! These experiences offer an incredible chance to witness these majestic creatures in action, all while exploring some of the most stunning wilderness areas on the planet. Here’s a guide to the different types of bear-watching holidays and where you can embark on these awe-inspiring journeys.

1. Grizzly Bear Watching

Where: British Columbia, Canada

Canada is synonymous with grizzly bears, and the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is a prime destination. From May to October, you can take part in boat tours along the rivers or venture deep into the forest on guided hikes, watching these powerful animals fish for salmon and roam freely in the wild. Knight Inlet Lodge and Bella Coola Valley are standout spots for bear viewing, offering eco-friendly lodges and tours that emphasise sustainable, responsible travel.

Where: Alaska, USA

Alaska’s vast wilderness makes it one of the best places on earth to see grizzlies. Katmai National Park is world-famous for bear sightings, especially around Brooks Falls, where you can witness bears catching salmon mid-air! Kodiak Island and Denali National Park also offer exceptional grizzly encounters, often combined with breathtaking landscapes that are a true adventurer’s dream.

2. Polar Bear Watching

Where: Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Churchill, known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," is the top destination for seeing polar bears. The best time to visit is between October and November, when the bears gather along Hudson Bay waiting for the sea ice to form. Special tundra vehicles give you safe, close-up views of the bears as they roam across the snow-covered landscape. It's a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts!

Where: Svalbard, Norway

For those looking to explore the Arctic, Svalbard offers extraordinary polar bear watching during the summer months. You can take cruises along the icy waters or join land-based expeditions that will leave you breathless—not just because of the cold but from the sheer beauty of these remote, snow-covered islands. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife, too, such as walruses and arctic foxes!

Read all about my own adventures in the arctic in my blog, to give you some insights into what it's like tojoin an expedition cruise and just how magical this part of the world really is.

3. Black Bear Watching

Where: Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone isn’t just famous for its geysers and dramatic landscapes; it’s also home to the American black bear. Spring and summer are ideal times for sightings, particularly in the Lamar Valley, where the bears can be seen foraging for food. Combined with Yellowstone’s stunning backdrops, a black bear sighting here is an unforgettable experience.

Where: Great Smoky Mountains, USA

The Great Smoky Mountains straddling North Carolina and Tennessee provide one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States for black bears. With over 1,500 black bears in the park, there’s a high chance of spotting one during your hike or scenic drive, especially in Cades Cove. This location is perfect for families and those looking for a more relaxed bear-watching holiday.

4. Brown Bear Watching

Where: Finland

Finland’s wild forests offer some of the best brown bear viewing in Europe. Stay overnight in a remote hide in the Finnish wilderness, where bears roam freely. The best time to visit is between May and August, and some tours even offer the chance to see bears during the magical midnight sun.

Where: Kamchatka, Russia

Kamchatka is a remote and rugged part of Russia, known for its volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The brown bears here are some of the largest in the world, and Lake Kurile is a renowned spot to see them fishing for salmon. This destination is for the true explorer, offering an adventurous, off-the-beaten-track experience.

5. Spectacled Bear Watching

Where: Peru

For something more exotic, head to the cloud forests of Peru, home to the spectacled bear (also known as the Andean bear). These elusive bears are the only species of bear native to South America and are best spotted in regions like the Chaparri Reserve or Manu National Park. This type of bear-watching holiday often combines wildlife viewing with cultural exploration, as you can visit local communities and ancient Incan sites along the way.

Planning Your Bear-Watching Adventure

No matter what type of bear you're hoping to see, bear-watching holidays offer an incredible way to connect with nature, witness wildlife in its natural habitat, and explore some of the world’s most pristine landscapes. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of seeing a grizzly hunt for salmon or the serene experience of observing polar bears on the tundra, there’s a perfect bear-watching holiday waiting for you.

When booking with me, I’ll ensure your trip is tailored to your preferences, from eco-friendly accommodations to expert guides who know the best bear-spotting locations. I’m passionate about responsible travel, so you can be assured that your holiday will support conservation efforts and leave a positive impact.

Ready to start planning? 🐻 Complete an enquiry form or call me on 0117 452 1159 to get started!

With over 30 years of adventure travel expertise, I handpick operators who provide unforgettable holidays, perfectly tailored to your needs and budget. As an independent travel specialist, I have the flexibility to search the entire market, finding the best deals for every part of your journey while offering honest, unbiased advice—completely hassle-free.

Why just explore the world when you can make a positive impact? At World Class Adventures, we’re dedicated to protecting our planet’s social and environmental wellbeing. By travelling with me, you’re giving back as much as you experience. I partner with ethical operators who uplift the local communities we visit, and every flight booked is fully carbon offset.

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