Many of the whale-watching companies also offer bear watching tours from their boats as well. These tours normally take you to protected areas in Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds. Being on a boat means you can view all sorts of wildlife safely from the water, especially the area's magnificent black bears. They come down to the water's edge to feed on salmon, and this is where you'll most likely catch a glimpse of these gorgeous creatures.It's also possible to view wildlife at Thornton Creek Hatchery in Ucluelet. Please use extreme caution, bears are wild animals and therefore unpredictable. Do not approach the bears; safest viewing is from your vehicle. Juveniles often frequent the hatchery from March-June, and adults from mid-October-November. The hatchery is accessible off Hwy. 4 by turning towards Port Albion and continuing approximately 2km until you see a sign for the Thornton Creek Hatchery. Turn right and continue for 1km, the hatchery is on the right-hand side. You can tour the hatchery operation; donations are most appreciated.
Bear watching at it's best during the months of September, October, November and by December things are starting to quiet down again. The best time for viewing bears at Thornton Creek is during low tide where they are taking advantage of the returning Chinook that are caught in tidal pools at the mouth of the creek. Thornton creek hatchery is located in Ucluelet's inner harbour and is accessible by car although the roads are not very well marked. Black bears come across as very clumsy and docile but don't be fooled as they are very explosive and move very quickly. When at the creek watching the bears feeding on the returning salmon will absolutely amaze you with the accuracy speed and power the bears show case as they chase down their next meal. Never under estimate a wild animal, Black bears are quite peaceful animals when viewed from a safe distance it's advised that you don't get to close as bears are unpredictable especially when cubs are present.
Thornton Creek Hatchery Driving Directions and Bear Watching Hours
** Bear Watching Season starts September to mid November **
Open 10am - 3pm Daily
Thornton Creek Hatchery now offers safe bear watching the charge is by donation. The recommended donation is $10 - $20, a donation box is located at the beginning of the entry gate where you will be greeted and let in for viewing.
Vancouver Island Wolf
Canis lupus crassodon
The Vancouver Island wolf is a sub-species of the grey wolf. They are highly social animals, living in packs of five to 35 wolves. Life in the wolf pack is dominated by rank and being near the top means eating first and the first choice of mate. The Vancouver Island wolf is an endangered species; moreover, it is very shy. You are much more likely to hear them howling in the still West Coast night than to see one in person.
Bear watching at it's best during the months of September, October, November and by December things are starting to quiet down again. The best time for viewing bears at Thornton Creek is during low tide where they are taking advantage of the returning Chinook that are caught in tidal pools at the mouth of the creek. Thornton creek hatchery is located in Ucluelet's inner harbour and is accessible by car although the roads are not very well marked. Black bears come across as very clumsy and docile but don't be fooled as they are very explosive and move very quickly. When at the creek watching the bears feeding on the returning salmon will absolutely amaze you with the accuracy speed and power the bears show case as they chase down their next meal. Never under estimate a wild animal, Black bears are quite peaceful animals when viewed from a safe distance it's advised that you don't get to close as bears are unpredictable especially when cubs are present.
Thornton Creek Hatchery Driving Directions and Bear Watching Hours
** Bear Watching Season starts September to mid November **
Open 10am - 3pm Daily
Thornton Creek Hatchery now offers safe bear watching the charge is by donation. The recommended donation is $10 - $20, a donation box is located at the beginning of the entry gate where you will be greeted and let in for viewing.
Vancouver Island Wolf
Canis lupus crassodon
The Vancouver Island wolf is a sub-species of the grey wolf. They are highly social animals, living in packs of five to 35 wolves. Life in the wolf pack is dominated by rank and being near the top means eating first and the first choice of mate. The Vancouver Island wolf is an endangered species; moreover, it is very shy. You are much more likely to hear them howling in the still West Coast night than to see one in person.
