Join Bear Country Guiding & Consulting for an unforgettable wildlife-focused interpretive snowshoeing adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, in Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Kananaskis. We promote human-wildlife coexistence, thus, you support our conservation efforts by signing up for a trip with us and learning about bear/wildlife awareness and safety.
Our locally owned and operated company is dedicated to connecting you with the region’s spectacular landscapes. Led by our knowledgeable, professional interpretive hiking guide, who is also a biologist specialised in human-bear coexistence, your hike is designed to offer an educational and inspiring experience.
Your day begins at Banff Train Station free car park or another convenient meeting place, where you’ll meet your expert guide. Over the course of 4 to 5 hours you will complete an easy to medium snowshoeing trip including several stops for breaks and interpretation. Your guide will share insights into local geology, ecosystems, wildlife ecology and conservation practices, with a special focus on grizzly and black bears.
In the winter everything is different. The trails are less busy, and you often feel like the whole forest belongs to you. The snow absorbs all sounds, and it is like you are floating through a magical wonderland on your snowshoes.
Although most of our wildlife sightings happen roadside from the safety of cars, we thrive to find opportunities for our guests to observe wildlife in their natural habitats during the actual hike. Nevertheless, we do everything on our behalf to keep a safe distance from wild animals.
Winter is the season of tracks. The forest reveals its secrets through the snow. You will learn intriguing facts about the owners of those tracks, the critters of the winter forest. Deer, moose, squirrel, snowshoe hare and other tracks are common and sometimes we find pine marten, lynx, wolf, cougar or, in early and late winter season, even bear tracks. We regularly meet small animals during the hikes, such as grey jays, grouse and red squirrels, but if you are lucky you might see even large ones such as deer and moose.
Whether you are a curious traveller or an avid hiker and/or photographer, our hikes and snowshoeing trips are tailored to promote environmental stewardship. At the end of your journey, you will have lasting memories and a greater connection with the Canadian Rockies and the wildlife calling it home.