Bear Aware Interactive Sessions
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, understanding how to share the landscape with grizzly and black bears is the most important part of your mountain preparation. These expert-led sessions, hosted by the Town of Banff and Parks Canada, provide the confidence and skills needed to explore our local trails safely.
Choose Your Session:
Online Interactive Webinars (75 Minutes)
- Dates: May 26 & June 24, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
- Details: Led by two Parks Canada wildlife specialists, this deep-dive presentation covers bear identification, understanding common bear behaviors, and practical tips to prevent encounters before they happen.
- Best For: Guests who want to learn from the comfort of the Lodge before heading out on the trails.
In-Person: Family Bear Aware (2 Hours)
- Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Sundance Park Pavilion, Banff (Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi)
- Details: A hands-on, family-friendly program held during Recreation and Park’s Day Celebrations. This session gets you moving with practical bear spray demonstrations and habits training.
- Cost: $10 (Free for Banff Residents).
What You Will Learn:
- The "Bear Essentials": How to distinguish between a Black Bear and a Grizzly at a glance.
- Safety Tools: Proper technique for carrying and deploying bear spray (it’s harder than it looks under pressure!).
- Trail Etiquette: How to make enough noise and spot "signs of life" like scat, diggings, and rub trees.
Mountaineer Lodge Local Guide Tip
We always tell our guests: Bear spray only works if you can reach it in two seconds or less. Don’t keep it inside your backpack! Use these sessions to learn why a holster is your best friend on the Lake Louise shoreline or the Plain of Six Glaciers trail.