Can you see bears?

Yes. It is possible to see bears around the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift, but sightings are relatively uncommon and should never be expected. Both black bears and grizzly bears live in the surrounding mountains of Banff National Park, and Mt. Norquay is part of their natural habitat.

Most bear sightings occur on the forested slopes below the chairlift or on distant alpine meadows rather than directly around the summit. Bears are often attracted to grassy hillsides, avalanche paths, and berry patches where they feed on vegetation, roots, insects, and seasonal berries. During spring and early summer, they spend much of their time grazing on fresh green plants, while late summer and autumn see them feeding heavily in preparation for winter.

The best chance of spotting a bear is usually during the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is generally more active. Even then, sightings are unpredictable. During the busiest hours of the day, bears tend to avoid areas with heavy visitor activity.

If you do see a bear from the chairlift or summit, it will almost always be at a safe distance. Many visitors enjoy watching bears through binoculars or a telephoto camera lens as they forage on distant mountain slopes. Seeing a bear in its natural environment can be one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in the Canadian Rockies.

If you're planning to hike beyond the summit, you should be prepared for the possibility of encountering bears. Carry bear spray, travel in groups whenever possible, make noise while hiking, and remain alert, especially in areas with dense vegetation or limited visibility. Always follow any wildlife advisories or temporary trail closures that may be in effect.

Should you encounter a bear on a trail, remain calm, give it plenty of space, never approach it for photographs, and slowly back away if necessary. Never feed wildlife or leave food unattended, as this can create dangerous situations for both people and animals.

Although bears are one of the most famous animals in Banff National Park, the wildlife most visitors are likely to see at Mt. Norquay are bighorn sheep, marmots, pikas, and a variety of mountain birds. A bear sighting is a special bonus rather than something to plan your visit around. Book the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing ChairliftBooking the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home