Rockies Tours: My First Encounter with a Bear in the Mountains

By Ernesto Lozano Platonoff – Founder of Dare and Explore

A True Story in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies

Exploring the Canadian Rockies is a life-changing experience. I, Ernesto Lozano Platonoff, have spent over 15 years exploring this incredible part of the world, and I’m still surprised by what it has to offer. This blog tells a real story—one of the most intense experiences I’ve had: my first close encounter with a bear. Yes, a bear… less than one meter away!

H2: Bears in the Rockies: A Constant Presence on Our Rockies Tours

One of the highlights of our Dare and Explore adventures is the chance to see wildlife—especially bears. Whether you're in Jasper National Park or Waterton National Park, it’s quite common to spot bears on the roadside or near the forest edges.

During our Rockies tours, we’ve had many unforgettable sightings of these majestic creatures. In the summer, you’ll often see them from the safety of the car. However, when we’re hiking on foot, it’s much less likely to see one, as we’re usually talking, laughing, or making noise with trekking poles—this alerts bears to our presence and they’ll typically keep their distance, focused on eating and resting.

How to Tell a Black Bear from a Grizzly Bear

Black Bear

• Smaller size: 1.2 to 2 meters in length

• Weight: 90 to 270 kg

• Straighter snout

• Larger, pointy ears

• Shorter claws (4–5 cm)

• Not always black—some are brown or cinnamon-colored

Grizzly Bear

• Larger and more robust: up to 2.5 meters in length

• Weight: up to 360 kg or more

• Large muscle hump above the shoulders

• More concave facial profile

• Long claws (up to 10 cm)

• Usually brown with blond tips on their fur

Both animals are beautiful and deserve respect. While attacks on humans are extremely rare, the golden rule in the mountains is: never surprise a bear. If they know you're around, they’ll usually avoid you.

Motorcycle Adventure to Nelson, BC – A Trip That Changed Everything

Seven years ago, I set out on a special motorcycle trip with two good friends, Antonio and William. Our destination: Nelson, a charming town in British Columbia known for its mountains, art, and nature. The route promised stunning scenery—curvy roads, dense forests, and waterfalls on the horizon.

We reached a secluded campground nestled in the trees. The first day was intense and exhausting. We set up our tents, cooked something light, shared stories by the fire, and fell asleep to the sounds of the wild.

The plan for day two: hit the off-road mountain trails. What an adventure! Narrow paths, rocks, loose dirt, steep climbs, and technical descents—perfect terrain to test our skills.

Antonio’s Accident and a Tough Decision

We reached a particularly difficult uphill stretch—about two kilometers long, with big rocks and tricky terrain. I was riding in front, followed by Antonio, with William bringing up the rear. Suddenly, I heard Antonio on the radio—he had fallen. I stopped, ran back, and found him in pain, struggling to breathe. We thought he might have a broken rib, but thankfully, he was okay.

His bike, however, was not. The handlebars were bent, the brake lever broken, and pulling it out of the ditch was a huge challenge. We patched it up as best we could. Now we had a decision to make: go back the way we came, or keep moving forward?

I decided to continue and scout ahead to see how far we were from an easier path. I got on my bike, focused, and pushed onward.

The Unexpected Encounter: A Black Bear Just One Meter Away!

After 15 minutes of hard uphill riding, I reached the top. As I emerged from the trees into a clearing—there he was: a medium-sized black bear… less than a meter away.

Everything happened so fast. There was no time to think, just to react. I jumped off the bike in shock, and it kept moving forward on its own. Thankfully, the bear was also startled and ran off. I stood there frozen for a moment, adrenaline pumping. Still shaken and worried the bear might return, I ran back to the bike, hopped on, and kept going.

Turns out, that was the right choice. A few minutes later, I reached a much easier path, and my friends were able to join me without having to go through the difficult section again.

Reflections on a Wild Encounter

That experience changed me—not just because of the scare, but because it reminded me of nature’s power, unpredictability, and magic. Bears aren’t monsters; they’re a vital part of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. On our Rockies tours, we emphasize respect, environmental education, and being prepared.

We always recommend:

• Carrying bear spray

• Making noise while hiking

• Never leaving food out

• Watching for environmental signs

• Keeping a safe distance at all times

What About You? Have You Ever Encountered a Bear?

I’d love to hear your story. Have you had a similar experience? An unforgettable moment in the mountains? Tell us in the comments or send us a message. At Dare and Explore, we believe that shared stories inspire, teach, and connect us more deeply with nature.

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