This trip had beautiful walks in the Carpathian mountains. Seeing the bears while in the hide was a highlight though. The visit to the bear sanctuary for rescued bears was also very moving. The hikes did require a high degree of fitness. Note that when we booked this trip was a level 2, but the same trip has been reclassified as a level 3, which in our experience is merited. The last day is the most challenging but the last part to the very peak is optional and was only done by a small part of our group. Our guide Sebi was excellent and paced the walk for the group’s abilities. He was also very knowledgeable about the local wildlife and customs.
Bear Watching Holidays
Bear Watching Adventure Holidays
Five Best Bear-Watching Locations
Carpathian Mountains, Romania: Looming over traditional Romanian villages, the Carpathian Mountains have long been home to wild brown bears. Nearly half of the population of European brown bears has been recorded in the area, making it one of the best places in the world to spot these majestic creatures. Explore virgin forests, deep canyons and mountain tracks as you go in search of bears in the Barza Valley. An evening excursion to a forest hide allows you to get closer to the animals and watch their behaviours in their natural environment.
Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia: Next to Tofino National Park in British Columbia, Clayoquot Sound comprises acres of temperate rainforest and fjord inlets. The area is home to the iconic black bear, and you can embark on a thrilling Zodiac expedition to see them in the wild. When the tide is low, the bears gather at the shoreline to look for shellfish and your expert guide will steer you along the bays, imparting their knowledge and sharing fascinating facts. There’s a good chance you may also spot other animals and local birdlife such as the bald eagle, porpoises and seals on your wildlife excursion.
Orford River, British Columbia: The Orford River is another prime location in British Columbia for bear watching, but here you’ll find the grizzly bear. It’s believed that a staggering 10,000 grizzly bears are living in British Columbia, making sightings here very likely. Because of the vast numbers of salmon spawning in the Orford River, the bears frequent the water between August and mid-September. Sail below dramatic mountain scenery framing the river and take a bus to the viewing platforms where you’ll get one of the best views of the grizzly feeding on the salmon. This is a captivating sight, especially when they’re accompanied by their cubs.
Rodopi Mountains, Bulgaria: Placing Bulgaria firmly on the map for bear-watching trips, the remote landscapes of the Rodopi Mountains are a popular stomping ground for brown bears. On our Realm of the Brown Bear guided tour, bear expert Julian Perry teaches you everything about their behaviour and habitat. As you hike through the mountains and forests, you’ll look for bear tracks and other signs of activity. An evening trip to a specially built hide lets you observe the brown bears in safety and comfort, and you’ll get a greater knowledge and understanding of their habits.
Oulanka National Park, Finland: Sprawling across parts of eastern Finland, Oulanka National Park is a fabulous location for brown bear-watching. Discover the vast wilderness made up of pine forests and rivers where wildlife is rife and head to a remote hide where you’ll spend the night. The large windows of the hide are designed to give you the best possible viewing experience so you can see the brown bears close up. July and August are particularly good months for bear watching in Finland as they are drawn to the area within the national park to search for carcases of carrion.
Malcolm Vant Carpathian Walking & Bears
Ann Robinson Carpathian Walking & BearsThis was a superb birthday treat. The accommodation just lacked air conditioning, as it was so hot
Food good with excellent hosts. Scenery beautiful, with all that was promised.
Heather Smith Carpathian Walking & BearsI had a wonderful trip to Romania with Exodus. I would highly recommend this trip, it was great fun and very insightful. Overall an absolutely fantastic adventure.
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