Since time beyond the reach of memory, the homelands of the Ktunaxa People were ruled by spirit animals. Today the Ktunaxa nation protects their homelands and have a deep spiritual connection to the animal world and to the grizzly bear.
Qat’muk is a very special place where the Grizzly Bear Spirit was born, goes to heal itself, and returns to the spirit world. The Grizzly Bear Spirit is an important source of guidance, strength, protection and spirituality for the Ktunaxa. Qat’muk’s importance for the Grizzly Bear Spirit is inextricably interlinked with its importance for living grizzly bears, now and in the future.
Ensuring the longevity and security of wildlife populations in the Kootenays is crucial – as it points towards a robust ecosystem. Working collectively, we strive to safeguard these habitats, while ensuring the survival and prosperity of these remarkable animals for future generations.
Let us respect the beauty of nature, and remember, a responsible visit ensures a happy habitat. Preserve the harmony with nature, by kindly adhering to these wildlife viewing tips.
TOP 10 WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS
Tip 1 – Book a tour with our knowledgeable guides, who are committed to promoting responsible wildlife viewing practices.
Tip 2 – Do not approach wildlife. Stay 30-metres (3 bus lengths) away from elk, bighorn sheep & mountain goat and 100-metres (10 bus lengths) away from moose, grizzly and black bears.
Tip 3 – Do not feed wildlife.
Tip 4 – Reduce your speed when travelling through the Kootenays, watch for highway signs of high impact areas and slow down and stop if wildlife is crossing the highway.
Tip 5 – Remain in your vehicle when viewing wildlife from the road (use a telephoto lens to get that ‘perfect’ picture) and quickly continue on your way.
Tip 6 – Stay on designated trails – unofficial trails are often used by wildlife. Keep your pets on a leash. And ensure your vehicles, trailers, boats, bikes and boots/shoes are cleaned, drained and dried before and after visiting an area.
Tip 7 – Wildlife can be anywhere and at any time. Make noise – sing and talk loudly when out exploring (and carry bear spray).
Tip 8 – Keep your campsite clean by keeping all attractants in your vehicle – coolers are not bear proof and even dishwater and dog food will attract an animal.
Tip 9 – Do not interfere with mating, predation or other natural behaviours.
Tip 10 – Pack out all your waste and dispose of it into designated wildlife-proof garbage containers.
GUIDED WILDLIFE VIEWING EXPERIENCES
Spend a couple of hours paddling the Columbia River Wetlands while learning about David Thompson and the local history with Columbia River Paddle in Invermere. You will discover facts about the river and wetlands, local birds, fish, reptiles and animal life in the pristine beauty of the Columbia Valley Wetlands. Two departures weekly during the summer months.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is home to the world’s largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat in Golden. The Grizzly Bear Refuge is where resident orphaned grizzly bear ‘Boo’ lives and plays. Visitors are given the opportunity, as part of a one-of-a-kind interpretive tour, to view a grizzly bear interacting much as they do in the wild; foraging, hunting, playing, swimming, snoozing and exploring. The Interpretive Centre is open daily during the summer months.
Summer at Kokanee Creek Nature Centre begins each May, at the Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, located between Nelson and Balfour. Their daily enriching programs are perfect for the curious family and not to missed. Save the date for the exclusive early-August-to-late-September Kokanee Salmon Spawning Channel viewing spectacle. Learn more about these incredible ‘red fish’ as they swim up-stream to spawn and complete their life cycle.
Explore the wetland at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre in the Creston Valley. They offers a variety of guided tours from May to October. Join a Naturalist for a ~1 hour guided canoe tour & experience the sights and sounds of the wetland. Paddle the ponds and channels in search of wildlife – you never know what you might encounter. And/or join a Naturalist for the Boardwalk Loop Trail (~1km) Loop and learn more about the wetland and wildlife that live here.
The Kootenay Trout Hatchery rears up to 3 million baby trout each year to enhance recreational fishing opportunities. The species raised here are Rainbow, Cutthroat trout, Brook Char and Kokanee to enhance recreational fishing opportunities. In addition, the red-listed White Sturgeon are raised here for conservation purposes. A tour guide is on hand daily from May through August. An extensive interpretive area with aquaria, educational models, displays and a turtle pond is open every day from 8am to 4pm for self-guided tours.
Playwest Mountain Experiences in the Columbia Valley (Invermere), offers an easy walk/hike on the western bluffs of the Columbia River just north of it’s true headwaters. The mighty Columbia River is the resting and nesting grounds of countless species of birds. You may also spot elk, rocky mountain sheep, turtles and more. This guided ‘Wild Wetlands Adventures’ is ideal for young explorers as well. Join them for an informative and interesting glimpse at one of the most ecologically diverse and important ecosystems in the region.
The Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch offers an educational buffalo tour daily from mid-May to mid-October. Here you will meet Chester Junior, the 2,200 pound buffalo. Learn first hand about these amazing creatures & their history in this land. Watch owner/operator Leo demonstrate native fire building techniques, check out his collection of curiosities from the land, explore the ranch and its unique surroundings.
Enjoy the wilderness in a spectacular setting at the Wild Bear Lodge (near Kaslo). Each year, the owner takes in a small number of guests who come to experience the stunning British Columbia valley, its flora & fauna, and the beautiful natural surrounding mountains. Excellent spring wildlife viewing with the opportunity to see some of the mountainous creatures such as bears, elk, coyote, porcupine, beaver, and occasionally a wolf or large cat (cougar). Experience grizzly bears in their natural habitats feasting on salmon during the run-off in the fall – these expertly-guided grizzly bear viewing tours and river floats are a must in the autumn.
Join us as we explore the majestic Columbia River Valley at the annual Wings over the Rockies event (happening May 5-11, 2025), in the picturesque mountain town of Invermere, BC. Let’s explore the beauty of the great outdoors together; guided treks and paddles are part of the week-long adventure, as are wildlife & nature presentations.
Recognizing the impact on the wildlife in the Kootenays, through conservation by many organization, provincial & natural partners strive to have project the region’s animals. As we venture into this natural haven, remember, it is not just a wetland, a trail, a mountain, a river/lake – it’s “home” to birds, reptiles/fish and mammals whose well-being depends on our respect for their environment.
