If you are looking to have a beautiful wildlife encounter then look no further. Here at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (see rates) you will find Boo the Grizzly Bear. Just a short chairlift ride half way up the mountain lands you a two minute walk to the viewing area to feast your eyes on Boo.

While I initially thought this would be more of a zoo-type setting, I couldn’t have been more wrong. This grizzly enclosure is as natural as it can safely be. While this 20-acre designated area is surrounded by an enormous electric fence, it boasts everything a Grizzly could need and want in the wild. Boo hunts, plays, explores and even forages within his corridor. There is a steep mountainside for him to climb as well as a natural pond for him to bathe/cool off in. He also has made a natural den for hibernation. However, while he has made his own den, the resort has made him a man made one where he can be closely monitored throughout the winter just in case he runs into any troubles while sleeping the chilli days away.

Boo has been here for 20 years and I’m sure you are wondering how he ended up here. Well, his mom was poached by a hunter when Boo was entering his first winter, and as that was happening Boo and his brother quickly climbed a tree to flee. The two cubs were found and this refuge was built for them. Over the first winter both cubs built a den and bedded down for hibernation. Only Boo woke up though, his brother died through the winter due to a twisted bowel. This is the reason they decided to build a man made den for Boo, complete with cameras, so they could keep an eye on him monitoring him throughout his hibernation days.

Interpretive tours run every hour, on the hour, seven days a week, from 10 am to 3 pm. No tours are available at 1 pm because Boo is often napping or out of sight. grizzled bears are more active in the cooler mornings so we decided to go with the first tour of the day, 10 am. While the tour itself is one hour, you are welcome to stay longer observing as long as you like. There is a small interpretive centre you can tour through at the top of the chair lift as well. Once your experience is complete you jump back on the chairlift and head down the mountain.

Because this refuge is half way up the mountain it’s a good idea to be prepared with wind/rain jackets, bug spray and comfortable walking shoes. You are able to walk up and down the electric fence following along where Boo walks. You are asked to not bring any food with you as it could be tempting to Boo with his keen sense of smell.

This was an amazing experience. Our girls were very excited to see Boo so many times throughout the 1.5 hrs we were there.

There is also a guarantee. If you don’t see Boo on your visit, you can return for another free tour.

Once you are back in the village of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort you can grab a bite to eat and take in the awesome relaxed atmosphere this resort has to offer.

If you find yourself in the Golden, BC area, I would definitely check this out. It’s a very cool experience, and gives you much appreciation for these beautiful creatures.