Frans,
I was told that one can see from 2-4 bears a day just spotting and stalking the meadows and salmon streams. Now I don't know if that was from a boat or not. I'm looking for a budget sort of trip and from what I've seen of those coastal yachts, they're pretty 5-star. I can always "go shopping" at the convention in Reno but was hoping that I could get some advance advice here.

If you are looking for a truly large black bear look at Vancouver Island, off the west coast of BC, which has some of the highest numbers of very large black bears in the world.

The BC interior also has some very large, up to 7 1/2 feet squared, black bears as well. While not as plentiful as the Island bears we are blessed with a large number of colour-phased bears, something not seen on the Island. In some areas you could see more reds and blonds than you do blacks.

ANY guide with his beans should be able to put you onto a spring bear. As with any transaction though ask for references and follow up on them.

Here's a couple of sites that might get you started



NORTH ISLAND GUIDE OUTFITTERS





Coastal Inlet Adventures

Try Prophet Muskwa Outfitters in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Big bears! Lots of them!