There are some great trails in GNP of Canada -- but the website says that you need to hike in groups of four or more because of the bears. So my question is this -- is it hard to find other folks to hike with? I am concerned that we are slower than most folks -- we stop a lot to take pictures. We average about a mile and a half an hour with full packs -- about two kilometers. That includes stops and resting and so forth. When we are actually walking, we go about two miles an hour.What happens when the other couple gets sick of dawdling along at our pace and takes off up the trail? Or they decide to turn back out of sheer boredom?If you've had experience with this "group hiking" rule, how did it work out for you?Thanks in advance for your tips and tricks. Maybe if we offer to provide lunch to our companions . . . .

My wife and I hiked in Glacier a few years back on 4-5 trails by ourselves. Apparently there has never been a bear attack on any group 4 or larger in the park. That is why the recommendation is to hike in that size group. While hiking alone, we didn't have an issue. Most trails have numerous people on them. We carried bear spray (highly recommended) and made noise as we approached blind curves on the trail. You can "hook on" to another small group by asking if they mind if you hike with them. If you stop, just look for another group. Don't let your fear of a bear attack keep you from doing what you want!

Bear bangers, spray, and proactively making noise so as not to surprise the bear will generally keep you safe. A larger group will also be a deterrent, but as long as I had the other preparations mentioned, and a hiking partner who was also prepared to use them, I wouldn't worry much about it. In the off chance you encounter a grizzly which is particularly aggressive, it's going to be a bad day no matter what.

linnemj wrote:.....We carried bear spray (highly recommended) and made noise as we approached blind curves on the trail.......I've heard it's easy to tell the difference between black bear and grizzly bear poop. Grizzly poop has a distinct peppery smell and contains pieces of noise-makers, like whistles.:)

profdant139 wrote: I am concerned that we are slower than most folks -- we stop a lot to take pictures. When it comes to bears you don't necessarily need to be fast......Just a little faster than the person beside you...... :W

Do you mean Waterton National Park?

Glacier Nat Park of Canada, bears, and group hiking

23 Replies

phillyg
Explorer II
Apr 05, 2017
linnemj wrote:
.....We carried bear spray (highly recommended) and made noise as we approached blind curves on the trail.......

I've heard it's easy to tell the difference between black bear and grizzly bear poop. Grizzly poop has a distinct peppery smell and contains pieces of noise-makers, like whistles.:)
whatimmadoboutm
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
Bear bangers, spray, and proactively making noise so as not to surprise the bear will generally keep you safe. A larger group will also be a deterrent, but as long as I had the other preparations mentioned, and a hiking partner who was also prepared to use them, I wouldn't worry much about it. In the off chance you encounter a grizzly which is particularly aggressive, it's going to be a bad day no matter what.
linnemj
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
My wife and I hiked in Glacier a few years back on 4-5 trails by ourselves. Apparently there has never been a bear attack on any group 4 or larger in the park. That is why the recommendation is to hike in that size group. While hiking alone, we didn't have an issue. Most trails have numerous people on them. We carried bear spray (highly recommended) and made noise as we approached blind curves on the trail. You can "hook on" to another small group by asking if they mind if you hike with them. If you stop, just look for another group. Don't let your fear of a bear attack keep you from doing what you want!

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Glacier Nat Park of Canada, bears, and group hiking

23 Replies

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