British Columbia’s coastline is a stunning labyrinth of beautiful places… countless fjords and bays, each containing hidden stories and spectacular wildlife. On this day Chris and I joined a friend cruising one of these remote nameless fjords, for a day of wildlife viewing. The scenery was breathtaking, we felt small and insignificant amidst towering snowcapped mountain ranges… the freshness of salt air in this wilderness sanctuary was invigorating. A more perfect day couldn’t be imagined… sunny, warm, and waters so calm they reflected the fjords green scenery… simply a remarkable day to reconnect with nature.

Spotting a Grizzly Bear in wild places is an unforgettable wonderful experience to many, and British Columbia’s coastal rainforests  and rugged mountains are a well-known habitat for diverse variety of wildlife. We were hoping to photograph grizzlies in natural remote surroundings uninfluenced by human activity. We could never have imagined a day filled with a chance sighting of a white grizzly; a rare colour phenomenon that inspires awe and curiosity. Yet on this inspiring day we had the good fortune to encounter a magnificent white grizzly in a setting embraced by the fjord’s spectacular beauty, a sighting elevating our day of exploration to an amazing once-in-a-lifetime event. Such a moment would thrill any nature lover, sparking stories that ripple through local communities, coffee shops, and scientific circles alike. The rarity of seeing a white Grizzly Bear can scarcely be overstated.

Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) typically range in hues of brown, from deep chocolate to cinnamon. But a pale or white coat is seldom seen and thought to be a genetic anomaly, possibly due to a recessive gene. Even the face of this huge powerful omnivore was white!

The white Grizzly is not to be confused with the famed Spirit Bear or Kermode Bear that is actually a subspecies of the black bear. It too has a creamy white coat similar to today’s grizzly encounter. Apparently, there are fewer than 400 white-coloured Kermode bears in an area from Southeast Alaska southwards to the northern tip of Vancouver Island; about 120 inhabit the large Princess and Prince Royal Islands of the Great Bear Rainforest. The appearance of our white grizzly is not tied to this specific population, and his dramatic colour departure from the norm is a subject of interest to those who study Grizzly Bears: academics and the public alike. For Chris and I, the good fortune of encountering a ghostly grizzly brought about an excitement neither of us could easily contain. We sat awestruck in a silence that was palpable. Such a unique wild sighting is something most only dream of… we knew instantly this memory would be cherished for years to come. The bear’s silhouette glowed against the multitude of barnacled and seaweed covered rocks bordering a lush green rainforest backdrop; it was surreal, an almost mythical scene. I was reminded of legends and folklore of strange wildlife sightings. 

I recalled reading about Lewis and Clark 1800’s reference to seeing “white” Grizzly Bears in the Columbia River region. Indeed, photographs and videos of chance sightings of such rare animals circulate online, white moose, white deer, and white black bear are posted by those eager to learn more about the their origins and behaviour. For us today, the short ten-minute visit with this phenomenal bear felt like stumbling into a storybook world, where nature’s mysteries unfold in unexpected ways. The unusual bear colour offered us valuable insights into the genetic diversity of unusually pigmented animal populations in the province. Researchers are keen to study these individuals to better understand genetic traits that produce unique colouring. The excitement among biologists is matched by a community urgency to continue protecting these rare and endangered animals, ensuring that their unusual genes traits persist in the wild. Such discoveries fuel further environmental conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving BC’s pristine wilderness to protect the remarkable creatures that inhabit such places, for our children’s children to enjoy. 

Local Indigenous communities, and many outdoor enthusiasts, like my family, have a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land and its wildlife. They interpret the appearance of white animals as a powerful symbol denoting the grandeur of the Wild Kingdom. These rare animals are seen as messengers or bearers of special meaning. Indeed, our excitement generated by today’s sighting weaves into the broader story of responsible stewardship and respect for the land. Our good fortune of today symbolizes the interconnectedness of all living things, enriching the significance of our bear encounter far beyond the scientific rarity.

Ultimately, the discovery of a white Grizzly Bear at this remote, nameless BC coast location is both an amazing wonder of the natural world, and a thrill of encountering the unexpected in the Wild Kingdom!  Our adventure serves as a vivid reminder that the wilderness still holds secrets, waiting to be uncovered by those willing to explore with open eyes and open hearts. Whether viewed through the lens of our camera, science, or culture, a white grizzly sighting is an event that filled us with a profound sense of humility, strengthening our connection to Mother Nature in ways words can barely express. In those exciting moments, the forest itself was sharing a secret, reminding us that every living thing is deeply intertwined within the larger tapestry of life. The awe and gratitude of the day continued long after the bear disappeared into the woods. For Chris and I, the beauty of nature strengthens a desire to protect these wild spaces and their secrets for generations to come.

Safe travels,

Gord