Grizzly Bear Refuge KHMR
Meet Boo, North America's largest grizzly bear, in his 20-acre refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. An unforgettable wildlife encounter!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance to see Boo active
Grizzly Bear Refuge KHMR
Best Time
Best chance to see Boo active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Meet Boo, North America's largest grizzly bear, in his 20-acre refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. An unforgettable wildlife encounter!
"One of the coolest experiences, getting to see Boo so close and learn from amazing, knowledgeable guides!"
🎯 Book Ranger Assist Program
Highly recommended for an intimate experience with Boo and knowledgeable guides. Book in advance!
🦟 Bring Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent at higher elevations. Don't forget it!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 124 reviews
Type
Ski Resort
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boo's Grizzly Bear Refuge
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Witness North America's largest grizzly bear refuge and meet Boo, a rescued grizzly. An unforgettable close encounter!
Ranger Assist Program
Grizzly Bear Refuge
Engage with knowledgeable rangers, make enrichment toys for Boo, and witness his feeding time up close. Highly recommended!
Chairlift Ride & Mountain Views
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Ascend the mountain via chairlift for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Golden area. A scenic journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Boo Sightings
Prepare for Mountain Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ranger Assist Program
Highly recommended for an intimate experience with Boo and knowledgeable guides. Book in advance! +1
🦟 Bring Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent at higher elevations. Don't forget it!
🎟️ Exchange Online Tickets
Your online booking must be exchanged for paper tickets at reception before boarding the chairlift.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather can change quickly. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ranger Assist Program
Highly recommended for an intimate experience with Boo and knowledgeable guides. Book in advance! +1
🦟 Bring Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent at higher elevations. Don't forget it!
🎟️ Exchange Online Tickets
Your online booking must be exchanged for paper tickets at reception before boarding the chairlift.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather can change quickly. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer.
📸 Camera Ready
Boo can appear suddenly! Have your camera or phone ready for those incredible close-up shots. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredible experience of seeing Boo the grizzly bear up close, often highlighting the informative and passionate rangers. The Ranger Assist Program is a standout, offering an interactive and memorable encounter. While the chairlift ride offers great views, some note the resort feels quieter in summer and advise bringing bug spray.
"This was a great thing to do in Golden and I would recommend it. I've never seen a bear so up close before. Boo the bear was very close to the fence and the guide was informative. We had to take the ski lift up to see Boo which might be a bit scary if it's your first time, but the views were great. There were lots of bugs up there so I would recommend you bring bug spray."
Ja Stepha
"We never intended to visit this place on our trip but after 10 days in the area and no wild bear sightings we thought we'd visit Boo. The reviews of the resort say it's more of a winter place, and I'd agree, it was weirdly quiet and the gondola isn't running, however the chair lift is still running to the bear enclosure. Boo's story is very sad but he has a wonderful 20 acre enclosure half way up the very lovely mountain and everything he could need. A wild bear had apparently visited him just a few days before and the whole place had been closed while they tried to find it! We arrived around 10.30ish and took the chair lift up (worth noting that your online tickets have to be exchanged for paper tickets at reception. It didn't say this anywhere, and we had to trudge back to reception from the chair lift!). A talk had just finished and Boo had been visible but we were told he'd gone for a nap and could be sleeping for a couple of hours. Dissapointed, we looked at the info and asked a few questions before heading to the yurt to read his story. Then someone shouted "Boo's out!" Everyone scuttled out, cameras at the ready. He took his time, casually munching his way through some bushes before walking past. A few mins later he came right to the fence and showed off his amazing girth and claws before heading back into the trees. It was awesome! Thanks Boo!"
Andrea Cadmore
"Without a doubt one of the coolest experiences. We did the Ranger Assist Program at 3 in the afternoon and got to make toys for Boo and watch him get the food out of them. He was so close to us. The guides were absolutely amazing—so knowledgeable and friendly. You can tell they love what they do and are very educated about it. I would give this place more stars if I could. We will definitely be back!"
Tracey Wylde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grizzly Bear Refuge is located at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, BC. You'll need to take the chairlift up the mountain to access the refuge. The resort is accessible by car from Golden.
The refuge is primarily a summer attraction, with the chairlift operating to access Boo's enclosure. It's best to check the resort's operating schedule for specific dates and times.
From Golden, BC, take Highway 1 East for approximately 15 minutes. Turn right onto Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Road and follow the signs to the resort base.
No, access to Boo's enclosure requires taking the chairlift up the mountain. The refuge is situated halfway up the resort.
Yes, ample parking is available at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission typically includes the chairlift ride to the refuge. Prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website for current rates and package deals. The Ranger Assist Program has a separate fee.
You can purchase tickets online through the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website or at the adventure center/reception upon arrival. Remember to exchange online tickets for paper ones at reception.
Yes, guided tours and the Ranger Assist Program are highly recommended. These offer in-depth information about Boo and grizzly bears, and often include feeding demonstrations.
Operating hours vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website for the most up-to-date schedule, especially regarding chairlift operation and tour times.
While Boo may be visible from the refuge area, booking a guided tour or the Ranger Assist Program significantly increases your chances of seeing him up close and learning about his story. +1
🎫 🐻 Onsite Experience
It's a large, naturalistic enclosure spanning 20 acres, designed to mimic Boo's natural habitat. It's located halfway up the mountain, offering a unique setting for the bear.
While Boo is a resident, he is a wild animal and has his own schedule. Morning and late afternoon tours, or the Ranger Assist Program, offer the best chances. Sometimes he naps! +1
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. Bring a rain jacket as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Bug spray is also highly recommended.
The chairlift offers stunning views but can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights. Take your time and focus on the scenery.
This program allows you to help prepare enrichment activities for Boo and observe him during feeding time. It's an incredibly interactive and educational experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning and late afternoon light can be beautiful. The Ranger Assist Program often provides opportunities for close-up shots during feeding.
Yes, a telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture clear, detailed shots of Boo from the viewing areas.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of your surroundings and follow any instructions from the refuge staff. Avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals.
You can capture Boo in his habitat, interacting with enrichment items, eating, and sometimes very close to the viewing fence. The mountain scenery also provides great photo opportunities.
Yes, even in the rain, Boo can be active. The refuge has canopies and umbrellas, and the dramatic weather can add a unique atmosphere to your photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit