An autumn Grizzly in the Banff National Park
On the weekend, I found a Grizzly bear traversing along the edge of the Bow Valley Parkway near the southeast entrance. The bear, a female with the tag #148 (I think), I could see where she had been digging up roots but when I saw her she was already on the move.
She crossed the road between a couple of parked cars and then disappeared into the trees. I played a hunch and drove a kilometre down the road and waited hoping she might continue in that direction. A little while later, she came down the road and scrambled up onto this rock shelf above the road.
That offered a great view of this beautiful creature and I was able to create some solid imagery when she paused to decide on her next route.
Leaving the rocks, she crossed a grassy meadow and then walked through the open forest for a few hundred metres. I loved watching her walk through the trees – at this time of the year her coat blends in with the autumn foliage.
She then crossed the road again and shuffled down the hillside. Out of sight again and this time she did not return. I saw a video of her fishing earlier this summer so maybe she went down to the river for that!
Christopher Martin Photography 
I know that bears are dangerous; but usually just fine when left alone. But he is beautiful and I would love to just cuddle. Him having his tongue stuck out doesn’t help my delusion very much either. Your photos are phenomenal.
September 24, 2016 at 6:03 am
Excellent photos. I consider grizzlies the true mark of wilderness and always love seeing them in the wild… and no better place than the Canadian Rockies. Thanks for sharing!
April 25, 2016 at 9:27 pm
Thanks Mike – it is magical spending time in their presence.
April 25, 2016 at 11:22 pm
Great photos capturing a memorable experience. I’m loving your work! Great to see you out with the kids, too inspiring the next generation to connect with the world around them.
November 6, 2015 at 9:11 am
Thank you for your very kind words David. When my kids choose to come out with me, I feel like I am the one who gets inspired. In truth the sharing is probably closer to equal but it’s hard to keep track when we’re just busy being and doing… together.
November 8, 2015 at 11:04 pm
More amazing pictures!! Thanks for sharing!
October 27, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Wow! Thanks for sharing!
October 27, 2015 at 9:05 am
That rock worked really work for that beautiful creature.
October 27, 2015 at 8:05 am
Amazing pictures! I’ve never seen a grizzly, somehow I’d like to, but one the other hand I’m a bit scared of this idea…
October 27, 2015 at 2:46 am
Have been to phenomenal Banff and seen bears–not sure what sort, but we thought black bears–gorging on berries at roadside. Stunning. And your pictures, also, as ever.
October 27, 2015 at 1:21 am
She is massive. Interesting to see the differences between your Grizzlies and ours in the Lardeau Valley. Feel free to come see ours.
October 26, 2015 at 9:11 pm
She is a beauty. Glad you saw and captured these images to share with us.
October 26, 2015 at 8:54 pm
What a beauty! Lucky you were so get this moment.
October 26, 2015 at 8:31 pm
They certainly are beautiful animals. I saw grizzly at Yellowstone and they were fascinating to watch. (Suzanne)
October 26, 2015 at 7:35 pm
WOW…!!! Fantastic this photo..!!! Congratulation..!!!
October 26, 2015 at 6:56 pm
Thank you so much Francisco!
October 26, 2015 at 7:51 pm
You’re welcome Christopher..!!!
October 26, 2015 at 7:58 pm
Beautiful healthy female. Maybe Cubs next spring
October 26, 2015 at 6:25 pm
Agreed – let’s hope!
October 26, 2015 at 7:51 pm