Carry it accessible
Use a belt or chest holster, not your backpack. In a surprise encounter, seconds matter.
Jasper Safety
Bear Spray Guide for Jasper Visitors
Bear country is beautiful, but visitors need to know how to avoid encounters and how to carry bear spray properly.
Bear Spray Safety
Carry it. Reach it. Know how to use it.
Bear spray is a last-resort deterrent for aggressive close encounters. The main goal is always to avoid surprising or approaching bears in the first place.
Know the wind
Wind, rain, cold, spray distance, product shelf life, and improper use can reduce effectiveness.
Last resort only
Bear spray is not a force field and should not be sprayed on tents, gear, people, or as a preventative scent.
How to use bear spray in an emergency
- Stay calm. Do not run.
- Bring your group together and prepare to leave slowly.
- Remove the safety clip and keep the nozzle pointed away from you.
- Check wind direction if you have time.
- If the bear continues to approach aggressively at close range, aim slightly downward toward the bear’s face/path.
- Fire short bursts to create a cloud between you and the bear.
- When the bear retreats or the encounter breaks, leave the area without running.
Always follow the manufacturer instructions on your specific canister and take a proper bear spray training/demo course when possible.
Before hitting the trail
- Check the expiry date before every trip.
- Practice removing the safety clip with an inert/training can if possible.
- Make noise in dense vegetation, near streams, and around blind corners.
- Travel in groups and keep children close.
- Never feed wildlife or leave food/garbage accessible.
- Report aggressive encounters to Parks Canada Dispatch: 780-852-6155.
Official Links
Parks Canada and Alberta bear spray resources.
Use official safety pages for the most current and detailed instructions.
Parks Canada Bear SprayWhat bear spray is, what to buy, and how to carry it.
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Safe Travel in Bear CountryParks Canada advice for avoiding and handling bear encounters.
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Jasper Wildlife SafetyJasper-specific wildlife safety and reporting information.
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Trail Safety & EtiquetteJasper trail guidance including bear spray and mountain safety.
↗Alberta Bear Spray GuidanceProvincial guidance on using bear spray and deterrents.
↗Practise before the trail
Learn from an official demonstration.
Bear spray must be legal, unexpired, accessible and carried outside your pack. Review Parks Canada guidance and ask a qualified local retailer or guide to explain safe handling before entering bear country.
Read Parks Canada bear safety