Bear spray is one of the most effective means of deterring an aggressive bear. 

A study of bear encounters in Alaska over a 20-year period shows that bear spray can have up to a 98-percent success rate at stopping bear attacks. 

While it’s hotly debated, some argue that it’s even more effective than carrying a gun.

And it’s only about $45 USD. 

So, should you buy bear spray when going to Banff National Park? 

At first, we questioned it too. 

Do we really need to spend the money?

What are the chances of actually seeing a bear? 

We went back and forth on it until about a half dozen people told us that it was a necessity if we planned on going to Jasper, which we did. 

Every time we mentioned Jasper to somebody, the entire conversation changed. 

Walking into the visitor center in Banff, the rangers at the desk mulled it back and forth when talking about Banff. 

There was no hesitation when talking about Jasper. 

I remember one woman’s facial expression in particular. 

I was asking her about bears and the likelihood of seeing one. She’d lived there her entire life and never had a negative encounter with a bear. Though, she’s definitely see them. 

We mentioned that we’d be going to Jasper. 

Her eyes grew wide, her cheeks turned pink. Her smile faded.

She looked me in the eye.

“You definitely want bear spray,” she said. 

A casual conversation about the mere possibility of seeing a bear around Banff turned into a parental seriousness at the certainty of seeing a grizzly in Jasper. 

Why? There are more bears in Jasper.

If you’re still mulling it over, consider this rationale. 

It’s better to have it and not use it, rather than be without and need it.

Hopefully you’re convinced. 

Once you get your hands on some bear spray, learn how to use it and know what to do if you see a bear. It was one of the first topics I covered when I got to the visitor center.

How to Use Bear Spray

Warning: Bear spray is no joke. It’s potent. It’s enough to stop a frickin’ grizzly bear. It’s not something to be played with, messed around with, or twirled around your finger like a cowboy in the wild west. 

It’s a weapon. 

It’s serious business. 

So how do you use bear spray? 

It’s actually pretty simple. 

When you buy it, there will likely be a zip tie holding the safety in place. You’ll have to remove that before heading out. But before that, familiarize yourself with the canister. 

The main features of a bear spray canister are the safety tab, the trigger, and the point out of which fiery pepper spray launches. 

Consider investing in a holster that can be worn on your hip too. It’s best to have bear spray readily accessible while in bear country.

Don’t stow it inside of a backpack. 

That’s not a good idea.

In the event you meet a bear on the trail, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm. 

2. Hold the bear spray canister up and out, pointed toward the bear. 

3. Remove the safety tab.

4. Spray the bear when it reaches between 30 to 60 feet. 

5. If the bear doesn’t stop, neither should you. Keep spraying until it relents.

6. Get the heck out of dodge. 

Ideally, you wouldn’t have to use bear spray. But, it’s important to A) have it on you, and B) know how to use it in the event a bear goes berserk. 

Before spending time in bear country, it’s best to talk with experienced professionals about what to do in the event of seeing a bear. A good place to start would be the local visitor center in Banff, or a ranger station or trail center. 

Something that the rangers at the visitor center told me stuck out in particular:

Wildlife can be anywhere at any time.

That echoed in my head as I hiked up Tunnel Mountain, as we drove the Icefields Parkway and walked along Banff Avenue.

Keep your wits about you. 

Stay ready. 

But, mostly, enjoy it. 

Banff is a great place. 

What are your thoughts on bear spray? Have you ever used it? Let me know in the comments below.