When to arrive

We recommend arriving early in the day, as the bears are often most active at this time. While we cannot guarantee you will see a bear, visitors are encouraged to allow themselves time to explore our expansive grounds, learn about polar bears through the interactive displays in the Viewer's Building, and attend the educational talk presented by our animal care staff. 

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Our bears experience seasonal weather changes similar to that of their wild counterparts. In the heat of the summer, the bears are less active. They prefer to stay cool by sleeping in the air-conditioned holding building or resting in a shaded part of their enclosure. With the arrival of cooler weather in the fall, the bears tend to be more active, showing increased interactions with enrichment items and each other.

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Getting around

All pathways and buildings are wheelchair and stroller accessible, with hard gravel pathways connecting all areas of The Habitat. Private vehicles are not permitted within the grounds. Anyone requiring mobility assistance is encouraged to call ahead. 

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Feeding times

To ensure the bears' welfare, there are no set feeding times. The bears are fed on a variable schedule, which is dependent on their needs and preferences. They are typically fed between 2-5 times a day, so we encourage our guests to be patient and enjoy the other amenities we have to offer while waiting to view a feeding. 

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Kid's paddle pool - "Swim with the bear"

The kid's paddle pool is outdoors and is only open for the summer season. Weather permitting, it is set to re-open in mid-June 2024.

 

The kid's paddle pool allows guests the opportunity to cool off on a hot day, while being separated from the bears' pool by  thick sheet of glass. We cannot guarantee if or when a bear will swim in their adjoining pool, but we can guarantee a unique experience for the whole family. There is no additional fee to use the pool, it is covered in the cost of your admission. 

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Bear Talks

The animal care team hosts daily bear talks at the Viewer's Building, where they present information on our bears and the work we do, wild bears, climate change and what you can do to help. Please call ahead for the daily schedule, as this changes seasonally. 

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Other things to see

Adjacent to the Polar Bear Habitat is the Heritage Village, a walk through exhibit depicting life in Cochrane in the early 1900's. The Heritage Village is a great place to explore if the bears are out of sight at any point during your visit. 

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Whether you want to stop in when you arrive, on before you leave, the Vintage Snow Mobile Museum is located in the Welcome Centre. Featuring the largest collection of vintage snow mobiles in Ontario, this exhibit will delight anyone interested in this popular winter sport. 

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Dogs

For the safety and welfare of our bears and guests, dogs are not permitted within the grounds under any circumstances. We offer kennels within our Welcome Centre free of charge, and ask that you do not leave your dog in your vehicle during your visit. Those visitors with service dogs are strongly encouraged to call ahead. 

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