American hunters find spring bear hunts in Canada and Alaska among the more affordable fly-in or coastal big-game options, with seasons typically running from April into June. Outfitters report high success rates, though top camps book more than a year in advance and rules on guides, baiting, and paperwork vary by province and state.

British Columbia allows only black bear hunting after closing its grizzly season in December 2017 and prohibits baiting, while Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba permit baited hunts. Nonresidents generally must use licensed outfitters for big game in Canadian provinces.

Alaska requires guides for brown and grizzly bears but not for black bears, and U.S. hunters may bring non-restricted rifles and shotguns into Canada after completing required declarations.