Joe_Schmeaux wrote on Nov 5^th, 2011 at 11:43pm:

intrepid_camper wrote on Nov 5th, 2011 at 3:15pm: I should qualify my statement and say I would NEVER consider confronting a Grizzly or Polar bear with sticks and stones.  In fact, I would NEVER go camping where those kinds of bears exist.   :o Your decision, of course, but imo the Canadian Rockies is one of the most beautiful places on earth, certainly the equal of BW/Q. There are grizzlies here, and occasionally attacks and fatalities, but if you follow common sense precautions as discussed above, the risks are quite small. Sure hope you reconsider! :D

I'd have to agree.  I've hiked/backpacked the Rockies from as far north as Idaho and as far south as southwestern New Mexico.  Of course, you don't get grizzles over that entire span (mostly the northern 1/2) but black bears are very common all the way to New Mexico.

... AND, there is a lot of beautiful country in there!

dd