Written by Alain Lagacé
Take part in this viewing tour to witness the largest terrestrial carnivore on the planet feeding on fish. It is here, on the edge of the Arctic Quebec-Labrador Peninsula, that you will witness the unique behavior of the fishing polar bear.
The peninsula's geographic isolation and the abundance of rivers where thousands of Arctic char migrate have fostered specific behavioral and physical adaptations within the local polar bear (Ursus maritimus) population.
At the end of the short Arctic summer, when river water levels are ideal for salmonid migration, the bears gather to feed in abundance. They use techniques such as running and diving to catch the fish. The most skilled bears are often the females with their cubs. They possess an unerring technique and unwavering patience. They position themselves in narrow, shallow sections of rivers, observing the slightest movement on the water's surface. As soon as a tail or fin appears or makes the smallest splash, they switch into predator mode. With a stealthy step and heads down, they focus on their prey, just as they do when hunting seal pups on the ice floes, and with a leap, they immobilize it with their full weight.
When the Arctic char run is in full swing, this method of catching fish can be observed more than a dozen times by a single bear in a single day. When a bear is well-fed and has a plump belly, a nap is guaranteed for the next few days. Soon, other bears are strategically positioning themselves to take advantage of this feeding frenzy. This is when you can observe social structures and dominance hierarchies through displays of aggressive growling or fights.
This trip to the northeast end of North America promises spectacular photos and unforgettable memories of the unique behavior of the fishing polar bears of the Arctic Quebec-Labrador.
Contact us for the latest availability in 2025.
Photo credit: Fabrice Simon
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Alain Lagacé – alain@goldenpeninsulatours.com