Although brown bears ca be seen almost everywhere on Admiralty Island, Seymour Canal is the best place to spot them. At the 60,000-acre Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary on Pack Creek, 30 or so bears regularly fish for salmon or graze in the timber or tidewater marshes. Protected since 1930, these grizzlies pay little attention to people, and no one has ever been injured at the sanctuary.

Nearby Swan Cove and Windfall Harbour also offer excellent bear-viewing opportunities. Morning and evening are the best times to watch the bears.

Paddlers from Juneau can reach the head of the Seymour Canal courtesy of the tram located at the head of Oliver Inlet, 14 to 18 water miles from town. Load your kayak or small boat on the tram for the 1-mile overland jaunt. That way, you will save yourself a long paddle down blustery Stephens Passage to the mouth of the canal.