British Columbia

More specifically, Vancouver Island, B.C.  There is no doubt that this is the best area for black bears anywhere, any time. 

I like the idea of going on a spring bear hunt up in Canada sometime since it would not cuase me to miss my normal fall hunting down here in Colorado. Thanks for the advice guys.

Agree with Vancouver Island specifically, BC in general.

What do you base that on? I would say Sask, Alberta, B.C.

Size and numbers. Alberta has huge bears. So does Sask, Man Ont and Que. But Van Island has more and bigger bears due to better food supplies and gentler climate; they're better fed from the salmon runs, berries and roots etc they just get bigger. Add in the vastness of the BC interior (where the bears admittedly aren't any bigger than anywhere else) and in my opinion its the go-to destination for trophy Black Bear in Canada.

Alberta is becoming crowded. Sask/Man aren't as crowded but just don't have the size. Numbers, sure but nowhere near the same chance at a trophy.

Ontario probably has the most value vs opportunity for non-res to get " a bear" since the reduction of moose tags has made many outfitters concentrate on that side of their business (rather than just dumping some grease out). Quebec has excellent opportunity but the regs are confusing...and the question was specifically in Western Canada.

I agree that BC has great black bear hunting, but you will pay a good price for them as well, including the costal black bear on Vancover Island. I know an Outfitter in Manitoba who produces some great black bear at a good price as well. PM if you are interested.

The biggest black bears I have seen are on Vancouver Island , British Columbia. The next trip out for them is when the new 358 Ruger will be going along for the hunt. The Barnes X 225 grain bullet shows over 2500 fps on the chronograph, this is more than sufficient to stop the big blackies on the Island.

SCI recognized coastal Bears seperately from inland now in part to consistantly larger skull sizes.  Your best bet is going to be Vancouver Island, but don't rule out anything in moderately hunted areas along the coast.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba have enormous bodied Black Bears.  I've seen some monsters north of Big River, Saskatchewan where I deer hunt.  You cannot hunt in the Prince Albert Park and the areas bordering the park are noted for holding some big old boars.

Your question refers to Western Canada, but many feel the next group of World Record challenging Black Bears is going to come from Newfoundland.  They have become extremely carnivorous and are doing a number on argueably the worlds most beautiful Caribou Herd.

Good Luck.  Spot and stalk or Bait, its a great way to spend the spring especially combined with a Turkey Hunt.  Attached is a picture of an old spring boar I shot inland in British Columbia.

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as far as the best province to hunt black bears that depends on how you want to hunt them.  if its bait, saskatchewan, but if its a road hunt on old burns and cutblocks then BC (there is also a chance of a fly in hunt for a more wilderness adventure too).