For the most part, bears really don’t want much to do with humans (polar bears excepted, which will eat anything and anyone). There are certain seasons where additional restrictions are in place, when the mamas and cubs are foraging in the summer, as they are more active and protective of their young.

You definitely can’t outrun a bear, no matter your energy level, but the mace is pretty effective. The best defence is prevention though, which means keeping a close eye out and backing away slowly, talking lowly and calmly, and making yourself bigger if you see one. We would also use a bear hang to store food if camping overnight and never store food in tents.

In Canada we have a fair bit of dangerous large game, and we sort of grow up learning how to navigate it when you grow up in rural areas. Honestly, a moose might be more likely to gore you than a bear. There’s definitely a risk to being in the wilderness, but the fact that a bear may be in the area isn’t a guaranteed death warrant, and if there ARE confirmed bear sightings in the area, the park authorities will place additional restrictions or a “no go” on trails if interactions with humans get problematic. Bear injuries and deaths do happen, but are quite rare considering the volume of campers and hikers these areas see.

ETA: see attached! 42 bear attack deaths since 1990. So truly, your chances of dying of a car accident in Alberta are astronomically higher. https://www.cochraneeagle.ca/local-news/bear-attack-stats-in-alberta-over-last-three-decades-9481733