I have also had several encounters of my own with bears, especially when I was working full time in the bush in my younger days. I had several opportunities to observe the behaviour of bears at uncomfortably close quarters, and I have a healthy respect for them. I offer what information I have below, and I hope my advice is as accurate as possible. You will no doubt read all sorts of contradictory advice on how to deal with bears. There is a lot of misinformation out there.
Bears are statistically the most dangerous animals in Canada.
They are an extremely unpredictable animal. They can be found, even within a few Kilometres of the city. Unpleasant Bear encounters are quite common, considering the number of people in the woods, and there are usually one or two fatalities or maulings a year. In fact, I can't recall a year when there has not been at least one fatality in BC or Alberta due to a bear. If you have ever seen a picture of a Bear mauling victim, it is not a pretty sight.