Hello all...

[cls]

Welcome to AH sir.
May I suggest this one for Bears! 500 S&W Magnum. Great stopping power.

Sorry but next to impossible to acquire a permit to carry a restricted firearm(handgun) for protection in Canada. I would suggest you continue using a short barrelled slug gun, that is what most of the bear guides here in Alberta use for backup.
Welcome to AH

 

[Paolo Mauritania]

Welcome aboard

 

[Cam Moon]

Welcome to AH! I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I do. It's great hearing of other people's experiences and sharing in a common passion!
I second what @cls said as far as a handgun in Canada. It seems we as Canadian 'sheeple' are not able to easily carry such a thing.
Enjoy your time here and hopefully you'll connect with some wonderful fellow hunters and outdoors men!