Bird Watching
Great blue heron, Tourism BC/Adrian Dorst photo
Bird watching is plentiful throughout all regions and seasons in British Columbia. Thanks to a large number of protected wildlife sanctuaries, British Columbia's position along the Pacific flyway, and an impressive national, provincial and municipal parks system, many species (including uncommon and endangered) visit areas of the province.
Birders can indulge in their passion all year round, but the best time to see the widest range of species is during spring and fall migrations. Take a bird watching tour to head out with an experienced guide that knows the area and where to find local bird species.
Bald eagles, great blue herons, pilated woodpeckers, golden eagles, snowy owls and trumpeter swans are just a few of the hundreds of species of birds that can be included on a birding checklist in British Columbia.
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Birdwatching Locations in British Columbia:
Vancouver Island: Scores of shorebirds near Tofino, bald eagles near Victoria, turkey vultures in Sooke, and trumpeter swans in the Comox Valley.
Vancouver Coast & Mountains: Home to Brackendale, the world's bald eagle capital; Boundary Bay, rated as the country's top "Important Bird Area;" thousands of snow geese along the Fraser River; and large heron colonies in Vancouver and Chilliwack.
Kootenay Rockies: The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area and the Columbia River wetlands are two great birding spots, with tundra swans, waterfowl, and nesting osprey.
Thompson Okanagan: More than 220 bird species have been sighted at Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary, one of many nature areas.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Rare American white pelicans at Anahim Lake and many waterfowl species along the Bowron Lake Canoe Route and other lakes and marshes in the region.
Northern British Columbia: Big forests mean species of woodpeckers, kinglets, eagles, and more. On Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, the remote shoreline and waters provides habitat for cranes, herons, loons, puffins and murrelets.
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Visitor Centres
1760 West Creston Rd
Creston, British Columbia
V0B 1G0
The Wildlife Area is an impressive 6,800 ha (17,000 ac) Ramsar designated wetland habitat located 11 km west of Creston off Hwy 3. From May to October, naturalists are on-site at the Interpretation Centre to provide guided canoe & walking tours (May - August), trail maps & information. Easy 24/7 access to 32 km of dyke trails & 2 viewing towers allows you a chance to view some of the 372 species of wildlife sighted in the area. Hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, canoeing & fishing are some of the ways to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Valley.
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3827-35th St
Osoyoos, British Columbia
V0H 1V6
Great Horned Owl Eco-Tours Limited offers outdoor enthusiasts of all ages a variety of unique educational excursions & exciting learning opportunities in & around Canada's only desert. The Ecosystem Experience (nature hikes): tour one of Canada's most endangered ecosystems & enjoy spectacular valley views atop an alpine plateau. The Bird Lovers' Tour: multiple stops in a mecca for bird watching, with over 300 bird species found locally. The Golden Tour (mine tour): visit the historic gold mining town of Hedley & pan for gold on the Similkameen River or surrounding creeks. All tours include transportation, lunch & refreshments.
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1877 Herd Rd
Duncan, British Columbia
V9L 5W4
A visit to the Pacific Northwest Raptors is a unique learning experience that will never be forgotten. The centre is home to all types of raptors, such as falcons, eagles, owls & hawks. Each day the raptors perform dynamic flight demonstrations. Come interact with a variety of birds as they showcase their incredible flight skills out in the open. Imagine watching a Bald Eagle soar freely overhead, only to descend to a perch right in front of you. Many different tours, group programs and hands-on experiences available. Have a close encounter with the bird kind.
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5090 Mackinnon Rd
Peachland, British Columbia
V0H 1X2
Parrot Island Sanctuary is nestled in beautiful Peachland in the Okanagan Valley. We take in parrots from all over Canada & give them a wonderful permanent home. We have a gift shop with great parrot souvenirs. Please bring your camera.
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Other businesses with Bird Watching
Whiskey Landing Marina
Ucluelet, British Columbia
V0R 3A0
Treat yourself to an unforgettable West Coast adventure. Join us aboard our luxurious yacht for a relaxing wildlife cruise. The Raincoast Maiden is a spacious yacht equipped with a washroom & comfortable seating inside & out. Enjoy the magical scenery of Barkley Sound with a taste of luxury & watch the area's abundant wildlife, which includes whales, bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, eagles & sea birds. Binoculars available for guests. Our interpretive tours include a scenic cruise though the sheltered waters of the Broken Group Islands & an optional gourmet meal while at anchor. Romantic sunset cruises & private charters are also available.
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Fisherman's Wharf
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 4X5
Eagle Wing Whale Watching offers excellent value & guaranteed whale sightings. Canada's 1st Carbon Neutral, eco-friendly, marine adventure & killer (orca) whale watching company. During the tour, view a variety of diving & shore birds. Extras include onboard washrooms, hydrophones & a perfect safety record. This locally owned & operated family business offers you a chance to bear witness to one of nature's most majestic & awe inspiring creatures, the Orca Whale, in one of the most impressive settings on earth, the Pacific Northwest. A 'treasure chest' of diverse marine wildlife awaits you on the Salish Sea. Rated #1 whale watching tour since 2007 on TripAdvisor.
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Great Bear Nature Tours
Port Hardy, British Columbia
V0N 2P0
Journey to the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest to view and photograph grizzly bears. The floating Great Bear Lodge, with a maximum of 10 guests, is the perfect place to enjoy the wildlife and wilderness of British Columbia. Experienced biologists lead the twice-daily bear-viewing sessions and activities such as interpretive hikes and boat excursions. Tours begin in Port Hardy, on northern Vancouver Island, with a spectacular seaplane flight to the Great Bear Lodge. While you are exploring the remote wilderness with guides, the chef is preparing wilderness-gourmet meals for you at the lodge.
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6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7R 4K9
Located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's Super Skyride whisks you high above the city to a mountaintop of adventure including hiking trails, ziplining, live entertainment, a wildlife refuge & much more. In winter, enjoy snowshoeing, outdoor mountaintop ice skating, sleigh rides & the best in local skiing & snowboarding. Ideally situated overlooking the city, Grouse Mountain's restaurants showcase some of the best of BC, from fine dining at The Observatory to flavourful après in Altitudes Bistro. Visit our newest attraction, The Eye of the Wind, Vancouver's iconic wind turbine.
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Save with the NEW! Adventure Bundle package
Adventure Bundle includes General Admission, Ziplining & Eye of the Wind! Save with this package pricing.
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Historic Lund Hotel
Lund, British Columbia
V0N 2G0
Let us 'spirit' you away for an unforgettable scenic dinner cruise into world renowned Desolation Sound aboard the fully licensed 58' passenger motor vessel, 'The Swan Spirit'. Enjoy our fabulous 'Buffet at Sea' amid comfortable booth style seating in the fully enclosed lower lounge, or enjoy the sunsets on the open upper observatory deck as we cruise amongst the islands & inlets of BC's largest & best known marine park. The buffet style meal is fabulous & the sights are unforgettable. Don't forget your camera!
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111 Km North Of Vernon
Vernon, British Columbia
V1T 6T1
This undeveloped mountain wilderness is a wonderful adventure for both experienced, backcountry hikers & willing beginners alike. Lush green forests grace the valley bottoms & in the spring, alpine meadows blossom with a colourful array of wildflowers. Great location for fishing & bird watching.
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