Bird-watching enthusiasts, unite in Northern BC. Bring your binoculars and cameras, for many species make migratory stopovers in the region. The trumpeter swan winters in the wetlands of Fraser Lake. These wetlands also offer the perfect conditions for the breeding, moulting and migratory stopovers of many other waterfowl species. The Vanderhoof Bird Sanctuary and Kitimat River Estuary are two more key stopovers for migrating birds. Both are ideal locations for birding.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Do not disturb the wildlife
Queen Charlotte Islands
Lush rainforests, endless beaches and some of Canada's best bird-watching sites are found on the Queen Charlotte Islands, also known as Haida Gwaii.
Check out the Sandspit shoreline - the winter (November to May) home of large flocks of Pacific loons and brant. You'll also want to head to Masset, where the Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary's trails and viewing platforms enhance wildlife viewing year-round. Over 130 species of birds have been sighted here, including sandhill cranes, least sandpipers and great blue herons. A 20-minute side trip east of Masset brings you to the hard-sand beaches of North Beach in Naikoon Provincial Park - another prime birding spot.
Approximately 750,000 seabirds inhabit the remote Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, including tufted puffins, rhinoceros auklets, ancient and marbled murrelets and the elusive horned puffin. Multi-day guided tours can be arranged.
The Queen Charlotte Islands are accessed via an eight-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert. Air service is also available from Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
> Naikoon Park website
> Gwaii Haanas website