 Bald eagle
Queen Charlotte Lodge photo
Prince George
Kispiox Valley
Prince Rupert
Vanderhoof
Fort St. James
Smithers
Queen Charlotte Islands
Within five minutes of the city limits of Prince George, bird lovers may spot the colourful Golden or Ruby Crowned Kinglet or a Pileated Woodpecker. Forests for the World, Cottonwood Island Park and Crankbrook Hill Greenway are some of the best bird-viewing locations in this area.
There are also more remote locations for bird enthusiasts, like the Kispiox Valley in northwest BC, with thick forests of old-growth cedar, hemlock, spruce and pine – perfect habitat for songbirds. Gitnadoix River Provincial Recreation Area in the Skeena region upriver from Prince Rupert is home to the majestic Trumpeter Swan. Northern BC’s port city of Prince Rupert is also known for its large eagle population.
Nechako River Valley & SmithersNorthern BC’s east-west connector, also called the Yellowhead Highway or Highway 16, winds through the Bulkley Valley and into the Nechako River Valley near the communities of Vanderhoof, Fort St. James and the Lakes District. It’s here that one of North America’s largest eagle populations resides, along with several other distinctive species. The Vanderhoof Bird Sanctuary is a resting spot for migrating species. To the north near Smithers, Tyhee Lake Provincial Park has an easily accessible viewing platform.
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, 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.
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