 Canada Goose
Tom Ryan photo Stanley Park's Blue Heronry is the oldest bird sanctuary in the vicinity. Countless free-flying birds soar, too, at Queen Elizabeth Park. On a larger scale, Reifel Sanctuary and Boundary Bay Park attract thousands of avians on their migration routes.
Hundreds of bird types from ducks, geese, swans and blue herons to more exotic and rare species have made a Vancouver park or sanctuary home at one time or another.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Do not disturb the wildlife
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. Crowds of international tourists and locals alike can be found enjoying a brisk jog or leisurely stroll all year round.
Bird watchers in particular are in for a memorable treat - the park is a veritable breeding ground for birds, ducks, geese and swans. Birders are often lucky enough to spot duckling traipsing behind their mom. A stroll around Lost Lagoon may result in an encounter with a wood duck or blue heron. In fact, the park's heronry is the oldest in the area. Beaver Lake serves as a tranquil sanctuary for a variety of bird types.
When you've had your fill of birding, the park offers much in the way of seeing and doing. Stroll the gardens. Visit marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium. Play a game of tennis. Let the kids let loose at the water park or ride the much-loved miniature train. Marvel at the totem pole collection at Brockton Point - it's considered the province's most-visited site.
Or spend the rest of the day walking the paved 10-km (6.2-mi) Seawall watching for birds and marveling at the magnificent mountain, ocean, forest and city views.
Other park amenities include picnic areas, a pitch-and-putt, children's petting zoo and Malkin Bowl, an outdoor theatre.
Stanley Park is within easy walking distance of downtown Vancouver.
> Stanley Park website.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Situated at the city's highest point south of downtown, Queen Elizabeth Park welcomes six million visitors yearly. Of these, a good many come birding.
The Bloedel Floral Conservatory celebrates the natural world through its tropical birds, plants, rainforest and fish. One of the city's most popular attractions, the domed conservatory is set against a backdrop of sweeping views and magnificent floral displays.
Queen Elizabeth Park is also home to the country's first civic arboretum. Here you can examine a collection of nearly all trees native to Canada in addition to some international specimens. There is also ample opportunity for an introspective moment in the tranquil rock gardens, ponds and waterfalls of the Quarry Garden.
Park amenities include a pitch-and-putt, myriad walking paths and tennis courts. Pack a lunch to enjoy on the picnic grounds.
Queen Elizabeth Park is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Admission fee in effect for the conservatory
> Queen Elizabeth Park website.
Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
The Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary hosts over 60,000 visitors each year. Wetlands, marshes and low dykes serve as key resting points for countless avians on their annual migration trips, while many other kinds of wildlife reside here all year long.
In total, over 280 bird species call the sanctuary home at one time or another. Visitors can observe them from the impressive two-storey observation tower.
While the best times to go birding here are from March to April (spring migration) and October to November (fall migration) bird enthusiasts who visit the sanctuary in November are likely to get a spectacular glimpse of the flock of 20,000 lesser snow geese en route south from Siberia. Kids get a kick out of throwing grain -available to purchase on site- to the countless ducks on site.
The sanctuary is in Delta a one-hour drive south of Vancouver via Highway 99.
A word or two on your excursion:
> Reifel Sanctuary website.
Boundary Bay Regional Park
A spectacular seaside setting of sand dunes, salt marshes, lagoons and tidal flats, Boundary Bay Regional Park hosts Canada's highest population of wintering raptors. As well, the area is recognized around the world as an important rest stop for countless migrating birds on the Pacific migration route.
Boardwalks and viewing stops are located next to the park's wildlife reserves. Walkers, hikers, cyclists, equestrians and bird watchers alike roam the 16.4-km (10-mi) Boundary Bay Dyke Trail.
While the birding is excellent from September to April, fall migrants are most diverse in September and October. In spring, you can listen as groups of songbirds delightfully chirp their choruses.
The park is in Tsawwassen, a one-hour drive south of Vancouver via Highway 99.
> Boundary Bay Park website.
|