In Northern BC, bring your binoculars and cameras to spot some of the many bird species that make migratory stopovers in the region. The indigenous population includes the osprey, the great horned owl, trumpeter swans and sandpipers.
Some popular locations for birding include parks and forests in Prince George, the Kispiox Valley and Prince Rupert, the Vanderhoof Bird Sanctuary, and Tyhee Lake Provincial Park near Smithers. 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.
Prince George
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 birding locations in this area.
Kispiox Valley & Prince Rupert
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 & Smithers
Northern 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.
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; in winter (November to May) it's home to large flocks of Pacific loons and brant geese. 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.
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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