Bird Watching
Bald Eagles in a tree
Bird watchers flock to Squamish primarily because this is one of the world's best places to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat.
On top of that, nearly 60 other species of birds live along the Squamish River, including the likes of cormorants, mergansers, and herons.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Visit Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park between November and February to see the highest concentration of wintering bald eagles in North America. The peak period is in December and January. The Brackendale eagle count, conducted by local volunteers, has become an tradition on the first Sunday of January each year since 1985. In 1994, a world-record count of 3,769 eagles was achieved.
What brings the eagles to Brackendale is the annual chum salmon run in the glacier-fed Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers, with as many as 300,000 salmon coming here to spawn and die by the start of January.
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Eagles, which weigh up to 6.8kg/15lb and have wing spans up to 2.43m/8ft, can be spotted nesting in the cottonwood trees on the river's west side and feeding on fish. The best vantage point is from the Brackendale Dyke on Government Road.
Another way to view the eagles is to take an "eagle safari" with a local river rafting company. Float silently down the Squamish River for a couple of hours, wearing a survival suit and rubber boots, and snap some photos. Reputable local tour suppliers include Sunwolf Outdoor Centre and Canadian Outback Adventures.
The Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival takes place each year in January and attracts thousands. There are interpretive displays, nature tours, eagle art displays, guest speakers, and much more. Check out the colourful, multi-purpose Brackendale Art Gallery (41950 Government Rd) for full details.
To drive to the eagle viewing area, take the exit at Mamquam Road about 5km/3mi north of downtown Squamish, and head north on Government Road.
More Bird-Watching Opportunities
While walking the trails in the Squamish River Estuary, some other bird species that can be observed in the winter include ducks, geese, osprey, hawks, goldeneyes, ravens, trumpeter swans, and American dippers. Over one period of four years, more than 200 bird species were sighted in the estuary.
Bird watching is also enjoyable in local provincial parks including Alice Lake Provincial Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park.
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70002 Squamish Valley Rd
Brackendale, British Columbia
V0N 1H0
Websitehttp://www.sunwolf.net
Toll-free877-806-8046
Phone604-898-1537
Summer Rafting - Elaho River Expedition:
Over 18 kms of whitewater! The Elaho valley is an unspoiled wilderness with old growth forests, hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls & two mighty class IV rivers to conquer!
Summer Rafting - Cheakamus River Adventure:
Float on crystal clear waters through the Paradise Valley, a haven for wildlife. With stunning views of the Tantalus Mountains & a few fun splashes along the way!
Winter Eagle Viewing Floats:
Brackendale is the World Eagle Capital! Don't miss the opportunity to view our record breaking number of bald eagles from a remarkable vantage point - the river - with one of our knowledgeable guides.
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Websitehttp://www.whistlerdiscoverytours.com
Toll-free888-501-4845
Phone604-966-7385
'Exclusive Land Rover Excursions'. Our year-round scenic private/semi-private Eco-Tours will take you to areas rarely seen by most Whistler visitors; Morning/Evening with the Bears, Ancient Rainforest/Eagle Viewing Experience, Hidden Glacier Lake Hike/Snowshoe. Travel throughout the Coast Mountain Range to rarely seen scenic destinations in one of our rugged, well-appointed G4 series Land Rover LR3 to the most remote locations in the Whistler region. Take in the year-round amazing beauty of the area on several of our exclusive private/semi-private tours. Allow Whistler Discovery Tours to guide you on your unique adventure.
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