Meagen SetterDo you remember Flappy Bird? The game where you had to guide a pixelated bird through a tricky obstacle course?
Well, forget about the app because Vancouver has something even better! It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, with plenty of opportunities to spot amazing feathered creatures in their natural habitat.
In our guide, we’ll show Vancouver’s best birdwatching spots, including peaceful sanctuaries, hidden gems, and prime locations to witness these fascinating creatures. So, wear your walking shoes and prepare for a real-life birdwatching adventure!
- 1. George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
- 2. Wild Bird Trust of BC
- 3. Burnaby Lake Regional Park
- 4. Boundary Bay Regional Park
- 5. Colony Farm
- 6. Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
- 7. Queen Elizabeth Park
- 8. Iona Island Treatment Plant
- 9. Roberts Bank
- 10. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
- 11. Brunswick Point Trail
- 12. Grouse Mountain
- 13. Mount Seymour Park
- 14. Cypress Provincial Parks
1. George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Website: https://www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com/
Address: 5191 Robertson Rd, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
Contact details: +16049466980
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in Delta, British Columbia. It is part of the Fraser River estuary, a designated site of Hemispheric Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.
Over 264 species of birds have been recorded in the sanctuary, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. During the fall migration, seeing up to 80,000 snow geese descending upon the area is truly spectacular.
Pro tip:
Make sure to book your reservation in advance, especially during peak season. The sanctuary requires reservations to control the number of visitors and ensure the well-being of the birds.
2. Wild Bird Trust of BC
Website: http://wildbirdtrust.org/
Address: 2649 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1B1, Canada
Contact details: +16049292379
Operating hours: Saturday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Wild Bird Trust of BC manages the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area. It offers a variety of habitats for birds, from forests and fields to the shoreline.
The Trust offers educational programs and guided walks to help people learn more about the birds and the importance of conservation. Situated on Vancouver’s North Shore, it provides a peaceful escape from the city while being easily accessible.
Pro tip:
When you arrive, the Corrigan Nature House will give you a trail map and a self-guided birding checklist. These will help you navigate the trails and identify the birds you see.
3. Burnaby Lake Regional Park
Website: https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/burnaby-lake-regional-park
Address: 4519 Piper Ave, Burnaby, BC V5A 3B5, Canada
Contact details: +16045206442
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Burnaby Lake Regional Park is an urban oasis along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route. It’s a perfect stopover and refueling station for feathered travelers.
With its temperate climate, the lake attracts migrating birds, provides a winter sanctuary for birds from the north, and is a year-round home for many resident species. Remarkably, over 200 bird species have been spotted in the park.
Pro tip:
Time your visit for either dawn or dusk, as these are prime feeding times for many bird species, and you’re more likely to see them active. Check out the Burnaby Lake Park Association’s website for resources to help you plan your birding trip.
4. Boundary Bay Regional Park
Website: https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/boundary-bay-regional-park
Address: Boundary Bay Rd, Delta, BC V4L 1N2, Canada
Contact details: +16045206442
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Boundary Bay Regional Park is a world-class birdwatching destination located on the western shore of Boundary Bay. This area is part of the Fraser River Estuary, a crucial ecosystem for migratory and wintering birds.
Boundary Bay Regional Park is an Important Bird Area, and over 1.5 million birds from 20 countries visit it annually. With over 300 species of birds, including 50 species of shorebirds and impressive numbers of waterfowl, it’s a birder’s paradise.
Pro tip:
Take the 12th Avenue Dyke Trail. This trail winds along the shoreline and offers excellent viewing opportunities for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds.
5. Colony Farm
Address: Coquitlam, BC, Canada
Contact details: +16045206442
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Colony Farm, also known as ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park, is an urban birding oasis. Here, you’ll find open fields, a network of trails, and a large pond that attracts water birds and wetland species.
One of the things that makes Colony Farm unique is its participation in the Vancouver Avian Research Centre’s bird banding program. This program involves capturing birds, recording data like wingspan and weight, and then releasing them unharmed.
Pro tip:
A must-do is to visit the pond near the Shaughnessy Street entrance. This area attracts exciting bird species like Eastern Kingbirds and Pied-billed Grebes.
6. Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Website: https://bcparks.ca/brackendale-eagles-park/
Address: Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is world-famous for its wintering bald eagle population. Every fall, between October and January, thousands of bald eagles gather to feast on the salmon that return to the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers to spawn.
There’s an Eagle Run viewing shelter located on the municipal dyke across the river from the park. This provides a prime location for viewing the eagles with stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains.
Pro tip:
While eagles can be seen throughout the day, the best time to view them is generally in the early morning, when they are most active.
7. Queen Elizabeth Park
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
Contact details: +16048737000
Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Queen Elizabeth Park, a sprawling 52-hectare park, is a haven for locals and feathered residents. Its diverse topography, manicured gardens, natural woodlands, and quarry pond create a rich habitat for various bird species.
Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in Queen Elizabeth Park. The park’s most scenic area, the Bloedel Conservatory, attracts hummingbirds with its vibrant floral displays, while the arboretum provides a haven for owls, hawks, and other birds of prey.
Pro tip:
Birdwatching is most successful in the early morning, typically between dawn and mid-morning. During this time, birds are more active and vocal as they search for food and defend their territories.
8. Iona Island Treatment Plant
Address: 1000 Ferguson Rd, Richmond, BC V7B 1W8, Canada
Contact details: +16044326200
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant might not be your typical birding destination, but be aware of its industrial name. This island boasts the title of one of the best birding locations in the entire province.
These man-made ponds, surrounded by a low fence for safety, teem with nutrients that attract various birds. Remarkably, Iona Island has recorded nearly 300 species of birds, making it the second location in Western Canada with the highest bird diversity.
Pro tip:
Stick to the designated trails and public viewing areas. To maximize your birding experience, plan your visit during the spring or fall migration seasons (roughly March to May and September to November) when bird diversity is at its peak.
9. Roberts Bank
Address: 2 Roberts Bank Way, Tsawwassen, BC V4M 4G2, Canada
Roberts Bank is a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers, especially during spring migration (April to May). It’s a critical stopover point for millions of shorebirds on the Pacific Flyway, making it one of Canada’s most important bird sanctuaries.
The Fraser River Delta, where Roberts Bank is located, provides a rich feeding ground for shorebirds. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded at Roberts Bank, some of the most notable being the Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Black Turnstone.
Pro tip:
Be sure to listen to the birds’ calls and songs. The harmony of sounds is impressive and a great way to learn to identify bird species by ear.
10. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
Website: https://lots.impark.com/imp
Address: 1 Ferry Causeway, Delta, BC V4M 4G6, Canada
Contact details: +16043317288
The Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal jetty juts out into the Salish Sea, offering prime territory for spotting various bird species. The long, rocky outcropping creates a diverse habitat that attracts land and water birds.
One of the highlights of birding at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is the chance to see shorebirds. With their long legs and specialized beaks, these fascinating birds can be spotted foraging along the water’s edge.
Pro tip:
Time your visit for low tide to maximize the exposed shoreline where shorebirds feed. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the panoramic ocean views from the jetty’s tip.
11. Brunswick Point Trail
Address: 3352 River Rd W, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
Brunswick Point Trail is a pleasant walk along the dikes of the Fraser River. Because of its proximity to Westham Island, a renowned bird sanctuary, Brunswick Point benefits from a spillover effect, attracting various waterfowl and shorebirds.
From majestic Bald Eagles soaring overhead to colorful hummingbirds flitting amongst the flowers, there’s something for every birding enthusiast. The marshy areas along the trail are a prime spot for spotting ducks, geese, herons, and other wetland birds.
Pro tip:
Find a spot with a clear view of the water and marsh areas. These are prime locations for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. Be patient, stay quiet, and keep your eyes peeled.
12. Grouse Mountain
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada
Contact details: +16049809311
Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Grouse Mountain’s alpine environment attracts a variety of bird species, from the majestic Bald Eagle soaring above to smaller songbirds flitting through the trees. The mountaintop location provides stunning panoramic views.
The Birds in Motion Show is a daily educational program that allows visitors to witness the incredible flying skills of birds of prey up close. Watch the golden eagle ride the thermals, and the Peregrine Falcon make its heart-stopping dives.
Pro tip:
While spring and summer offer the most abundant bird activity, keep an eye out for Bald Eagles, frequently spotted, and listen for the haunting calls of Great Horned Owls in the late fall and winter.
13. Mount Seymour Park
Website: https://bcparks.ca/mount-seymour-park/
Address: Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
Contact details: +18006899025
Mount Seymour Provincial Park’s varied habitats, from the entrance woods teeming with songbirds to the higher-elevation old-growth forests, provide a perfect breeding ground for many species.
Some of the park’s specialties include the melodic Warbling Vireo, the striking Black-headed Grosbeak with its bold black head and bright yellow breast, and the dazzling Western Tanager, its body ablaze with orange, red, and yellow.
Pro tip:
Pack binoculars and a field guide specific to birds of the Pacific Northwest. Patience and a keen eye are crucial to spotting these avian wonders.
14. Cypress Provincial Parks
Website: https://bcparks.ca/cypress-park/
Address: West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Contact details: +16049265612
Cypress Provincial Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 127 species recorded in the area. The park’s diverse habitats—from old-growth forests and wetlands to mountain slopes and meadows—provide shelter and food for a wide variety of birds.
You can spot resident birds like the Canada jay, Sooty Grouse, Red-breasted Sapsucker, and Northern pygmy owl. The park is also a hotspot for migratory birds, with raptors like Sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and Red-tailed hawks.
Pro tip:
Be sure to download a Cypress Provincial Park bird checklist before your visit. This will help you identify the birds you see and make your birdwatching experience more enjoyable.
