Birdwatching in BC
From thousands of bald eagles in Brackendale to Ancient Murrelets on Haida Gwaii — BC is a world-class birding destination.
British Columbia's extraordinary habitat diversity — from Pacific coastline and temperate rainforest to desert grasslands and alpine tundra — supports over 600 bird species. The province sits at the intersection of four major flyways, making it one of North America's most important migration corridors. Whether you're a casual observer or a dedicated lister, BC will reward you with unforgettable sightings.
Top Birdwatching Sites in BC
Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Metro Vancouver
One of Canada's premier birding destinations — a 340-hectare sanctuary on Westham Island in the Fraser River delta. Spectacular shorebird and waterfowl migrations in spring and fall.
- ✓280+ recorded species
- ✓Snow geese migration in fall
- ✓Sandhill cranes & shorebirds
- ✓Tame chickadees eat from your hand
Brackendale Eagles — Squamish
Sea to Sky
The world's largest concentration of bald eagles gathers in Brackendale each winter to feed on spawning chum salmon. Thousands of eagles line the Squamish River from November to February.
- ✓World record bald eagle count
- ✓Thousands of eagles in winter
- ✓Squamish River viewing
- ✓Eagle Run viewing area
Vaseux Lake — Okanagan
Okanagan
A birding hotspot in the South Okanagan — the cliffs and canyon walls around Vaseux Lake host rare species including the White-headed Woodpecker, Canyon Wren, and California Quail.
- ✓White-headed Woodpecker
- ✓Canyon Wren & California Quail
- ✓Bighorn sheep also present
- ✓South Okanagan desert habitat
Boundary Bay — Delta
Metro Vancouver
One of BC's most important shorebird staging areas — millions of birds use Boundary Bay during spring and fall migration. Dunlin, Western Sandpiper, and Short-eared Owls are highlights.
- ✓Millions of shorebirds in migration
- ✓Short-eared Owl hunting at dusk
- ✓Dunlin & Western Sandpiper flocks
- ✓Peregrine Falcon hunting
Creston Valley Wildlife Area
Kootenay Rockies
A world-class wetland birding destination in the Kootenay Valley — 265+ species recorded including Forster's Tern, Black Tern, and American Bittern. Excellent for waterfowl and marsh birds.
- ✓265+ recorded species
- ✓Forster's & Black Tern
- ✓American Bittern
- ✓Guided birding tours available
Iona Beach Regional Park
Metro Vancouver
A premier shorebird and seabird watching location at the mouth of the Fraser River — the jetties attract rare gulls, terns, and shorebirds, while the ponds host waterfowl year-round.
- ✓Rare gull & tern sightings
- ✓Fraser River mouth location
- ✓Shorebird migration hotspot
- ✓Year-round waterfowl
Haida Gwaii Seabirds
Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii hosts some of BC's most spectacular seabird colonies — Ancient Murrelets, Tufted Puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Cassin's Auklets nest on the remote outer islands.
- ✓Ancient Murrelet colonies
- ✓Tufted Puffin nesting
- ✓Remote island seabird colonies
- ✓Boat tours required for outer islands
Okanagan Grasslands
Okanagan
BC's threatened grassland ecosystems support rare species including Burrowing Owl, Sage Thrasher, and Grasshopper Sparrow. The Lac du Bois Grasslands near Kamloops is a key site.
- ✓Burrowing Owl habitat
- ✓Sage Thrasher & Grasshopper Sparrow
- ✓Lac du Bois Grasslands
- ✓Threatened grassland ecosystem
Stay Near the Birds
Find independent motels near BC's best birding sites — Delta, Squamish, Creston, and across the province.
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