The Alberta skies are about to be filled with the sights and sounds of thousands of migrating birds.
The birds are returning from their winter vacations in the south, and of course, travel in large flocks. Tofield, a smaller town southeast of Edmonton, sets to honour and celebrate all of our spring visitors with the Snow Goose Festival.
Tofield’s Snow Goose Festival is a celebration of all things Alberta birds as the various species take flight above. The festival, taking place on April 27 and 28, will give guests of all ages a chance to learn more about this important time for nature in Alberta through various activities.
The festival will include a trade show focused on birds in Alberta, children’s games and fun, and speakers during the day.
On the first evening, there is also a Snow Goose Festival Banquet Dinner & Silent Auction. But one of the most exciting reasons to visit the Tofield for the festival is the bus and field hike tours. The bus tours can be either two- or three-hours, while the hike is a three-hour excursion.
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The tours bring you and your group to wetland areas, points of interest, and other spots known for the bird populations.
All of the tours take place in the Beaver Hills Natural Area, around Beaver Hill Lake, and other areas to the south. Beaverhill Lake is a designated wetland of international significance – and one of Canada’s only federally recognized Bird Sanctuaries.
What types of birds can you expect to see?
Several hundreds of geese, of course! This can also be your chance to get a view of snow geese, Canada geese, various shorebirds, cranes and swans.
And if you are not able to make it to Tofield for the festival’s dates, you can access a 5km trail in the Natural Area, and create your own birdwatching adventure during spring!
Planning your Trip – Snow Goose Festival
What: An annual festival to celebrate the spring bird migration season. Tofield is five minutes from Beaver Hill Lake and the Rangeland Natural Area. This area can see thousands of migrating geese, and hundreds of cranes or swans. It is a popular birdwatching area during migration seasons, and most times in the year.
How much: $50 for dinner tickets
$10-$25 for hiking and bus tours
Festival and tradeshow at the arena are free to attend
When:
April 27 – 28 2024 | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
2 and 3-Hour Bus Tours and Hikes – Various Times
2-Hours Bus tours: 8 am, 8:30 am, 9 am, 9:30 am, 3:00 pm, 3:30, 4:00
3-Hour Bus Tours: 8 am, 8:30, 9:00 am, 2:30 pm, 3:00
3 Hour Field hikes: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 Noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Banquet & Silent Auction — Saturday, April 27 | Doors open at 5:30 pm, supper at 6:30 pm.
Trade Show: Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Tofield Arena; tours also depart from the arena.
Free shuttle (tickets required) to the festival from Sherwood Park Transit Station.
Departs Bethel Transit Terminal at 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, Noon and 1 pm for the Snow Goose Festival (Tofield)
Departs Snow Goose Festival (Tofield) at 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm for Bethel Transit Terminal.
For more information: