Vancouver 
The City of Chilliwack has a natural hidden gem to the south.
The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve sits on 130 hectares on a floodplain of the Chilliwack River.
As you might guess, it is home to many great blue herons, a large migratory bird. But just how many blue herons live here in the warmer months? It is hard to say, but the birds cover over 90 different nesting areas across the reserve and wetlands.
This is the largest nesting colony of great blue herons on the lower mainland. There is a ton more wildlife to witness within the nature reserve, and rare or exotic plants to explore. Visit at the right time of year, and witness the waters filled with salmon! Plus, the Rotary Interpretive Centre offers a few extra reasons to make a visit to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.
Explore the Nature Reserve Trails
Altogether, the trails here total 3.9km. These are divided into the Centre Trail (where bikes are permitted), the Heron Colony Loop, Tower Trail, and Salwein Creek Trail.
- The Centre Trail (0.5km) is the only trail where cycling is permitted and takes visitors straight through the park and over where the two lagoons meet. On one side of the path is the large wetland area, while the large woodland area sits on the opposite side.
- Tower Trail (0.7km), part gravel and part boardwalk trail) loops around a forested area to connect with Centre Trail and complete the loop.
- Heron Colony Loop (1.2km) brings hikers around the South Lagoon and connects to all the other trails.
Credit: Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society
Events at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve hosts a wide array of events throughout the year aimed at all ages and age groups.
- Sign nature-loving kids up for the reserve’s spring break or summer break camps. These are five-day camps for half- or full days.
- Art and yoga workshops are scheduled at the Nature Reserve monthly, as are Heron Walks.
- They’ll also host annual events like their Spring Family Nature Festival.
Follow the Heron Reserve’s social media and website calendar to get the latest on its camps, workshops, art classes, yoga classes, and festivals.
More Natural Areas Nearby
The areas south of the city and Abbotsford provide an abundance of natural and outdoor recreational opportunities. Enjoy riverside trails and picnics, some of the best stargazing in BC, and many other activities.
- Find an additional 2km of paths at the Browne Creek Wetlands & Nature Park down the road from the Heron Reserve.
- It might be busy here, as Cultus Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful destination south of Chilliwack which draws many visitors. The park is made up of forested mountains and hills, boardwalk trails, and a large freshwater lake. The lake is open to several spring/summer activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Greendale Acres, a family fun farm west of the Heron Reserve, is open March-October each year. Their season of fun starts with Easter and concludes with a Halloween/Fall Corn Maze.
- McDonald Park, which sits on the Sumas River west of the Heron Reserve, is a 3ha dark sky preserve. The park’s location under Sumas Mountain gives the skies above protection from the light pollution of Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack. Pack a dinner picnic, watch the sunset, and enjoy an evening of stargazing!
Planning your Trip – Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
What: a conservation area for over 90 Great Blue Heron nest colonies beside the Chilliwack River. The area takes up 130ha of land around two lagoons. The area is also home to an array of flora and fauna, an Interpretive Centre, trails, and picnic areas.
Location and how to get there: 5200 Sumas Prairie Rd. Chilliwack
Best time to go: Reserve: 8:00 AM to Dusk, Daily
Interpretive Centre Building Hours:
Feb 1 to Oct 31 – Open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Nov 1 to Jan 31 – Open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Closed Dec 24 and 25
Parts of the Heron Colony Loop Trail and the Discovery Trail are gated and locked from late February to mid-July to protect the foraging, feeding, and nesting areas of the Pacific Great Blue Heron. During this time the colony can be viewed from the North Dyke Trail (approximately a 10-min walk from the Interpretive Centre).
Cost: free to visit the reserve, donations are welcome
For more information
Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
