Vancouver 
A day trip from Vancouver to see the best of BC’s birds could take you north, west to the island, or east along the Fraser Valley. And in a day, a trip from Vancouver could include multiple stops for birdwatching.
Grouse Mountain Birds of Prey/Credit: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
British Columbia is part of what’s known as the Pacific Flyway. The flyway is an important migratory path for dozens of types of birds. Before BC, these birds can come from as far as Patagonia, and head as far north as Alaska. And the birds crossing over the flyway don’t simply fly over BC. Many of them will stop to nest and have their babies before they move anywhere else, while others may stay in BC until they go back south.
Here are places for a birding trip from Vancouver: These locations are home to various other wildlife, too! Along the way you may also spot larger mammals like black bears, coyotes, elk, or deer. On top of the migratory birds are dozens of BC’s permanent resident birds, too!
North & West Vancouver
Maplewood Flats Conservation Area
The Wild Bird Trust of BC operate the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area, also the top place for birding on Vancouver’s North Shore. The Wild Bird Trust have an office and visitor information centre on site with indoor exhibits.
The Conservation Area has trails winding through cottonwood forest and into the marsh and wetland areas. Along the waterside trails are several lookout points over the muddy beaches where many of the birds rest or in the water where the otters might be swimming. The Bird Trust host small events throughout the warmer months, as well as their annual Osprey Festival each summer.
Mount Seymour Provincial Park
This park northeast of Vancouver is draped in dense forest. During the spring, it makes for a great place to see blooming mountain wildflowers, and in the fall, the forests create stunning leafy scenery. From spring to fall, the park is busy with wildlife.
Among the birds one might spot here are Canadian jays, Steller’s jay, chickadee, kinglet, sapsucker, grouse, and siskin. And among the fall colours each year, birdwatchers are graced with the sight of the migrating hawks. From the main parking area, choose between several trailheads from which to start the birding adventure.
Grouse Mountain Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge
There is a lot to see and do in a day at Grouse Mountain, including two resident grizzly bears! The large mountain park offers several activities, but for those seeking a natural, wild visit, it offers walks near the bear encampment and an incredible opportunity to see more elusive birds.
During a visit in the summer, you’re likely to spot owls and hummingbirds and can attend educational owl talks.
Cypress Provincial Park
Cypress Mountain Park, directly north of Vancouver, is home to the Cypress Mountain Ski Hill, several small mammals and birds, backcountry campgrounds, and simple trails for wildlife viewing. The Yew Lake Trail is one of the shortest and easiest trails, at 2km return. The main trails of Cypress Park start at the Ski Hill parking lot and head east or west into the trees.
Common birds to spot in Cypress Park include ravens, gray jays, chickadees, warblers, woodpeckers, grouse, hawks, and owls. Among the larger wildlife to watch for are black bears, coyotes, and deer.
Horseshoe Bay
The town of Horseshoe Bay near West Vancouver sits right on the water’s edge and is more well-known as a ferry harbour. From Horseshoe Bay, you have access to Bowen Islands, Vancouver Island, and Langdale. Also accessible from Horseshoe Bay are great birding spots and chances to see a variety of coastal birds. Use the area’s Whytecliff Park to find coastal trails and lookout areas over the water.
Delta & Surrey (South Fraser)
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Some consider the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary to be one of the top birding sites in Canada. The park is on the west side of Westham Island at the estuary of the Fraser River and the Strait of Georgia. Reservations are required to visit the sanctuary, and upon arrival, the staff will have helpful information for an afternoon of birdwatching. They provide a list of weekly bird sightings, a bird log to see what others have spotted, and a tour guide if needed.
Boundary Bay Regional Park
The Boundary Bay near Tsawwassan is considered an Internationally Important Bird Area. These birds are best viewed at Boundary Bay Regional Park, which has over 20km of trails. The trails are open to hikers and bikers, with the Dyke and Dune Trails offering the best viewing areas over the Bay. Start the hike or bike ride at Centennial Beach, where there is also a picnic area, playground, washrooms, and a sandy beach.
This park is home to migratory birds in spring and fall, permanent residents, rare species, and overall, a great variety of species. Common sightings include loons, the great blue heron, gulls, wigeons, European starlings, teals, sparrows, swallows, and many more.
OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
This non-profit organization in Delta specialize in rehabilitating birds of prey and has helped rescue thousands of birds since the society’s opening. They work with owls, eagles, falcons, hawks, ospreys, and vultures.
Tours of the facility and bird habitats are available by appointment on weekends during the off-season, and 7-days a week during July and August.
Green Timbers Urban Forest
One of the best ways to enjoy birding or wildlife photography at the Green Timbers Urban Forest is from the looping trail around Green Timbers Lake. This loop is created with the park’s Willow and Birch trails.
Fraser Valley
Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
The wetlands which make up Chilliwack’s Great Blue Heron Reserve will see, on any given year, up to 90 nesting colonies of great blue herons. The trails within the park carefully wind around those colonies and around the floodplain/ponds to total just under 4km. The Heron Colony Loop is likely the best bet for getting a glimpse at the majestic bird, and possibly the babies. The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve also host a variety of events, including a Spring Nature Festival, workshops and classes, and kids’ programming.
Fishtrap Creek Park
Fishtrap Creek runs through the centre of Abbottsford, with trails on both sides of the creek. The trails on either side of the creek are connected by a bridge on the park’s north side. The Discovery Trail (east side) and Fishtrap Trail (west side) bring your hike alongside the wetland areas and out to viewpoints or boardwalks over the waters.
Watch down below in the water for birds, as well as high up in the forest trees. Interpretive signage along the trails offers extra information on the birds and wildlife.
Derby Reach Regional Park
Explore more than 10km of trails as they follow the Fraser River in Derby Reach Regional Park to get views of migratory and permanent resident birds. Several of the park’s picnic areas are near the water too. These trails follow the river as far as the Salmon River Natural Area and offer many great views of the water with the mountains in the background.
Campbell Valley Regional Park
The beautiful and peaceful Campbell Valley Park is in the southernmost part of Langley. The area is a mix of forest, wetlands, and grasslands, offering a diverse range of bird species and wildlife. A loop around the entire park is about 10km (along the perimeter), while shorter hikes and loops are also open to hikers.
Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park
The Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park in Rosedale is perfect for anyone in need of an easy, quick trail or a wheelchair/stroller-accessible trail. The Regional Park’s trails total about 2km with a boardwalk section and viewing platforms. The park boasts a wide range of plant and tree species, wildlife, and bird species. In addition, those views are enhanced by the background mountains. Over 180 bird species have been identified in the Cheam Lake Wetlands.
Sumas Mountain Regional Park
Along with great birding opportunities, Sumas Mountain Regional Park also offers excellent views of the Fraser Valley. The area’s trails range from easy to moderate and to difficult (depending upon how high up Sumas Mountain you want to get!). In the fall, this is a great place to witness the raptor migration of eagles, hawks, and owls. However, any time of year offers birdwatchers many opportunities to see a variety of birds.
Vancouver Island
Nanaimo Estuary Natural Area
The Nanaimo River and Strait of Georgia create one of BC’s many biologically diverse estuaries. These locations are where saltwater and freshwater mix, attracting a wide variety of bird species. On the west side of the Estuary is the short trail at Chase River park, or a longer trail at Jack Point on the east side.
Hemer Provincial Park
While near the Strait waters, Hemer Provincial Park is on its own body of water with Holden Lake at the centre of the park. Trails wind between the lake and more wetland areas and loop back to the main roads.
That marsh next to the Holden Lake is often busy with larger birds like trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and turkey vultures, plus many ducks, and a few possible beavers. In total, there are 11km of trails, with the bird viewing platform over the marsh only 1km into the trail.
Morrell Nature Sanctuary
The Island’s Morrell Nature Sanctuary offers over 10km of walking trails for viewing the park’s protected flora and fauna. Plus, a large bike trail loops around the park’s perimeter. The forested trails lead to Beaver Pond and Morrell Lake, both busy with animals and dozens of types of birds at any time.
Englishman River Regional Park
This wilder part of the Island is part of Ducks Unlimited’s list of Important Bird Areas. The large park follows the northwest banks of the Englishman River with trails through the trees or along the river’s edge. Along with the birds, one might spot elk or bears. The trails here are open to walking and cycling.
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre has several animals that call the place home. Among the birds are hawks, eagles, owls, ravens, and turkey vultures. And among those other animals are bears, turtles, and more. A visit here includes access to picnic areas, play areas, viewing areas, a gift shop, a garden, and a small museum.
