Vancouver Bird Watching
Moments that’ll have you reaching for your binoculars
Eagles, herons, snow geese, owls, gulls, jays and sandpipers – you’ll find them all here in Vancouver.
250+ species
of birds are regularly observed in Vancouver
Whether you’re a casual watcher or a serious ornithologist, you’ll enjoy the city’s abundant bird life.
Thanks to our city’s temperate rainforest, alpine landscapes, waterways, and location along the Pacific Flyway, the range of bird life you’ll spot, even right downtown, is spectacular.
You don't need to be an experienced birdwatcher to enjoy this Vancouver activity. Anyone with an appreciation for nature and wildlife will find joy in exploring Vancouver's bird-rich habitats. For accessible bird watching trails visit the BC Bird Trail guide on accessible birding.
Bald Eagles
Many visitors to Vancouver are amazed at how casually you can spy a mighty bald eagle here, even right in the city. These impressive raptors are among the most recognizable Vancouver birds and can often be seen perched high above beaches, parks, and waterways. Vancouver's most famous park is home to several bald eagle nests, with four to five active each year. You'll find dozens more across Metro Vancouver, and several can even be observed remotely through live webcams.
Herons at Stanley Park
Stanley Park draws a number of ornithologists thanks to its Pacific Great Blue Heron colony, one of the largest in North America. While these birds are at risk in many other areas, seeing these majestic creatures swoop across the skies is a common sight in Stanley Park. The colony is located right by the English Bay entrance to Stanley Park, and the herons return there each February to fix the nests and lay their eggs. The first fuzzy chicks are seen in April, with all the young vacating the nest by around August. The Vancouver Park Board has set up a “Heron Cam” so you can watch this natural phenomenon. You can also visit the Stanley Park Ecology Society to learn more about the blue herons and the park’s other birdlife.
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Located to the south of Vancouver in the suburb of Ladner, the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a fantastic spot to view migratory species as they rest on their journey north or south along the Pacific Flyway. Reifel offers 300 hectares (850 acres) of managed wetlands and natural marshes along the Fraser River Estuary. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded at the sanctuary, and you’ll find the greatest diversity during spring and fall migration periods.
With a flock of around 75,000, snow geese are a huge attraction, with mid-October to mid-December and then mid-March to mid-April the best times to see them before they head back to Wrangel Island, in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Siberia.
Boundary Bay Bird Watching
For many, Boundary Bay is a hidden secret, known only among locals and the most avid birders. Located along the shoreline near the Canada–U.S. border in Delta and Surrey, Boundary Bay is one of the region's premier birdwatching destinations. Its network of dykes, marshes, and waterfront trails provides excellent opportunities to spot migrating waterfowl, bald eagles, and other wildlife while hiking or cycling. Like the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Boundary Bay is recognized as an Important Bird Area, with more than 330 bird species recorded in the region.
Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration
Bird lovers of all stripes swoop down on Vancouver each May for the Greater Vancouver Bird Celebration. The 2-week series of events celebrates Vancouver birds with workshops, walks, talks, exhibitions, and lectures – all of which are free! There are events for novice birders, kids and families, as well as seasoned experts.