Bird Watching in BC
British Columbia EH!

The British Columbia, Canada landscape is covered in lakes, rivers, forests, wetlands, marshes, estuaries and on the westcoast, the Pacific Ocean. An environment birds love and for that reason BC is fast becoming one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world.

Birdwatching in British Columbia

British Columbia birdwatching in Canada is a great way to sit back and relax with a good camera, binoculars and a birding checklist while enjoying the scenery. The BC landscape is covered in lakes, rivers, forests, wetlands, marshes, estuaries and on the westcoast, the Pacific Ocean. It is a environment birds love and for that reason BC is fast becoming one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world.

Our province is a popular natural environment attracting many different species of birds to our province every year. Many arrive via the Pacific Flyway which is a major bird migration route crossing North America.

Click for British Columbia activities by region

The flyway follows the western regions of the Americas from Alaska to Patagonia. Some birds stay, some breed here while most stop for a short visit to rest and then continue on their journey.

The best time for British Columbia birdwatching is during the spring and fall months, although depending on the bird, all seasons have their viewing moments. The prime time viewing season in the spring and fall is best because the temperatures are not as hot and birds are more active. Mating, migrating and foraging for food are popular bird activities during these months.

Birdwatching in British Columbia is best enjoyed either on a self guided adventure or with a birding tour company. As a self guided tour there are many parks, sanctuaries and estuaries designated for birdwatching. Some birding destinations include birdwatching towers, interpretive signs, boardwalk trails, museums and information centres.

A bird tour group is a great way for beginners to learn more about bird identification, breeding and migration. The guides are knowledgeable of the birding population and best yet, they know where to look. Some tour groups include meals and transportation. Always good to ask what is included and fees.

Some of the more popular birds in the province of BC include predator birds like Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Great Horned Owls. Because of the many lakes and rivers on the Pacific Flyway there are plenty of waterfowl also to look for like Great Blue Herons, Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks.

There are many locations for British Columbia birdwatching. Some of the better known birding destinations include Scout Island Park in Williams Lake and the Tidal Flats in Bella Coola. Both in the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast region of BC.

In the Thompson-Shuswap region birding is popular in the Tunkwa Provincial Park near Logan Lake, the Marble Canyon Park near Cache Creek and the Roderick Haig Brown Provincial Park near Shuswap Lake.

In the Kootenays birdwatchers will enjoy the 6880 hectares of wetlands when exploring the Wildlife Management Area in Creston. West of Creston in Cranbrook is the birding park called the Elizabeth Lake Sanctuary and in Castlegar the Waldie Island Park.

On the westcoast of BC on the Sunshine Coast birding is enjoyed at Ruby Lake near Egmont, the Iris Griffith Wetlands near Pender Harbour and the wetland marsh in Sechelt.

On Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands birdwatching is almost everywhere. Some of the more recognized birding destinations include the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Goldstream Park, Mitlenatch Island Provincial Park, Pacific Rim National Park, Beacon Hill Park and Rebecca Spit.

On the Haida Gwaii Queen Charlotte Islands birding is top notch. The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is only accessible by boat and must be explored with a qualified guide. Here you will hope to see the Buffleheads. In Masset on the islands is the Delkatla Wildlfe Sanctuary complete with tides, lookout towers and trails.

Thank you for planning your birding adventure with us on our BCeh.com Travel Planning Network!

Be well and enjoy, - The EH Team.

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