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Pelagic Seabird Birding Field Trips Salish Sea Victoria BC

Some examples of pelagic birding in the Salish Sea off Vancouver Island include Shearwater, Fulmar, Phalarope, Cormorant, Brown Pelican, Merganser, Harlequin Duck, Grebe, Pacific Loon, Common Mure, Marbled Murrulet.

Of the approximately 10,000 birds in the world, about 300 are regarded as sea-birds. These are defined as those species whose normal habitat and food source is the sea, whether they may be coastal, offshore or pelagic. True pelagic birds are those that spend most of their time at sea, beyond the continental shelf, returning to land only to breed.

Sea-birds are one of the bird groups that cause the greatest difficulties with identification. Many of the group fly similarly, are similarly coloured in dull hues like grey and brown and are of a similar size. As well, observing conditions can be challenging. Boats provide an unstable platform in conditions that are often overcast, wet, windy and cold and with distant birds flying close to the waves and appearing and disappearing regularly in the crests and troughs.

For a comprehensive insight - and stunning pictures - we invite you to read Mike Yip’s Birding Journals on his web site at www.VancouverIslandBirds.com and/or buy his book called Vancouver Island Birds.

Birds to be seen:

September - May

• Red-throated Loon
• Pacific Loon
• Common Loon
• Yellow-billed Loon

September - April

• Pied-billed Grebe
• Horned Grebe
• Red-necked Grebe
• Eared Grebe
• Western and Clarks Grebe
• Short tailed Shearwater
• Fork-tailed Stormn-Petrel
• Northern Fulmar (r)
• Brandt’s Cormorant
• Double-crested Cormorant
• Pelagic Cormorant
• Surf Scoter
• White-winged Scoter
• Black Scoter
• Harlequin Ducks
• Long-tailed duck

October - April

• Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye
• Common Murre Pigeon Guillemot

October - February

• Ancient Murrelet
• Marbled Murrelet

November - February

• Cassin’s Auklet
• Rhinoceros Auklet

June - July

• Tufted Puffin

Most of these birds would be seen off the southern-most coast of Vancouver Island. Our Zodiac Medline III is perfectly suited to safely observe these birds in these waters. These birds generally follow the tide lines. Renowned Birder and Naturalist, Richard MacDonald is also often available for for our Pelagic Birding Tours.

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Boat trip was fantastic, rooms were fantastic

RRU Convocation 2008. Thank you so much to Dieter and Annette. The place was fabulous and was a great introduction to the island for my "Prarrie Parents" !

The boat trip was fantastic, rooms were fantastic and food superb! Hope to get back here some day! Thank you.

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Birding Tour Victoria British Columbia Vancouver Island

If you are interested in Birding Tour Victoria British Columbia Vancouver Island , come and join us at Kaiyote Tours!

The Beautiful Birds and Gardens of Victoria, BC

A short ferry ride across the water from Port Angles, Washington and the Olympic Peninsula is Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria, the capitol city of British Columbia.  Victoria was founded in 1843 by the British and the settlement was used as a fort to defend against possible American expansion and to protect the interests of the Hudson Bay Company and the fur trade industry.  Vancouver Island is about 1.4 times larger than New Jersey and is home to about 850,000 people and about 350,000 people live in the greater Victoria area.  The island is located off shore from mainland British Columbia.  Victoria is a great city to visit for its natural beauty, cultural scene and performing arts and has great birding too!

Printable Bird List (This is a checklist of the birds that we have seen on this trip)

• Travel Dates:  Tours by request and please contact us for currently scheduled trips.
• Group Size :  6 people
• Trip Length : 5 days
• Rates : Rate per person = $2,650 (based on double occupancy)
• Rates include:  Pick-up and drop off at Bainbridge Island (easily accessible from the Seattle airport and downtown Seattle), Coho Ferry, lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner, scheduled group tours, park and museum entrance fees.
• Not included:  Airfare and travel expenses to Bainbridge Island, alcohol, travel insurance and entrance fee into Olympic National Park (if you already have a national parks pass, please bring it along). You must have a valid passport to enter Canada.
• Adventure level:   Easy, please check the “Welcome” page for definition

Special offer:    Included with your trip (one per room) is a copy of “Sibley Birds West: Field Guide to Birds of Western North America” by David Allen Sibley.  You will receive this when you reserve your trip so you will have time to study and know the beautiful birds of Victoria ad Vancouver Island.

Map of the travel route here:    Victoria Map    (this map will enlarge when clicked on, opens a new page)

If you would like to see recent info and photos click here:    Newsletter Archives   (opens a new page)

More photos can be found here:    Photo Gallery   (opens new page)

Basic Itinerary

We recommend that you fly into Seattle the day before and spend one night in Seattle; there are plenty of “must see” sights in Seattle.  From the SeaTac Airport (SEA), it is an easy 45-minute “light-rail” train ride to downtown Seattle or a quick 20-minute Uber ride.  

Day 1:  Pick-up at Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island is located across Puget Sound from Seattle and the Washington State Ferries schedules numerous daily ferries from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge.  It is a really fun 35-minute ride across Puget Sound, with beautiful views of the Seattle Skyline, the Olympic Mountains and if you're lucky, Mount Rainier (which is often in the clouds).  The ferry costs less than $10, no reservations needed, simply buy your ticket at the terminal and “walk-on”.  We will meet you at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal in the morning and from there drive to the town of Port Angeles, where you will spend one night at a hotel in the downtown area.  There are many great birding stops along the way and we will spend most of the day birding and sight-seeing the Olympic Peninsula.   In the evening, a drive up to Hurricane Ridge for sunset, birding and a wonderful evening walk atop the mountains at 5,242 feet.  

Day 2:  Travel to Victoria, British Columbia The Coho Ferry leaves Port Angeles at 8:20am and arrives in Victoria, B.C. at 10:00am; a 20-mile distance.  Traveling on the Coho Ferry is always a great experience and we love birding from the boat and besides seabirds, we often see whales, seals, sea lions and porpoises.  Built in 1959, the ship is 341 feet long, travels at 15 knots (17 mph) and can carry 110 vehicles and 1,000 passengers. On the boat there is a café and a gift shop for great Coho Souvenirs and items of Native design.  The ferry route crosses the shipping lanes of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and so we will get close views of large cargo ships and smaller fishing vessels.  After arrival in Victoria, the options for the day are birding the harbor and coastline and/or visiting the Parliament Building and/or the Royal British Columbia Museum, which is a great museum for the cultural and natural history of the Pacific Northwest. There is a lot to do in Victoria if birding is not your main interest.  Depending on local schedules, we hope to be able to include an evening at a performance arts event.

Day 3: Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary A short drive from downtown Victoria are three important birding and historic sights:  1) Fort Rodd Hill Artillery Post, built in 1877 and the 1860 Fisgard Lighthouse; both national historic sites.  2)  Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary; a saltwater lagoon.  3)  Hatley Castle and Gardens: Although the castle is not open to the public, the surrounding property, trails and gardens, complete with lovely ponds, are a beautiful location for birding and walking.   We will spend the day at these locations.

Day 4:  Butchart Gardens From downtown Victoria, it is a 1-hour bus ride to the Butchart Gardens , which attracts one million visitors each year from all over the world and has been a plant and floral garden sanctuary since 1907. It is a world class botanical garden and is open year-round and there are always plants and flowers for “the season” and always a few birds to find as well.  Here are the facts:  55 acres, 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 green houses and 50 full-time gardeners!  Visiting Butchart is a full day event: There are several restaurants, a coffee shop, boat rides (depending on the season), an art gallery and a store complete for both sight-seers and serious gardeners.  In the evening, back in Victoria and a walk out to the 1916 Breakwater Lighthouse for sunset. 

Day 5: Travel to Port Angeles and Bainbridge Island After a morning of relaxing and birding along the Victoria Harbor, the Coho Ferry leaves Victoria at 10:20am and arrives in Port Angeles at 12:00pm.  From Port Angeles it is a 1.5-hour drive back to Bainbridge, where you will be dropped-off at the Bainbridge ferry.  If you plan on traveling to the airport and flying home on this day, we recommend booking flights no earlier than 6:00pm.  We recommend spending the night in Seattle. 

Please note:    The lodging described in this itinerary is always our first choice based on availability.  Details of this trip are a little vague as it is VERY flexible. Destinations throughout the trip are based on the desires, ability and goals of the group.

Kaiyote Tours

Birding in British Columbia

A hub for birding information for British Columbia, Canada. Featuring Rare Bird Alerts, directory to nature clubs and online birding groups, birding forums, and more.

Birding Locations in Greater Victoria

The Victoria waterfront offers great seabird and shorebird viewing opportunities year round. The waterfront is the most accessable area in Greater Victoria as you can bird from your car in many locations such as Clover Pt., a definate plus for storm and winter birding. The Ogden Pt. breakwater is a perfect platform for scopes and for getting closer to deep water seabirds.

Good Birding Locations

• City of Victoria and Oak Bay
• Esquimalt, Colwood, View Royal
• Saanich: Broadmead, Royal Oak, Interurban, Gordon Head
• Saanich Peninsula: Central Saanich,North Saanich, Sidney
• Highlands District

Other Areas

• Mill Hill Reginal Park Goldstream Provicial Park Langford Lake Galloping Goose Trail Skirt Mt. Mt. Finlayson

Metchoson/Sooke

• Albert Head Lagoon Witty's Lagoon/Tower Point Devonian Park East Sooke Park Roche Cove Sooke Hills Sooke River/Potholes Galloping Goose Trail Whiffen Spit

Malahat/Cobble Hill

• Koksilah River Spectacle Lake Shawnigan Lake Mill Bay

Duncan/Cowichan Valley

• Cowichan River Trail Duncan Sewage Treatment Ponds Somenos Marsh Wildlife Park Cowichan Bay Estuary (Dock Rd.) Mt. Prevost

Local Offshore Islands

Sidney Spit Provincial Park Chatham Island I.R. Discovery Island Great Chain Island ecological reserve/Chain Islets Group

Saltspring Island

• Ruckle Provincial Park Fulford Valley Mt. Tuam

Other Gulf Islands:

• Mayne Island, North/South Pender Island, Saturna Island, Galiano Island BC Ferries Ride/Active Pass M.V. Coho to Port Angeles (mini-pelagic)

Top Birding Spots

• Martindale Flats
• Island View Beach
• Victoria Waterfront: Ogden Pt. to Clover Pt.
• Viaduct Flats / Quick's Bottom
• Rithet's Bog
• Esquimalt Lagoon
• East Sooke Park - Hawkwatch
• Mount Tolmie
• Witty's Lagoon / Tower Point
• Gowland Tod Provincial Park
• Blenkinsop Valley / Blenkinsop Lake
• Cowichan Bay & Duncan Sewage Lagoons
• Goldstream Provincial Park

Migration Calendar

• End of Winter, Migration begins - February
• Signs of Spring and Early Arrivals - March
• Spring Migration - April to June
• Summer- July and August
• Fall: Raptors and Winter Arrivals - September and October
• Winter: Waterfowl, Seabirds, and Wintering Passerines - November to January

Birding in British Columbia is an online magazine and community message board produced and maintained by K. Slagboom | About

Copyright © K. Slagboom 1997-2024. Web site maintained by Cool New Media .

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Where to See Wildlife Around Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from massive humpback whales to tiny colorful hummingbirds. This coastal city offers many opportunities for nature lovers to see animals in their natural habitats. But, where exactly do you go if you want to see wildlife around Victoria?

Whether you’re looking to spot a majestic bald eagle, watch a seal bobbing in the water, or catch a glimpse of orcas, Victoria has something to offer anyone. While some animals around the city are pretty common, you’ll need to know where to go if you want to spot some of the more elusive species!

We cover where to go in and around Victoria for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. While spotting wildlife does require a lot of luck, patience, determination, and good timing, hopefully we will help you improve your chances of spotting some of the incredible animals around the city!

Where to See Wildlife in Victoria, BC

Marine life.

Many people head to Victoria for the incredible whale watching opportunities. Many whale, dolphin, and porpoise species call this region home, from the striking black-and-white killer whales to the massive humpback whales.

While you might spot a whale from shore, joining a whale watching tour gives you the best chance to see whales around Victoria. On these wildlife viewing tours, you’ll cruise around the ocean in a covered boat or Zodiac, looking for the gigantic marine mammals.

Book a Half-Day Whale Watching Tour Here

With a high success rate, you’re practically guaranteed to spot whales — and if you don’t see any, you get to go again for free!

Whales around Victoria include humpback, gray and minke whales, resident and transient orcas, Dall’s and harbour porpoises, and Pacific white-sided dolphins.

When we’ve gone out on these tours, we’ve seen all kinds of whale species and their different behaviors. We see something new on almost every tour and could go again and again without getting bored!

We especially love going out on the sunset whale watching tour . Nothing beats watching a breaching whale with a sunset backdrop.

Book a Sunset Whale Watching Tour Here

Spotting whales from shore is rare, but still possible. While it’s usually luck of the draw, sometimes whales are spotted off 10 Mile Point, East Sooke Park, Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Park, and Dallas Road. Keep a sharp eye out while on the ferry too!

Sea Lions and Seals

Victoria is a great place to spot seals and sea lions (known collectively as pinnipeds). These charismatic creatures are spotted lounging on the rocks, frolicking in the waves, and chasing fish in the coastal waters.

Whale watching tours are a great way to spot seals and sea lions, but you can also see them from shore if you know where to look!

Harbour seals — Victoria’s most common seal species — pop up almost everywhere along the shoreline. If you see a seal-shaped head in the water, it’s most likely a harbour seal!

Look for harbour seals at the breakwater , Victoria Harbour, marinas (like the Oak Bay Marina), beaches , and small islands (like Trial Island Ecological Reserve and Chain Islets). Basically, just look anywhere in the water along the coastline, really!

Northern elephant seals, identified by their weirdly-shaped nose, are sometimes spotted around Victoria but are pretty rare. Occasionally, young elephant seals haul up on Victoria’s beaches to molt in autumn. Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is home to one of the most northern breeding colonies of Northern Elephant Seals along the Pacific Coast.

While Victoria is home to two sea lion species, California and Steller sea lions, they aren’t as commonly spotted around Victoria — unless you know where to go!

The best place to spot sea lions is at Cowichan Bay, near Duncan. Every fall, sea lions gather here for the salmon run. During this time, expect to see huge numbers of giant Steller sea lions and the slightly smaller California sea lions all resting on the docks — you’ll hear and smell them before you see them!

Want to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows of determination? Every year, the salmon return to the rivers around Victoria to spawn and it’s a sight you won’t want to miss!

During the salmon run, these large fish migrate from the Pacific Ocean up the coastal streams of Victoria (and the rest of the Pacific Northwest) to reproduce and complete their life cycle. Watching the salmon fight their way upstream is fascinating and one of the most unique things that you can do in Victoria.

The best place to see the salmon run around Victoria is at Goldstream Provincial Park, from mid-October to early December. Here, you can observe Chum Salmon from the shore of the Goldstream River or from the bridge that goes over the water.

Timing is important — go too early and you’ll miss the fish, go too late and it’ll be quite stinky!

Goldstream Provincial Park also gets quite busy during the salmon run. We recommend visiting on a weekday or early on the weekend during this time of year.

You don’t just have to see salmon when they’re spawning. Victoria also offers some of the best salmon fishing opportunities in the world, for Chinook, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye salmon. If you plan on fishing for salmon, you’ll need a license with a Salmon conservation stamp.

Intertidal Animals

Victoria features kilometers of coastline with some incredible tide pooling opportunities. These small pools of ocean water hold a magical assortment of intertidal creatures, from aggregating anemones to colorful ochre starfish.

Cattle Point is one of the best tide pooling spots in Victoria. The park features tide pools rich in marine life, just steps away from the parking lot. At low tide, look for tiny fish, hiding crabs, and clusters of anemones in the water. Seals, river otters, and seabirds are also commonly spotted here and it’s close to the beautiful Willows Beach !

For those willing to venture outside the city limits, Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is a must-see tide pooling destination. Miniature marine ecosystems are captured perfectly in the bowl-shaped tide pools of Botanical Beach. It’s the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts!

Grab a seashore field guide and head to the coast at low tide to spot some marine life. Make sure to check the tide charts before heading out!

Greater Victoria has a large population of otters that inhabit its coastal waters. However, these otters aren’t exactly the species you’d expect to see swimming around in the ocean — they’re actually river otters!

Trust us, if you spot an otter swimming in the ocean around Victoria, it’s likely a river otter and not a sea otter. Sea otters are 2-3 times bigger than river otters and spend all of their time in the ocean, usually floating on their backs. River otters swim with their belly facing down, and will often come onto land.

Why are sea otters rarely spotted around Victoria? In the early 1900s, sea otters were overhunted by the fur trade, leading them to be extirpated from British Columbia. Sea otters were reintroduced to BC from Alaska in the early 1970s. Their population is growing but is still quite small, especially around Victoria. If you spot one in this area, you’re quite lucky!

We’ve had good luck spotting river otters at Cattle Point and Willows Beach, Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Park, and the Breakwater . Look for them along rocky beaches or swimming alongside shore. You’ll often spot their thin tail as they dive underwater in search of food.

Sea otters like to hang out in kelp beds, much further from shore than river otters. Sometimes, whale-watching tours from Victoria will spot them. There is also a resident sea otter at Race Rocks, called Ollie.

Birdwatching

Bald eagles.

Bald eagles are an iconic bird of prey commonly spotted perching, fishing, and soaring around Victoria. If you’re a local, you get used to seeing these majestic birds almost everywhere you go! For those who don’t live here, spotting these raptors is always a magical experience.

When visiting Victoria, watch for large brown birds soaring overhead or perched in the trees, usually with a white head and tail but not always.

While adults are quite distinctive, juveniles might get confused with turkey vultures from afar. Juveniles start fully brown and don’t fully develop their signature white plumage until 5 years old. You can tell the two apart by the bald red head and shakier flight of the turkey vulture.

The estuary at Goldstream Provincial Park is the best place in Victoria to see bald eagles in fall (about October to December). At this time of year, they gather to hunt salmon.

In other seasons, we commonly spot bald eagles from PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, Easte Sooke Park, Dallas Road, and beaches like Esquimalt Lagoon or Willows Beach .

Ferry travelers should bring their binoculars, too! We spot bald eagles every time we travel by ferry through the Southern Gulf Islands. They are especially common around Active Pass, perching on the trees of Mayne and Galiano Islands.

A great way to spot bald eagles is by listening for their gull-like peal call . Just remember that their calls don’t sound like what you’d hear in the movies — usually, a red-tailed hawk call is used in films to make bald eagles sound more impressive!

Other Bird Species

With diverse and abundant birdlife, Victoria is an excellent place to go birdwatching — not just for bald eagles!

Stroll along the many beaches to spot shorebirds, listen to warblers in the lush forests, watch for hummingbirds flitting in among the flowers of Victoria’s gardens , look for birds of prey soaring on the thermals…

With numerous species located all across the city, birdwatchers will never get bored here!

One of Victoria’s best birdwatching spots is located in Colwood — the Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary . This protected park features sheltered tidal waters surrounded by forest and beautiful sandy beach. The lagoon is home to thousands of waterbirds, from surf scoters and teals to kingfishers and shorebirds. It’s common to spot birders here with scopes and cameras, especially at the golden hour!

Other great places to birdwatch in Victoria include the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, Panama Flats, and Island View Beach Regional Park. No matter where you go, you’ll likely be able to cross a lifer or two off your list when birdwatching in Victoria, BC!

Terrestrial Mammals

When you visit Victoria, expect to see deer wandering around the neighborhoods. The city is home to a large and thriving black-tailed deer population.

These deer are spotted all around the city, even in backyards! They are especially common around the golf courses (like Uplands Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club), parks like Beacon Hill, and other grassy areas, like Ross Bay Cemetery.

Black-tailed deer are the main species of wild ungulate (hooved animals) around Victoria. However, there are also invasive fallow deer in the Southern Gulf Islands. These non-native European deer were once introduced to Vancouver Island for sport hunting but now are wrecking havoc on the local ecosystem.

Further north on the island, there are also Roosevelt Elk, which are massive and genetically isolated from the mainland. They are native to Vancouver Island and found in areas like Lake Cowichan, Port Renfrew, and Nanaimo.

Black Bears

Black bears aren’t often spotted around Victoria, although there is always the possibility of seeing one. However, this is really luck of the draw.

Sometimes, black bears are spotted in more rural areas like Metchosin, Sooke, or Goldstream. There have even been black bears sighted in some unusual spots around the city, like at the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre. These sightings are pretty uncommon though.

Grizzly bears are sometimes (rarely) spotted on Vancouver Island, but not around Victoria. They are found in the northern part of the island, around Port Hardy and north of Campbell River. A few grizzlies will swim across the water to Vancouver Island from BC’s central coast, but they usually don’t stay year-round.

If you want to see bears, we recommend joining an Indigenous-led grizzly bear-watching tour . Departing from Campbell River, these tours take you on a wild boat adventure to Orford Bay, part of the Homalco First Nation’s traditional territory along Bute Inlet. Here, you’ll search for impressive brown bears in their natural habitat!

Grey Wolves

Grey wolves are not common around Victoria. Most live along the west coast of Vancouver Island, or north past Campbell River.

In the past, there was a lone wolf named Stqéyəʔ (also known as Takaya) that lived on Discovery and Chatham Islands, which lay just offshore from Oak Bay.

After swimming to shore one day, the wolf was spotted running through James Bay. After being captured, Takaya was relocated to Port Renfrew where he was unfortunately shot by a hunter.

Takaya was an unusual sighting around southern Vancouver Island. Even in areas with more wolves, they are still elusive and seldom spotted. Chances are extremely slim of spotting a wolf around the city — you’ll have more luck up north, around the Pacific Rim or Cape Scott.

Did you know that Vancouver Island has the highest density of cougars in North America? While most of the cougar population inhabits the northern parts of the island, they are still occasionally found in the rural and suburban areas of Greater Victoria.

While you’re highly unlikely to ever spot a cougar around Victoria, there’s always a chance. They are more common around the outskirts of the city, such as Metchosin. Most residents never see cougars — we certainly haven’t!

Other Mammals

Victoria is also home to a variety of smaller mammal species, including raccoons, mustelids like mink and marten, and rodents like rabbits, squirrels, and yes — even rats.

If you’re up late at night, you might be lucky to spot some raccoons foraging alongside the roads. We’ve spotted them in places like Beacon Hill in the early morning or late evening.

Minks can sometimes be spotted fishing along the shoreline. They look like small otters and swim too, but stick closer to shore and like rocky areas.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Several species of amphibians call Victoria home. There are 3 species of frogs and 6 salamander species, as well as two invasive frog species. They can be found around ponds, wetlands, or forest habitats — depending on the species.

Pacific chorus frogs are the most commonly heard frog around Victoria and are often singing loudly around wet areas. Other species you might hear or see include Western Toads and Northern Red-Legged Frog.

American bullfrogs – an invasive species – are often spotted in lakes, such as Thetis Lake. If you see a massive tadpole, it’s probably an American bullfrog. Bronze Frogs are also invasive.

Salamanders and newts can also be found around Victoria, like the Northwestern Salamander or the Roughskin Newt. Some species are semi-aquatic, living in ponds and wetlands. Others are entirely terrestrial, hiding under logs and plants on the moist forest floor.

Good spots to look for amphibians are at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, Goldstream Provincial Park, Elk Lake, and Thetis Lake.

Victoria is home to several species of reptiles, including lizards, turtles, and snakes.

The most common reptile around Victoria seems to be the Common Wall Lizard, an invasive species introduced from Italy. They have adapted to life in Victoria quite well and on hot sunny days, you’ll spot these little lizards everywhere, sunbathing on rocks, sidewalks, logs, etc…

Wall lizards look quite similar to Victoria’s native species of lizard, the Northern Alligator Lizard. If you get a good look, you can tell them apart as the invasive species is more slender and much faster.

Turtles are best spotted on a sunny day, when they crawl onto logs to sunbathe. We often see them at Thetis Lake, Elk/Beaver Lake, and Beacon Hill. In the summer, head to Goodacre Lake at Beacon Hill Lake to a long row of turtles sunning themselves on a floating log!

Snakes are also a common sight on hot days, but don’t worry — none of the species that call Victoria home are dangerous! They will often be sunning themselves beside sidewalks or trails.

Top Travel Tips & Resources for Victoria, BC

• Travel Insurance – If you’re travelling internationally, travel insurance is a must for any trip. Being covered by insurance is especially important when you’re going to an adventure-filled place like British Columbia. If you injure yourself while adventuring, you want to have insurance! We recommend using SafetyWing for international travel insurance. They are affordable and have great policies for travellers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Also, SafetyWing provides COVID-19 coverage, which many other insurance companies don’t cover.
• Car Rental – We find the best deal on vehicle rental prices using RentalCars.com . They compare the prices for different car rental companies so you can find the best deals out there!
• Accommodations – We prefer booking all of our hotels, hostels, and other accommodations through Booking.com because they have a flexible cancellation policy. Also, there are lots of different options on their platform, from hotels to vacation homes. Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com are good for booking accommodations. For vacation home rentals, VRBO is an excellent choice (they have lower fees than Airbnb, many of the same properties, and are more ethical).
• Flights – You’ll find many good flight deals on Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can book flights through these websites and they’ll help you find the best prices and flight times. If you fly at less popular times (e.g. mid-week or red-eye flights), you can also save some money.
• Tours – Get the most out of your vacation by taking a guided tour! This is a great way to see the city, adventure to exciting new locations, and learn about the local culture. Viator or GetYourGuide are great options for booking tours.

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• 36 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC
• Bedwell Lake Trail, Strathcona Provincial Park: Ultimate Guide

Pacific Marine Circle Route: Road Trip Guide

• 9 Wheelchair Accessible Beaches around Victoria, BC
• Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for a Seattle to Victoria Trip
• 11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Victoria, BC

Hey, I'm Nicole! I've travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I've lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I'll be sharing travel tips with you!

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• Acanthisittidae – New Zealand Wrens
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• Aegithalidae – Bush Tits
• Aegithinidae – Ioras
• Alaudidae – Larks
• Arcanatoridae – Dapple-throat & Allies
• Artamidae – Woodswallows, Butcherbirds & Currawongs
• Atrichornithidae – Scrub-birds
• Bernieridae – Malagasy Warblers
• Bombycillidae – Waxwings
• Buphagidae – Oxpeckers
• Calcariidae – Longspurs & Snow Buntings
• Callaeidae – Kokako & Saddlebacks
• Campephagidae – Cuckooshrikes, Cicadabirds, Trillers & Minivets
• Cardinalidae – Cardinals, Grosbeaks & Allies
• Certhiidae – Treecreepers
• Cettidae – Bush Warblers, Tesias & Allies
• Chaetopidae – Rockjumpers
• Chloropseidae – Leafbirds
• Cinclidae – Dippers
• Cisticolidae – Cisticolas, Prinia, Tailorbirds & Allies
• Climacteridae – Australasian Treecreepers
• Cnemophilidae – Satinbirds
• Coerebidae – Bananaquit
• Conopophagidae – Gnateaters
• Corcoracidae – Australian Mudnesters
• Corvidae – Crows, Jays, Magpies & Allies
• Cotingidae – Cotingas, Fruiteaters & Allies
• Dasyornithidae – Bristlebirds
• Dicaeidae – Flowerpeckers
• Dicruridae – Drongos
• Donacobiidae – Donacobius
• Dulidae – Palmchat
• Elachuridae – Spotted Wren-babbler
• Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies
• Erythroceridae – Yellow Flycatchers
• Estrildidae – Waxbills, Munias & Allies
• Eulacestomatidae – Ploughbill
• Eupetidae – Rail-Babbler
• Eurylaimidae – Broadbills
• Formicariidae – Antthrushes
• Fringillidae – Finches, Seedeaters, Euphonias & Allies
• Furnariidae – Ovenbirds
• Grallariidae – Antpittas
• Hirundinidae – Swallows & Martins
• Hyliotidae – Hyliotas
• Hylocitreidae – Yellow-flanked Whistler
• Hypocoliidae – Hypocolius
• Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles, Blackbirds & Allies
• Ifritidae – Blue-capped Ifrit
• Incertae Sedis – Uncertain Families
• Irenidae – Fairy-bluebirds
• Laniidae – Shrikes
• Leiothrichidae – Turdoides Babblers, Laughingthrushes, Barwings & Sibias
• Locustellidae – Grassbirds & Allies
• Machaerirhynchidae – Boatbills
• Macrosphenidae – Crombecs, Longbills & African Warblers
• Malaconotidae – Bushshrikes, Tchagras, Puffbacks & Boubous
• Maluridae – Australasian Wrens
• Melampittidae – Melampittas
• Melanocharitidae – Berrypeckers & Longbills
• Melanopareiidae – Crescent-chests
• Meliphagidae – Honeyeaters
• Menuridae – Lyrebirds
• Mimidae – Mockingbirds, Thrashers & Allies
• Mohoidae – O’os
• Mohouidae – Whitehead, Yellowhead & Brown Creeper
• Monarchidae – Monarchs, Paradise Flycatchers & Allies
• Motacillidae – Longclaws, Pipits & Wagtails
• Muscicapidae – Old World Flycatchers
• Nectariniidae – Sunbirds & Spiderhunters
• Neosittidae – Sitellas
• Nicatoridae – Nicators
• Notiomystidae – Stitchbird
• Oreoicidae – Australasian Bellbirds
• Oriolidae – Old World Orioles, Pitohuis & Figbirds
• Orthonychidae – Logrunners & Chowchilla
• Pachycephalidae – Whistlers & Allies
• Panuridae – Bearded Reedling
• Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise
• Paramythiidae – Painted Berrypeckers
• Pardalotidae – Pardalotes
• Paridae – Tits & Chickadees
• Parulidae – New World Warblers
• Passeridae – Old World Sparrows
• Pellorneidae – Fulvettas, Ground Babblers & Allies
• Petroicidae – Australasian Robins
• Peucedramidae – Olive Warbler
• Philepittidae – Asities
• Phylloscopidae – Leaf Warblers & Allies
• Picathartidae – Rockfowl
• Pipridae – Manakins
• Pittidae – Pittas
• Pityriaseidae – Bristlehead
• Platysteiridae – Wattle-eyes & Batises
• Ploceidae – Weavers, Widowbirds & Allies
• Pnoepygidae – Wren-babblers
• Polioptilidae – Gnatcatchers
• Pomatostomidae – Australasian Babblers
• Prionopidae – Helmetshrikes
• Promeropidae – Sugarbirds
• Prunellidae – Accentors
• Psophodidae – Whipbirds, Jewel-babblers & Quail-thrushes
• Ptilogonatidae – Silky-flycatchers
• Ptilonorhynchidae – Bowerbirds & Catbirds
• Pycnonotidae – Bulbuls
• Regulidae – Goldcrests & Kinglets
• Remizidae – Penduline Tits
• Rhagologidae – Mottled Berryhunter
• Rhinocryptidae – Tapaculos
• Rhipiduridae – Fantails
• Sapayoidae -Sapayoa
• Scotocercidae – Streaked Scrub Warbler
• Sittidae – Nuthatches
• Stenostiridae – Fairy Flycatchers
• Sturnidae – Starlings, Mynas & Rhabdornis
• Sylviidae – Sylviid Babblers, Parrotbills & Fulvettas
• Tephrodornithidae – Woodshrikes & Allies
• Thamnophilidae – Antbirds
• Thraupidae – Tanagers & Allies
• Tichodromidae – Wallcreeper
• Timaliidae – Babblers
• Tityridae – Tityras, Becards & Allies
• Troglodytidae – Wrens
• Turdidae – Thrushes
• Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers
• Urocynchramidae – Przevalski’s Finch
• Vangidae – Vangas
• Viduidae – Indigobirds & Whydahs
• Vireonidae – Vireos, Greenlets & Shrike-babblers
• Zosteropidae – White-eyes, Yuhinas & Allies
• Accipitridae – Kites, Hawks & Eagles
• Aegothelidae – Owlet-nightjars
• Alcedinidae – Kingfishers
• Alcidae – Auks
• Anatidae – Swans, Geese & Ducks
• Anhimidae – Screamers
• Anhingidae – Darters
• Anseranatidae – Magpie Goose
• Apodidae – Swifts
• Apterygidae – Kiwis
• Aramidae – Limpkin
• Ardeidae – Herons, Egrets & Bitterns
• Balaenicipitidae – Shoebill
• Brachypteraciidae – Ground Rollers
• Bucconidae – Puffbirds
• Bucerotidae – Hornbills
• Bucorvidae – Ground Hornbills
• Burhinidae – Thick-knees & Stone Curlews
• Cacatuidae – Cockatoos
• Capitonidae – New World Barbets
• Caprimulgidae – Nightjars & Nighthawks
• Cariamidae – Seriemas
• Casuariidae – Cassowaries
• Cathartidae – New World Vultures
• Charadriidae – Plovers, Lapwings & Dotterels
• Chionidae – Sheathbill
• Ciconiidae – Storks
• Coliidae – Mousebirds
• Columbidae – Doves & Pigeons
• Coraciidae – Rollers
• Cracidae – Chachalacas, Curassows & Guans
• Cuculidae – Old World Cuckoos
• Diomedeidae – Albatrosses
• Dromadidae – Crab Plover
• Dromaiidae – Emu
• Eurypygidae – Sunbittern
• Falconidae – Falcons, Kestrels & Caracaras
• Fregatidae – Frigatebirds
• Galbulidae – Jacamars
• Gaviidae – Divers or Loons
• Glareolidae – Coursers & Pratincoles
• Gruidae – Cranes
• Haematopodidae – Oystercatchers
• Heliornithidae – Finfoots & Sungrebe
• Hemiprocnidae – Treeswifts
• Hydrobatidae – Northern Storm Petrels
• Ibidorhynchidae – Ibisbill
• Indicatoridae – Honeyguides
• Jacanidae – Jacanas
• Laridae – Gulls, Terns & Skimmers
• Leptosomatidae – Cuckoo Roller
• Lybiidae – African Barbets
• Megalimidae – Asian Barbets
• Megapodiidae – Megapodes
• Meropidae – Bee-eaters
• Mesitornithidae – Mesites
• Momotidae – Motmots
• Musophagidae – Turacos, Plantain-eaters & Go-away-birds
• Numididae – Guineafowl
• Nyctibiidae – Potoos
• Oceanitidae – Austral Storm Petrels
• Odontophoridae – New World Quails
• Opisthocomidae – Hoatzin
• Otididae – Bustards, Floricans & Korhaans
• Pandionidae – Ospreys
• Pedionomidae – Plains Wanderer
• Pelecanidae – Pelicans
• Pelecanoididae – Diving Petrels
• Phaethontidae – Tropicbirds
• Phalacrocoracidae – Cormorants & Shags
• Phasianidae – Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges & Allies
• Phoenicopteridae – Flamingos
• Phoeniculidae – Wood Hoopoes & Scimitarbills
• Picidae – Woodpeckers
• Pluvianellidae – Magellanic Plover
• Pluvianidae – Egyptian Plover
• Podargidae – Frogmouths
• Podicipedidae – Grebes
• Procellariidae – Petrels, Diving Petrels & Shearwaters
• Psittacidae – African & New World Parrots
• Psittaculidae – Old World Parrots
• Psophiidae – Trumpeters
• Pteroclidae – Sandgrouse
• Rallidae – Rails, Crakes, Gallinules & Coots etc.
• Ramphastidae – Aracari, Toucans & Toucanets
• Recurvirostridae – Avocets & Stilts
• Rheidae – Rheas
• Rhynochetidae – Kagu
• Rostratulidae – Painted Snipe
• Sagittariidae – Secretarybird
• Sarothruridae – Flufftails
• Scolopacidae – Woodcock, Snipe, Sandpipers & Allies
• Scopidae – Hammerkop
• Semnornithidae – Toucan Barbets
• Spheniscidae – Penguins
• Steatornithidae – Oilbird
• Stercorariidae – Skuas or Jaegers
• Strigidae – Owls
• Strigopidae – New Zealand Parrots
• Struthionidae – Ostriches
• Sulidae – Gannets & Boobies
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• Tinamidae – Tinamous
• Todidae – Todies
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British Columbia

British Columbia (abbreviation BC) is the westernmost province of Canada. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the province has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, forests, lakes, mountains, inland deserts and grassy plains. British Columbia borders the province of Alberta to the east; the territories of Yukon and Northwest Territories to the north; the US states of Washington, Idaho and Montana to the south, and Alaska to the northwest. With an estimated population of over 5.6 million as of 2024, it is Canada’s third-most populous province. The capital of British Columbia is Victoria, while the province’s largest city is Vancouver. Vancouver and its suburbs together make up the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada, with the 2021 census recording 2.6 million people in Metro Vancouver. It has a land area is over 944,000 square kilometres (365,000 square miles). British Columbia’s rugged coastline stretches for more than 27,000 kilometres (17,000 miles), and includes deep, mountainous fjords and about 6,000 islands, most of which are uninhabited. It is the only province in Canada that borders the Pacific Ocean.

Because of the many mountain ranges and rugged coastline, British Columbia’s climate varies dramatically across the province. Coastal southern British Columbia has a mild and rainy climate influenced by the North Pacific Current. Most of the region is classified as oceanic, though pockets of warm-summer Mediterranean climate also exist in the far-southern parts of the coast. Precipitation averages above 1,000 mm (39 in) in almost all of the coastal region. Winters are generally severe in the Northern Interior which is generally in the subarctic climate zone, but even there, milder air can penetrate far inland. Southern Interior valleys are hot in summer. The extended summer dryness often creates conditions that spark forest fires, from dry-lightning or man-made causes. Many areas of the province are often covered by a blanket of heavy cloud and low fog during the winter months, in contrast to abundant summer sunshine.

Birding British Columbia

To fully appreciate the birding experience its valuable to have understand the geography of the province, and the general regions in which bird species are found. It will help with planning your trip and compiling a list of which species can be seen where. British Columbia has ten separate eco-regions. But just four will produce all the birds that can be found in the province – the Georgia Depression, the Okanagan Valley, the Peace River Parklands and Taiga Plains. A brief description of each and a hint of the bird species found there are set out below.

Scenery at New Denver – © Adam Jones

Northeast Pacific ocean or Pelagic Waters – Two currents run in the area; the cool Alaskan current reaches Queen Charlotte Islands in summer and the warmer California current reaches northern Vancouver Island at the same time. Organized pelagics usually take place in fall off Vancouver Island. A drive into Washington State may give more pelagic opportunities. Serious pelagic birders might find Laysan Albatross, Short-tailed Albatross, Mottled Petrel and Parakeet Auklet.

Humid Maritime Highlands – Coast & Mountains – Along the Pacific coast, the Coast Mountains, Nass Mountains, Nass Basin and Nass Ranges hold huge, irregular strips of wet coniferous forest dominated by Douglas fir, red-cedar, yellow-cedar, western hemlock, Sitka spruce and amabilis fir. The region includes the windward side of these mountains, the western coast of Vancouver Islands and all of the Charlotte Islands. Along water courses the deciduous trees hold warbling vireo. The coniferous woodland is not particularly rich in bird life but holds Band-tailed Pigeon, Spotted Owl, Western Screech-owl, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Steller’s Jay, Northwestern Crow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Winter Wren, Varied Thrush, and Townsend’s Warbler.

The littoral waters of the coastal inlets, islands, straits, shores and adjacent lowlands are species rich and the coastline is a major flyway for a plenitude of species from shorebirds and waterbirds to a mixture of passerines. The habitat is similar to that of the Georgia Depression so see that paragraph for typical birds. The temperatures along the coast rarely drop to zero in winter and the snowfall is light but as one ascends temperatures drop accordingly. Summer is rarely above 20C to 30C and it is cool at night and cloud cover and precipitation is abundant all year with the driest period being July through September.

Southern Interior – Okanagan Valley – The dry interior of British Columbia is the northernmost extension of the great semi-arid steppe plateaus of the western United States; known collectively as The Great Basin. The Okanagan Valley is one of the only desert-like habitats in Canada and is a must for any birder’s itinerary as it provides an excellent illustration of the attitudinal zonal vegetation and consequent segregation of bird species. The diversity of habitat makes it species rich and there have been some 308 species recorded, 193 species breeding and 107 resident. Where the original steppe remains typical species includes Long-billed Curlew, Mountain Bluebird, Grasshopper Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow and Western Meadowlark. Where sagebrush dominates expect Sage Thrasher and Brewer’s Sparrows. In arid valley bottoms watercourses attract migrants and resident breeders alike. Grouse, Owls, and passerines can be found. Rocky bluffs may hold chukar, swift and swallows, Canyon and Rock Wren etc. Scattered Ponderosa pines attract woodpeckers, etc. The zonal divisions abound and anyone visiting the area would do well to invest in a local guidebook to appreciate what can be found where.

Central Interior – Cariboo Plateau – To the east of the coat mountains lies the region between the Fraser Basin and the Thompson Plateau containing the Chilcotin, Cariboo and Nechako plateaus. Patchwork areas of lodge-pole pine and Douglas fir punctuate the major grasslands and gentle hills. Great Grey Owl skulk in the forest edge, and the grasslands hold Swainson’s hawk, Savannah Sparrow and Sharp-tailed grouse; a mix of southwestern and northwestern species. Meandering streams and low depressions have created numerous small lakes and marshes that dot the area. The wetlands have concentrations of breeding waterfowl including the only colony in the province of pelican. Breeding Sandhill Crane, Greater Yellowlegs and yellow-headed Blackbird are typical. The region has a typical continental climate of cold winters and warm summers.

Sub-Boreal Interior – The sub-boreal interior is the northernmost extension of the humid uplands. The towns of Quesnal, Prince George and Mackenzie lie within its borders. A gently rolling countryside that abounds with lakes, rivers and wetlands. Boreal owl and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher are typical. Precipitation is all year round with very cold winters and warm summers.

Boreal & Taiga Plains – Peace River Parklands – The northeast corner of British Columbia consists of semi-open country of deep river valleys, moist shrub-lands and groves of trembling aspen, and, in the higher elevations are spruce and lodge-pole pine. Typical of the area are Black-and-white, Cape May, Bay-breasted, and Canada warblers, Le Conte’s and Swamp Sparrow and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The Peace River Parklands are described in the top spots below.

Northern Boreal Mountains – Sub-Arctic Highlands – The north of the Province consists of high plateaus and mountains with intermontane lowlands influences by Arctic air. Gyrfalcon, Short-eared Owls, Ptarmigan and waders are typical. Say’s Phoebe breed as do Gray-cheeked Thrush, Golden-crowned Sparrow and Smith’s Longspur etc. Redpoll, Rusty Blackbird and Gray-crowned Rosy Finch are among the specialities along the Haines Road. Winters are long and cold, summers short and cool and precipitation hardly varies throughout the year.

Alpine – Alpine is widespread in British Columbia in the high inaccessible peaks. The only accessible areas are ski developments and logging roads from which the characteristic birds can be seen such as Gray Jay, Golden Eagle, Willow Ptarmigan etc.

Georgia Depression – The Georgia Depression is a large basin containing the east coast of Vancouver island (with the Southeast Coastal Lowlands); and the Lower Mainland, the coastal lowlands surrounding the city of Vancouver, north to include the Sunshine Coast and eastwards along the Fraser valley. Although it lies within the Humid Maritime Highlands Eco-division it is distinguished from the wet coastal woodland and high mountains by an expanse of fertile, marshy alluvial plain – the Fraser Delta (and other lowlands). It holds a juxtaposition of varied habitats including drier deciduous forests, mixed forest, urban parks, urban development, agricultural areas, open sandy shore, rocky coastline lagoons, intertidal mudflats and both freshwater and saltwater marshes.

The population of over two million people does not over impact on the avifauna and dedicated watchers spot many accidentals in this area. Many bird species are best looked for here as opposed to any other part of the province. They are too numerous to list but include herons, geese, swans, ducks, shorebirds, gulls, alcids, owls, and many passrines. Saught after species include Crested Myna, (Vancouver) Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Tufted Puffin, Little Gull, Anna’s Hummingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Spotted Towee, Western Tanager and many more. The Georgia Depression is also a major flyway for migrants and of international importance for wintering loons, grebes, and ducks. The Fraser delta is particularly good for raptors. The whole area has the best climate in Canada with dry warm springs, sunny summers, and mild autumns.

( The text above is a précis of some opening pages of Keith Taylor’s The Birder’s Guide: British Columbia –   Fatbirder )

NB For ABA listers BC is noted for its population of Sky Lark, which was introduced to southern Vancouver Islands late nineteenth century… the only resident population in the ABA area.

Boundary Bay

Clover point - victoria, haida gwaii, iona sewage treatment plant (lagoons) - vancouver, mbs george c reifel, mckinney road - okanagan, peace island parklands, vaseaux cliffs, wa creston valley, keith taylor.

Victoria BC | [email protected]

Number of bird species: 563

University of british columbia, wildresearch.

A Birder's Guide to British Columbia

Best places to bird in british columbia, birdfinding in british columbia, birds of british columbia, birds of coastal british columbia, birds of southwestern british columbia, quick reference to british columbia birds, brant wildlife festival, creston valley bird festival, meadowlark nature festival, the osprey festival, tofino shorebird festival, vancouver bird celebration, wings over the rockies bird festival, rocky point bird observatory, royal british columbia museum, university of victoria, abbotsford mission nature club, bowen nature club, british columbia field ornithologists, british columbia waterfowl society, bulkley valley naturalists (smithers), burke mountain naturalists, burns bog conservation society, central okanagan naturalists' club, delta naturalists' society, federation of bc naturalists, fernie nature club, fraser valley birding, friends of semiahmoo bay society, kamloops naturalist club, langley field naturalists, lillooet naturalist society (lns), mackenzie nature observatory, nature chilliwack, nature vancouver, north island wildlife recovery association, north okanagan naturalists’ club, oliver-osoyoos naturalists, pender harbour & district wildlife society, prince george naturalists club, rocky mountain naturalists (cranbook), shuswap naturalist club, south okanagan naturalist club (penticton), south okanagan similikameen conservation program, squamish environment society squamish environment society, sunshine coast conservation association, the nature trust of british columbia, timberline trail & nature club (dawson creek), trumpeter swan society, ubc birding club, vancouver avian research centre, vermillion forks field naturalists (princeton), west kootenay naturalists' association, whistler naturalists society, white rock & surrey naturalists society, whitebark pine ecosystem foundation, wild bird trust of british columbia, williams lake field naturalists society.

Abbreviations Key

CA Maplewood Flats

Friends of mt. revelstoke & glacier field naturalists (revelstoke), mbs esquimalt lagoon, np kootenay, ns swan lake christmas hill, pp brackendale eagle, rnp burnaby lake, rp colony farm, vancouver parks, wma creston valley, ws starratt, bc interior birding, birding in british columbia, sunshine coast (bc) birding, west kootenay birds, eagle-eye tours, mountain bluebird tours, vancouver island birds, 2017 [06 june] - jean hugé, 2017 [08 august] - anna wittmer - vancouver island, 2019 [08 august] - bernd de bruijn - s ontario & british columbia, 2022 [06 june] - eric newton, dawn chorus b&b - kispiox valley, twin peaks resource - valemount, brandon optics, british columbia beached bird survey, british columbia rare bird alert, jon carter - a british columbia bird-finding guide, vancouver birdfinding sites, bc rare bird alert blog, graham ford - sardisbirder, john gordon - listening to birds, photographer - adam jackson, photographer - glenn bartley, photographer - liron gertsman.

Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide... Wildlife Travellers see our sister site: WAND

Ultimate British Columbia: Coast & Grasslands

• Relatively easy and productive birding among the most scenically impressive areas of the province.
• Up to 200 species of birds; including many warblers, a dozen shorebirds, six wrens, five vireos, four hummingbirds, and many others.
• Spectacular mammal viewing with a great chance at black bears, orcas, grey whale, sea otter, elk, marmots and many more goodies.
• Visiting some renowned tourist hotspots and travelling off the beaten path too!
• Two spectacular boat trips.
• The chance to relax in the evenings over west coast cuisine and wine selection.

Tour Overview

From the temperate rainforest of the Pacific ocean to the grassland and desert areas of the Okanagan, we visit a diverse set of habitats on this birding tour of British Columbia.

We begin in Vancouver on the mighty Fraser River delta. This city’s position makes it a huge draw for birders from around the world who seek migrants, breeding birds and vagrants. Highlights here include exciting shorebird viewing in Boundary Bay, montane birds of the North Shore Mountains and seabirds and rainforest specialties of Stanley Park.

Vancouver Island awaits us after a two hour ferry ride. We’ll spend three days exploring birding hotspots near Victoria such as Swan Lake and Martindale Flats, and take a whale-watching tour to view orcas up close. We’ll visit the wild west coast near Tofino for a pelagic tour that opens up a world of possibilities for seabirds, and comb the beaches in hopes of whimbrels, eagles and perhaps even a wolf.

From here we’ll traverse inland to the famed Okanagan region, known not only for its vineyards but also for avian diversity. Areas such as Kilpoola Lake host Common Poorwills and perhaps even Sage Thrashers, while Vaseux Lake is a site where we could have our highest daily species totals for the trip.

Overall this unique British Columbia birding tour offers the chance to see an incredible array of birds in addition to some fantastic wildlife viewing. British Columbia is a magnificent province that has much to offer the naturalist explorer, from wild Pacific coastline to alpine tundra, and from arid desert to lush rainforest and more.

Dates & Prices

Dates & prices, what's included, tour price includes.

• All accommodation (Good quality)
• All breakfast and lunches
• Two boat trips (weather permitting)
• Ground transportation
• 1 guide with 4 - 8 participants, 2 guides in 2 vehicles with 9 - 12 participants
• All park, conservation and entrance fees

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Flights to and from Vancouver
• Evening meals (group will dine together, but pay individually)
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature
• Taxes (5% GST)

Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver

Our Ultimate British Columbia birding tour begins in Vancouver where we meet at our hotel for dinner on the first night. We’ll discuss our plans to explore Canada's most diverse province over the coming days. Night near the Vancouver airport.

Day 2: Vancouver area

We will hit the ground running by exploring a number of birding sites near the airport and in the Vancouver area. Iona Island is one of the best sites in a city that is renowned for good birding. We’ll listen for the chattering of Bewick’s Wren, Warbling Vireo and Bushtit as we explore this part of the Fraser River Delta. Iona is yet another primo site for shorebird and waterfowl viewing, and rarities are possible. A Spoon-billed Sandpiper was sighted here once! In one flock, we may see all seven species of swallows possible in Western Canada! From here we’ll head right into picturesque downtown Vancouver and through the rainforest environs of Stanley Park. We’ll cross over to the north shore for dinner. Night in North Vancouver.

Days 3 - 5: West Coast and Tofino Pelagic

This morning we’ll head upslope for some montane forest birding. Weather permitting, from Cypress Mountain we’ll have unreal vistas over the city while Vaux’s and/or Black Swifts parade by. This is our best spot on the tour for Black-throated Gray Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak and Anna’s Hummingbird. At Cypress, where the 2010 Olympics were hosted, we’ll hear and perhaps see a displaying male Sooty Grouse booming one of the world’s lowest frequency songs. More obvious songsters include Olive-sided and Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Pacific Wren, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Western Tanager along with Varied, Hermit and Swainson’s Thrush.

After this we’ll board a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, and from the deck we can scan the waters of the Strait of Georgia for seabirds such as Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant, Rhinocerous Auklet, Marbled Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot. Upon arrival we’ll get the sense of the relaxed feel of Vancouver Island as we traverse to the real west coast, stopping at a grove of majestic Douglas Firs, some more than 800 years old! Pacific Wren provides the complex audio backdrop to this wondrous ecosystem.

Nearing the coast we smell the ocean air and investigate the wild Long Beach, where we look for Black Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Wilson’s Warbler and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, among others.

The next morning, weather permitting, we depart on a pelagic adventure, and we don’t have to go far to find excitement. Gray or Humpback Whales might be sighted in near-shore waters and we’ll visit a small colony of Tufted Puffins. Once arriving offshore at the deep Clayoquot Canyon we may encounter ocean-faring species such as Black-footed Albatross, Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters, Common Murre, Fork-tailed Storm-petrel, Red-necked Phalarope and Ancient Murrelet, among many others. Blue Sharks, Rizzo’s Dolphins and Northern Fur Seals are a possibility and we have twice seen the enigmatic Short-tailed Albatross, a species that nests in Japan. Surprises await us on this six-hour tour.

Our second full day in the Pacific Rim area allows a backup day for the pelagic tour and otherwise more exploration of the ethereal rainforests in this area. We’ll hike another old-growth trail, scan for Pacific Loons and scoters over expansive beaches and visit the town of Tofino, where Bald Eagles are more common than House Sparrows. Nights in Ucluelet.

Days 6 - 7: Victoria

This morning we’ll commute south to the provincial capital of Victoria, stopping en route to check an estuary for wildlife. Raccoon, Mink, and River Otter are common here. We’ll see why the southeastern part of Vancouver Island is so attractive to retirees. Once in in Victoria we’ll settle in and have some down-time to see the famed Inner Harbour. When it’s time for more birding we’ll head for Royal Roads University campus to clean up on western specialties like Hutton’s Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee and Red-breasted Sapsucker. Suburban Victoria has the highest density of Cooper’s Hawks in North America and Barred Owls are common in the city parks. We’re not done with our ocean watch however, and we’ll scan for Glaucous-winged, Western, and lingering Mew Gulls. Great Blue Heron, Wandering Tattler and Harlequin Duck could be highlights at Clover Point. One day we’ll take a three-hour boat tour into Juan de Fuca Strait specifically to search for Orcas up-close and personal, as they munch on Chinook salmon. Humback whales are making a comeback and are a probable sighting, along with two species of Sea Lions.

In the evenings we’ll have a chance to relax amid Victoria’s charming ambience and perhaps enjoy a craft brew and some local seafood treats. Nights in Victoria.

Day 8: Manning Park

Keeping the flow, we depart Victoria and return on a different ferry back to the Lower Mainland, this time stopping at nearby Reifel Refuge. This renowned bird sanctuary will give us a great chance to get a closer look at some species. Resident Sandhill Cranes are of the friendly variety, and they can wander by with newly-hatched colts while we enjoy a picnic lunch. We may see a lingering Snow Goose, a chattering Marsh Wren and predators such as Peregrine Falcon and Great-horned Owl while at Reifel. Nearby, we may try for a roosting Barn Owl before driving to the Cascade Mountains. Night at Manning Park Lodge.

Day 9 - 11: The Okanagan

Manning Park is a stunning, mountainous birding venue. Depending on the snowpack in the mountains, we may be able to drive fairly high up into the montane zone to pick up some higher elevation species such as Boreal Chickadee, Pine Grosbeak, Clark’s Nutcracker and Spruce Grouse. At Lightning Lake we’ll have a look in the Engelmann Spruce forest for both species of Crossbill, Canada Jay and Northern Goshawk. We visit a roadside site where American Dipper nests. After lunch we’ll continue east and soon enter the Great Basin ecosystem. Nighthawk Road is a great introduction to sagebrush birding where hopefully we’ll catch Brewer’s and Lark Sparrows singing in the evening and with much luck we could encounter something rare such as Black-throated Sparrow or Sage Thrasher. These birds seem to arrive annually from south of the border, which is just over the hill. We arrive in the splendid Okanagan Valley in early evening and prepare for two final days of birding— possibly the best yet.

While in the Okanagan we’ll explore the best options for sagebrush and dry forest birding. Small lakes will hold plenty of ducks including Cinnamon Teal and Redhead. Near Oliver we’ll watch breeding Wilson’s Phalaropes try to out-compete Bobolinks for our attention while we search grasslands and patches of water birch for more amazing birds. At White Lake we’ll look and listen for Grasshopper Sparrow and Gray Flycatcher. At Vaseux Lake we’ll investigate the riparian areas for migrant surprises while listening to Canyon and Rock Wren both singing from the cliffs above (Marsh, House, Bewick’s and Pacific Wrens are also present!). We’ll scan for large and small birds alike, including Golden Eagles across the lake and Rufous, Black-chinned and Calliope Hummingbirds in the forests. Lewis’ Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Lazuli Bunting and Pygmy Nuthatch each have their favourite tree species to cling to. An evening foray might produce a Common Poorwill or Flammulated Owl.

If we need a breather there’s always a nearby winery to lunch at, or we can dip our feet into the warm waters of Osoyoos Lake nearby our hotel. Nights in Osoyoos.

Day 12: Return to Vancouver

On our final full day we have some time for more birding prior to returning on a four-hour drive to Vancouver. This leaves time for exploring since we take a different route—one takes us through other scenic mountains. We’ll be driving through areas of contiguous forest and may have time to detour and look for bonus birds. Night in Vancouver.

Day 13: Departure

Our British Columbia birding tour ends today. Breakfast is available, but you can depart for flights home anytime today. If you are carrying on to our Boreal Extension, you will join the guides for a morning flight to Fort St. John to truly round out your Ultimate British Columbia tour!

What to Expect

Overview Our Ultimate British Columbia tour is primarily a birding tour, but we will also look for other wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of British Columbia.

The daily travel schedule varies to account for weather, bird species and habitat, but it is a fairly fast-paced tour due to the variety of habitats, locations and large distances we cover during this tour. Most mornings we are out early before breakfast, but return to have breakfast around 8. We will spend the remainder of our morning birding, before a leisurely lunch around noon. Afternoons will be either spent driving to our next destination, or birding with a possible break to recharge. In the evenings we will relax after dinner, but there are some night excursions scheduled to search for owls and other nightlife. These are always optional.

Food Breakfast is usually at the hotel after a morning in the field. Lunch is often at a restaurant, apart from a few picnics. Dinner is always at a good restaurant not far from our accommodation. During dinner we usually discuss the day’s activities and review the list of birds seen and heard.

Accommodation Accommodations during the tour vary but are all charming or luxurious, spacious and comfortable.

Walking For the most part, the walking on this tour is suitable for everyone. However, we will occasionally encounter slippery trail sections or uneven terrain, and we may have a short climb or two. The longest walk potentially will be our search for Flammulated Owl and Common Poorwill, requiring us to walk on an unpaved road at night, 2-3 km (1-2 miles), before turning back and doing that same distance again. Given that it is nighttime, the walk could be somewhat intimidating, however we are in a group and have portable flashlights to make this a doable endeavour for everyone.

Driving There is a fair bit of driving during this tour, with some daily driving stints of 2-3 hours. The longest drive will be 5 hours, returning to Vancouver. Roads can be twisty in some places.

Climate The tour will take place during BC’s summer, traditionally a warm to hot time of the year, so rain is possible, although uncommon. That being said, we potentially visit some high altitude areas, where wind is a potential hassle. We will go on some night excursions and may encounter mosquitos. During this tour we will visit the alpine, subalpine, desert, coast and more. This means a high variety of temperatures and weather circumstances. Bring short and long-sleeved shirts/sweaters, a poncho/raincoat and both long pants as well as short.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Ancient and Marbled Murrelets
• Tufted Puffin
• Barrow’s Goldeneye
• Sooty and Dusky Grouse
• Williamson’s, Red-naped, and Red-breasted Sapsucker
• Lewis’s Woodpecker
• Canyon and Rock Wrens
• Flammulated Owl
• Common Poorwill
• Calliope Hummingbird
• Black-chinned Hummingbird
• White-throated Swift
• Yellow-breasted Chat
• Gray Flycatcher
• Black-throated Gray Warbler
• Yellow-bellied Marmot
• Mountain Goat

Past Tour Checklists

View the list of birds and other wildlife we encountered on our past tours.

• Ultimate British Columbia: Coast & Grasslands 2024 (eBird)
• Ultimate British Columbia species list 2023 (eBird)
• Ultimate British Columbia species list 2022 (pdf)
• Ultimate British Columbia species list 2022 #2 (ebird report)
• Ultimate British Columbia species list 2019

Trip Reports & Inspiration

Tour reviews, connecting tours.

Ultimate British Columbia: Boreal

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Puffin and Seabird Tours

The remote islands we explore on our Puffin and Seabird tours, off the northern tip of Vancouver Island—traditionally known in Kwak̓wala as Wa̱di and Hiła’s—host the highest concentration of breeding seabirds on Canada’s west coast. The surrounding waters are incredibly rich, offering ideal feeding grounds for numerous species. Due to their ecological significance, these islands have been designated as an internationally recognized Important Bird Area.

Tour Highlights:

• Duration: A full-day adventure lasting 9 to 10 hours, immersing you in the world of seabirds. A morning snack along with lunch, soft drinks, and hot drinks are provided.
• Exclusive Locations: Travel through the traditional territories of the T̓łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la First Nation to the secluded islands of Wa̱di and Hiła’s, home to the densest seabird populations on Canada’s west coast.
• Important Bird Area: These islands are recognized internationally for their ecological importance, 90% of Canada’s Tufted Puffins nest on these islands.
• Diverse Species: Some of the species possible include, Tufted and Horned Puffins, Common Murres, Cassin’s Auklets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Sooty Shearwaters, Black-footed Albatross, Leach’s Storm-petrels, Fork-tailed Storm-petrels, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, plus many more.
• Additional Wildlife Sightings: Beyond birds, there’s a chance to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions during the tour.
• Cultural Insight: Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous territories we explore.
• Advanced Vessels:  Our commitment to comfort is unrivaled. Our  custom made vessels  are specifically designed with individual shock mitigating seats to traverse vast areas efficiently and comfortably, maximizing your opportunities to encounter the diverse wildlife that thrives in these waters.

Please note: this is a long tour in a small boat on the open ocean and is weather and sea state dependent. The outermost islands may take 3 ½ to 4 hours travel time from Port Hardy. Guests need to be comfortable in small boats on the open ocean. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is not the tour for you.

Tufted Puffins and other seabirds were, and still are, an important past of local first nations’ traditional practices. Puffins shed their beaks, and those beaks provide a beautiful sound when being fastened and danced on regalia.

Departs at 7:30 am 9 to 10 Hour Tour

Scheduled public tours June 8, 22, July 6, and July 20, 2024

*** a minimum of six passengers are required to run this trip ***

Private charters are available throughout June and July on request

Adult (15 and older): $495 Private Charter: $4495

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Puffin and Seabirds Tour Details

• Minimum age of 15 years old.  Passengers 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Tours depart from Coastal Rainforest Safari’s office at 7185 Market Street in Port Hardy, BC on Northern Vancouver Island.
• Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s departure time to be outfitted in floater suits and sign a  waiver . At the office, your guide will provide a safety briefing plus an overview of the tour and area we will be exploring. The boat is docked a short one minute walk from our office.
• Our open RHIB vessels have comfortable seats on shock mitigating platforms and an on-board toilet.
• RHIBs are not suitable for people with a history of back or neck injuries, recent surgery, or are pregnant.
• Please dress warmly. You will be provided with two-piece flotation suits, warm hats, goggles, and binoculars.
• Plenty of wildlife photography opportunities are available but please do not bring tripods on board.
• A morning snack, lunch, soft drinks, and hot drinks are provided on Puffin and Seabird tours.

Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours

We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island. Learn more about Port Hardy, traveling here and local accommodations.

coastalrainforestsafaris

Sea otter viewing, whale watching, and wildlife viewing boat tours from Port Hardy, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Our beautiful scenery on the North Island is a testament to the deep connection and stewardship of the local First Nations. Each landscape tells a story, and our tours offer a unique opportunity to experience these landscapes through our paradigm. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #explorebc #explorecanada 📸 @westcoastlife ...

Living and working in rainforesty territory! The biodiversity of our area is beautiful that deserves our love and attention! If we look after the land and waters; the land and waters will look after us. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #rainforests #biodiversity ...

It’s going to be humpback city pretty soon; there’s already been amazing sightings! Looking forward to hosting you all this season. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #humpbackwhales #humpbackwhale 📸 @taylormichaelburk ...

Sea wolves on northern Vancouver Island are a fascinating and unique population of coastal wolves that have adapted to a marine-based lifestyle. Unlike their inland counterparts, these sea wolves rely heavily on the ocean for their diet, feeding on a variety of marine species such as fish, seals, and even shellfish. These wolves have a marine diet, with up to 90% of their food coming from the ocean. They hunt salmon, forage for barnacles, and scavenge on washed-up marine mammals. Sea wolves are also excellent swimmers, capable of traveling between islands and across coastal waters in search of food, and they have been observed swimming up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in a single trip. Their behavior is unique compared to inland wolves, as they exhibit coastal foraging and a more solitary hunting style. They are less likely to form large packs and often hunt alone or in small groups. Genetic studies have shown that sea wolves are genetically distinct from other wolf populations, having adapted specifically to their coastal environment over thousands of years. Sea wolves hold a special place in the culture and stories of Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island. They are often featured in legends and are considered guardians of the coastal ecosystem. Protecting sea wolves is crucial not only for their survival but also for the health of the coastal ecosystems they inhabit. Efforts to conserve their habitat and prey species are vital to maintaining the delicate balance of these environments. These coastal wolves of northern Vancouver Island are a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of wildlife in the face of changing environments. 📸 @taylormichaelburk. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #seawolf #seawolves #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada ...

Today, we at Coastal Rainforest Safaris had the profound experience of visiting a sacred place, Hiła’s, that has belonged to the Nuwiti since the beginning of time. Nuwiti is comprised of three nations, the T̕łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la, Na̱ḵa̱mga̱lisa̱la, and the Yut̕łinux̱w. This land, rich with cultural and spiritual significance, was tragically taken away and repurposed by local governments. Being on the water there, we felt the weight of history and the injustices that have been inflicted upon these people. Today marks a significant turning point. We are committing to the process of decolonization, supporting the nation’s rightful claim to their ancestral lands and waters. This is more than just a political act; it is a deeply emotional and spiritual journey towards healing and reconciliation. By supporting these efforts, we acknowledge the importance of their traditions, their connection to the land, and their right to steward it as they have done for millennia. It is a step towards justice, a recognition of their sovereignty, and an affirmation of their enduring presence. This day symbolizes hope and a renewed commitment to building a future where these nations can thrive, reconnect, and heal on their own terms. ...

Black bears on Northern Vancouver Island are an integral part of the region’s ecosystem. These bears thrive in the island’s diverse habitats, including coastal rainforests, alpine meadows, and dense woodlands. They primarily feed on berries, plants, and fish, particularly during the salmon runs. Human interactions are common due to increasing tourism and development, leading to initiatives focused on bear conservation and management. Local authorities emphasize the importance of bear awareness and safety to prevent conflicts. Despite these challenges, the black bear population remains robust, contributing to the island’s biodiversity and attracting wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. The Kwakwakawakw territories have vast wildlife and beautiful nature! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #explorebc #explorecanada #gonorthisland #getnorth #gonorth ...

During our first trip of the season yesterday we encountered humpback whale Nippy who is a regular in our area along with a brand new calf. We reported this siting to @mersociety and here is what they had to say: Another new baby! Nippy’s little one was bouncing / breaching north of Port Hardy on June 1st. When Andrew Jones of Coastal Rainforest Safaris messaged us that they were seeing a new calf, we suspected it might be Nippy (BCX1262). She has returned to that feeding area with such predictability and typically stays there for much of the summer / fall. Humpbacks generally return to very specific areas where they know how to get fat fast. Andrew’s photos confirmed - Nippy has a new baby! This is her 5th known calf. Her breeding ground is not known. We are sharing these baby announcements to increase understanding and care about why there are Humpbacks off our coast. They are here to feed, to grow, to play, to care for babies, and to learn. Humpback calves only spend about 1 year with their mothers. Their movements can be very unpredictable and very unexpected. They can suddenly surface after a long dive, be resting or nursing just below the surface, or suddenly become acrobatic. They are often not moving in a straight line but rather often stay in one area and move in the same sort of seemingly random patterns as you in your home. 🙂 As stated in our previous baby post: May knowing about far-travelled, hungry whale mothers and their thirsty, naïve calves motivate greater care for the whales. Boater vigilance is needed year-round to do the right thing to reduce noise and the risk of collision. See www.SeeABlowGoSlow.org. ______________ #ForTheWhales #SeeABlowGoSlow #BabyOnBoard #boatereducation @coastalrainforestsafaris ...

Sea lions and sacred Mountain, priceless! We are getting very close and looking forward to hosting you all for 2024! Give us a call and book your experience:) #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #sealions ...

The northern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a remote and rugged area known for its rich natural diversity. It features dense rainforests, steep mountains, and rocky coastlines, supporting a wide range of wildlife, including marine life like whales and sea otters, and land mammals such as black bears and cougars. The region’s old-growth temperate rainforests are especially significant, consisting of towering trees like Douglas firs and western red cedars. This area is also culturally important to the Indigenous Kwakwaka’wakw people, who have a long-standing connection with the land, evident in their traditions and conservation practices. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #explorevancouverisland ...

Getting anxious to see how many new pups there are this year in the territory. Sea otters typically give birth once a year, although this can vary depending on environmental conditions and the health of the otter. Each pregnancy results in the birth of usually one pup, and occasionally twins. The reproductive cycle for sea otters includes a gestation period of about six months, but they can delay implantation of the embryo, extending the gestation period up to a year in some cases. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #seaotterpup #seaotter #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #wildlifeplanet ...

The coastal rainforest of British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island, is a lush and biodiverse ecosystem teeming with life. Characterized by towering ancient trees, including Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and Western red cedar, this rainforest is a vital habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. The mild, wet climate supports the growth of dense vegetation, from ferns and mosses to unique fungi and lichens. It’s also home to iconic wildlife such as black bears, cougars, bald eagles, and salmon, which rely on the rich resources provided by the forest and nearby ocean. The Indigenous peoples of the region, the Kwakwaka’wakw, have inhabited and stewarded these lands for thousands of years, with deep cultural connections to the rainforest and its resources. Despite facing threats from logging, urbanization, and climate change, efforts to conserve and protect this valuable ecosystem are ongoing, recognizing its ecological importance and intrinsic beauty. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #rainforest #coastalrainforest #vancouverisland #mystic #mystical #healthyecosystem ...

Humpback whales, renowned for their majestic presence in the world’s oceans, exhibit fascinating social behaviors that highlight their affinity for companionship and connection. These charismatic giants are known to form intricate social structures, often congregating in groups to engage in various activities and interactions. One remarkable aspect of humpback whale socialization is their tendency to form alliances and friendships within their pods. These pods, typically consisting of individuals with familial ties, provide a supportive environment where whales can forge bonds through communication, play, and cooperative behaviors. During the breeding season, male humpback whales are particularly social, competing for the attention of females through elaborate displays of acrobatics and vocalizations. These competitive yet cooperative interactions emphasize the dynamic nature of humpback whale societies, where individuals collaborate and compete for reproductive success. Beyond breeding activities, humpback whales also engage in communal behaviors such as feeding cooperatively using bubble-net feeding techniques. This cooperative feeding strategy involves a group of whales working together to corral and trap prey within a bubble net, allowing them to efficiently harvest vast quantities of food. Furthermore, humpback whales are known for their captivating songs, which play a crucial role in socializing and communicating within their populations. These intricate vocalizations are thought to serve various functions, including mate attraction, navigation, and maintaining social bonds within pods. Overall, the social lives of humpback whales offer a glimpse into the complex and interconnected nature of marine mammal societies. Through their shared experiences, cooperative behaviors, and expressive communication, humpback whales exemplify the importance of social bonds in the vast blue expanse they call home. #humpbackwhales #humpback #whales #gonorthisland #vancouverislandwildlife #majestic ...

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Birding British Columbia

Island hopping in the pacific northwest....

The Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, stronghold of the Eurasian Skylark.

Ferry rides to Vancouver Island and among the Gulf Islands of the Strait of Georgia, in search of Marbled Murrelets, Orcas, and other pelagic species.

There is an optional visit to the world-famous Buchart Botanical Garden

British Columbia Tours

2024 British Columbia – Vancouver Island

2025 british columbia – vancouver island.

Sail into peak season and save up to $30 on adult tickets with our WHALE SALE special!

Top 5 Birds We See On Our Tours in Victoria BC

We see an array of very cool birds on our tours at all times of year.  But there are five very cool birds that we see regularly.  Check out this blog and learn a little about them:

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The Bald Eagle is a massive bird of prey found near lakes, reservoirs, rivers and the coasts of North America. They are very distinctive birds with their white feathered heads (they aren’t actually bald!) contrasting with their dark brown bodies and wings. They also have very bright yellow hooked beaks and legs. When it comes to feeding, Bald Eagles are extremely opportunistic and will pretty much eat anything including roadkill. They will also often steal fish from other birds by harassing them midair until they drop their catch.

Bald Eagles will mate for life and the pair will always go back to the same nest every year to have their young. These birds build the largest nest of any North American bird. Each year they return to their nest, they will add to it and end up creating a massive structure way up in a tree. The largest Bald Eagle nest ever found weighed an astounding 1 ton and measured 3 metres wide and 6 meters high! Their mating ritual is also extremely fascinating as they perform a bizarre dance way up in the sky. The pair fly upwards, lock talons and fall towards the earth while rotating, separating moments before crashing into the ground. This is definitely quite an unforgettable sight!

BC is home to one of the largest concentrations of Bald Eagles (after Alaska and Florida) Look for these beautiful and impressive birds soaring overhead, flying for a long time without a single flap of their wings.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

The Great Blue Heron, a very majestic bird, is the largest Heron in North America, with a wingspan over 2 meters long. They are very tall birds with a long neck and subtle blue-grey plumage. When in flight; their long neck will fold into a tight “S” shape, allowing for a more aerodynamic flight profile. Great Blue Herons are very patient birds, often standing motionless for hours scanning the water and waiting for its chance to catch a fish. When they finally spot something, they strike like lightening to snap up a fish or even sometimes a rodent. They are amazing hunters, both during the day as well as at night, having developed specially adapted eyes which help them to see in the dark.

Great Blue Herons have specialized feathers on their chest that are constantly growing and then fray, creating a shaggy appearance. These fraying feathers on their chest are like a “powdery” down, and by using a fringed claw on their middle toes they will comb their chest, and then use the down like a washcloth to remove fish slime and other oils from their feathers. The heron will then apply the powdery down to their underparts, creating a protection against slime when they wade into swamps to feed.

These large, slow-moving birds are seen in Victoria BC regularly. During their six months presence in Beacon Hill Park (a beautiful park located just east of downtown Victoria) each year–February to August–visitors can observe a wide range of heron behaviours, including courtship displays, nest building, mating, and the feeding of demanding, noisy young birds. Bald Eagles regularly attack the nests with dramatic results.

Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba)

The Pigeon Guillemot is a seabird of the North Pacific which is most often found along rocky coasts between Alaska and California. They are quite small, stocky birds with rounded wings and bodies. Mature adults are solid black with white wing patches. They also have very distinctive bright red feet.

The Pigeon Guillemot is one of the few members of the Auk and puffin family to lay two eggs, where nearly all the other species will lay only one egg. When they’re nesting, they will scrape a shallow hole in sand or gravel and lay their eggs or they will lay them in a crevice along a cliff face. Pigeon Guillemots will actually scale vertical rock faces by vigorously flapping their wings and using the sharp claws on their webbed feet. A rock climbing bird would certainly be a strange sight!

Being a sea bird, the Pigeon Guillemot is an amazing swimmer and diver. They spend a lot of their lives floating at sea, and are often seen comically running along the surface of the water as they try to take off. These small birds can dive to an impressive 45 meters deep; however they mostly dive to about 10-20 meters deep.

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve (just 17km south of Victoria) is a popular place to spot these birds as they come here in large numbers during May and June every year.

Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata)

This interesting bird got its name for the vertical white plate at the base of its beak, and similarly to the Pigeon Guillemot, it is also closely related to puffins.

Rhinoceros Auklets are found along coastlines and on the open sea of the North Pacific. They are a medium-sized stocky bird, and dark grey in colour except for a white belly. Along with its white “horn” coming out of its beak, it also has 2 thin white plumes just above its eyes. It is a very distinguished looking bird! Only mature breeding males and females have the horn, and interestingly, the function of it is not known. The horn does shed every year, and they grow a new one.

Rhinoceros Auklets are mostly pelagic (which means they spend most of their time at sea) and will make burrows for their nests on islands. Strangely, they will only deliver food to their babies at night. This behaviour may be an adaptation to prevent gulls and other predators from stealing their hard yearned food.

Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani)

Black Oystercatchers are large, conspicuous and very loud birds that can be seen along rocky shores from Alaska to Mexico. They are easily recognizable with large black bodies and a very bright red beak.

Oystercatchers often mate for life, and the pairs forage together, stalking rocky shores for mussels, limpets and other shellfish at low tide. Strangely enough, despite their name, Oystercatchers rarely eat oysters! But they are amazing hunters and have developed the perfect technique for removing mussels from their shells but keep the shell in place. They have two different methods: in one, finding a mussel with its shell slightly open, the Oystercatcher will sneak up onto the mussel and quickly jab its beak into the opening, cutting the muscles and then cleaning out the contents. In the other method, the bird will simply hammer on the shell until it breaks open.

If disturbed, Oystercatchers will take flight with loud, piercing whistles which can be heard even above the sound of waves crashing. These distinctive (and somewhat obnoxiously loud) black birds are a very common sight along the beautiful rocky shores of the Gulf Islands and the shores around Victoria. We regularly see and hear these critters on our tours!

If you are a keen Bird Watcher then Vancouver Island is the place for you. At SpringTide we run tours year round. So no matter what time of year you join us you will be guaranteed a whole lot of great Bird Watching!

If you loved this blog check out our recent photo album Birds of BC on our Facebook page.  Thanks for reading 🙂

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Tufted Puffin

Tufted puffin (fratercula cirrhata), description.

Pigeon-sized. In breeding plumage, body is black, face white, down-curved yellowish tufts hang behind eyes, and parrot-like bill enlarged, bright orange-red. In winter, coloured bill plates shed and bill is smaller and duller, face turns dusky, and tufts disappear. Immatures are dusky above, light grey below, with small bill. In flight, the large, webbed orange feet are conspicuous.

Nests on vertical sea cliffs, in colonies or singly. Overwinters at sea.

One white egg, often spotted, in a burrow on a coastal cliff. Nests in colonies.

Breeds from northern Alaska south to northern California. Winters at sea off breeding grounds.

Silent except for occasional growling notes uttered around the nest site.

Puffins are sometimes referred to as “sea parrots” and can live for up to 30 years. Puffins can dive at least 80 feet deep. A puffin can fly about 40 miles an hour, and will beat its wings about 300 to 400 times a minute. They’re famed for carrying up to 20 small fish in their beaks at a time. It takes five years for puffins to mature and breed. Where soil conditions permit, puffins can tunnel eight feet or more underground when excavating a burrow. Puffins usually return to the same burrow and nest with the same mate year after year. The female lays only one egg a year, and both parents take turns incubating the egg and feeding the “puffling.” When the pufflings leave the “puffinries,” they won’t touch land again for two years. The breeding colony on Triangle Island off the northern tip of Vancouver Island has BC’s largest population of tufted puffins with 26,000 breeding pairs. Unfortunately they’re quite rare in the Pacific Northwest. Nest numbers are declining, likely from habitat loss and prey declines due to climate change. The only breeding colonies remaining in the Salish Sea are on Protection, Smith and Lopez Islands to the southeast of Victoria.

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admission & experiences

How close do you want to get.

General Admission

Get close to some amazing predators! Tour the facility, meet our birds, and experience our featured flying demonstrations.

• All-day Admission
• Flying Demonstration

Take a walk on the wild side , as you meander through a forest or field with a hawk flying overhead. Put on a glove, and have the hawk fly down to your raised fist where you can admire them closely. Our trained staff will educate you on topics such as the basics of raptor handling, natural raptor behavior, and diet during your encounter.

• Hawk Walk (15-20 mins)

During this unique experience , you will meet several of our raptors up close, while gaining knowledge about their biology, behaviour and conservation needs. Spend time with us flying a hawk, meeting a bird on the glove, working with species we don't typically work with on our shorter experiences, or flying a second bird with us!

• Encounter (1hr - 1.5hrs)

Additional Experiences

Spend an entire day with some of the planet’s finest predators , and immerse yourself in the world of raptors! This experience runs from 10:00am – 3:30pm, with a break for lunch. You will enjoy close interaction with many different raptor species while learning how we work with, train, and care for them. Activities include a guided tour of our facility, hands-on bird interaction (see Closest for details), a chance to fly the birds with us, the opportunity to assist with feeding, and more!

• All-day Admission to the facility
• Flying demonstrations
• Raptor Day experience

EAGLE ENCOUNTER

We invite you to embark on an unforgettable and unique experience . In small, exclusive groups, participants will have the rare opportunity to connect with one of our majestic Bald Eagles like never before.

Join us for an hour of awe-inspiring moments. Picture yourself with an eagle perched gracefully on your glove, as you delve into the depths of their fascinating world. Gain a deeper understanding of these incredible birds as you learn about their behaviour, habitat, and conservation efforts for raptors. Fly an eagle alongside one of our highly trained handlers.

Don't see what you're looking for, or looking for something unique?

(250) 746-0372

1877 Herd Rd. Duncan, BC. Canada. V9L 5W4

Also known as "Pacific Northwest Raptors Ltd."

Great Blue Heron

A tall, graceful bird that can be found across BC, their long, sharp beaks are perfect for stealthily catching fish, frogs, and small rodents. They’re a photographer’s dream bird, with their size, ease of finding, and tendency to stand nice and still for a portrait.

All year, with rookeries coming alive in early spring.

Marshes, lakes, streams, and anywhere with shallow water are prime habitats. If you’re at a rookery during breeding season, you’ll easily hear their loud, prehistoric-sounding calls from across the park.

You can find the Great Blue Heron throughout every Region and Outpost on The BC Bird Trail!

Find the Great Blue Heron on the bird trail

Radium and Invermere

South Fraser

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Harrison River Valley

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Vancouver’s North Shore

Prince George

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Central Vancouver Island

Parksville Qualicum Beach

Sointula and Alert Bay

Victoria Royal Tours

Here at Victoria Royal Tours we only do private tours. Just you with our fun and informative guide. We specialize in Butchart Gardens, one of the finest gardens of its type in the world. We normally allow for 2 – 2. 5 hours to enjoy the Gardens which include the original sunken garden, the rose garden, the Japanese garden and the Mediterranean garden. Garden admissions are included in the price. In addition, each tour guest receives a map of the Gardens along with a complimentary bottle of water and photo ops to last a lifetime! Max. 4 pax per tour. Prior to heading up to Butchart Gardens we do a brief ( approximately 1 hour ) city tour which includes China town, the inner harbour and the famous Craigdarroch castle.

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812 Wharf Street Victoria, B.C.

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