After driving the Sea to Sky Highway — often considered one of the world’s most scenic road trips — and catching your first glimpse of the iconic Stawamus Chief, you arrive in Squamish. Set where the Squamish River meets Howe Sound, the town is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s lots of nature to soak up, from hiking and rafting to mountain biking. Of course, that also means lots of trails for birdwatching, too!
Old-growth forests, bustling estuaries, and stoic mountains make wonderful homes for lots species. This area is also home to the UNESCO-designated Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Reserve which encompasses the fjord, its islands, and the extensive nature surrounding it.
Where to See the Birds
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
Located along the Squamish River watershed in Squamish, this provincial park is recognized as one of the most significant areas for wintering bald eagles in North America. From November to February, bald eagles descend to feast on the runs of chum salmon in the Squamish, Cheakamus, and Mamquam rivers. The bald eagles come from all over the Pacific Northwest, including the interior of British Columbia, as the Squamish River area provides an ideal habitat for roosting, perching, and feeding.
The main viewing area is at the Eagle Run dyke. This can be accessed at Eagle Run Vista Point, parallel to Government Road along the dyke. Walk the trail and read up on bald eagles and salmon through the interpretive signage, and be sure to keep watch on the tree tops and over the water!
Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area
The Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary is an essential and productive ecosystem for not only birds but fish and mammals as well. This beautiful estuary provides wintering, migration, feeding and breeding habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, passerines and more migratory species. In the winter, large numbers of bald eagles can be seen feeding on the salmon. Watch for Purple Martins, Great Blue Herons, and Spotted Sandpipers as you explore the trails.
Year-round bird residents include Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Bushtits, Kinglets, Brown Creepers, Pacific & Marsh Wrens, Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Steller’s Jays, and several woodpecker species. There are always birds to see!
The Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary and its trails are accessible through downtown Squamish off of Main Street or at the end of Bailey Street.
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
A massive granite slab rising from the mountainside is the centrepiece of Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, giving Squamish its renowned status as a climbing and hiking destination. It’s also an important breeding site for Peregrine Falcons (specifically the subspecies Falco peregrinus anatum). Once listed as threatened due to human impacts such as pesticide use and habitat disturbance, BC Parks continues to monitor their status. As the park is one of a limited number of known nesting locations, birders are encouraged to report any Peregrine Falcon sightings and follow posted closures to help protect this sensitive species.
The park’s old growth forests, cliffs and wetlands lining the Squamish River are ideal habitat for other bird species too. Look for Violet-green Swallows and common ravens at the cliffs, and Pacific Wren, Varied Thrush, and Red-breasted Sapsuckers in more forested areas.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
A 15-minute drive out of town takes you to Alice Lake Provincial Park: towering mountains, dense forests, and grassy areas. There are lots hiking trails, a lake worthy of a summer swim, campsites and plenty of amenities.
Keep watch for Swainson’s Thrush, Warbling Vireo, and a variety of flycatchers as you explore the area. Check park closures and updates here.
Looking for cool local businesses to support in Squamish? We made a list for you. Planning a bigger trip? Check out the self-guided itineraries of the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region.
