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North America Canada Vancouver Sustainable City Birdwatching

Overview

Birdwatching

The guide was updated: 2024-08-29

One of the greenest cities in the world, Vancouver is home to countless bird species. Eagles, herons, snow geese, owls, gulls, jays and sandpipers — you can find them all here. Casual watchers and serious ornithologists will enjoy the abundance of bird life in the region. The temperate rainforest, alpine landscapes and waterways bring you a variety of species like nowhere else in the urbanized world. You will be reaching for binoculars even downtown. Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Brackendale community and Boundary Bay are excellent places to see our feathered brethren. Check out the Nature Vancouver webpage for an impressive list of bird-watching spots.

Useful Information

Website: www.naturevancouver.ca/birding/birding_birding_sites

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The company running the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is dedicated to environmental stewardship and aims to be a leader in the tourism industry. They seek to reduce the impact on the environment beyond what is required by governmental permit or rule, conserving natural resources and ensuring long-term sustainability for the region. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most known tourist attractions in the area. Walk the gently swaying suspension bridge 85 meters above the Capilano River. The bridge was originally built in 1889 and stretches almost 140 meters across, through the lush green surroundings. But the bridge is not the only thing to see and do in the area, as there are tons of trails to explore.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

One of the greenest cities in the world, Vancouver is home to countless bird species. Eagles, herons, snow geese, owls, gulls, jays and sandpipers — you can find them all here. Casual watchers and serious ornithologists will enjoy the abundance of bird life in the region. The temperate rainforest, alpine landscapes and waterways bring you a variety of species like nowhere else in the urbanized world. You will be reaching for binoculars even downtown. Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Brackendale community and Boundary Bay are excellent places to see our feathered brethren. Check out the Nature Vancouver webpage for an impressive list of bird-watching spots.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Bikes are an important part of the transportation system in Vancouver. Navigate the numerous cycle paths and bike routes, ranging from easy, flat terrain around Stanley Park to mountain biking on the famous North Shore. You can safely move through the city at your pace and see more than you would on foot or by bus. Vancouver's moderate climate makes it possible to cycle almost year-round. The city does have some steep hills and downtown traffic can be a bit much sometimes. Check out the City of Vancouver’s Bicycle Route Map & Guide to plan your journey. Remember, that British Columbia has a mandatory helmet law. The easiest way to get a bicycle is to sign up for the Mobi Bikes sharing system. Alternatively, you could join a bike tour.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Downtown Vancouver gives you glimpses of the vast waterways, lush forests, and dramatic mountains. Don't resist the urge to go and explore. Start with Vancouver’s Seawall or rush straight to the challenging climbs of Grouse Grind. The Destination Vancouver website provides you with a useful list of hiking ideas like Capilano Canyon, Pacific Spirit Park, Stawamus Chief, and Lighthouse Park. You can also join any of the well-reviewed hiking tours that take care of transportation and meals.

Indigenous Culture

Indigenous Culture

Vancouver is located in the traditional territory of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, members of the Coast Salish linguistic group. Metro Vancouver has the third-largest urban Indigenous population in Canada with over 52,000 people. These three First Nations have a special spiritual, cultural, and economic connection to the land that goes back more than 8,000 years. Make sure that your trip benefits not only the trendy European restaurants and big businesses but also the smaller businesses owned by indigenous people. Get acquainted with their art and culture, as well as the traditional sustainable land management practices. Destination Vancouver has a list of businesses and cultural institutions related to the First Nations heritage. Indigenous Tourism British Columbia organizes nature tours and experiences in collaboration with over 200 Indigenous communities.

Capilano River Hatchery

Capilano River Hatchery

The Capilano River Hatchery was completed in 1971 to strengthen the declining Capilano salmon population, affected by the construction of the Cleveland Dam. Beyond its ecological role, the hatchery is a major tourist attraction. The educational center is open daily, giving locals and visitors a chance to learn more about the salmon life cycle. See the Capilano River Hatchery official website for opening hours and when you can see the salmon depending on the season.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park

A green oasis in the middle of the thick urban landscape, the beautiful island-park of Stanley Park spans 400 hectares. The park is not only the world’s largest uninterrupted waterfront path, but also a measure against flood risk. When construction on Stanley Seawall began in 1917, its design was intended as a measure of flood protection along the waterfront edge of Vancouver’s Stanley Park. The park expertly combines environmental resilience with everyday recreational use. Today, it is home to kilometers of trails, beautiful beaches and numerous landmarks. It is without a doubt one of the most beloved spots in the city for both pedestrians and cyclists.

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