Reifel Bird Sanctuary

We had a great time here a few weeks ago.

There are a billion ducks that are happy to pose for pictures or follow you around until you feed them! Can be a little overwhelming for small kids, as they are not afraid of people at all.

Chickadees are amazing and will sit in a patient hand to get a sunflower seed. More fun for photos! As an adult I was delighted to have the tiny things landing in my hand, so I’m sure it would put a child right over the top!

Warning about the Sandhill Cranes, who are VERY brave and very confrontational! They are 5 feet tall, huge, and have super sharp beaks. They WILL chase you down the path if you are in their way!

A great place for a leisurely walk. Lots of birds to see and some great warming huts and viewing blinds along the way.

Admission: $4 for Adults

Go in the late afternoon and catch a beautiful sunset!

The Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is my favourite green space in the Lower Mainland. It’s 850 acres of marshlands southwest of Langley Ladner (who can keep those suburbs straight?) on Westham Island, and home or rest stop to over 250 species of birds.

I’m not an enormous bird watcher, but it’s a lovely walk and the terrain is very unusual for Vancouver. It’s part of the Fraser River’s tidal estuary, and is all tall reeds and sloughs. The sanctuary is actually private land, contributed by the Reifel family in the sixties and excellently managed by the British Columbia Waterfowl Society.