Looking for a free way to spend time with your family while appreciating nature?
In the birding capital of Canada, three remarkable migratory bird sanctuaries offer an easy, flexible route for families—each with its own landscape, personality and birdlife. Together, they tell a bigger story about migration, habitat and why these places matter.
Stop 1: Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Canada’s oldest on the Pacific Coast
Established in 1923, this sanctuary is the oldest of its kind on Canada’s Pacific Coast. Spanning an impressive 1,841 hectares—from Portage Inlet to Ten Mile Point—it weaves through both urban and coastal landscapes.
Here, birds and people share space in a uniquely West Coast way. You might spot herons along the shoreline, seabirds riding harbour winds and waterfowl tucked into quieter inlets.
How to explore: Grab a bike map of the Capital Region and explore the area by bicycle or follow the eastern portion of the Galloping Goose Regional trail to explore on foot. Uplands Park/Cattle Point offers incredible views of the ocean and birds, as well as access to Willows Beach, a popular family destination.
Try this: Let kids lead the way and choose your stopping points. Even a 15-minute pause can turn into a mini discovery session.
Stop 2: Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary
A vital stopover on the Saanich Peninsula
Located near Sidney, this 143-hectare sanctuary is a crucial stopover for seabirds, shorebirds and waterfowl.
Depending on the season, families might see large flocks of ducks, geese or swans gliding across the water, and shorebirds feeding along the edges. More than 40 species of marine birds are regularly seen here. Pacific Great Blue Herons, a BC listed Species at Risk, are frequently hanging around.
How to explore: The flat, waterfront paths make it easy for all ages, whether you’re walking with toddlers or just looking for a relaxed stroll. Resthaven Linear Park is an easy walk, and a great place to birdwatch.
Try this: Bring a simple checklist, with prompts such as “Can we find a bird swimming, flying and feeding?” It keeps kids engaged without needing expert knowledge.
Stop 3: Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Where ocean, lagoon and sand spit meet
In the City of Colwood, this 134-hectare sanctuary protects a dynamic mix of lagoon, shoreline and sand-spit habitats.
Here you’ll often find shorebirds along the tide line, herons and waterfowl in the lagoon and seabirds just offshore.
How to explore: Walk the Coburg Peninsula to view unique driftwood sculptures and spot herons and eagles. The lagoon is also a popular, calm spot for kayaking or paddling. There’s room to roam, explore and play—while still being surrounded by wildlife.
Try this: Turn observation into storytelling: “Where do you think that bird is going next?” It sparks imagination alongside learning.
Why These Places Matter
These sanctuaries aren’t just beautiful places to visit; they’re essential links in a much larger migratory network. Birds travel thousands of kilometres each year, relying on safe, food-rich stopovers like these to rest and refuel.
Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO) studies migrating birds across the region. The birds that depend on these sanctuaries are the same ones monitored through RPBO long-term banding and tracking programs. The health of these habitats directly shapes the data, insights and conservation work that follow.
A Few Tips
You don’t need to do all three stops in one day. Pick one or stretch the adventure over a weekend.
• Share one pair of binoculars—it keeps kids taking turns and staying engaged
• Pack snacks and layers (coastal weather loves surprises)
• Focus on curiosity, not correctness
A Different Kind of Family Day
A bird-watching road trip isn’t about checking off a list—it’s about noticing. Slowing down. Asking questions. Letting kids discover that nature isn’t somewhere far away—it’s right here, moving, feeding and flying all around them.
And sometimes, all it takes is a short drive, a stretch of shoreline and the simple question: “What do you see?”
