a stone building sitting on top of a lush green hillside

Iona Island

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

May-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Iona Island is a productive birding destination in British Columbia, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Gadwall among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

8/23/2026Reifel Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

8/23/2026Delta—Boundary Bay - 64th-72nd Sts.1 observed

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Calidris subruficollis

8/22/2026Delta—Boundary Bay1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

8/22/2026Vancouver--Trout Lake (John Hendry Park)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

8/22/2026North Vancouver--Maplewood Flats Conservation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

68/23/2026

Mallard

258/23/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

18/23/2026

Killdeer

28/23/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

28/23/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

38/23/2026

Willow Flycatcher

18/23/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

58/23/2026

Bank Swallow

18/23/2026

Barn Swallow

158/23/2026

Bewick's Wren

18/23/2026

European Starling

308/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

28/23/2026

Song Sparrow

18/23/2026

Spotted Towhee

18/23/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

18/23/2026

Common Yellowthroat

18/23/2026

Canada Goose

8/23/2026

Gadwall

8/23/2026

American Wigeon

8/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Peak spring migration runs mid-May in this region — plan visits around this window for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Iona Island for birding?
The best months to visit Iona Island for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Iona Island?
Notable species at Iona Island include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Bald Eagle, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, European Starling, American Robin. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Iona Island?
Birding at Iona Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Iona Island?
There is no entrance fee at Iona Island. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Iona Island?
Iona Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.