Marsh and wetland at Reifel Bird Sanctuary in the Fraser River Delta

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

British Columbia · Canada

Habitat
WetlandMarshCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-March

Entrance Fee

C$5 adults

Hours

9 AM - 4 PM daily

About This Location

The Reifel Bird Sanctuary sits in the Fraser River Delta near Vancouver, one of the most important estuaries on the Pacific coast. Over 300 species have been recorded in this 850-acre sanctuary, which combines managed marshes, sloughs, and grasslands with natural shoreline habitat.

Winter is spectacular here, with tens of thousands of Snow Geese and thousands of ducks and shorebirds. The sanctuary is also a reliable spot for Northern Saw-whet Owls, Sandhill Cranes, and diverse raptors throughout the year.

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 White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

8/22/2026Blackie Spit (Incl. Dunsmuir Farm & Nicomekl estuary)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

Rock Pigeon

68/23/2026

American Crow

78/23/2026

Common Yellowthroat

28/23/2026

Northern Flicker

18/23/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

68/23/2026

Killdeer

148/23/2026

Barn Swallow

18/23/2026

Brown Creeper

18/23/2026

Bewick's Wren

18/23/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

18/23/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

18/23/2026

Bushtit

18/23/2026

Western Tanager

18/23/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

28/23/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/23/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

28/23/2026

Steller's Jay

28/23/2026

Cedar Waxwing

28/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/23/2026

Chipping Sparrow

18/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit from November through January for peak Snow Goose numbers in the thousands

  2. 2

    Ask the volunteer staff about current owl roosting locations — they are very helpful

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding are November-March. The best seasons are Winter and Fall.
What birds can I see at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary include Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, Northern Saw-whet Owl, American Bittern, Short-eared Owl. The area supports wetland, marsh, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
The entrance fee at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is C$5 adults. Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM daily.
What amenities are available at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Gift Shop.