Bald Eagle Winter Gathering — Squamish
Hundreds of bald eagles gather along the Squamish River each winter to feast on salmon — one of the most spectacular raptor congregations in North America.
About this spectacle
Each winter, Squamish becomes one of the most dramatic raptor gatherings in North America as hundreds of bald eagles descend on the Squamish River estuary and surrounding wetlands to feed on spawned-out salmon. Visitors scan riverbanks and bare cottonwood branches to find eagles perched shoulder to shoulder, their white heads and tails vivid against grey winter skies. The air fills with the calls of competing birds, and the sight of multiple eagles diving toward the river simultaneously is unforgettable. The Brackendale area, just north of Squamish, is the traditional focal point. Cold, crisp winter mornings provide the clearest light and most active feeding behaviour, making this one of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife encounters on the British Columbia coast.
When to go
Nov — Mar, peak Dec — Jan
Getting there
Nearest airport: YVR. Nearest city: Vancouver.
Booking options
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