The sound of birds cheerfully chirping in the trees is one of the surest signs that spring is here to stay. Southern Vancouver Island is home to an extremely diverse range of avian species, and many of these birds return from their winter migration as the weather starts to warm up.  

Many of our real estate agents dabble in bird watching while out on their spring walks. They love the thrill of spotting elusive, rare birds and getting to know the local wildlife better. Think you might enjoy doing the same? Join them on their adventures at these five Southern Vancouver Island bird watching tours and hotspots this spring.  

Where to Enjoy Springtime Bird Watching on Southern Vancouver Island 

Island View Beach Regional Park 

Address: 3215 Island View Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1W3 

Thanks to its remote location and diverse biomes, Island View Beach Regional Park is one of the best spots for spring birdwatching on Southern Vancouver Island. Many impressive species can be found here in the springtime, including:  

• Brant geese 
• Harlequin ducks 
• Common goldeneyes 
• Mourning doves 
• Caspian terns 
• Red-necked grebes 
• Northern harriers 

This public park near our Central Saanich homes for sale has a free parking lot with clear access to the beach, making it a perfect starting location for beginner birders. 

Viaduct Park 

Address: 301 Gorge Road E., Victoria, BC V8T 2W2 

Viaduct Park is a small urban wetland park located just north of many of our Victoria homes for sale. Once used to grow potatoes and corn during the warmer months, this site is still teeming with life, particularly in the areas closest to the Gorge Waterway.  

Most of the birds you'll spot here are waterfowl, but there are a few small colourful passerines that like to spend time in the park's trees in the spring. Keep an eye out for:  

• Hutton's vireo 
• Gadwalls 
• Red-winged blackbirds 
• Buffleheads 
• Golden-crowned kinglets 
• Trumpeter swans 

This spot is just minutes away from the city's downtown core, so it's easy to stop by and enjoy some bird watching over your lunch break or between errands. 

Eagle Wing Tours Specialty Bird Tours 

Address: 1 Dallas Road, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2 

Eagle Wing Tours' Specialty Bird Tours offer guests the chance to spot rare local birds from the comfort of a luxury catamaran. Their earliest spring tour, Active Pass and Islands to the East, is scheduled for April 11th at 8 a.m.  

Over the course of this six-hour experience, you'll cruise through the Active Pass (a globally recognized Important Bird Area between Mayne Island and Galiano Island) and the surrounding area in search of the area's most impressive spring birds. You'll spot species like:  

• Brandt's cormorants 
• Pacific loons 
• Bonaparte's gulls 
• Surfbirds 

The boat may also stop at local bird hotspots like Tumbo Island and the Belle Chain Islands if there's enough time left near the end of the day. 

Tickets cost $225 per person and must be purchased in advance. Buy yours as soon as possible to make sure you get a seat.

Goldstream Park 

Address: Finlayson Arm Road, Langford, BC V9B 6H7 

Goldstream Park is a gorgeous preserved green space along the Goldstream River and estuary. With an abundance of mature trees where they can nest in seclusion, this spot near our Langford homes for sale draws huge flocks of birds each spring.  

Some of the species you might find here include: 

• Spotted towhees 
• Great blue herons 
• Pileated woodpeckers 
• Belted kingfishers 
• Red-breasted sapsuckers 
• Many different species of duck 

There are over 16 km of hiking trails for you to wander, but choose your route wisely. You'll see most of these species more frequently around the river where the easier trails are located.  

Avoid venturing up the challenging Mount Finlayson Trail without extensive preparation beforehand. The trail is dangerous for inexperienced hikers and doesn't pass through many of the areas where spring birds are known to gather. 

Birds of a Feather Pelagic Bird Watching Tours 

Address: Tsehum Road, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6 

Victoria's coastline is home to many birds that live exclusively by the seaside. Birds of a Feather's private Pelagic Bird Watching Tours are the perfect way to see these species up close.  

This exclusive guided experience begins at the tour company's private docks near our Sidney homes for sale, taking guests out onto the Salish Sea to explore the waters near Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. Along the way, you'll see eye-catching birds like:  

• Rhinoceros auklets 
• Black oystercatchers 
• Double-crested cormorants 
• Surf scoters 

The company's guides are trained to adjust their routes based on recent bird sightings, so you'll always have the best chance of spotting your targets.  

These private tours cost $1,100 and last two to three hours, depending on weather conditions. Each booking includes passage for up to two people with the option to add more passengers for an extra $50 per person. Tours usually start at 11 a.m. but can be rescheduled at your leisure with advance notice.

Bird Watch Like a Local 

Spring may be one of the most active periods for Victoria's bird populations, but fall is a close second. That's when Southern Vancouver Island's many hawks, falcons, eagles, and other raptors come out in droves, clustering together in large groups before attempting to fly south for the winter.  

If you want to be nearby to witness this incredible sight in a few months, contact us today. We'll help you find a home in Victoria, Saanich, or another local city where you can enjoy all of the area's natural wonders across all four seasons.