Wildlife Viewing

Birders’ Paradise Found

Richmond is located along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for many birds. It is one of British Columbia’s great birding capitals—an island city studded with unique, easy-access spotting opportunities. You may see bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and barred owls. Keep an eye out for resident seabirds, including sandpipers, killdeer, gulls, and our most iconic bird, the Great Blue Heron. From winter visitors to a year-round rotation of raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl, the area’s parks and shorelines host one of Canada’s most diverse avian populations. Here’s our birding map to help you identify each local and migratory species and the BC Bird Trail for all of your province-wide watching.

Epic, Beautiful, Unforgettable

The majesty of watching these giants of the sea in all their glory while your boat skips along BC’s coastal waters, it’s an unmatched experience. While Orcas are often the main attraction, humpback, gray, and minke whales can be seen depending on the time of year. Keep an eye out for the Orcas of the Salish Sea, three pods (families) of resident Orcas that live and play in the waters off the BC and Washington coast. Steveston Seabreeze Adventures and Vancouver Whale Watch both offer incredible and informative tours. Tours depart daily from Steveston (April to October). Keep an eye out for seals, otters, eagles, and other birds along the way!

Fishing—the quintessential Pacific experience

Whether you’ve never fished or you’re a seasoned angler, Richmond has something to satisfy your fishing needs. Steveston Seabreeze Adventures offers popular small-group charters from Steveston with all equipment and expertise provided. If you have gear and prefer your own pace, Richmond has five major shoreline fishing locations to consider: Imperial Landing, No. 2 Road Fishing Pier and Float, No. 3 Road Sports Fishing Pier, No. 7 Road Pier, and Mitchell Island Pier. If you require any equipment, Berry’s Bait & Tackle is the place to go.

*You will need to obtain a Tidal Waters Fishing License before you start fishing. Click here for license information and click here for additional information.

Take a walk on the wild side.

Richmond is full of wildlife habitats—Wetlands, bogs, and lush greenery serve as important ecosystems that host numerous species of plants and animals, and birds. You might spot turtles, otters, and several other land mammals, not to mention the whales out in the open sea, along with diverse species of fish and marine life. While you explore the parks, here’s a few of the creatures you might spot!

• Turtles
• River otters
• Sea lions
• Frogs
• Squirrels
• Dragonflies
• Herons
• Hummingbirds

Richmond Nature Park is a great place to escape and observe wildlife. It has
80 hectares of raised peat bog, forest, and pond habitats house colourful hummingbirds, dragonflies, and bog flowers in the spring and summer. Come fall, the fascinating fungi cover the forest floor. Check out these brochures detailing the birds, butterflies, and plants found throughout the park or visit the Nature House for more information.