Welcome To The Sanctuary
The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is less than one hour's drive from the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is one of 92 federal Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in Canada. Public use is managed by the British Columbia Waterfowl Society under a long-term agreement with Environment Canada.
Please visit our website page Planning Your Visit for hours, how to book your visit, admissions, driving instructions and visitor rules for this important conservation area.
All visitors require reservations.
Reservations open three days ahead and are available up to 8 am of the day in question.
If a day is no longer visible, all spots have been booked or the reservations for the day have closed.
Click here to make a reservation.
Christmas and New Year holiday hours
We expect to be busy over the Christmas holidays and New Year, please remember to make a reservation before you arrive! We only allow drop-ins if additional spots are available. To make sure you can visit, please make a reservation.
We would like to remind you that there will be NO ENTRY between 11 am and 1 pm on busy days.
Opening Hours:
Christmas Eve, December 24 - 9 am to 2 pm (last entry: drop ins: 12:30 pm/ reservations: 1 pm)
Christmas Day, December 25 - CLOSED
Boxing Day, December 26 - 9 am to 4 pm (last entry: drop ins: 2:30 pm/ reservations: 3 pm)
New Year’s Eve, December 31 - 9 am to 2 pm last entry: drop ins: 12:30 pm/ reservations: 1 pm)
New Year’s Day, January 01 - 9 am to 4 pm (last entry: drop ins: 2:30 pm/ reservations: 3 pm)
Avian Flu Alert!
WASH YOUR HANDS AND DO NOT TOUCH THE BIRDS, PLEASE!
There is a current outbreak of Avian Influenza in BC, affecting many wild birds and many domestic birds (poultry farms). As the weather has gotten wet, Avian Influenca has flared up.
We kindly ask you not to feed birds from your hand, but share the food with the birds by dropping it on the ground. Please wash your hands throroughly after you have visited the sanctuary.
Please be extra cautious if you have any birds in your home. Most local poultry operations are either under quarantine or their flocks have been destroyed because of the disease outbreak, and the presence of H5N1 has been confirmed in many sick or dead wild birds and wildlife species. (read more).
New Admission Prices
For more information please click here.
Winter reminder
As we turn into winter and as the weather is turning cold, wet, and stormy, we would like to remind you to dress for the elements and wear appropriate footwear.
Some of our trails can get pretty slippery after rains and the wind can easily be underestimated. Making a reservation is highly recommended as it allows us to contact you in case of unforseen closures due to windfalls or snow.
Please leave your dog at home!
We would like to remind everyone, that dogs are not allowed on the premises of the bird sanctuary. This includes the Parking Lot.
It is not an option to leave your dog in the car while you visit the sanctuary. Even on an a fall or winter day, cars can heat up fast. As we care about your furry friends, please, leave your dogs at home or in the care of a responsible person while visiting us.
Injured Birds or Animals
The George C. Reifel Mirgratory Bird Sanctuary is not an animal rescue and does not care for sick and injured birds.
Please turn to one of the following organizations if you find an injured bird or animal.
For injured birds (and bats): Wildlife Rescue (Phone: 604-526-7275), Mon-Sun 9am to 3pm
For injured raptors and owls: Orphaned Wildlife Rescue (OWL) (Phone: 604-946-3171), 24h-Raptor Emergency Hotline
For injured mammals: Critter Care (Phone: 604-530-2064 ext. 3), Mon-Sun 9am to 5pm
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