Bald Eagles arrive in Squamish BC

Bald Eagles arrive in Squamish BC.

Once again our planet’s largest gatherings of Bald Eagles in underway in Squamish British Columbia, just North of Vancouver BC, and just 50 km south of the world class Whistler Ski Resort.  Based on population estimates, up to 5% of the world’s bald eagles winter in the very this very reachable area.  From one viewing interval, often dozens of Eagles can be seen, and a small walk in the right direction will allow you to see many more.

For decades, thousands of majestic Bald Eagles have been gathering on the riverbanks of the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers, feasting on the ample salmon that either did not quite make it to the spawning channels, or have accomplished their life’s goal, and thus have met their subsequent demise.  Effective to preserve their energy in the winter months, eagles will eat up to a two pounds of this high value protein every day.

The highlight of the eagle-viewing period is the annual Bald Eagle Count, which will take place on January 8th this year and is headquartered out of the Brackendale Art Gallery.  Using consistent methodology, a count of the eagles in the area on this weekend every year has been kept since 1986.  In 1994 a world record 3769 eagles were counted within a few kilometers of the Squamish area and its tributary rivers.

Terrible weather can be excellent for eagle viewing as the eagles tend to stay closer to the riverbanks and closer to viewing areas.  When the weather is fantastic, they are more likely to be off for a small glide around the rivers, mountains and forests of the Squamish area. 

One of the best ways to see the Bald Eagles in their spectacular surroundings right in their own habitat is on an Eagle Float tour, or Eagle Trip through Canadian Outback Adventures.  A dream experience for adventure travelers, photographers, families, schools and educational groups, it is the best way to get up close to these raptors without disturbing them.  While they usually run white water rafting trips in the summer, in winter, Canadian Outback takes vacationers, school and educational groups on float tours down the rivers in the area in order to see these spectacular birds in their untreated habitat, all with stunning mountain and forest backdrops.

The closest Squamish accommodation to the prime eagle viewing area in Brackendale is the Sea to Sky Hotel & Conference Center on Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way.  Brilliant eagle viewing areas are only about a kilometer away.  The hotel also offers discount ski packages to those traveling to ski or board at Whistler Blackcomb.

Here are other excellent viewing areas in town, particularly along the waterway dykes at the end of Judd Road, and around the spawning channels linking the Mamquam Waterway and the Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club. 

Directions: To see the eagles from arguably the best viewing area, turn west from Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way.  This is a left hand turn if you are coming from Vancouver, or a right hand turn if you are coming from Whistler.  Turn right again in about 20 metres at the T-junction with Government Road.  Follow Government road for just under one kilometer, and you will be at the Eagle Viewing area.  Here is lots of parking on the right and an interpretive center on the dyke from which you can get a fantastic view of dozens of Bald Eagles.  If you are very lucky, here may also be a few seals around, as well as a variety of other bird species.  On weekends from December to mid-February here are often volunteers from Squamish’s Eagle Watch program on have to place forward more information and a peek through higher powered telescopes.  Other fantastic viewing areas are near the Tenderfoot Fish Hatchery, The Squamish Estuary, and near the Spawning channels linking the Mamquam Waterway and the Squamish Valley Golf and Country club. 

Squamish is an outdoor recreation Mecca with thousands of rock climbing routes, hundreds of kilometers of Mountain Bike trails, a dozen brilliant day hikes, some of the best windsurfing and kite-surfing on the west coast of North America, brilliant white water rafting or kayaking, and scuba diving in Howe Sound.  For the less adventurous, here is fishing, 3 scenic golf courses, walking trails, beaches and lakes, and sailing available.  The new Squamish Adventure Center was recently opened on Highway 99.  

This article is also printed with pictures at: www.seatoskyhotel.com/dyn.Squamish_BC_Eagles_Article.php

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