A guide for birdwatching at the Gorge

Vancouver Island isn’t just an aesthetically pleasing corner of the world; there is life in all that beauty, and there are plenty of creatures who call this part of British Columbia home. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, then you’ll want to take your binoculars down to the Gorge, which functions as a Migratory Bird Sanctuary. It’s home to a wide range of different birds because there is such a wide range of habitats available.


Source: Kevin Bidwelll

While walking, you might find that you come across birds such as mallards, Canadian geese, diving ducks, cormorants, or American wigeon, to name just a few species that pass through this way. The best place to begin your birdwatching adventure is at the Upper Gorge, specifically at the spot between the Craigflower and Gorge bridges -- it’s a spot that many birds visit, and indeed many also set up a permanent home there.

One of the best things about the Gorge is that there is bird activity all year round. In the winter, you’ll find Bufflehead and Lesser Scaup. There are also a few birds that are labelled as “endangered,” such as the Western Grebe. For this reason and more, it’s important that you’re being extra careful when you’re visiting the area, which is incredibly vital to the wellbeing of local birdlife. For example, you should try to limit your impact on the vegetation, and avoid removing any dead wood that would provide shelter. So long as you’re respectful, you’ll have a great day spotting birds!

After your day of birdwatching, make sure you’re returning to the best hotel in Victoria to relax. At the Days Inn Victoria Uptown, you’ll be treated to comfortable and spacious accommodations, and also enjoy amenities that include a heated indoor pool, fitness centre, and an onsite restaurant and lounge bar.

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