brackendale eagle reserve

Two weeks prior to our visit the heavy rains and flooding washed all the salmon downstream so there were very few eagles to be found. This was not publicized so we were quite disappointed to only see a total of 10 eagles, mostly singles here and there, when there are usually hundreds. Do your homework before you go.

The season is supposed to be November to February, we went in mid January and there were very few eagles. There had been a storm at the end of December that had washed all the dead salmon away. There were non in the main area, but a few in trees up near Paradise Valley and the tip! Very disappointing.

Although it styles itself as 'Eagle Capital of the World' you have to be here at the 'right time' to see eagles. If the salmon aren't spawning and therefore there's no salmon carcasses on the riverbanks then there's few eagles. You may find them further into the forest up the Cheakamus river near Sunwolf but it depends on dead salmon which is basically 'eagle food'!Today at lunch time there were just two, one beside the road and the other about 1/4 mile away across th river.Advice- time your visit!

Although we heard that earlier in the morning there are more. We arrived to the viewing area (across from the Easter Seal Camp on Government Road) about 1pm. There was a volunteer with two telescopes there to help us locate the single eagle perching on a tree across the river. He explained that as the sun starts getting lower, the eagles head towards their nests. The dyke is nice for a short stroll (dress appropriately... gloves and heavy coats :-)). Overall, it is close by to HWY 99 for a short stop.We drove around a bit more and saw many more eagles perching on bare trees all close to the local rivers. Overall a very nice afternoon.

There weren't quite as many eagles as we'd expected given it was late December; still was worthwhile to see and hear them. Local interpreters had spotting scopes set up for a closer view.

So glad we found this place. We were on the way up to Whistler and decided to stop. You have to hop off the 99 for a bit but it's worth it. The day we went, there were volunteers there with optics gear to help see the eagles. If they're not there, walk up on the berm and look across to the island for eagles on the shore and in the trees. Best time is November to February. The eagles follow the fish. The day we were there they had also seen some sea lions going after the fish. Very cool.

I have been to Brackendale in January two years on the run. i have managed to get some fantastic pictures, the view from the river bank is spectacular, and on each occasion i have seen dozens of eagles, i will be going back this year ( 2015) and hope to have the same luck,

Checked out the eagles today, and although there were few in numbers (say maybe 10) I saw lots of photographers and a seal hanging out. If you can, I would recommend going early in the day, as the day goes on the light isn't as good for photography.

Although we knew we were here at the wrong time of year, we took a look anyway, well we tried.There are some signs but overall absolutely get you nowhere, I just hope other travellers have better luck.

We knew it wasn't the season for them but we went and enjoyed the walk along the river. Watched the seals swim around looking for food.

Dropped in here on the off chance we may see some eagles and after 5 minutes we spotted the only one around high up in a tree on our side of the rivers. Photos galore but he stayed put. Better luck next time to see one in full flight

Then you will love this place! We were there in December. Cold day but walking along the trail we saw many eagles swooping in and out. Love that they are protected there!

I went to Squamish on a whim because I knew that even if there were no eagles, I'd have a great ride. The scenery driving up to Squamish is literally breathtaking, I had to keep reminding myself to breathe!I got to the Brackendale River and immediately spotted a number of white heads in trees. The eagles had just arrived within a few days of my trip (I was there Nov 14th) and they were very close to me, eating, soaring, squabbling with gulls and then just circling, soaring and playing above. I saw 20-30 eagles, a great blue heron, a couple of flickers, crows and gulls.

We visited this area January 2013 and had the privilege of see some eagles. Beautiful scenery and pretty impressive colors.

SO easy to get to, good interpretive signage, great viewing opportunities, a restaurant right there, nice walks along the dike, and oh yes, some of the highest concentration of eagles, spawning salmon, and even seals, that you will see anywhere.Some years, when the Chum run is down, the eagles go elsewhere, but when they're there, the place can't be beat...