The traditional territories of the scəw̓aθən (Tsawwassen), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and other Coast Salish Peoples.
The City of Delta is composed of Ladner, Tsawwassen, and North Delta – three distinct communities that welcome an incredible diversity of migratory birds, from snow geese to the western sandpiper, year-round.
Getting Here
By Land
By Public Transit
By Bike
- Biking Itineraries: North Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen
- Biking South: From Vancouver
- Biking West: From Surrey
By Boat
Spring Birding in Delta
Spring migration means being able to catch waterbirds like grebes, Brant geese and northern pintails, while also enjoying the rush of migrants making their way along the Pacific Flyway. Shorebirds like western sandpiper, dunlin, and black-bellied plover scamper along the water’s edge, making the extensive coast of Boundary Bay a must-visit for activity. Northern harriers are residents which can often be seen doing laps above farm fields, then hovering in place before diving for a catch.
Summer Birding in Delta
Summer brings a great mix of resident regulars and elusive surprises. Bald eagles can be found soaring or perched on roadside fenceposts, while great blue herons wade on mudflats and make plenty of noise in large rookeries. If you’re lucky, you might catch a ghostly barn owl patrolling the ample farmland in the area. In marshland, searching the reeds may yield a lucky find of a sora, Virginia rail, or even a large, statuesque American bittern. While seeing birds like these is a treat, there’s a good chance you’ll hear them as they hide in the thick reeds and grass by the water. In the sky, there’s lots of action with several species of swallow (including barn, violet-green, tree, cliff, northern rough-winged, and purple martin) darting over fields, lakes, and ponds. The shoreline (especially places like Iona Beach, Boundary Bay, and Roberts Bank) is alive with shorebirds throughout the season.
Fall Birding in Delta
As fall migration brings many visitors through the region as a stop on the Pacific Flyway, one of the most amazing bird spectacles in the world can be seen in Richmond Delta: the arrival of the snow geese. In early October, tens of thousands of snow geese that breed on Wrangel Island off northern Russia make their way to the area. The sight of a flock covering an entire farm field on Westham Island (near George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary), or peppering the sky at takeoff, is quite impressive. Bald eagles are also plentiful, and can often be seen casually perched along the road in farmland in trees or simply on fenceposts. The shorelines come alive at Boundary Bay and Roberts Bank with huge numbers of shorebirds, like dunlin, western sandpipers, and black-bellied plovers.
Winter Birding in Delta
Snow geese can be found aplenty in open areas in Richmond Delta in winter, from farm fields to lakes, as they prepare to head back to northern Russia in the coming months. The waterfront is quite busy this time of year, with brant geese, northern pintails, green-winged teals, American wigeons, western and red-necked grebes, and even graceful trumpeter swans. Raptors include the resident bald eagle, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, and northern harrier, but you might also see rough-legged hawks and short-eared owls above the fields this time of year.
Delta
The City of Delta is composed of Ladner, Tsawwassen, and North Delta – three distinct communities that welcome an incredible diversity of migratory birds, from snow geese to the western sandpiper, year-round.
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12516 Westham Island Road, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 3N2
Accessible by crossing the Westham Island Bridge, this whole island is a haven for birds as the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is on the northern end.
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25191 Robertson Road, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 3N2
An important part of the Pacific Flyway, this 850 acres of walking paths, wetlands and marsh make this sanctuary a popular rest stop for millions of migratory birds.
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35085 48 Avenue, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 2X7
A cafe in Ladner village serving Vancouver-based 49th Parallel coffee and baked goods and sandwiches from local shops.
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44953 Chisholm Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 2K6
A community hub serving up great food best enjoyed on their heated patio with views of the Fraser River and Deas Island.
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52727 Westham Island Road, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 3N2
Grab something from their Ice Cream Shoppe or bring your own packed lunch to the picnic area, outfitted with gazebos and picnics tables – say hi to the miniature rescue donkeys.
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64930 Elliott Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 2Y1
Find the perfect match for your garden with a selection of over 800 vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, or check out their kitchen and gardening supplies for great gift ideas.
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84919 48 Avenue, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 1V4
A heritage boutique hotel with extravagantly decorated rooms and homemade breakfast served daily.
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91120 Tsatsu Shores Drive, Delta, BC, CA, V4M 4G3
A popular great blue heron heronry with over 100 nests bustling with activity located right by the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
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10Boundary Bay Road, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 1N2
Part of the Pacific Flyway migration route, this park offers opportunities to see a large variety of migratory birds. Take the Raptor Trail for chances to see local owls and hawks.
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113800 72 Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4K 3N2
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of raptors, stop by for a guided tour, meet their resident raptors, and learn about all the different raptors living in British Columbia.
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121200 56 Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 2A4
Tucked away in Tsawwassen, enjoy thoughtfully crafted specialty coffees and fresh, seasonal breakfast and lunch dishes.
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135694 12 Avenue, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 1Y9
Organic coffee and in-house baked goods with gluten-free and vegan options. Stop by for fresh soups, salads, and light meals.
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141202B 56th Ave, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 2A4
A small-batch artisan bakery with irresistible fresh croissants, danishes, and sticky buns.
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151105 56 Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 2A2
Casual atmosphere and Italian inspired dishes with a great wine list and local craft beer. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch.
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161127 56 Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 2A2
Farm fresh seasonal fruits and veggies, local fresh-baked pies, as well as Portofino Bakery bread, cookies, and snacks.
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175188 Springs Boulevard, Delta, BC, CA, V4M 2H4
House-made cured and dry-aged meats, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet sandwiches made fresh daily.
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181315 56 Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 2A6
A local bookstore with an extensive selection of new and used books, fun and unique gift ideas, and stationary.
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191665 56 Street, Delta, BC, CA, V4L 2B2
Conveniently located near birding areas in the region, this inn offers modernized large, comfortable, suites and a host of amenities.
Just south of Richmond’s city centre, Delta presents a variety of unique birding climates, including some smaller islands home to renowned birding communities. Look up, and stay grounded, while the birds welcome you to their coastal habitat.
Exploring the South Fraser Bird Trail takes you through three communities: Surrey, Richmond, and Delta. Situated at the mouth of the Fraser River, this region is one of the best birding areas in the world. While South Fraser is home to plenty of year-round birds, the main attraction for many birders is the fact that it sits on the busy Pacific Flyway, a migration route that goes between Alaska and South America. Every year, the South Fraser Bird Trail is inundated with thousands of migratory birds who rely on this area for refuelling and resting during their long migratory journeys.
With Vancouver International Airport to the north, and BC Ferries to the southwest, this stop on the BC Bird Trail is many folks’ first step into British Columbia birding. Keep an eye out for hawks, eagles, and a variety of gulls also on the go.
