Acknowledgment
The traditional territories of the Coast Salish, specifically Esquimalt, Songhees, Scia’new, and W̱SÁNEĆ people represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat First Nations.
The traditional territories of the Coast Salish, specifically Esquimalt, Songhees, Scia’new, and W̱SÁNEĆ people represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat First Nations.
Inset from the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this outdoor lover’s paradise just 15 kilometres from Downtown Victoria.
Named “BC’s Best Community 2021” by Maclean’s Magazine, Langford’s popular downtown core is surrounded by lush, green hills chock-full of hiking trails and lookouts with local wildlife around every turn. Though many small private lakes dot the sprawling landscape, it’s Langford Lake, Glen Lake, and Florence Lakes that are the most prominent – home to a wide variety of waterfowl throughout the year, including mergansers, grebes, goldeneyes, and plenty of species of ducks.
The sight of a short-lived gold rush in the 1860s, Goldstream Provincial Park sees the return of thousands of Chum Salmon to spawn every year mid-October through December – and with the spawn come the birds, including hundreds of Bald Eagles dining on the river’s bounty.
Getting Here
Fall Birding in Langford
Migration season is one of transition in Langford, with arrivals in the trees of Varied Thrushes, Ruby- & Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Fox & Golden-crowned Sparrows. Tiny Pied-billed Grebes also arrive on the water, and several waterfowl waterfowl species start to show up for the season, meaning the several lakes will each have a different surprise!
Winter Birding in Langford
Winter means the end of the nearby Goldstream salmon run, so here come the eagles! Hundreds of Bald Eagles congregate around Goldstream Provincial Park to feast on the spent salmon. The smell of the fishy buffet isn’t everyone’s favourite, but the incredible sight of these majestic birds makes it well worthwhile.
Spring Birding in Langford
Florence and Langford Lakes come alive, with plenty of waterfowl species around. Ducks like Buffleheads, Gadwalls, and Ring-necked are joined by Hooded & Common Mergansers, and occasional treats like Canvasbacks, Common Goldeneyes, and Ruddy Ducks.
Summer Birding in Langford
With its location right where the elevation starts to go up from the coast, the region has a great mix of raptors when the temperatures rise. Catch flocks of Turkey Vultures “kettling” on warm air thermals, and watch for others like Red-tailed & Cooper’s Hawks, American Kestrels, and even Golden Eagles around the hills like Mill Hill and Mt. Finlayson.
Langford
Inset from the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this outdoor lover’s paradise just 15 kilometres from Downtown Victoria.
Named “BC’s Best Community 2021” by Maclean’s Magazine, Langford’s popular downtown core is surrounded by lush, green hills chock-full of hiking trails and lookouts with local wildlife around every turn. Though many small private lakes dot the sprawling landscape, it’s Langford Lake, Glen Lake, and Florence Lakes that are the most prominent – home to a wide variety of waterfowl throughout the year, including mergansers, grebes, goldeneyes, and plenty of species of ducks.
The sight of a short-lived gold rush in the 1860s, Goldstream Provincial Park sees the return of thousands of Chum Salmon to spawn every year mid-October through December – and with the spawn come the birds, including hundreds of Bald Eagles dining on the river’s bounty.
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2BC, CA
Located in the heart of the city, the 4.5km Ed Nixon Trail takes you through forested areas and runs alongside the southwestern curve of Langford Lake. Watch for birds out on the lake, such as American Coots, mergansers, and plenty of different duck species. Start the trail at Langford Lake Beach Park or from Goldstream Ave.
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3Humpback Road, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 6B1
123-hectare wilderness park of second growth forest and fragile mossy rock outcrops with spectacular views of the region and stunning spring wildflowers. Not that the hike to the summit (352m) of Mount Wells is steep and challenging. On your journey to the summit, you may see turkey vultures and band-tailed pigeons, or hear the drumming of ruffed grouse.
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42840 Peatt Road, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 3V5
This coffee house and lounge specializes in fresh, house made food and famous mouth-watering donuts that pair perfectly with their house-roasted coffee.
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5662 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 2W8
Specialty coffees, housemade sandwiches, daily soups, as well as homemade sweet and savoury pies to take home.
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6755 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 0H9
A friendly cafe brewing specialty coffees with Drumroaster Coffee beans. Daily creative food specials and gluten free options keep people coming back.
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7Peatt Road, Langford, BC, CA, V9B 3V3
Locally owned and operated cafe with a wide selection of specialty coffees and baked goods. Stop in and grab local Vancouver Island beans and teas.
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83039 Merchant Way, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 0W9
This 100% gluten-free bakery has a large selection of goodies to take on the go or enjoy inside the cafe. Sandwiches, quiches, bread, pastries, cookies, and more!
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92806 Jacklin Road, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 5A4
Wholesome, home-made sandwiches are made with fresh baked bread and prepared just the way you like it. Enjoy with a bowl of their daily soup.
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102854 Peatt Road, Langford, BC, CA, V9B 0W3
A true local gathering place, Executive Chef Castro Boateng’s roots in African and Caribbean cuisine pair beautifully with fresh west coast ingredients throughout the creative, seasonally focused menus at House of Boateng.
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11738 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 5T2
This family-run shop has been serving authentic English-style fish and chips since the 1970’s. Enjoy halibut, haddock, cod, and and other seafood options.
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12721 Station Avenue, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 5R5
Known for amazing quality and big portions, this friendly diner is a community staple. Their expensive breakfast and lunch menus offer a lot of variety, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Mahoney – the kitchen creates a unique, one-time meal and you can pay the original price or flip a coin for double or nothing.
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132800 Bryn Maur Road, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 3T4
This quaint family-operated diner serves up burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and features an all-day breakfast.
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14721 Station Avenue, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 2S1
Shop a great selection of quality used books, from local authors and best sellers. Pick up birding field guides to help you ID bird while out on the trails.
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15975 Langford Parkway, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 0A5
This one-stop shop has all the essentials for outdoor gear, clothing, and much more. There’s no store like it!
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16975 Langford Parkway, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 0A5
For more than a century, this BC-owned general store has been providing locals and visitors the tools needed for sustainable living and adventure.
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Discover a range of hotels, resorts, and B&B’s that will make your stay in Langford comfortable and memorable.
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18Langford, BC, CA
The short 1.5km Strachan Trail follows the eastern shore of Florence Lake, offering opportunities to spot Double-crested Cormorants, pine siskins, several swallow species, and more. Access from Savory Road or the end of Springboard Place.
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19Langford, BC, CA
Meander through the trails between old-growth Douglas firs and keep your eyes peeled for Steller’s Jays, chickadees, Brown Creepers, kinglets, and several woodpecker species. Follow the Visitor Center Trail to the estuary viewing platform for a chance to see ducks, herons, and belted kingfishers.
In late October through to November, the salmon spawn along the river and attract a frenzy of bald eagles, mergansers, and gulls (who jockey with the eagles for the best spots at the buffet). You might encounter some non-bird excitement, too, with Black Bears and River Otters living in the area!
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20BC, CA, V9B 0A4
There is a trailhead to the north off Finlayson Arm Road and one to the south near the parking lot at the day-use area of Goldstream Provincial Park. Note that this hiking trail is steep, rugged, and considered challenging.
While Turkey Vultures are a common sight circling the mountain, watch for Golden Eagles, too! They’re not common in the region, but this is one of the best spots around to catch a rare sighting if you’re lucky!
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21Millstream Road, Langford, BC, CA, V9B 3R5
Enjoy specialty coffees and a selection of organic Queen Bee Farms teas in this relaxing shop. Sandwiches, soup, and baked goods are also available.
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222892 Trans-Canada Highway, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 6H6
A small ice cream shop with retro vibes and an outdoor patio. Enjoy your ice cream with a waffle cone, chocolate dipped cone, as a sundae, or a milkshake.
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23Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 3R5
A modern pizzeria offering a variety of Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas, creative salads, and hot appetizers. Sit inside or enjoy the outdoor patio.
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242323 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 6L2
Stop in for a pint and enjoy classic pub fare in this local neighbourhood pub that’s been a staple in the community for nearly 20 years.
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251999 Country Club Way, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 6V2
Simple elegance and contemporary dining make for the perfect place to unwind. In the summer, spend the night out on the expansive patio, complete with fire pits and a beautiful view.
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262401 Millstream Road, Victoria, BC, CA, V9B 3R5
Grab pre-made sandwiches and wraps to take out on the trails, or find other snacks and goodies from their wide selection of unique products.
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The City of Langford has a team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff ready to answer questions and provide maps, brochures, free WiFi, a photo booth, and more. Find them popped up in Langford offering insider tips to help you explore like a local.
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2853 Island Highway, BC, CA, V0R 2L0
Open all year with 159 campsites, stay close to nature surrounded by the forest and birding opportunities within the park.
Both Glen Lake and Langford Lake are found on the south side of the Trans Canada Highway, just a few short minutes from Station Avenue and some of Langford’s most popular local haunts.
Inset from the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Langford is an outdoor lover’s paradise just 15 kilometres from Downtown Victoria. Exploring The Langford Bird Trail Outpost offers birders plenty of birding destinations. As one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, you’re never far from all kinds of amenities and services while birding.
From fine dining at Bear Mountain to the renowned trails of Goldstream Provincial Park, the northwest side of Langford is perfect for families, couples, or independent explorers.
