North Surrey
Surrey’s urban heartbeat is strongest in the North, and this thriving city centre is a great place to start exploring all the city has to offer. Trust the local cafes and shops to have everything you need for a day outdoors, as you spot countless bird species within the 452 acres of wetlands, lakes, meadows, and trails tucked within Green Timbers.
-
1Brownsville Bar Beach
One of the only locations on the Fraser River with a sandy beach, this park offers a walking loop and lots of open green space ideal for picnics and birdwatching.
-
2Green Timbers Urban Forest
One of Surrey’s largest parks and home to over 10 kilometres of nature trails. Bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls, and various waterfowl are known to make appearances in this urban oasis.
-
1Prado Cafe
Located inside the 3 Civic Plaza lobby, stop by for quality coffee, amazing baked goods, and a welcoming atmosphere.
-
1Central City Tap House and Kitchen
Enjoy sharing plates, pub fare, and pizzas in this gastropub with a large patio.
-
2Di Reggae Cafe
Home-style Caribbean eats packed full of flavor.
-
3Dominion Bar + Kitchen
Canadian contemporary cuisine and craft beer served in the downtown Surrey social hub.
-
4Guacamole Mexican Grill
The neighbourhood favourite spot for tasty, authentic, and comforting Mexican food.
-
1Black Bond Books
Providing the community with a love of books for over 50 years. Discover local and Canadian authors, as well as guide books on birding in BC.
-
2Skyview Outdoors
Local shop with friendly and knowledgeable staff, featuring camping, hiking, and outdoor adventure equipment.
-
1Civic Hotel
An Autograph Collection boutique hotel that merges BC’s artistry with premium amenities and services in the heart of a new Surrey City Centre.
Guildford/Fleetwood
Just South of the Fraser River lie Guildford and Fleetwood, two of Surrey’s up and coming neighbourhoods. A unique mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, birds and visitors alike flock to these communities to explore gardens, lakes, and parks of all sizes.
-
1Surrey Lake Park
A 2 km loop trail takes you through a variety of birding habitats, including lake, wetland, meadow and forest. Watch for bald eagles hunting over the lake or marsh wrens among the bulrushes.
-
1Cuatro Coffee
Serving up fresh, quality coffee and teas, with delicious hot paninis, in-house fresh-baked pastries, and decadent desserts.
-
1Prairie Cafe
Enjoy home-cooked breakfast and brunch classics in this cozy, family-run spot.
-
1Mountain Warehouse
Specializing in clothing, shoes and equipment for outdoor and sporting activities.
-
2Port Kells Nurseries
This family-owned and operated garden centre and nursery offers a large selection of plants, as well as attractions perfect for kids such as their Goat Palace, Chicken Coop, and Play Centre.
-
1Four Points by Sheraton
This riverside hotel features pet-friendly rooms and suites with modern decor, ergonomic workspaces, and plush Marriott bedding.
-
2Sheraton Guildford
Thoughtful service and cutting-edge amenities in this conveniently located hotel, a short distance from birding spots like Green Timbers.
Newton/Cloverdale
Modern cultural flavours combine with traditional agricultural history within the neighbouring communities of Newton and Cloverdale. Once you’ve had your fill of delicious South Asian cuisine and retail shopping, find your way to Mud Bay or Hi-Knoll park for some of the region’s best bird viewing.
-
1Hi Knoll Park
Explore forest, meadow, and seasonal swamp habitats via a 1.5km trail. Waterfowl, swallows, and Wilson’s Snipes are known to live in this area.
-
1Mud Bay Park
A scenic area with a shoreline loop trail along Boundary Bay, a known birdwatching hotspot, with opportunities to see shorebirds and waterfowl, especially at low tide.
-
1Apna Chaat House
Modest eatery serving tasty Indian street foods.
-
2Chacha’s Tandoor & Grill
Melding traditional Indian flavours and foods with modern delivery and atmosphere.
-
3The Clayton Public House
A lively local tavern with a patio offering a big menu of classic pub fare and BC craft beer.
-
4West Village Cafe
Nourishing breakfast foods and hearty bowls brought to life in a warm and casual environment.
-
1Grecos Speciality Foods
A European specialty foods store with a vast selection of imported cheeses, specialty meats, and snacks.
-
2Overland Outfitters
While specializing in offroading gear, this shop also carries a wide variety of outdoor adventure equipment, from clothing to first aid to camping.
-
1Best Western King George Inn & Suites
Centrally located and close to many amenities and birding spots.
South Surrey
Beaches, parks, and relaxation abound in one of the region’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. From the beachfront promenade at Crescent Beach, to the world-class birding at Blackie Spit and Serpentine Fen, there’s no shortage of opportunities to look up, and stay grounded, in this inspiring stop on the BC Bird Trail.
-
1Blackie Spit Park
Part of the Pacific Flyway and included in the “Important Bird Area” of the Fraser River Estuary, this 5km nature trail welcomes hundreds of species of birds each year.
-
2Crescent Beach
Long, rocky beach with kid-friendly tide pools and scenic views of the bay and distant mountains. Follow the beach to Blackie Spit, a popular birding location.
-
1Elgin Heritage Park
This park on the banks of the Nicomekl River features a 3-km trail through woods and wetlands that are home to shorebirds, owls, and more.
-
2Serpentine Fen
A serene wetland park featuring a 3.5km trail with several wooden viewing towers, perfect for birdwatching across the marsh and river.
-
3Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest
A 130-hectare park with a natural second growth forest making for a dynamic ecosystem full of birds. Along the various networks of trails, look out for dark-eyed juncos, chickadees, wrens, spotted towhees, owls, hawks, and woodpeckers.
-
1Everbean Cafe
A friendly, family-owned and run coffee shop featuring fresh pastries, sandwiches, and salads, with an outdoor garden patio.
-
2Fieldstone Bread
Using Certified Organic flours to make a wide variety of fresh breads, savoury quiches and rolls, as well as cakes and cookies.
-
3Spent Grounds Coffee Roasters
Hand-roasted beans and quality coffee make this small batch roastery and shop a must for coffee lovers. Enjoy local, healthy vegan/gluten-free groceries & treats as well.
-
1Afghan Kitchen
A family-owned and run spot serving elevated and redefined Afghan cuisine in a modern setting with bold interior colors and details.
-
2The Carvery Sandwich Shop
Delicious and juicy sandwiches made with local ingredients. Making real food for real people.
-
3Cotto al Mare
Serving up classic Italian dishes and certified Neapolitan pizza, made with traditional techniques in a wood-fired brick oven using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
-
4Eggcetera Breakfast Cafe
Focusing on breakfast and brunch egg dishes using fresh ingredients. Try their popular chicken and waffles.
-
5Hooked Fish Bar
Specializing in diverse, seaside-inspired pub food featuring a wrap-around deck with unobstructed views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.
-
6Mainland Whisky
This local distillery creates small-batch corn Whisky and Whisky Liqueurs and hosts exciting themed dinner nights throughout the year.
-
7My Shanti
Refined Indian dishes & creative cocktails are served at this buzzy spot with contemporary decor.
-
8Sunflower Cafe
A unique, cozy café in the heart of beautiful Crescent Beach with vegan and gluten-free options available.
-
9Roadhouse Grille
Family-friendly restaurant serving hearty, comfort breakfast foods and in a funky, 1950s inspired space.
-
ASeahorse Grill
Globally inspired eats from paella to pizza are offered at this cozy bistro with patio tables.
-
BShowshaa Modern Tap Room
Hip, lively setting with creative Indian pub dishes.
-
1Delitalia Fine Foods
Family-owned and operated providing a taste of Italy to South Surrey with paninis, house specials, and pizzas.
-
2Sungiven Foods
Stock up on fresh fruits and snacks to take out on the trail or get supplies to cook your own meals.
-
3Vegan Supply
A specialty store carrying all things vegan. Nourishing food and stocked full of local, organic, and fair trade products.
-
4Wild Birds Unlimited
Stocked with supplies for feeding and observing birds, including binoculars and birdbaths for your gardens at home.
-
5West Coast Gardens
Nestled on their 24 acres family farm in South Surrey, this garden centre offers a great selection of indoor and outdoor plants, as well as an outdoor studio where you can see unique, hand-made planters.
-
1Best Western Peace Arch
This Surrey hotel gives guests everything necessary for a stress-free, luxury trip. Located near birding hot spots like Blackie Spit Park and Serpentine Fen.