Surrey is a big city full of people, farmland, and birds. The shores of Boundary Bay full of endless amounts of marine life, while nearby rivers and farmland ecosystems provide bird-friendly habitats all year round.
Since the 1980s Surrey has seen an immigration boom create an incredibly diverse city, with more than 30% of local residents of South Asian heritage. This diversity has developed a unique series of communities that make it easy for visitors or locals to easily discover the True Surrey experience.
Getting Here
By Land
By Bike
Biking Itineraries: Discover Surrey
Biking East: From Richmond
Biking West: From Langley
By Public Transit
Explore more bird trails in this region
Spring Birding in Surrey
Summer Birding in Surrey
Fall Birding in Surrey
Winter Birding in 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.
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111931 Old Yale Road, Surrey, BC, CA, V3V 3X3
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.
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214600 100 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3V 7Z2
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.
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34208 Fraser St, Surrey, BC, CA, V5V 4G2
Drop into Prado Cafe & Kitchen for a clean, modern environment, expertly crafted beverages and a menu featuring delicious baked goods and creative brunch options.
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413450 102 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3T 5X3
Enjoy sharing plates, pub fare, and pizzas in this gastropub with a large patio.
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513593 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V3T 2V1
Home-style Caribbean eats packed full of flavor.
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613475 Central Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3T 0L8
Canadian contemporary cuisine and craft beer served in the downtown Surrey social hub.
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713646 Grosvenor Road, Surrey, BC, CA, V3R 5C9
The neighbourhood favourite spot for tasty, authentic, and comforting Mexican food.
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810153 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V3T 2W1
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.
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912355 Pattullo Place, Surrey, BC, CA, V3V 8C3
Local shop with friendly and knowledgeable staff, featuring camping, hiking, and outdoor adventure equipment.
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1013475 Central Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3T 4B8
An Autograph Collection boutique hotel that merges BC’s artistry with premium amenities and services in the heart of a new Surrey City Centre.
In this Field Notes post, we’ll take you through three communities that make up the southern portion of the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region: 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.
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.
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127500 152 Street, Surrey, BC, CA
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.
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139014 152 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3R 4E7
Serving up fresh, quality coffee and teas, with delicious hot paninis, in-house fresh-baked pastries, and decadent desserts.
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1415280 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC, CA, V3R 3P4
Enjoy home-cooked breakfast and brunch classics in this cozy, family-run spot.
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1510355 152 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3R 7C1
Specializing in clothing, shoes and equipment for outdoor and sporting activities.
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1618730 88 Avenue West, Surrey, BC, CA, V4N 5T1
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.
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1710410 158 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4N 5C2
This riverside hotel features pet-friendly rooms and suites with modern decor, ergonomic workspaces, and plush Marriott bedding.
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1815269 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3R 1N5
Thoughtful service and cutting-edge amenities in this conveniently located hotel, a short distance from birding spots like Green Timbers.
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.
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2019569 Colebrook Road, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S
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.
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2113030 48 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA
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.
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237500 120 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3W 3N1
Modest eatery serving tasty Indian street foods.
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2412855 80 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3W 3B2
Melding traditional Indian flavours and foods with modern delivery and atmosphere.
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255640 188 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 4N5
A lively local tavern with a patio offering a big menu of classic pub fare and BC craft beer.
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265620 152 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 3K2
Nourishing breakfast foods and hearty bowls brought to life in a warm and casual environment.
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286886 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V3W 4Z9
A European specialty foods store with a vast selection of imported cheeses, specialty meats, and snacks.
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295828 176 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 4E2
While specializing in offroading gear, this shop also carries a wide variety of outdoor adventure equipment, from clothing to first aid to camping.
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308033 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V3W 5B4
Centrally located and close to many amenities and birding spots.
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.
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323136 McBride Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 3E2
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.
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33Surrey, BC, CA
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.
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3513723 Crescent Road, Surrey, BC, CA, V4P 1J4
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.
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364981 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 0L2
A serene wetland park featuring a 3.5km trail with several wooden viewing towers, perfect for birdwatching across the marsh and river.
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372598 144 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 2H4
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.
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3815331 16 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 1R6
A friendly, family-owned and run coffee shop featuring fresh pastries, sandwiches, and salads, with an outdoor garden patio.
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3912823 Crescent Road, Surrey, BC, CA, V4P 1J6
Using Certified Organic flours to make a wide variety of fresh breads, savoury quiches and rolls, as well as cakes and cookies.
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4019140 28 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 6M3
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.
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4216120 24 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V3Z 0R5
A family-owned and run spot serving elevated and redefined Afghan cuisine in a modern setting with bold interior colors and details.
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432430 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V4P 1H5
Delicious and juicy sandwiches made with local ingredients. Making real food for real people.
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442728 O’Hara Lane, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 2Z8
Serving up classic Italian dishes and certified Neapolitan pizza, made with traditional techniques in a wood-fired brick oven using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
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45130-2940 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V4P 0E4
Focusing on breakfast and brunch egg dishes using fresh ingredients. Try their popular chicken and waffles.
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4612157 Beecher Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 3G2
Specializing in diverse, seaside-inspired pub food featuring a wrap-around deck with unobstructed views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.
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473425 189 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 0L5
This local distillery creates small-batch corn Whisky and Whisky Liqueurs and hosts exciting themed dinner nights throughout the year.
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4815869 Croydon Drive, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 2J6
Refined Indian dishes & creative cocktails are served at this buzzy spot with contemporary decor.
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4912310 Beecher Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 3A6
A unique, cozy café in the heart of beautiful Crescent Beach with vegan and gluten-free options available.
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501781 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 4Z9
Family-friendly restaurant serving hearty, comfort breakfast foods and in a funky, 1950s inspired space.
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5112147 Sullivan Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 3B4
Globally inspired eats from paella to pizza are offered at this cozy bistro with patio tables.
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523020 152 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4P 3N7
Hip, lively setting with creative Indian pub dishes.
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541629 128th Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 3V2
Family-owned and operated providing a taste of Italy to South Surrey with paninis, house specials, and pizzas.
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551640 152 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 4N2
Stock up on fresh fruits and snacks to take out on the trail or get supplies to cook your own meals.
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5614016 32 Avenue, Surrey, BC, CA, V4P 2J2
A specialty store carrying all things vegan. Nourishing food and stocked full of local, organic, and fair trade products.
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571420 172 Street, Surrey, BC, CA, V3S 9M6
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.
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582293 King George Boulevard, Surrey, BC, CA, V4A 5A4
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.
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Experiences
Bookable Experiences in Delta
Discover British Columbia’s super, natural landscape with expert guides ready to lead you through the province’s great outdoors.
Explore Nearby Itineraries
There’s so much more to see in BC. Explore a nearby Bird Trail.
