Vancouver:
A Bird Trail Outpost

Vancouver’s largest urban park showcases the best of the pacific marine landscape as you wander through towering coastal rainforest, along the iconic sea wall with epic views of the North Shore Mountains and through carefully curated gardens showcasing the best of the regions flora. With a number of restaurants and attractions located throughout the park, it is easy to spend an entire day exploring the various habitats and species that can be found here. Over 230 species have been sighted in the park throughout the year, offering excellent viewing opportunities no matter the season. Winter finds the seashore teeming with waterfowl and shorebirds while spring brings flocks of warblers and birds of prey to the region to nest.

Open seasonally, the Prospect Point Cafe offers panoramic views from their location perched on a cliff overlooking the North Shore Mountains and Lions Gate Bridge.

Breka Bakery & Cafe (Denman) is located steps from Stanley Park and offers expertly crafted pastries alongside heartier sandwiches and a full espresso bar.

Discover a hidden gem at Delaney’s Coffee House on Denman Street, a local haunt where your cappuccino comes with a side of community charm.

A classic concession stand featuring reasonably priced favourites fresh from the grill for you to enjoy along the seawall at Stanley Park’s famous Second Beach.

Nestled amongst the recreational hub of Stanley Park in the revitalized sports pavilion, Stanley Park Brewing serves up crisp fresh pints alongside a globally inspired menu.

Featuring stunning views from their dining room, the Teahouse in Stanley Park offers diners a refined seafood forward menu accompanied by a curated wine list and full bar.

Capturing the best of their iconic Vancouver vantage point, Lift offers diners upscale pacific northwest cuisine with stunning views, local taps and a global wine list.

Located in Coal Harbour’s upscale marina, Cardero’s is your go to for waterfront upscale dining with stunning views of the North Shore mountains. 

A must-do for any naturalist visiting the area, the Stanley Park Nature House is located on Lost Lagoon with engaging wildlife exhibits and up to date information about what is happening around the park.

Centrally located, the Loden Hotel is a boutique accommodation offering personalized service, luxurious amenities and well-appointed rooms.

Located in the heart of the city, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is an urban oasis greeting guests with refined elegance and beautifully appointed rooms.

Well-located in the trendy West End neighbourhood steps from Stanley Park, The Listel pairs their commitment to the arts with a thorough suite of modern amenities.

A waterfront property known for its refined luxury, the Fairmont Waterfront is renowned for its exemplary service, rooftop pool and stunning views over Stanley park.

During your visit to Stanley Park be sure to visit the information booth to discover the many guided and self-guided tours that are available to enhance your exploration of this iconic destination.

Offering stunning views of downtown Vancouver, Vanier Park is host to open fields, cottonwood forests, tranquil ponds and a variety of shoreline habitats. With over 180 species spotted in the vicinity, a visit to Vanier Park can prove to be a productive urban habitat year-round. Visitor’s to the park during the summer should keep an eye out for a nesting pair of bald eagles who have frequented the site, while migration season can reward with exciting rarities and winter rewards with waterfowl aplenty.

Starting at Acadia Beach with views towards downtown, the Foreshore Trail winds its way along the shoreline towards the infamous clothing-optional Wreck Beach. The trail winds its way along the shoreline, crossing rocky beaches, small creeks, through second-growth forests and past small waterfalls. This shoreline portion of Pacific Spirit Regional Park hosts over 160 species throughout the year, with highlights including seabirds such as the Pigeon Guillemot, Surf Scoter and Caspian Tern alongside a number of birds of prey, shorebirds and songbirds.

With over 73 kilometres of trails, it is easy to spend hours exploring the incredible coastal rainforest of Pacific Spirit Regional Park. A number of habitats can be found within the park that contribute to the diversity of species that can be spotted here. By far the largest wild greenscape within the urban area of Vancouver, the park is important habitat for songbirds and other woodland species such as the Pileated Woodpecker as well as Barred and Great Horned Owls.

A  short walk from Jericho beach, the Breka Bakery & Cafe Kitsilano location is  a neighborhood staple serving up delightful pastries and rich brews.

Corner Cup Coffee House is your friendly neighbourhood joint, offering up a full selection of hot and cold beverages alongside filling breakfast and lunch options.

This community staple has an extensive espresso menu in addition to delicious sweet and savoury baked goods served in a cozy atmosphere. Be sure not to miss the seasonally changing Cinnamon Buns.

An inviting spot to stop in for a hand-crafted beverage and a filling meal. Be sure to try their house-made biscuits or avocado toast paired with delicious seasonal soup.

A beloved local organic cafe specializing in sweet and savoury pies alongside an extensive breakfast and lunch menu all served in an inviting community atmosphere

A contemporary restaurant specializing in fried chicken, biscuits and all the fixin’s. Whether you stop by for their all day brunch, a creative sandwich or a classic combo, you will be glad you did.

A true retro diner serving up modern takes on brunch classics. Treat yourself to a nutritious breakfast and soak up the tried and true diner vibes.

Grab a seat on their patio just steps from Jericho Beach Park. The Galley offers waterfront views with a classic grill menu and craft beers on tap.

This “Breakfast, Burger and Beer” spot supports up and coming culinary students through training and funding supplied by the cafe. Stop by for a bite on their picnic benches and know that your meal is supporting the next generation of chefs.

A modern pub offering up comfort food favourites in a bustling environment featuring daily happy hours and vintage arcade games.

Blending authentic Cantonese cuisine with the dynamic Vancouver craft beer scene, Little Bird offers legendary dim sum dishes in a modern environment.

Stop in at Mix for a light breakfast or lunch or some delicious baked goods to bring along on your adventures. Choose from creative and classic breads as well as decadent cakes and individual pastries.

Heavy hitting deli sandwiches, classic Italian pastas and a well stocked selection of Italian grocery staples, a visit to Jo’s will set you up for a great day of exploring Vancouver’s neighbourhoods.

Offering a comprehensive selection of bird related items, including binoculars and birding guides, Wild Birds Unlimited also organizes monthly drop-in birding walks around the Vancouver area.

Located at the edge of the historic Gastown district, Skwachays is a boutique hotel that supports Indigenous artists through their gallery and artist-in-residence program. Enjoy a stay in their artist designed, thematic rooms and know that your visit is supporting local indigenous artists.

A revitalized boutique hotel featuring limitless charm from it’s former motor-inn days, the Burrard is located in the heart of downtown and is a perfect base for those who like to be where the action is.

Located downtown adjacent to BC Place, Hotel Blu blends technology with luxury providing guests with an elevated stay at their modern facility.

Visitors to this boutique hotel can expect airy and spacious rooms, a premium Granville Island location and gorgeous views of Vancouver’s waterfront.

A hilltop park featuring an arboretum, rock garden, sculptures and the Bloedel Consevatory, the gardens are a must visit for horticultural enthusiasts. When it comes to the avian species, there are some exciting rarities sighted on an annual basis, including the Calliope Hummingbird and Red-naped Sapsucker. General birding is typically best in the spring time, as songbird migrants flock to the area but with over 177 species sighted in the park, there are opportunities for observation year round. If you are interested in exploring the exotic species at the Bloedel conservatory, a small entrance fee gains access to their floral exhibits and aviary with over 100 different bird species.

An urban wetland surrounded by forest, this popular Vancouver park is host to over 170 species of bird throughout the year. If visiting during the migration season, larger migrants such as Trumpeter Swans and American Pelicans may be spotted, while spring brings forth flocks of songbirds returning to the area to nest. Summer time yields a number of waterfowl on the lake, and fall again brings forth a flurry of migrants passing through. Wading birds are often sighted in the area, with Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson’s Snipe and Green Heron being spotted in recent years.

Everett Crowley Park is a carefully restored landscape that hosts approximately 200 species of birds throughout the year. From year round residents such as the Black-capped chickadee and Stellars Jay to the spring time migrants and summer visitors. Explore the trails that wind through lush woodland, open wetlands and offer views out towards the Fraser River from a number of viewpoints. If you happen to be in the area on the 3rd Sunday of the Month, join Margo on a morning bird walk to uncover more about the park and it’s inhabitants.

Located inside the community recreation centre, Blue Parrot Coffee’s Hillcrest location is a convenient location to fuel up with fresh coffee and baked goods before exploring the nearby Queen Elizabeth Park.

Drop into Prado Cafe & Kitchen for a clean, modern environment, expertly crafted beverages and a menu featuring delicious baked goods and creative brunch options.

A plant-based, vegan cafe serving locally roasted coffees and freshly baked pastries with a commitment to  sustainable urban food systems.

A contemporary cafe offering on-site baked pastries, a full breakfast and lunch menu alongside freshly roasted coffees in a bright, welcoming environment.

The Garden Cafe at the exquisite VanDusen Botanical Garden offers a beautiful view of the surrounding flora. Their menu features handcrafted hot and cold beverages, handmade sandwiches and soups as well as daily entree specials. They offer an Afternoon Tea Package and picnic baskets to enjoy in the gardens on a first come first serve basis.

A refined menu in an elegant setting at the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Gardens offering panoramic views of the city and the mountains beyond. They offer lunch with a prix fixe menu option as well as a la carte dinner and weekend brunch.

A plant based restaurant offering up comfort food favourites reimagined into vegetarian and vegan friendly configuration. The lively atmosphere, well provisioned drink menu and great daily specials have made this spot a community staple, even amongst the carnivores.

Featuring the complex flavours of the middle east in an exploration of vegan cuisine, Chickpea Restaurant serves up delicious meals that are meant to be savoured in their bright and welcoming space.

An intentional environment featuring cuisine inspired by the local environment and changing with the seasons, Published on Main promises a culinary journey sure to impress.

A cozy restaurant dedicated to serving timeless food with a focus on highlighting the natural flavours featured on their seasonal menu.

Vancouver’s only 100% Indigenous owned and operated retail store in Vancouver featuring some of the best Northwest Coast artwork available. If you are interested in purchasing a piece of indigenous art, the experts at Cedar Root Gallery are available to assist.

More than just a bookstore, Massy Books is a quirky community hub that supports the arts through their gallery space located nearby and hosting regular community events. This 100% Indigenous owned business additionally aims to support their community by donating a portion of their profits to local charities.