The BC Bird Trail has returned for its third seasonal campaign with an expanded online guide to birdwatching across BC, inspiring people of all ages and levels to get outside, look up and explore some of the best birdwatching in Canada.

In partnership with Destination BC, The BC Bird Trail is kicking off the 2022-23 birding season with the all-new Sea to Sky Bird Trail in both Whistler and Squamish, along with two new standalone Bird Trail Outposts in Langford and Osoyoos.

The expansion of The BC Bird Trail provides locals and travellers, as well as budding and seasoned birders alike, with a free, self-guided itinerary and resource to view and identify some of the most spectacular birds found across five regions of British Columbia.

From Western Meadowlarks, Bald Eagles, and the arrival of the Snow Geese in the fall and winter to countless songbirds, swallows and warbler species in the spring and summer, nature enthusiasts of all levels can utilize the newly expanded BC Bird Trail to easily explore birding, conservation, and community across the province.

The self-guided birding trails and community itineraries throughout the province can be found at bcbirdtrail.ca. They include three new routes: The Sea to Sky Bird Trail in Squamish and Whistler, Langford Bird Trail Outpost on Southern Vancouver Island, and Osoyoos Bird Trail Outpost in the Okanagan Valley, plus returning bird trails in Central Vancouver Island, Columbia Valley, South Fraser and Fraser Valley.

“As we begin our third year of The BC Bird Trail, our entire group of partner organizations are thrilled to be connecting even more nature lovers from BC – and beyond – with iconic opportunities to explore the world of birding in our province,” says Ceri Chong of Tourism Richmond, adding, “Birding truly is for everyone.”

A sudden rise in birdwatching took the world by storm in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic as people sought safe, outdoor hobbies and activities to try out – and it hasn’t stopped. Called the “big birding boom” birding continues to attract more enthusiasts each year, along with a younger, more diverse group of people than ever before.

With British Columbia’s reputation for offering some of the best birdwatching in North America, The BC Bird Trail was developed as the leading source of information on attractions, activities, and accommodations related to birdwatching travel, while also promoting responsible visitation, sustainability, and mindfulness in birdwatching communities across the province.

Importantly, while The BC Bird Trail is designed to support budding and seasoned birders alike, it is also to attract, inspire and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get outside and discover the accessibility, benefits, and supernatural wonders of birding.

“Whistler is proud to be a part of the Sea to Sky Bird Trail alongside our neighbours in Squamish, and to encourage responsible visitation and tourism within our region through birdwatching,” says Tourism Whistler’s Karen Goodwin. “We’re thrilled to show visitors and residents our spectacular natural environment and what makes the Sea to Sky region such a special area to BC’s diverse bird species.”

Funding for the program is provided by Destination BC, Birds Canada, Indigenous Tourism BC, Tourism Richmond, and more than a dozen additional tourism partners throughout the province.