In the 1994 winter count, Squamish recorded a world record 3,769 eagles. Viewing peaks in November and December at the Eagle Run dyke in Brackendale.
In the 1994 winter eagle count, Squamish had the world record count of 3,769 eagles, according to BC Parks. The birds come back every winter for the salmon, and the best viewing is in November and December.
Since the 1994 record, the average count in the Squamish Valley has been about 1,300 eagles. The number each year depends on how many salmon there are and on the weather.
Why the eagles come
Runs of chum salmon in the Squamish, Cheakamus and Mamquam rivers attract eagles from all over the Pacific Northwest and the interior of BC from November to February, BC Parks says. The birds feed on salmon carcasses along the Squamish and Cheakamus rivers.
When to go
Eagle viewing peaks from November to December, but significant numbers of eagles may be around from November to January.
Where to watch
Brackendale Eagles Park is near Brackendale, about 70 km north of Vancouver, mostly on the west side of the Squamish River. You watch from outside it:
- Eagle Run viewing area: on the municipal dyke across from the Easter Seals Camp at 41015 Government Road in Brackendale. From Highway 99, exit at Garibaldi Way and head north on Government Road.
- On site: an interpretive display explains the eagles and the salmon life cycle, and EagleWatch volunteers help visitors at the viewing area.
Park rules
Access to the park itself is prohibited in winter because of the eagles. Recreation in the park, except fishing, is closed from October 1 to March 31, and BC Parks discourages angling on the west side of the river while eagles are there. There is no river crossing or road access to the park from the east side.
The park is home to more than eagles: BC Parks lists black bear, cougar, Roosevelt elk and about 148 bird species that use the area over the year.
