Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park

Brackendale Eagle Provincial Park is a place of respite for bald eagles fleeing the harsh winter conditions of their northerly residences. To preserve their habitat and prevent disturbance, the park is closed to the public from October through March, though there are spots outside the park from which to view the magnificent creatures. Eagle Run viewing shelter, just across the river on the municipal dyke, is a popular eagle-watching spot. The eagles can also be seen during rafting tours on the Squamish River.

Guided day tours following routes north from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway will often stop at Brackendale during eagle-spotting season, as well as at other attractions along the scenic driving route, such as the Sea to Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls, and Whistler.

• To help with conservation and limit human footprint there are no recreational facilities within the park.
• Camping, biking, and horseback riding is not allowed in the park; fishing is permitted, though it is discouraged when eagles are present.
• The viewing platform at the municipal dyke is wheelchair-accessible but heavy snow can sometimes inhibit access.

Follow the Sea to Sky Highway north from Vancouver. Exit at Garibaldi Way and continue north on Government Road to reach the Eagle Run viewing area.

The best time for eagle-watching is between mid-November and mid-January. On Saturdays and Sundays from mid-November through early January—and daily during Christmas week—you’ll find volunteers with high-powered telescopes at Eagle Run viewing center.

The number of eagles arriving in Brackendale every winter varies year by year, with weather conditions and the salmon run affecting numbers. In 1994, a record-breaking 3,769 eagles were counted by volunteers, though in 2016, only 411 were counted. Even in lower-count years, bald eagles can still be seen perched on the bare winter branches by the river’s edge.