Revelstoke Birding Guide

The Illecillewaet Greenbelt area is home to around 50 species of birds and is very close to town; with paved paths and close parking, this is a great option for accessible birding. Great Blue Herons and Lazuli Buntings are often spotted on the banks of the river.

Entrances are at Centennial Park and the Illecillewaet Bridge (the parking lot is on the left before the bridge). Walk along paths to view birds.

183 species of birds occupy Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks—diversity peaks during the breeding season from May to August. Good places to watch birds in Mount Revelstoke include the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk trail, Inspiration Woods Trail, and the lower elevations of the Summit Trail. In July and August, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway offers easy access to the high country and the chance to see local specialties such as Hawk Owl, Blue Grouse, and Boreal Chickadee.

The Beaver Valley and Loop Brook trails in Glacier offer some of the best bird-watching. If you want to see a Dipper, look along Connaught Creek behind the Glacier Park Lodge, along Asulkan Brook beside Asulkan Trail, or the little creek opposite the parking lot at Illecillewaet Campground. Trails such as Avalanche Crest, Abbott Ridge, Perley Rock, and Hermit lead to the treeless alpine and are likely spots to see Golden Eagles, White-tailed Ptarmigan, Water Pipits, and Rosy Finches.

Look out on Lake Revelstoke for a glimpse of the Bald Eagles that make their home in Revelstoke all year round. During the salmon spawning season and the ice melt in the spring, it’s also possible to see many visiting eagles feasting on fish.

Drive down HWY 23N and explore the various recreation sites up to Mica Dam. There is no cell service above Revelstoke Dam, please be prepared.