BRACKENDALE, BRITISH COLUMBIA

BRACKENDALE EAGLES PROVINCIAL PARK, BRITISH COLUMBIA

DISTANCE FROM VANCOUVER: 69 KM; 1 HOUR

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: http://www.mapquest.com/mq/9-uezDl1S3s3P5

Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park lies in the Squamish River watershed within the rugged terrain of the Coast mountains. As the Squamish River drains through the Pacific Ranges to the coast it has carved a deep low-level valley.

The Squamish River Valley has long been recognized as one of the most significant areas of wintering bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in North America. In the 1994 bird count, Squamish had the world record count of 3,769 eagles. The river’s riparian area provides suitable habitat for roosting, perching and feeding. The prolific runs of chum salmon (Onc orhynchuus keta) in the Squamish, Cheakamus, and Mamquam rivers attract eagles from all over the Pacific Northwest from November to February each year.

Park Size: 755 hectares

Special Notes:

Eagle viewing is at its peak from mid-December to mid-January but significant numbers of eagles may be present from mid-November to mid-February. Eagle viewing is best enjoyed by the public from areas outside the park boundaries. The main "Eagle Run" viewing facility is located on the municipal dyke, across from the Easter Seal Camp on Government Road in Brackendale. Exit Highway 99 at Mamquam Road and head north on Government Road to the viewing area. An interpretive display explains the eagles and salmon life cycle.

Eagle Watch is a volunteer community-based interpretive program offered to help visitors at the Eagle Run viewing area to understand the eagles and salmon life cycle, and to get a close-up view through telescopes. Interpreters are on the dyke each weekend until early February.

Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is located primarily on the west side of the Squamish River, near the community of Brackendale BC, approximately 70 km north of Vancouver. It stretches from just south of the confluence with the Mamquam River to just north of the confluence with the Cheakumus River. Access to the park is prohibited during winter months, due to the presence of the bald eagles. Access is limited the remainder of the year due to the difficulty of access to the west side of the Squamish River. The nearest communities, towns and cities are Brackendale and Squamish.

Wildlife -Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park preserves critical habitat for wintering bald eagles. During the winter months, large numbers of eagles congregate along the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers to feed on salmon carcasses. Other wildlife species in the park include black bear (Ursus americanus), cougar (Felis concolor), gray wolf (Canis lupus), and Columbian black-tailed deer (Odecoileus hemionus columbianus). Fur-bearing species include coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), mink (Mustela vison), and weasel (Mustela frenata). Many small mammals inhabit the area including the Northern flying-squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), and the yellow-pine chipmunk (Tamias amoenus). Reptiles found in the area include three species of garter snake. Eleven amphibians are likely present; these include the tailed frog (Ascaphus truei) and the northwestern salamander (Ambystoma gracile). There are approximately 148 bird species that use the park area at various times throughout the year.

There are fishing opportunities in this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Angling on the westside of the river or sandbars located within the park is discouraged during the presence of Eagles.