George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Nature reserve in Delta, Canada.
The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a nature reserve on Westham Island in Delta, British Columbia, set along the Fraser River estuary. It covers a mix of wetlands, ponds, marshes, and raised dikes linked by a network of walking paths and observation platforms.
The land was bought in the 1920s by George C. Reifel, who used it mainly for farming and hunting. In the 1960s, the British Columbia Waterfowl Society took over and turned it into a protected space for migratory birds.
Every autumn, the sanctuary fills with snow geese arriving in large flocks, and watching them land or take off together is a regular part of a visit here. The observation towers along the dikes give a clear view over the water and reed beds, making birdwatching accessible even for first-time visitors.
The reserve charges a small entry fee and is open year-round, with fall and winter being the most active seasons for bird activity. Wear sturdy shoes, as the dike paths can get muddy after rain, and bring binoculars to get the most out of the observation points.
Unlike most wildlife reserves, this one actively encourages visitors to hand-feed snow geese with grain sold at the entrance, making close contact with wild birds a normal part of the experience. This feeding tradition has been going on for decades and draws families as much as dedicated birdwatchers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
