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Cowichan Bay Estuary

British Columbia  >  Canada

Estuary where the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers converge and flow into the Salish Sea. The estuary is home to many birds.

Geplaatst* door Melanie Leeson
Meest recente update 8 februari 2026

Beschrijving

The Cowichan Bay Estuary is an estuarine ecosystem covering about 400 hectares. It is located at the point where the Cowichan and Koksilah rivers converge and flow into the Salish Sea. The estuary is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Freshwater from rivers mix with saltwater from the ocean, creating an environment rich in biodiversity. More than 200 bird species have been recorded. Bird you can observe include many species of ducks, gulls and birds like Trumpeter Swan, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Wilson's Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Horned Grebe and Belted Kingfisher.

Details

Toegang

The Cowichan Bay Estuary is located in Cowichan Bay, on Vancouver Island. Cowichan Bay is situated about 40 kilometers south of Nanaimo and roughly 50 kilometers northwest of Victoria. From Victoria take Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) north towards Duncan. Take the Cowichan Bay exit (Exit 27) and follow the signs to Cowichan Bay village. From Nanaimo take Highway 1 south towards Duncan, then take the Cowichan Bay exit.

The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is located near the village on the west side of Cowichan Bay. It serves as an educational hub where visitors can learn about the estuary’s birds, marine life, and overall ecosystem.

There are several accessible walking trails in the area. Press P on the map for directions to a parking lot.

Terrein en leefgebied

Wetland , Rivier , Zee

Omstandigheden

Open landschap , Hoog water mogelijk , Vlak

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Nee

Telescoop meenemen?

Kan handig zijn

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Het hele jaar

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Voorjaarstrek , Najaarstrek

Route

Breed pad

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemakkelijk

Toegankelijk via

Te voet , Fiets , Auto

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Links

Bekijk vogelgebieden in de buurt op Birdingplaces

Kaart

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