Planning Your Visit
(last updated February 26, 2021)
CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE ON THE RECENT CLOSURE |
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Covid19 Coronavirus AwarenessThe Sanctuary is closed on Mondays. It also will not be operating at full capacity. Visitor numbers are currently managed at about 60% capacity through a new reservation system. Gathering areas such as the Picnic Area and Warming Hut are currently closed. Staff and volunteers will have hand sanitizer available. Please wear masks in all indoor spaces (Gift Shop, Washrooms, Bird Blinds) and when physical distancing is not possible along trails. The washrooms are small, so please practice safe physical distancing. Although we created extra sinks in an nearby outdoor handwashing station, this seasonal feature is now closed for the winter. |
Please avoid gathering in large groups or blocking trails for others. Picnicking is currently not allowed anywhere in the Sanctuary. NOTE: Bear in mind recent restrictions announced by Dr Bonnie Henry: "People can still go on walks or bike rides with one person who is not from their immediate household, but "need to be vigilant that a walk doesn't turn into a group of people meeting outside" and you must physically distance from one another during the activity." We are currently not taking bookings for self-guided groups or for our programs or encouraging any visitors to gather outside of their own household units. Note: We are restricting anyone from entering just to visit in the parking lot or to use facilities because of Covid-19 guidelines. We do not want to create any additional congestion, particularly around the washrooms. |
Before You Come:
Familiarize yourself with how we manage this conservation site and all of the visitor rules.. Many activities such as dog-walking, petting the birds, cycling trails, picking any vegetation or flying drones, for example, are not allowed. Our non-profit organization, the British Columbia Waterfowl Society runs the Sanctuary and admissions apply. You can buy a membership to cover admission for a year. The Sanctuary is in a rural setting on Westham Island. The travel time from Surrey and Vancouver is usually 45 minutes.
To Book Your Visit (NEW)
All visitors including members need to book their visit now. We have a reservation system to regulate visitor numbers and to keep congestion to a minimum on Westham Island roads. It gives visitors set arrival periods for entrance and the gates are otherwise shut for entry. Start planning your visit 2 or 3 days ahead of time, particularly for weekends, as these book up quickly. Read our Covid-19 Waiver and Proceed to Booking.
Upon Your Arrival:
Come prepared. Dress appropriate for walking outdoors on gravel and grassy trails. Seasonal weather makes for constantly changing trail conditions. Wear proper footwear and proceed with care and attention on our trails and on any of our structures. Visitors use these at their own risk. Please review our Disclaimer page.
Check in at the Gift Shop. This is where you pay your admission. Staff will provide you maps of the area, bird seed, and information about the birds seen recently and answer questions. Note some temporary changes of facility use and hours are in place to reduce Covid-19 Coronavirus transmissions.
Hours:
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9 am to 4 pm Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours walking. Note that all visitors need to be out of the Sanctuary by 4 pm. (NEW) |
Admission::
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Adults $5 Annual memberships are available. |
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Rules
How To Get HereThe Sanctuary is 13 km west of Ladner in the Municipality of Delta. Ladner is west of the intersection of Highways 10 and 17A. From Ladner, follow Ladner Trunk Road (Highway 10) west to 47A Avenue and on to River Road. Follow River Road westward for 3 km and cross the bridge on your right onto Westham Island. Follow the main road to where it ends and there is a sign pointing left towards the driveway entrance gates of the Sanctuary. Follow the driveway 1 km to the Sanctuary parking lot and our facilities. (more detailed Google Maps driving instructions). NOTE: There is no public transit out to the Sanctuary. |