Bald eagles can be spotted around Vancouver year-round, but they become more prevalent in the fall as salmon return to local rivers to spawn. During this time, you may see them perched along the shoreline or soaring overhead in search of food.

For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, autumn is a great time to experience Vancouver’s coastal wildlife from the water.

Why Eagles Gather in the Fall

During the fall salmon runs, bald eagles are often drawn to rivers where salmon return to spawn. Around Metro Vancouver, the Capilano River in North Vancouver and the Mamquam and Squamish rivers farther north are known salmon-spawning areas that can attract eagles looking for food.

Closer to the city, eagles can also be spotted around Stanley Park and along the North Shore. Their presence is a reminder of the wildlife that thrives just beyond Vancouver’s busy waterfront.

What You Might See

Fall is an active time for bald eagles, especially when salmon return to local rivers to spawn. Keep an eye on the sky and shoreline and you may spot some of these behaviours:

• Fishing dives: Eagles swoop down toward the water and use their talons to catch fish near the surface.
• Soaring and gliding: Bald eagles can often be seen circling overhead as they scan the water for food.
• Perched along the shoreline: Tall trees and exposed branches provide ideal lookout points between feeding trips.
• Interactions between birds: When food is plentiful, eagles may chase one another or compete over feeding spots and fish.

See Vancouver’s Eagles from the Water

Exploring Vancouver by boat offers a different perspective for wildlife viewing. From the water, you can look along the shoreline and into the surrounding trees while travelling between different coastal areas.

Sea Vancouver’s open-air boats also give guests an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, making it easier to keep an eye out for eagles and other wildlife along the way.

Experience Fall on the Water

With cooler temperatures arriving in Vancouver, our crew provides full-body Mustang suits to help keep you comfortable throughout your tour.

Departing from Granville Island, Sea Vancouver offers a unique way to experience Vancouver’s coastline during one of the most active wildlife seasons of the year. Keep your eyes on the shoreline and sky, and you never know when an eagle might make an appearance.