Wildlife Viewing

Witness Salt Spring Island's Natural Splendor

Wildlife viewing opportunities are vast and varied on Salt Spring Island.

Great for a bird watching vacation, whale watching trip, or even just sitting back watching the raccoons foraging around your cabin for food.

Spot seals basking on the seashore or comb the beaches peeking under rocks to watch the crabs scramble for cover.

Black-tailed deer fawn on the path to Beddis Beach on Salt Spring Island.

Wildlife photography opportunities abound on and around Salt Spring Island.

Take a hike or rent a boat or kayak for a memorable wildlife viewing nature tour.

Each destination you journey to will offer a unique glimpse of the unspoiled natural world on Salt Spring Island.

Here's a quick overview of the most common wildlife you'll see...

LARGE PREDATORS
An occasional bear or cougar does venture over to our quiet island. They most often swim across the Sansum Narrows.

Wildlife officers (with the help of locals) track these animals and the public is alerted through the weekly Driftwood News and kept abreast of the visiting animal's 'activities' and location.

So, although these occurrences are rare, it does happen and you should be aware of that when you visit the island.

Stellar's and California sea lions
Harbor seals
Whales (Grey, Humpback & Orcas)
Dall's and Harbour porpoises
raccoons
weasels
mink
deer

These pages offer a sampling of what you might see on your wildlife tour to Salt Spring Island.

Whale Watching Trip

Bird Watching Vacation

Environmental and wildlife conservation are critical elements in keeping the unspoiled wilderness on Salt Spring just that... UNspoiled. If you're visiting the island, please keep your impact on the environment to a minimum. You can learn more about wildlife conservation here.