Park overview
Brackendale Eagles Park lies in the Squamish River watershed, within the rugged terrain of the Coast mountains. As the Squamish River drains through the Pacific Ranges to the coast it has carved a deep low-level valley.
The Squamish River Valley has long been recognized as one of the most significant areas of wintering bald eagles in North America. In the 1994 winter eagle count, Squamish had the world record count of 3,769 eagles.
The river’s riparian area provides suitable habitat for roosting, perching and feeding. Runs of chum salmon in the Squamish, Cheakamus, and Mamquam rivers attract eagles from all over the Pacific Northwest and the interior of British Columbia from November to February of each year.
Advisories
Special notes
- Eagle viewing is at its peak from November to December, but significant numbers of eagles may be present from November to January.
- There is no river crossing from the east side of the Squamish River to the park on the west side, and there is no access by road. Views of the park are enjoyed by the public from areas outside the park boundaries.
- Viewing facilities are provided on the Eagle Run dyke, across from the Easter Seals Camp at 41015 Government Road in Brackendale.
Due to the park’s high conservation values, no recreation facilities exist in the park. Recreation use, except for fishing, is closed from October 1 to March 31 of each year. Recreational use from April 1 to September 30 of each year is limited, to maintain low numbers and low intensity use.
The park is closed to:
- campfires
- camping
- trail development
- mountain biking
- horseback riding
- mechanized activity
Commercial recreation activities are restricted to river rafting opportunities where appropriate wildlife viewing practices are followed and require a Park Use Permit.
Activities
There are fishing opportunities in this park. Angling on the westside of the river or sandbars located within the park is discouraged during the presence of eagles.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Eagle viewing is at its peak from November to December, but significant numbers of eagles may be present from November to January. The number of eagles returning to feed each year depends on the number of salmon present and the weather conditions. The average number of eagles counted in the Squamish Valley since the 1994 record count of 3,769 is approximately 1,300.
Eagle viewing is best enjoyed by the public from areas outside the park boundaries. The main “Eagle Run” viewing facility is located on the municipal dyke, across from the Easter Seals Camp at 41015 Government Road in Brackendale. Exit Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way and head north on Government Road to the viewing area. An interpretive display explains the eagles and salmon life cycle.
EagleWatch is a volunteer community-based interpretive program offered to help visitors at the Eagle Run viewing area to understand the eagles and salmon life cycle. Interpretive signage and information panels are available to better understand eagles in our environment at the shelter on the dyke and at kiosks along the dike in this area.
Brackendale Eagle Park is located primarily on the west side of the Squamish River, near the community of Brackendale BC, approximately 70km north of Vancouver. It stretches from just south of the confluence with the Mamquam River to just north of the confluence with the Cheakumus River.
Access to the park is prohibited during winter months, due to the presence of the bald eagles. Access is limited the remainder of the year due to the difficulty of access to the west side of the Squamish River.
The nearest communities are Brackendale and Squamish.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 1999
- Size: 765 hectares
Nature and culture
Wildlife
Brackendale Eagles Park preserves critical habitat for wintering bald eagles. During the winter months, large numbers of eagles congregate along the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers to feed on salmon carcasses.
Other wildlife species in the park include black bear, cougar, gray wolf, Roosevelt elk, and Columbian black-tailed deer. Fur-bearing species include coyote, bobcat, mink, and weasel. Many small mammals inhabit the area including the Northern flying-squirrel, the snowshoe hare, and the yellow-pine chipmunk.
Reptiles found in the area include three species of garter snake. Eleven amphibians are likely present; these include the tailed frog and the northwestern salamander. There are approximately 148 bird species that use the park area at various times throughout the year.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.