Brackendale Eagles Provincial 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 (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 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 ( Oncorhynchuus keta ) 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.
Park Size: 755 hectares
Date Established: June 29, 1999
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 Eagle Run 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.
There are fishing opportunities in this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Angling on the westside of the river or sandbars located within the park is discouraged during the presence of Eagles.
Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park is located primarily on the west side of the Squamish River, near the community of Brackendale BC, approximately 70 km 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, towns and cities are Brackendale and Squamish.
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.