Route Rationale
The Thompson-Okanagan area is one of the most biodiverse regions in British Columbia. It is home to approximately 450 different species of bird, some of which are exclusive only to this particular area.
Birdwatching is a great hobby for all ages! Whether you are a dedicated birdwatcher, or just like to take photos, it is great way to get away outdoors, go for a drive. Take a scenic walk, go hiking or biking…just don’t forget to take your camera along.
This is a full circle tour route that takes you from Kamloops, the Shuswap and Okanagan areas and back.
Start at any point on the route and go full circle to return home.
Travel Time: Day trip to 5 days. Drive time: Approximately 3 hours, 45 min. (310 km.) – round trip
Target Markets
Ornotholigists
Bird Watchers/Birders
Casual Wildlife Watchers
Outdoor Recreationalists
Sightseers
Educational Travelers
Wildlife Conservationists/Researchers
Local and International market
Age Range: 5 to 70
Route Point 1
Kamloops, BC:
Lac Du Bois Grassland is a protected area located in Kamloops, BC. It is one of the best places for fishing, hiking and bird watching activities. It has a complex geology and mixture of grassland; this location has many small lakes and hidden ponds.
Lac Du Bois is a protected area and fulfills the vital conservation role by representing the Thompson Basin and Northern Thompson upland ecosystem. We can also see various species on this grassland like California bighorn sheep, black bear, and rattlesnake. It is a wonderful spot for birdwatchers and there are a number of endangered bird species, such as the Burrowing Owls within the confines of the reserve.
The grasslands is home to many bird-of-prey, such as hawks, eagles and falcon. It also supports a great variety of food choices for the large raptors; the wide expanse of the open grasslands, makes it easy for them to spot and catch their food.
The Burrowing Owls Society has developed several artificial burrows in and around Kamloops. We can also see various subspecies of owl like Flammulated Owl, also in this area. Lac Du Bois is one of the main hubs for bird viewing at any time of the year.
Peterson Creek, Kenna Cartwright, Cinnamon Ridge, McArthur Island, and Mount Buse trail are other options for birdwatching, while you are in the Kamloops area.
Route Point 2
Salmon Arm, BC is a great place to discover various bird species for the avid birdwatcher. The area is home to many rivers, lakes and marshland. Each Spring and Fall, this watery landscape brings many different species of migratory birds, who use the shores as a stop over on the way to their destinations. Over 300 sightings of various bird species have been recorded in the area over the years, all within a 30 km. radius of Salmon Arm. The area attracts approximately 63% of all bird and waterfowl species within BC, so bring your binoculars, camera, because you will never know what you will see.
Bird species you might find in the area are too numerous to mention, but can range from Loons, Western Crebes, Eagles, Hawks and much, much more.
To give you the best opportunity to catch of glimpse of some of the wonderful bird species in the area, this point on the Birdwatcher’s Circle Tour takes you to the hub of Salmon Arm Bay Nature Trails and Interpretive Center, located by the Salmon Arm Wharf in Salmon Arm, on the Shuswap Lake.
It is the hub of numerous lakeside trails that interconnect with the Foreshore Raven Trail and can also include Peter Jenneck Park, depending on your schedule.
On Your Way – Be sure to check out DeMille’s Farm Market while you are in Salmon Arm. It is located at: 3710 Trans-Canada Highway, SW, Salmon Arm. It features in-season fresh fruit and produce and old-time farm market with ice-cream, bakery and other gourmet items and treats. Tour the corn maze, or mingle with the resident farm animals, which include: chickens, miniature goats, llamas and a giant pig.
Route Point 3
The next stop on our tour is Enderby Cliffs which is 4.4 kms from Enderby and 27 mins drive from the previous spot Salmon Arm. Situated in north Okanagan country, the cliff offers the breathtaking view of farms, rivers, and forests below and is part of the Provincial Park (Romano, 2019). The birdlife in this area is diverse and magnificent making it an ideal spot for birdwatchers. The birds commonly seen nesting, eating, or flying in Enderby area includes- The Great Blue Heron, Canadian And Snow Geese, Mallard Ducks, Ring-Necked Pheasants, Belted Kingfishers, Hummingbirds, American Robins, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Marsh Hawks, American Kestrels, Great Horned Owls, Pygmy Owls, Ravens, Turkey Vultures and Cranes.
Explore the history of Enderby and surrounding area. Located in downtown Enderby, is the Museum & Archives. It is a great place to visit after birdwatching on Enderby Cliffs. It is about 4.3 kms from the cliffs, roughly 7 mins drive. The museum exhibits the history and indigenous culture of Enderby and surrounding area with the permanent displays. It is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday 12-4 PM and the entry is by donation.
Route Point 4
The next stop on our Okanagan Birding Route lay only 5 min. south of Vernon. Sitting atop the hills and grasslands, the Allan Brooks Nature Centre which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes; including the three local lakes and the four distinct ecosystems that make up the charming town of Vernon, BC. Immerse yourselves in the landscape and experience some of the best bird watching in the area. From Western Bluebirds to Tree Swallows the Allan Brooks Nature Centre plays home to numerous species of wildlife, especially birds! This location acts as both a migration stop as well as a wintering spot for rough-legged Hawks coming from the Arctic. Red-tailed and Swainson’s hawks can be seen soaring through the hills on the hunt and if you’re lucky you might even get to see a couple Grey Partridges.
While here you can partake in numerous nature activities put on by Allan Brooks Nature Centre. With bird shows and exhibits this location would act as a key learning experience for new bird watchers, as well as give people the chance to see all the species in their natural habitat and get up close to some of the observed birds. Bring a picnic and immerse yourself in your bird watching experience.
Route Point 5
On the way back to Kamloops from Vernon Monte Lake Provincial park, which is located roughly halfway between Vernon and Kamloops, gives the perfect opportunity for one last stop. The lake is surrounded by hills covered in Ponderosa Pine, protected by the provincial park rules (Monte Lake Provincial Park, N.D.). The lake is known for great fishing but the area is full of wildlife in the air as well. This is a great location to enjoy nature and relax on the beach after a day of bird watching to see a few more at the end of the day and enjoy what nature has to offer (Heritage Campsite & RV Park, nd).