As January brings the inevitable wave of gym membership sign-ups and abandoned fitness resolutions, there’s a growing movement in BC that costs nothing, works for all fitness levels, and actually gets people excited about getting outside—even in winter.
The BC Bird Trail is inviting British Columbians to try a “Big Year” birding challenge instead of another unused gym pass. A Big Year is a beloved birding tradition where participants challenge themselves to spot as many bird species as possible within a calendar year—but unlike expensive memberships, it can be done from your backyard, during lunch breaks, or on weekend adventures across the province.
Contrary to what most people think, winter is actually one of BC’s most exciting birding seasons. Right now, rare Snowy Owls are appearing across the Lower Mainland, massive flocks of Dunlin are filling coastal estuaries, and Bald Eagles are feasting on spawning salmon from Vancouver Island to the Interior. Many of these species are only here in winter, making January the perfect time to start a Big Year list.
KOOTENAY ROCKIES
Stretching across the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the Kootenay Rockies Region is where rugged mountain peaks, glacier-fed rivers, and vast wetlands come together to create one of Canada’s most diverse birding distinations.
NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Vast, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Northern British Columbia is where the true spirit of the wilderness comes alive. Towering forests, winding rivers, and endless skies create a landscape teeming with birdlife, from waterfowl gliding across transquil lakes to songbirds hidden among the evergreens.
THOMPSON OKANAGAN
Home to diverse ecosystems and habitats such as wetlands, forest, deserts and grasslands, the Thompson Okanagan offers a fantastic bird-watching experience. The region’s unique climate attracts both migratory and resident birds.
VANCOUVER, COAST & MOUNTAINS
Stretching from the urban skyline of Vancouver to the quiet wetlands of the Fraser Delta and the soaring peaks of the Coast Mountains, the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region showcases one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Canada.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
From misty rainforests and sheltered coves to open beaches and mountain valleys, Vancouver Island is a world of wild beauty waiting to be explored. Stretching along the Salish Sea and out to the open Pacific, the Vancouver Island region connects an incredible mix of habitats.
Look Up, Stay Grounded
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just taking off, The BC Bird Trail is your guide to exploring birding, conservation, and community in British Columbia.
About BC Bird Trail