Roberts Creek Pier

49.41774 , -123.64187

Canada

The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary on the lower Sunshine Coast which attracts a range of bird life. The pier provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (also known as the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks.

The Roberts Creek area lies in the traditional territory of the shishalh people of the Coast Salish nation, from whom the nearby town of Sechelt takes its name. The shishalh people called this site Xwesam which means "when the water bubbles" according to shishalh elders. The fresh water from the creek and food resources (such as fish and shellfish, salmonberries, huckleberries, blackberries, Oregon grape, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, fireweed, rice root and tiger lily) made this a favoured site.

Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited via a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 49.4177/-123.6419 (2021-05-12 19:59:00 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Roberts Creek Pier" (2021-05-12 19:59:00 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 11:38:34
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary on the lower Sunshine Coast which attracts a range of bird life. The pier provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (also known as the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks. The Roberts Creek area lies in the traditonal traditional territory of the shishalh people of the Coast Salish nation, from whom the nearby town of Sechelt takes its name. The shishalh people called this site Xwesam which means "when the water bubbles" according to shishalh elders. The fresh water from the creek and food resources (such as fish and shellfish, salmonberries, huckleberries, blackberries, Oregon grape, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, fireweed, rice root and tiger lily) made this a favoured site. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited via a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-28 13:38:32
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary on the lower Sunshine Coast which attracts a range of bird life. The pier provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (also known as the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks. The Roberts Creek area lies in the traditonal territory of the shishalh people of the Coast Salish nation, from whom the nearby town of Sechelt takes its name. The shishalh people called this site Xwesam which means "when the water bubbles" according to shishalh elders. The fresh water from the creek and food resources (including fish, shellfish, (such as fish and shellfish, salmonberries, huckleberries, blackberries, Oregon grape, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, fireweed, rice root and tiger lily) made this a favoured site. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited via a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-28 13:37:51
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary on the lower Sunshine Coast which attracts a range of bird life. The pier provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (also known as the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks. The Roberts Creek area was within the lies in the traditonal territory of the shishalh people of the Coast Salish nation, from whom the nearby town of Sechelt takes its name. The shishalh people called this site Xwesam which means "when the water bubbles" according to shishalh elders. The fresh water from the creek and food resources (including fish, shellfish, salmonberries, huckleberries, blackberries, Oregon grape, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, fireweed, rice root and tiger lily) made this a favoured site. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited via a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-28 13:31:00
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary on the lower Sunshine Coast which attracts a range of bird life. The pier provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (also known as the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks. The Roberts Creek area was within the traditonal territory of the shishalh people of the Coast Salish nation, from whom the nearby town of Sechelt takes its name. The shishalh people called this site Xwesam which means "when the water bubbles" according to shishalh elders. The fresh water from the creek and food resources (including fish, shellfish, salmonberries, huckleberries, blackberries, Oregon grape, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, fireweed, rice root and tiger lily) made this a favoured site. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited via a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-24 12:02:18
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary on the lower Sunshine Coast which attracts a range of bird life. The pier provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (also known as the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited via a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 07:43:59
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary on the Sunshine Coast which attracts a range of bird life. The jetty provides pier provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (or the (also known as the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited by means of a visited via a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 14:11:20
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary which attracts a range of bird life. life. The jetty provides a viewpoint for observing birds using the Strait of Georgia (or the Salish Sea), such as alcids, loons, grebes, gulls and sea ducks. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited by means of a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 13:38:41
The mouth of Roberts Creek is a small estuary which attracts a range of bird life. Located midway between Gibsons and Sechelt, the site is easily visited by means of a short detour from the Sunshine Coast Highway, and is correspondingly well watched. As of 2026, nearly 200 bird species had been recorded here.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi)
Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
Surfbird (Calidris virgata)
Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus)
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba)
Common Murre (Uria aalge)
Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus)
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica)
American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-19 05:51:58)

Surfbird (Calidris virgata) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:45:03)

Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:41:41)

White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:41:02)

Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:40:50)

Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:39:07)

Common Murre (Uria aalge) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:38:56)

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:32:02)

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:31:52)

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:31:06)

Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:30:56)

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:30:21)

American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-02-22 13:30:08)

  • Timing and strategy

The site is of interest all year round, with seabirds more numerous in winter. Several ducks such as Long-tailed Ducks and both Goldeneyes are absent in summer, though Harlequin and Surf Scoter occur throughout the year. Grebes and loons are common all year round except from June to August when they breed on freshwater lakes.

A number of shorebirds occur on migration (Greater Yellowlegs, Wandering Tattler) and in winter (Surfbird, Black Turnstone). Black Oystercatcher and Killdeer are resident. Bonaparte's and sometimes Heermann's Gull occur in late summer and autumn. Among the alcids, Marbled Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot occur throughout the year, Ancient Murrelet and Common Murre in winter. American Dipper is often seen at the creek from October to March.

The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a convenient stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching from the pier.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-28 13:37
The site is of interest all year round, with seabirds more numerous in winter. Several ducks such as Long-tailed Ducks and both Goldeneyes are absent in summer, though Harlequin and Surf Scoter occur throughout the year. Grebes and loons are common all year round except from June to August when they breed on freshwater lakes. A number of shorebirds occur on migration (Greater Yellowlegs, Wandering Tattler) and in winter (Surfbird, Black Turnstone). Black Oystercatcher and Killdeer are resident. Bonaparte's and sometimes Heermann's Gull occur in late summer and autumn. Among the alcids, Marbled Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot occur throughout the year, Ancient Murrelet and Common Murre in winter. American Dipper is often seen at the creek from October to March. The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a brief stopover convenient stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching from the pier.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-24 12:03
The site is of interest all year round, with seabirds more numerous in winter. Several ducks such as Goldeneye Long-tailed Ducks and both Goldeneyes are absent in summer, though Harlequin and Surf Scoter occur throughout the year. Grebes and loons are common all year round except from June to August when they breed on freshwater lakes. A number of shorebirds occur on migration (Greater Yellowlegs, Wandering Tattler) and in winter (Surfbird, Black Turnstone). Black Oystercatcher and Killdeer are resident. Bonaparte's and sometimes Heermann's Gull occur in late summer and autumn. Among the alcids, Marbled Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot occur throughout the year, Ancient Murrelet and Common Murre in winter. American Dipper is often seen at the creek from October to March. The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a brief stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching from the pier.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 08:16
The site is of interest all year round, with seabirds more numerous in winter. Several ducks such as Goldeneye are absent in summer, though Harlequin and Surf Scoter occur throughout the year.    Grebes and loons are common all year round except from June to August when they breed on freshwater lakes. A number of shorebirds occur on migration (Greater Yellowlegs, Wandering Tattler) and in winter (Surfbird, Black Turnstone). Black Oystercatcher and Killdeer are resident. resident. Bonaparte's and sometimes Heermann's Gull occur in late summer and autumn. Among the alcids, Marbled Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot occur throughout the year, Ancient Murrelet and Common Murre in winter. American Dipper is often seen at the creek from October to March. The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a brief stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching from the pier.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 08:13
The site is of interest all year round, with seabirds more numerous in winter. Several ducks such as Goldeneye are absent in summer, though Harlequin and Surf Scoter occur throughout the year.   A number of shorebirds occur on migration (Greater Yellowlegs, Wandering Tatller) Tattler) and in winter (Surfbird, Black Turnstone). Black Oystercatcher and Killdeer are resident. Bonaparte's and sometimes Heermann's Gull occur in late summer and autumn. Among the alcids, Marbled Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot occur throughout the year, Ancient Murrelet and Common Murre in winter. American Dipper is often seen at the creek from October to March. The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a brief stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching from the pier.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 08:08
The site is of interest all year round, with seabirds more numerous in winter. Several ducks such as Goldeneye are absent in summer, though Harlequin and Surf Scoter occur throughout the year.   A number of shorebirds occur on migration (Greater Yellowlegs, Wandering Tatller) and in winter (Surfbird, Black Turnstone). Black Oystercatcher and Killdeer are resident. Bonaparte's and sometimes Heermann's Gull occur in late summer and autumn. Among the alcids, Marbled Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot occur throughout the year, Ancient Murrelet and Common Murre in winter. American Dipper is often seen at the creek from October to March. The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a brief stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching from the pier.
  • How to get there

By car, take the Sunshine Coast Highway from Gibsons or Sechelt and turn south on Largo Road or Roberts Creek Road to reach the Creek. Alternatively, take the road less travelled from Gibsons, namely Lower Road, and turn left on Roberts Creek Road.  

Sunshine Coast Bus no. 1 runs from Langdale (Ferry terminal) and Gibsons to Sechelt and stops at Roberts Creek. The Pier is then a short walk down Roberts Creek Road.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-24 12:04
By car, one can take the Sunshine Coast Highway from Gibsons or Sechelt and turn south on Largo Road or Roberts Creek Road to reach the Creek. Alternatively, take the road less travelled from Gibsons, namely Lower Road, and turn left on Roberts Creek Road.   Sunshine Coast Bus no. 1 runs from Langdale (Ferry terminal) and Gibsons to Sechelt and stops at Roberts Creek. The Pier is then a short walk down Roberts Creek Road.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 08:11
By car, one can take the Sunshine Coast Highway from Gibsons or Sechelt and turn south on Largo Road or Roberts Creek Road to reach the Creek. Alternatively, take the road less travelled from Gibsons, namely Lower Road, and turn left on Roberts Creek Road.   The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a brief stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching Coast Bus no. 1 runs from the pier.Langdale (Ferry terminal) and Gibsons to Sechelt and stops at Roberts Creek. The Pier is then a short walk down Roberts Creek Road.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 07:54
By car, one can take the Sunshine Coast Highway from Gibsons or Sechelt and turn south on Largo Road or Roberts Creek Road to reach the Creek. Alternatively, take the road less travelled from Gibsons, namely Lower Road, and turn left on Roberts Creek Road.     The site can be birded in around half an hour, making for a brief stopover on the way along the Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, one can spend a longer period seawatching from the pier.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 14:00
By car, one can take the Sunshine Coast Highway from Gibsons or Sechelt and turn south on Largo Raod Road or Roberts Creek Road to reach the Creek. Alternatively, take the road less travelled from Gibsons, namely Lower Road, and turn left on Roberts Creek Road.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 13:58
By car, one can take the Sunshine Coast Highway and turn south on Largo Raod or Roberts Creek Road to reach the Creek. Alternatively, take the road less travelled from Gibsons, namely Lower Road, and turn left on Roberst Roberts Creek Road.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 13:50
By car, one can take the Sunshine Coast Highway and turn south on Largo Raod or Roberts Creek Road to reach the Creek. Alternatively, take the road less travelled from Gibsons, namely Lower Road, and turn left on Roberst Creek Road.  

At the end of Roberts Creek Road is a small park and a parking area. From here it is normally possible to walk out along the pier.  

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 07:45
At the end or Roberts of Roberts Creek Road is a small park and a parking area. From here it is normally possible to walk out along the pier.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 14:24
At the end or Roberts Creek Road is a small park.park and a parking area. From here it is normally possible to walk out along the pier.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 14:24
At the end or Roberts Creek Road is a small park. From here it is normally possible to walk out along the pier.  
  • Other attractions

Several aquatic mammals might be seen from the pier. Harbour seals are common, while sea lions, orcas, river otters and mink also occur. 

The coastal scenery is widely appreciated by non-birding visitors.  

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 07:52
Several aquatic mammals might be seen from the pier. Harbour seals are common, while sea lions, orcas, river otters and mink also occur.  The coastal scenery is widely appreciated by non-birding visitors.  

There is a cafe and general store in the town of Roberts Creek. More extensive dining and accommodation options are available nearby in Gibsons or Sechelt.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-23 08:12
There is a cafe and general store in the town of Roberts Creek. More extensive dining and accommmodation accommodation options are available nearby in Gibsons or Sechelt.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 14:02
There is a cafe and general store in the town of Roberts Creek. More extensive dining and accommmodation options are available in Gibsons or Sechelt.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 13:57
There is a cafe and general store in the town of Roberts Creek.

The site is popular with visitors in summer, which may affect the birds present.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-02-22 13:57
The site is popular with visitors in summer, which may affect the birds present.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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Roberts Creek Pier - Orniverse