Island 22 Regional Park

49.18618 , -121.98418

Canada

As the name suggests, Island 22 was once one of many islands in the Fraser River. Currently it is more of a peninsula than an island, being partially separated from the mainland by the Hope River. The 'island' contains riparian and mixed forest, scrub and grassland. 

The site lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Pelólhxw and Ts'elxwéyeqw first nations, who have long used it for salmon fishing.

Having been set up in the 1980s as an equestrian park, the island is administered as a regional park with mutiple uses including boating, fishing, horse-riding and dog-walking. In addition to harbouring a wide range of breeding and wintering species, the site is known as a 'migrant trap'. Around 220 bird species have been recorded. 

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 changed by Stephen Matthews : 49.1862/-121.9842 (2026-07-05 15:55:46 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 49.1926/-121.9779 (2021-05-12 18:43:22 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Island 22 Regional Park" (2021-05-12 18:43:22 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-09 14:46:42
As the name suggests, Island 22 is one was once one of many islands in the Fraser River. Currently it is more of a peninsula than an island, being partially separated from the mainland by the Hope River. The 'island' contains riparian and mixed forest, scrub and grassland.  The site lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Pelólhxw and Ts'elxwéyeqw first nations, who have long used it for salmon fishing. Having been set up in the 1980s as an equestrian park, the island is administered as a regional park with mutiple uses including boating, fishing, horse-riding and dog-walking. In addition to harbouring a wide range of breeding and wintering species, the site is known as a 'migrant trap'. Around 220 bird species have been recorded. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-09 00:20:14
As the name suggests, Island 22 is one of many islands in the Fraser River. Currently it is more of a peninsula than an island, being partially separated from the mainland by the Hope River. The 'island' contains riparian and mixed forest, scrub and grassland.  The site lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Pelólhxw and Ts'elxwéyeqw first nations, who have long used it for salmon fishing. Having been set up in the 1980s as an equestrian park, the island is administered as a regional park with mutiple uses including boating, fishing, horse-riding and dog-walking. In addition to harbouring a wide range of breeding and wintering species, the site is known as a 'migrant trap'. Around 220 bird species have been recorded. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-09 00:19:04
As the name suggests, Island 22 is one of many islands in the Fraser River. Currently it is more of a peninsula than an island, being partially separated from the mainland by the Hope River. The 'island' contains riparian and mixed forest, scrub and grassland.  The site lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Pelólhxw and Ts'elxwéyeqw first nations, who have long used it for salmon fishing. Having been set up in the 1980s as an equestrian park, the island is administered as a regional park with mutiple uses including boating, fishing, horse-riding and dog-walking. In addition to a wide range of breeding species, the site is known as a 'migrant trap'. Around 220 bird species have been recorded. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:28:18
As the name suggests, Island 22 is one of many islands in the Fraser River. Currently it is more of a peninsula than an island, being partially separated from the mainland by the Hope River. The 'island' contains riparian and mixed forest, scrub and grassland.  The site lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Pelólhxw and Ts'elxwéyeqw first nations, who used it for salmon fishing. Having been set up in the 1980s as an equestrian park, the island is administered as a regional park with mutiple uses including boating, fishing, horse-riding and dog-walking. In addition to a wide range of breeding species, the site is known as a 'migrant trap'. Around 220 bird species have been recorded. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:15:49
As the name suggests, Island 22 is one of many islands in the Fraser River. Currently it is more of a peninsula than an island, being partially separated from the mainland by the Hope River. The 'island' contains riparian and mixed forest, scrub and grassland.  The site lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Pelólhxw and Ts'elxwéyeqw first nations, who used it for salmon fishing. Having been set up in the 1980s as an equestrian park, the island is protected administered as a regional park with mutilpie mutiple uses including boating, horse-riding and dog-walking. In addition to a wide range of breeding species, the site is known as a 'migrant trap'. Around 220 bird species have been recorded. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 15:55:46
As the name suggests, Island 22 is one of many islands in the Fraser River. Currently it is more of a peninsula than an island, being partially separated from the mainland by the Hope River. The 'island' contains riparian and mixed forest, scrub and grassland.  Having been set up in the 1980s as an equestrian park, the island is protected as a regional park with mutilpie uses including boating, horse-riding and dog-walking. In addition to a wide range of breeding species, the site is known as a 'migrant trap'. Around 220 bird species have been recorded. 

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)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis)
Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus)
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens)
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii)
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens)
Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena)

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-09 01:30:33)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-09 01:30:20)

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-09 00:31:25)

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:08:03)

Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:07:40)

Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:07:30)

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:06:52)

Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:06:20)

Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:04:56)

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:04:46)

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:04:24)

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:04:00)

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:03:35)

Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:03:26)

Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-05 16:03:05)

The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole. A range of waterfowl may be seen in the river from fall to spring.

A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. Immediately beyond the parking area is an enclosed off-leash dog park. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park.

One of the most productive areas is the open area just beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting may be found here in summer, American Redstart in June. 

To the south of the dog park is a largely coniferous forest, which has breeding Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.  

A loop walk can be created by taking the main track along the riverside past the dog park and returning to the gatehouse by a path leading around the south side of the forest.

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 2026-07-24 03:15
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole. A range of waterfowl may be seen in the river from fall to spring. A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. Immediately beyond the parking area is an enclosed off-leash dog park. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of the most productive areas is the open area just beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be may be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the south of the dog park is a largely coniferous forest, which has breeding Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.   A loop walk can be created by taking the main track along the riverside past the dog park and returning to the gatehouse by a path leading around the south side of the forest.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-09 14:01
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole. A range of waterfol lmay waterfowl may be seen in the river from fall to spring. A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. Immediately beyond the parking area is an enclosed off-leash dog park. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of the most productive areas is the open area just beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the south of the dog park is a largely coniferous forest, which has breeding Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.   A loop walk can be created by taking the main track along the riverside past the dog park and returning to the gatehouse by a path leading around the south side of the forest.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-09 14:01
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole.  A range of waterfol lmay be seen in the river from fall to spring. A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. Immediately beyond the parking area is an enclosed off-leash dog park. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of the most productive areas is the open area just beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the south of the dog park is a largely coniferous forest, which has breeding Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.   A loop walk can be created by taking the main track along the riverside past the dog park and returning to the gatehouse by a path leading around the south side of the forest.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-09 00:37
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole.  A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. An off-leash dog park immediately Immediately beyond the parking area.area is an enclosed off-leash dog park. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of the most productive areas is the open area just beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the south of the dog park is a largely coniferous forest, which has breeding Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.   A loop walk can be created by taking the main track along the riverside past the dog park and returning to the gatehouse by a path leading around the south side of the forest.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:46
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole.  A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. An off-leash dog park immediately beyond the parking area. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of the most productive areas is the open area beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the south of the dog park is a largely coniferous forest, which has Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.   A loop walk can be creted created by taking the main track along the riverside past the dog park and returning to the gatehouse by a path leading around the south side of the forest.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:39
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole.  A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. An off-leash dog park immediately beyond the parking area. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of the most productive areas is the open area beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the south of the dog park is a largely coniferous forest, which has Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.      A loop walk can be creted by taking the main track along the riverside past the dog park and returning to the gatehouse by a path leading around the south side of the forest.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:26
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole.  A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. An off-leash dog park immediately beyond the parking area. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of the most productive areas is the open area beyond the dog park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the south of the dog park is a largely cnferuouse ofrst, coniferous forest, which has Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:26
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole.  A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. An off-leash dog park immediately beyond the parking area. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of hte mosyt the most productive areas is the open area beyond the dog park,  park to the southwest. Lazuli Bunting can be found here in summer, American Redstart in June.  To the souiyth south of the doag ark dog park is a largely cnferuouse ofrst, which has  A number of trails  has Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Red Crossbill.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:23
The birding begins on Cartmell Road which passes close to the river before entering the regional park. Parking is not allowed here but one can drive or cycle slowly while listening for bird activity. The scrub on the south side of the road has breeding Lazuli Bunting, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock's Oriole.  A number of trails begin at the parking area inside the gate. An off-leash dog park immediately beyond the parking area. Trails pass by on the river side of the dog park. One of hte mosyt is the open area beyond the dog park,  To the souiyth of the doag ark is a largely cnferuouse ofrst, which has  A number of trails 

The site is a short drive or bike ride north of Chilliwack via Young Road and Cartmell Road.

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

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:37
The site is a short drive or bike ride north of Chilliwack.Chilliwack via Young Road and Cartmell Road.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-05 16:36
The site is a short drive or bike ride north of Chilliwack.

From late June to October a day pass ($5) is required, which can be bought at the gatehouse.

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 2026-07-05 16:29
From late June to October a day pass ($5) is required, which can be bought at the gatehouse.

Native mammals include Beaver, River Otter, Mule Deer, Common Raccoon and Black Bear. Virginia Opossum and Eastern Gray Squirrel are invasive species.

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 2026-07-09 00:27
Native mammals include Beaver, River Otter, Mule Deer, Common Raccoon and Black Bear. Virginia Opossum and Eastern Gray Squirrel are invasive species.

There is a boat ramp next to the parking area.

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 2026-07-09 14:48
There is a boat ramp next to the parking area.

The island is a mosquito trap in summer.

Black bears often appear along the river, sometimes leading to closure of the off-leash dog park.

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 2026-07-05 16:02
The island is a mosquito trap in summer. Black bears often appear along the river, sometimes leading to closure of the off-leash dog park.
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.

Local guides


No local guides yet

Gallery


Reports

Season:
to
Species:
no reports found
Island 22 Regional Park - Orniverse