Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve

49.09305 , -122.04262

Canada

Great Blue Heron Nature reserve is a 325 ha wetland area beside the Chilliwack/Vedder River, southwest of Chilliwack. Over 180 bird species have been recorded.

In the 1940s and 1950s the site was used by the Canadian armed forces for training in amphibious operations. Since the 1960s it has hosted a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons which were displaced from other sites through development of wetlands. 

The reserve offers a nature trail and a wide range of educational activities. Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/

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 : 49.0930/-122.0426 (2026-07-08 04:52:15 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 49.1016/-122.0761 (2026-07-07 05:12:28 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 49.0939/-122.0445 (2021-05-12 18:44:26 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve" (2021-05-12 18:44:26 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 22:56:06
Great Blue Heron Nature reserve is a 325 ha wetland area beside the Chilliwack/Vedder River, southwest of Chilliwack. Over 180 bird species have been recorded. The In the 1940s and 1950s the site was formerly used by the Canadian armed forces for training in water amphibious operations. Since the 1960s it has hosted a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons which were displaced from other sites through development of wetlands.  The reserve offers a nature trail and a wide range of educational activities. Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:43:00
Great Blue Heron Nature reserve is a 325 ha wetland area beside the Chilliwack/Vedder River, southwest of Chilliwack. Chilliwack. Over 180 bird species have been recorded. The site was formerly used by the Canadian armed forces for training in water operations. Since the 1960s it has hosted a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons which were displaced from other sites through development of wetlands.  The reserve offers a nature trail and a wide range of educational activities. Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:10:26
Great Blue Heron Nature reserve is a 325 ha wetland area beside the Chilliwack/Vedder River, southwest of Chilliwack. The site was formerly used by the Canadian armed forces for training in water operations. Since the 1960s it has hosted a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons which were displaced from other sites through development of wetlands.  The reserve offers a nature trail and  a and a wide range of educational activities. Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 22:34:20
Great Blue Heron Nature reserve is a 325 ha wetland area beside the Chilliwack/Vedder River, southwest of Chilliwack. The site was formerly used by the Canadian armed forces for training in water operations. Since the 1960s it has hosted a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons which were displaced from other sites through development of wetlands.  The reserve offers a nature trail and and  a range of educational activities. Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 22:26:28
Great Blue Heron Nature reserve is a 325 ha wetland area beside the Chilliwack/Vedder River, southwest of Chilliwack. The site was formerly used by the Canadian armed forces.forces for training in water operations. Since the 1960s it has hosted a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons which were displaced from other sites through development of wetlands.  The reserve offers a nature trail and educational activities. Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 05:12:28
Great Blue Heron Nature reserve is a 325 ha wetland area beside the Chilliwack/Vedder River, southwest of Chilliwack. The site was formerly used by the Canadian armed forces. Since the 1960s it has hosted a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons which were displaced from other sites through development of wetlands.  The reserve offers a nature trail and educational activities. Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 04:17:58
Current information is provided at https://www.chilliwackblueheron.com/

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)
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Black Swift (Cypseloides niger)
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)
Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-08 05:41:04)

Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-07 22:41:17)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-07 22:39:44)

Black Swift (Cypseloides niger) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-07 22:39:32)

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-07 22:38:26)

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-07 22:37:20)

Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-07 22:37:06)

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-07 22:35:59)

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-06 23:55:26)

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-06 23:54:17)

Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-06 23:45:19)

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-06 23:44:55)

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-06 23:44:43)

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-07-06 23:44:32)

From Fall to spring the lakes harbour waterfowl including Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, American and Eurasian Wigeon. Wood Duck is a breeding resident. Breeding passerines include Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Common Yellowthroat, Western Wood-pewee and Willow Flycatcher. Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers are resident, along with Northern Flicker and Brown Creeper.  

The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor center, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of marsh and woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River from Dyke Crest Road to Chilliwack. A third trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road, passes the heron colony and is closed during the herons' breeding season.

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 2026-07-08 05:41
From Fall to spring the lakes harbour waterfowl including Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, American and Eurasian Wigeon, Goldeneye.Wigeon. Wood Duck is a breeding resident. Breeding passerines include Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Common Yellowthroat, Western Wood-pewee and Willow Flycatcher. Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers are resident, along with Northern Flicker and Brown Creeper.   The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor center, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of marsh and woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River from Dyke Crest Road to Chilliwack. A third trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road, passes the heron colony and is closed during the herons' breeding season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:40
From Fall to spring the lakes harbour waterfowl including Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, American and Eurasian Wigeon, Goldeneye. Wood Duck is a breeding resident. Breeding passerines incilde include Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson's Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo, and Warbling Vireos, Common Yellowthroat, Western Wood-pewee and Willow Flycatcher. Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers are resident, along with Northern Flicker and Brown Creeper.   The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor center, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of marsh and woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River from Dyke Crest Road to Chilliwack. A third trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road, passes the heron colony and is closed during the herons' breeding season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:39
From Fall to spring the lakes harbour waterfowl including Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, American and Eurasian Wigeon, Goldeneye. Wood Duck is a breeding resident. Breeding passerines incilde Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Western Wood-pewee and Willow Flycatcher. Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers are resident, along with Northern Flicker and Brown Creeper.   The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor centre, center, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of marsh and woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River from Dyke Crest Road to Chilliwack. A third trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road, passes the heron colony and is closed during the herons' breeding season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:12
The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor centre, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of marsh and woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River.River from Dyke Crest Road to Chilliwack. A third trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road, passes the heron colony and is closed during the herons' breeding season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 22:34
The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor centre, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of marsh and woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River. A third trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road, passes the heron colony and is closed during the herons' breeding season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 05:15
The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor centre, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River. A third trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road, passes the heron colony and is clsoed closed during the herons' breeding season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 04:19
The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor centre, a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River. A third trail loops to trail, looping to the east from Sumas Prairie Road.Road, passes the heron colony and is clsoed during the herons' breeding season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 04:14
The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor centre, one trail a nature trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River. A third trail loops to the east from Sumas Prairie Road.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 04:13
The reserve offers 10km of trails. From the visitor centre, one trail runs east to a hide, passing through a variety of woodland habitats. Another trail (labelled on the map as Sumas Prairie Road) runs south across a bridge towards the Chilliwack River, offering views of the lake. At the riverside it meets the Rotary Trail which runs along the north bank of the Chilliwack River. A third trail loops to the east from Sumas Prairie Road.

The reserve is about 15 minutes' drive from Chilliwack via Keith Wilson Road and Sumas Prairie Road. These roads are suitable for cycling.

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

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:45
The reserve is about 15 minutes' drive from Chilliwack via Keith Wilson Road and Sumas Prairie Road. These roads are suitable for cycling.

The main entry point is at the south end of Sumas Prairie Road, where there is a small parking area. The reserve can also be accessed via the Rotary Trail which follows the north bank of the Chilliwack/Vedder River.

There are no entry fees. The reserve is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to dusk. The visitor center is open from 10 to 4 (Feb 1 to Oct 31) or 10 to 3 (November 1 - Jan 31).

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 2026-07-07 05:06
The main entry point is at the south end of Sumas Prairie Road, where there is a small parking area. The reserve can also be accessed via the Rotary Trail which follows the north bank of the Chilliwack/Vedder River. There are no entry fees. The reserve is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to dusk. The visitor center is open from 10 to 4 (Feb 1 to Oct 31) or 10 to 3 (November 1 - Jan 31).

Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter, while Bobcat and Black Bear appear occasionally. At least 12 species of butterfly occur such as Woodland Skipper,  Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red and Lorquin's Admirals, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Echo Azure. Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer, while Autumn Meadowhawk is on the wing in September and October.

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 2026-07-08 22:57
Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter, while Bobcat and Black Bear appear occasionally. At least 12 species of butterfly occur such as Woodland Skipper,  Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red and Lorquin's Admirals, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Echo Azure. Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer, while Autumn Meadowhawk is one the wig on the wing in September and October.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 22:57
Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter,while Otter, while Bobcat and Black Bear appear occasionally. At least 12 species of butterfly occur such as Woodland Skipper,  Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red and Lorquin's Admirals, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Echo Azure. Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer, while Autumn Meadowhawk is one the wig in September and October.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:25
Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter.Otter,while Bobcat and Black Bear appear occasionally. At least 12 species of butterfly occur such as Woodland Skipper,  Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red and Lorquin's Admirals, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Echo Azure. Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer, while Autumn Meadowhawk is one the wig in September and October.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:22
Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter. At least 12 species of butterfly occur such as Woodland Skipper,  Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red and Lorquin's Admirals, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Echo Azure. Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer.summer, while Autumn Meadowhawk is one the wig in September and October.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:15
Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter. At least 12 speciies species of butterfly occur such as Woodland Skipper,  Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red and Lorquin's Admirals, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Echo Azure. Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:15
Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter. Butterflies include At least 12 speciies of butterfly occur such as Woodland Skipper,  Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red and Lorquin's Admiral, Admirals, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Western Tiger Swallowtail.Echo Azure. Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:10
Wetalnd Wetland mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter. Butterflies include Red and Lorquin's Admiral, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma and Comma, California Tortoiseshell and Western Tiger Swallowtail. Dragonflies and damselflies can Over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly can be seen in summer.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-08 05:02
Wetalnd mammals include Beaver, Muskrat, Mink and River Otter. Butterflies include Red and Lorquin's Admiral, Painted Lady, Satyr Comma and Western Tiger Swallowtail. Dragonflies and damselflies can be seen in summer.

The visitor center is staffed by volunteers and well equipped for educational activities, with a diorama featuring animals of the area. On the patio outside the center are bird feeders which attract woodpeckers, finches and a range of other species.   

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 2026-07-20 18:17
The visitor center is staffed by volunteers and well equipped for educational activites, with activities, with a diorama featuring animals of the area. On the patio outside the center are bird feeders which attract woodpeckers, finches and a range of other species.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-07 22:29
The visitor center is staffed by volunteers and well equipped for educational activites, with a diorama featuring animals of the area. On the patio outside the center are bird feeders which attract woodpeckers, finches and a range of other species.   

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

Not available yet
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Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve - Orniverse