Pacific Northwest Raptor Visitor Centre - If you are looking for things to do on Vancouver Island, our bird of prey centre should be on top of the list for tourist attractions. This is a unique tourist attraction in the beautiful Cowichan Valley that provides up- close experiences with wildlife that will not be matched. This is perfect outdoor, educational fun for all ages!
2010 Hours
| Date | March 06 - May 21 | May 22 - September 6 | September 7 - Sept 30 | October 1 - December 31 |
| Days open | Open Daily | Open Daily | Open Daily | Thursday - Sunday (closed Xmas day) |
| Hours | 11 - 4:30 | 11 - 4:30 | 11 - 4:30 | 12-3 |
| Demo times | 1:30 | 1:30 & 3:30 | 1:30 | 1:30 |
When Summer Schedule is in effect - please visit centre and see the daily events board for more flying times ! Ad hoc training sessions, baby feeding, talks and demos occur at various times - posted daily at the Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are all the birds from?
The birds at Pacific Northwest Raptors are mostly captive bred, hatched here or at similar facilities in Canada. There are a handful of raptors here that were not born in captivity but, due to an accident in the wild, are considered non-releasable because they cannot fly/hunt for themselves. We provide medical attention, permanent housing, food and shelter for these birds.
- Will they be released?
The birds bred in captivity are flown outside their pen as much as possible (many are flown daily). They are returned to their home and territory at night for their safety and comfort. They are not released permanently. If we left them out in the wild it would be unfair and stressful for them, as they have grown up living in a “raptor resort”! Try to imagine your dog being left in the woods to fend for himself. Sometimes we are able to rehabilitate and release an injured wild bird with help from other wildlife rehabilitation centres around BC.
- Why are some of the birds tethered?
They come out during the day time to enjoy the sun and their baths on what is call a “weathering”. They enjoy coming out and sitting on their perches, but must be tethered when near each other because they are territorial and might fight. They enjoy sitting on the weathering as it gives them a new view and it also allows you to see them up close safely without wire in between. Our goal is to make each and every bird happy and enrich their lives to the best of our ability. As much as possible these birds are given ample opportunity to fly free daily – in a safe place away from the others!
- When they are let free, why do the come back?
Unless breeding, retired, injured or molting our birds fly free daily. Individually, we let them fly down in the flying area. They tend to do whatever they feel like. We encourage them to fly as much as possible and try to facilitate natural flying and hunting behavior. They come back every day because we care for them, feed them, and respect them. We work with each bird to build a bond of trust and we strive to make each bird happy, comfortable and as healthy as possible.
- What do they eat?
Pacific Northwest Raptors: located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley just north of Duncan on Vancouver Island BC, is a unique tourist attraction that operates a Bird of Prey and Raptor centre that will satisfy your desire for a meaningful and thrilling tourist experience. Imagine being close enough to the birds of prey, such as Bald Eagles and hawks, so that their wings brush by your hair as they fly overhead. During our daily special flying demonstration you will be introduced to (and see flying free) Eagles, Hawks, Owls and Falcons - We save biggest thrill for last. You might even get a chance to see the birds cruising around the centre and doing some unscheduled flights for exercise and fun. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff offer a glimpse into the world of Birds of Prey that will blow your mind!
Pacific Northwest Raptors is located just north of Duncan at 1877 Herd Rd.
We are listed on google maps! And, look for our road signs coming soon.
From Victoria: Take Highway 1 north through Duncan, turn right on Herd Rd - a bit hard to see the Herd Road sign so look instead for the HWY 18 Junction Marker and take a right off of HWY 1. Takes about 1 hour
From Nanaimo: Take Highway 1 south, turn left on Herd Rd. before Duncan. Takes about 40 minutes
The Pacific Northwest Raptor centre is nice 4-5 kms from the Highway 1 turnoff.
From Saltspring Island
Crofton 6.6 km – about 8 min's
| 1. | Head south on York Ave toward Robert St |  |
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| 2. | Continue onto Osborne Bay Rd |  |
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| 3. | Turn right at Herd Rd (signs for Duncan) Destination will be on the right |
Contact
Pacific Northwest Raptors
1877 Herd Rd.
Duncan, B.C.
V9L 5W4
250-746-0372
www.pnwraptors.com
info@pnwraptors.com
