Animals of Vancouver Island include Amphibians and Reptiles like frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, lizards, and snakes. Some are almost always seen as individuals, but sometimes they can be seen in the thousands. The western toad migration that crosses the highway between Courtenay and Campbell River is one example. Read More…
Birds
Vancouver Island has over 450 bird species that either live or visit here. We have some that inhabit the oceans and waterways, some hunt the airways, others that sip the sweet nectar of plants, and yet others who feed on carrion, some who feed on fish & others who prefer flies. Read More…
Fish
British Columbia contains a diverse and varied fish community. 10,000 years ago, the province was almost completely covered by a layer of ice. As the glaciers retreated, fish that survived the big freeze were able to move into new territories. Some of these early colonizers became isolated from other populations by barriers such as waterfalls. This allowed them to become almost separate species. Read More…
Gastropods
You can see large ones after a rain or late at night when there is dew, but as a rule, most snails & slugs are tiny and stay hidden under rocks & garden debris. Snails and slugs belong to a large & diverse group of animals called gastropods that live in oceans, freshwater, and on land. Read More…
Insects
Entomology, or the study of Insects, is a fascinating science – one most often ignored by amateur naturalists. People love to watch feathered birds and hear their wonderful songs, or observe soft, cute & furry little mammals. They marvel at our majestic, large land mammals, and those at sea, which inspire whale-watching tours by the thousands. Then you have the insects, with their hard bodies and bulging eyes, wavering antennae, and 6 legs – looking very much like little aliens! It’s no wonder that they’re not on most people’s favourite lists. Read More…
Marine Animals
Our warm climate is a result of warm ocean currents that support many thousands of plants and marine animals, from plankton to blue whales, and every species in between. One can encounter giant octopuses and ferocious-looking wolf eels that will eat from your hand, along with sea lions, varied fish, and playful otters. See for yourself. Take a walk along the shore, or look at a tide pool during low tide, and notice how many different creatures you can spot. Read More…
Terrestrial Animals
Although there are over 400 species of Terrestrial Animals living in North America, there are only 36 species living on Vancouver Island. The Island is still an exciting place to look for animals, though! To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, you can look for clues when you are out & about. Read More…
Spiders
Spiders are ferocious creatures living in the world of arthropods. Theirs is a matriarchal society ruled by females, where males can sometimes be little more than just a meal. The study of these fascinating animals on Vancouver Island has, for the most part, been conducted by a few amateurs, but dedicated collectors. Read More…
The animals found here are incredible, and there is something new around every tree. As you hike around the island, keep your eyes sharp and your camera handy. Your best photo is just up the path.
Vancouver Island and the BC Coast are by far the most beautiful places in the world, with mountains that seem to spring out from the sea and go straight to the sky, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls that can rival any and beaches of soft white sand that are so remote that quite often, you are the only one there. The animal life that can be found here is wondrous, to say the least.
Our coast is a world-renowned dive destination with its cold and clear water that is so full of life and colour that it can take your breath away. The diversity of our sea animals is incredible.
The birds that inhabit or visit the region are numerous in both variety and quantity. Photographing them is a popular pastime, and getting that photo you’ve been striving for can be quite satisfying! Birdwatching is very popular here, and many tours will cater to this pastime.
While many bird species are found here, we also receive extraordinary surprise visits by rare birds from other parts of the world. These sensational sightings quickly mobilize birders and photographers into an avid migration of their own! It’s quite fascinating to watch this bird watcher’s migration, it can be almost as entertaining as bird watching.
There is something very calming about walking along an estuary or mountain trail, on the lookout for birds. My family and l have always enjoyed birding – it’s good for your health and feeds your soul.
Fishing on the coast is first-class. Our waters teem with both fresh & saltwater varieties, and expert guides can offer you the fishing experience of a lifetime!
Some fascinating and very rare animals inhabit our region, including the Vancouver Island marmot, with only 200 in number. The Vancouver Island Wolverine, however, hasn’t been sighted for a few decades… I hope there are still a few left in our island’s high country.
Many wild & varied marine animals inhabit the waters along the coast. One can see killer whales, grey whales, humpback whales, & other extraordinary species in our waters. Naturalists, biologists, whale watchers, & beachcombers travel here from afar to enjoy the supernatural wonders of the Pacific Northwest’s stunning coastlines and oceans.
Divers are amazed by our clear, luxuriant underwater wonderland, with its fascinating plant & animal life. Recognized as one of the world’s great dive destinations! The waters along our coast contain life-giving nutrients that sustain a vast array of marine life. Our seas are filled with spectacular colour & character, it is quite amazing. You can get acquainted with the ocean by visiting any beach and exploring the life within its tidal pools.
Almost half the spider species known to Canada are found in Coastal BC. Spiders are ferocious creatures living within a matriarchal society. Ruled by females, where males are sometimes little more than just a meal! I have always enjoyed learning about our fascinating spiders. Studies of these creatures have mostly been conducted by a few dedicated amateurs. Recently, a team from the Museum of BC has been investigating our spiders to learn more about them and their interesting habits.
Snails and slugs inhabit most parts of the coast: from alpine meadows to coniferous forests, and from river lowlands to urban parks & gardens. They are members of the animal group known as gastropods.
Snails and slugs live in our oceans, freshwater lakes, rivers, and on land. These creatures have a distinct head with eyes on stalks and a broad, flat foot used for locomotion. The Pacific Northwest is home to many varieties of snails and slugs – it’s worthwhile exploring them!
To learn more about the animals in your area, look for tracks they have left behind to help identify them. Their scat can also be observed to determine the types of food they eat. So get out, take a walk on the wild side, and see what animals are found in your area. Bring along a camera – you might just get that shot you’ve been looking for! Our residents are friendly and always willing to lend a hand or give directions to a traveller. So come on, take a trip and visit Vancouver Island. You will not regret it.
When hiking the backcountry, remember: take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Talk to a CO. There have been Wolverine sightings more recently than a few decades. One was seen in Sayward a few years ago. Just FYI.
Interesting, i have not heard of that sighting