Texada Island is an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
The island abounds year round with easily encountered animal life.
Bring your camera or your sketch book.
Abundant black-tailed deer roam freely over the island. Outside of deer hunting season, the deer have no predators.
Cougars and bears are not found on the island making it a very safe place for wilderness hiking.
Amphibian species common on Texada include the Painted Turtle and the tree frog. The latter are so abundant in places that a “frogs crossing” sign needs to be posted.
Marine life
Waters around Texada, especially near Shelter Point, offer a superb opportunity to view marine life in it’s natural habitat. Besides the many species of fish, the waters are inhabited by wolf eel, octopus, otter, seals and sea lions. This area of BC’s coastal waters has been described by Jasques Cousteau as one of the best places in the world for viewing marine life.
Humpback whales have been seen several times lately; right in the bay in front of us!
Birdwatching
- As many as 250 species of birds including kingfisher, loons, osprey, harlequins, cormorants and scooters
- Bald eagles are common to the area
- Great blue herons and other waterfowl frequent the island’s bays.
- Gillies Bay is a spring stopover for migrating Brant Geese on their long migration back to the Yukon and northern Alaska.
- Rufous Hummingbirds abound from April to August
