Shorebird Migration in Tofino

Shorebirds are a diverse group of birds that are known for their long migrations. They typically breed in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions during the summer months, and then migrate to warmer regions in the winter.

Every year from late April through May, flocks of sandpipers, plovers, whimbrels and many other shorebirds pass through our local beaches and mudflats. Thousands of shorebirds stop here to feed and rest as they make their impressive journey from South and Central America northward to their Arctic breeding grounds.

The Tofino Mudflats comprise one of ten most critical wetland areas for migratory birds on the west coast and have been designated an “important bird area” of Canada. The mudflats rich nutrients and organic sediment host the marine worms, clams, crabs, and ghost shrimp that make the site a critical stopover site for migrating shorebirds, particularly Western Sandpipers. The best look out for shorebirds on the mudflats is at the end of Sharp Road. The mudflats at this location offer some of the best and most accessible high-quality shorebird viewing in Tofino. We suggest going to view the birds at low tide.