The Brant Wildlife Festival welcomes the seasonal arrival of numerous species of migratory birds, marine mammals, and fish to the Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas. It takes place every year from mid-March to mid-April. The 2020 festival is scheduled from Saturday, March 21st to Sunday, April 19th. You will have plenty of opportunity to come and take part in the numerous nature-themed events held over the course of the month-long festival.

The star and namesake of the Brant Wildlife Festival are the Brant geese, which are characterized by their distinct dark coloration and white collar. The geese come by the thousands to rest and feed on the shores over the months of March and April. Their arrival coincides with the spawning of the Pacific herring, whose eggs serve as an abundant food source. When the Brant geese are well-rested and well-fed, they continue to their nesting grounds further north in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. Numerous other birds, fish, and marine mammals come to feed on the herring and their eggs as well.

In addition to providing an opportunity to watch wildlife in action, the Brant Wildlife Festival offers a whole host of events and activities designed for the entire family to enjoy. There is something exciting happening on almost every day of the festival, with events centred on the “Sea, Stream & Forest” theme of the Brant Wildlife Festival 2020.

As the main focus of the festival is the Brant geese, there are plenty of events related to birds, including informative birdwatching workshops and birding tours led by an experienced ornithologist. A variety of different types of tours are available as well, including a tour of the Little Qualicum Estuary, conservation field station tours, an Englishman River Regional Park tour, and more.

One of the best times to come to the Brant Wildlife Festival is from April 3rd and 5th, as these are the most packed days of the event. The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild Show & Sale will be taking place over the 3rd and the 4th, and the 4th is also the day of the festival’s Eagle Release. Over the 4th and the 5th, you can come to the 30th annual Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show.

The very first Brant Wildlife Festival was held in 1991 and organized by the Mid-Island Wildlife Watch Society, which was formed in October of the previous year. The Mid-Island Wildlife Watch Society continued to host the festival until 2006 when it dissolved due to financial struggles. Thankfully, the mantle was taken up by The Nature Trust of British Columbia, which continues to organize the festival in coordination with the City of Parksville. The festival also receives support from community organizations and all levels of government in British Columbia.

Whether you are interested in birdwatching, nature conservation, nature tours, or fun and educational hands-on activities, the Brant Wildlife Festival offers something for everyone. Come and commemorate the arrival of spring by spending some time outside enjoying a seasonal spectacle unique to Vancouver Island that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else.