Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary is situated 5km. south of Okanagan Falls on Highway 97.

This shallow Lake is in the Osoyoos-Arid Biotic Area, which is a northern extension of the Great Basin Desert. The sanctuary is adjacent to and partially overlaps the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area.

This wildlife area is unique in Canada, with many plant and animal species that are at the northern extreme of their range. The channelized Okanagan River flows into the north end of Vaseux Lake, and drains at its south end. Canada Geese use the site extensively and nest in great numbers on Hatfield Island.

I've personally witnessed a moose and calf grazing in the sanctuary, and have heard same without catching a glimpse of them on other occasions. You are likely to see any of the following while onsite: Trumpeter Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Horned Grebe, Great Blue Heron and Common Loon, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Osprey, Virginia Rail, Sora, and Belted Kingfisher.

The sanctuary features a short, high-quality, flat single-track dirt pathway which gives way to an equally short, well-maintained wood-plank boardwalk. The boardwalk makes its way to a newly built, three-story wildlife observation tower.

Please be aware of poison ivy and stinging nettle enroute! Despite the defensive plant life found onsite, the new viewing platform offers an ideal place to take family members, along with binoculars and a camera for an immersion in nature - all while quite near a significant roadway!

Getting there: travel Hwy.97 south from Penticton, through Okanagan Falls, to the Vaseux Lake Bird Sanctuary, located 27k. south of the City of Penticton. A well-signed parking lot presents itself on your right. Kiosks onsite explain the park and trails.

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