2024 Brant Wildlife Festival Guide

Parksville Qualicum Beach represents the “Brant Capital of Canada,” as the region welcomes thousands of small Brant geese each spring to rest and feed along our shores as the gaggle makes its way from Mexico to Alaska to breed. Formed in 1990 by a tandem of local nature and wildlife advocates, the Brant Wildlife Festival has since served as an annual celebration of not just these traveling geese, but all wildlife on and around Vancouver Island.

While the Festival encourages local residents and visitors alike to admire the Brant geese, it is important to do so from a distance as to not disturb their migratory necessities, primarily resting and regaining their weight. Local restrictions and regulations in place during the migration prevent adults, children or their pets from walking near the geese. To learn more about these regulations, click here.

TIP: The festival typically coincides with the annual herring run, only adding to the natural spectacle as birds, mammals and local fishing boats flood the waters just off the coast of French Creek Marina to catch (or feast on) spawning herring.

Festival Dates

The 33rd Annual Brant Wildlife Festival, presented by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, runs from April 5 to 8, 2024, with an additional activity on April 27.

Featured Events

The Brant Wildlife Festival consists of a series of special events throughout its duration, including birding outings, performances, educational workshops, exhibitions, and other activities. Below are a few of the signature events not to be missed during this year’s festival:

“LIFT OFF” with The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region - April 5

The official opening reception of the Brant Wildlife Festival is hosted at The Bayside Oceanfront Resort from 6-8:00 p.m., featuring live music, appies and an educational presentation. More details.

Annual Eagle Release at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre - April 6

Be amazed as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre releases a rehabilitated eagle back into the wild at one of the Brant Wildlife Festival’s most inspirational events. The centre will be open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the release occurring at 2:00 p.m. sharp. More details.

Hamilton Marsh Night at Qualicum Beach Community Hall - April 6

Bring your little ones to this family-friendly event, where a fascinating movie and an amphibian-centered talk will unveil the vibrant wildlife of nearby Hamilton Marsh. More details.

Film Night with Qualicum Beach Cinema Society - April 7

Join other marine life enthusiasts for a screening of "The Whale and the Raven." This documentary dives into the conflicts between whale researchers, the Gitga'at First Nation, and the Government of British Columbia. The screening will take place at 7:00 p.m. More details.

Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show - April 6 & 7

Now in its 31st year, this arts show and competition is hosted at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre and is considered one of Canada’s most popular wildlife wood carving competitions. This event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More details.

Brant in the Bay - April 7

Bird watchers will enjoy admiring Brant Geese and other species from Parksville Community Park, which is held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Marvel at intricate displays and delve deeper into the behaviours of Brant Geese. More details.

Special Tours, Excursions & Demonstrations

Throughout the festival, several local organizations will be hosting special demonstrations, tours and other activities that showcase the region’s natural surroundings and wildlife. These include:

• Brant Wildlife Festival Nature Photography Contest - April 5 - 8
• Brant Wildlife Children's Festival - April 5
• MABR Bio Blitz at Milner Garden and Woodland - April 6
• Discover Coastal Wildlife, Native Plants, and a Community Story - April 6
• Parksville Downtown Family Fun Day - April 6
• French Creek Nature Preserve Tour - April 7
• Tour of Heritage Forest - April 7 - 8
• Englishman River Estuary Tour - April 7 - 8
• Basic Bird ID and Birdwatching - April 8
• Deep Bay Marine Field Station Open House - April 8
• Hamilton Marsh Tour - April 27

• For a full calendar of Brant Wildlife Festival events and activities, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions