Come out to the country and explore historic Westham Island. There are plenty of areas to discover on a sunny or cloudy day.
Visit a farm, take a nature walk on one of the many trails, bird watch, have a picnic or visit a winery. This beautiful, tranquil island is only a 45-minute drive from Vancouver.
Old barn Westham Island. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Historic Westham Island Swing Bridge
Drive over one of the oldest bridges in BC.
The single lane, wooden Howe Truss swing bridge connects Westham Island to Ladner mainland, crossing over Canoe Pass. The bridge opened on March 29, 1910.
A bridge rehabilitation was completed on March 8, 2019 under the TransLink Maintenance and Repair Program.
Historic Westham Island Swing Bridge in Delta BC. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Historic Westham Island Swing Bridge in Delta BC. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Westham Island Herb Farm
The Westham Island Herb Farm has been operating for more than 25 years.
Buy fresh locally grown food direct from the farmer in the market. It features a variety of herbs and a good selection of potatoes and tomatoes. Produce availability depends on the growing season.
The market is open from May through October, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
You can also pick up freshly cut flowers, plants, honey, handmade soaps and other items in the general store.
Delta Farm and Wildlife Trust organizes “A Day at the Farm” event every September. It offers the experience of learning about farming, tasting locally grown food, digging for potatoes as well as hay rides.
The farm’s Pumpkin Patch opens daily from the end of September until October 31st each year.
Visit Westham Island, one top fall things to do in Metro Vancouver. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Emma Lea Farms
Emma Lea Farms operated since 1885.
The Stand Store offers farm fresh produce, honey, pickles, jams, flowers and SPCA certified natural beef.
Enjoy ice cream and baked goods at the Ice Cream Shop.
The Farm Market and Ice Cream Shop are open daily 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Pick your own fresh fruits when in season. The dates below are subject to change. Call for an updated list of produce available (604) 946-8216
Strawberries: June 5 – June 30
Raspberries: June 20 – July 10
Boysenberries: July 15 – August 1
Tayberries: June 20 – July 10
Black Currants: July 1 – July 15
Blackberries: July 1 – July 30
Blueberries: July 1 – August 10
During the month of October, visit the pumpkin patch, explore the oat maze and warm-up with hot apple cider.
George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary
Visit one of Canada’s top birdwatching spots. The George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary is always a treat for everyone. The Sanctuary is an area of ponds, intertidal channels and marshes covering 300 hectares. Explore the several kilometres of nature trails and discover some of the almost 300 bird species. The greatest number of migrating birds will be found from fall through spring. Beginning in October through mid-December, watch for more than 85,000 Lesser Snow Geese as they arrive from Wrangel Island, Russia, located in the Arctic Ocean.
Here is a handy checklist for birds of the sanctuary. The Sanctuary is open all year from 9 am – 4 pm.
Read more about planning your visit.
Reifel Bird Sanctuary – Discover one of the best birdwatching places in Canada Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Alaksen National Wildlife Area
Established in 1972, the Alaksen National Wildlife Area overlaps the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary. It is recognized internationally as an important bird area and is a winter stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway. The birds come from as far away as South America and Siberia. The National Audubon Society reports up to a billion birds use this path each year.
Starting in October, the returning snow geese population can exceed 25,000, as noted on the Government of Canada site. Look for impressive displays of these birds in low lying areas of the Fraser River delta or flying in masses over the Lower Mainland of Vancouver. Find out more about snow geese. Pets are not allowed in the area. Download a Alaksen National Wildlife Area pamphlet.
A mass of migrating snow geese. Photo Credit: Skeeze, Pixaby.com
Angel Estate Winery
The Angel Estate Winery has been making fruit wine since 1982. Their berry wines have won numerous awards.
Wine is made in small batches using handpicked berries, with no artificial flavours or concentrated juices. They use apple, plum, gooseberry, tayberry, blueberry, black current, cranberry, strawberry and raspberry for their wines. Book a free 30-minute wine tasting. The winery store is open Monday – Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. For more information call 604-940-9755
How to get to Westham Island
The drive to Westham Island will take about 45 minutes – one hour from Vancouver. Follow BC-99 South to the River Road Exit 29 in Delta. Follow River Road to Westham Island Road.
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.