When spring arrives in the Sea-to-Sky region—including Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton—it doesn’t just show up quietly. It bursts onto the scene with longer days, fresh greenery, and a wave of wildlife activity. Birds return in flocks, bears make their way down to the valleys, and the coastal waters of Howe Sound come alive with movement beneath the surface. Spring Movement: Wildlife in the Sea to Sky is in full swing—and it’s one of the most exciting times of year to watch nature wake up and get going again.
If you’ve ever wondered what wildlife in the Sea-to-Sky looks like when it truly comes alive, now’s your chance to see it, from an unbeatable perspective in the sky.
Each year, as the temperatures rise and daylight stretches a little longer, bird migration kicks into full swing. It’s one of the first clear signs of spring movement across the region. Seabirds and raptors return to the coastal cliffs, alpine ridges, and inland wetlands. You might spot gulls and cormorants along the coastline, herons standing still in quiet creeks, or eagles soaring effortlessly over open valleys. Look for those big, dark wings and a white head—that’s usually your cue that a bald eagle is nearby. And don’t be surprised if you catch a perfect V of Canadian Geese flying in formation beneath you—it’s a classic springtime sight from the sky.
In Pemberton, migratory birds often rest and feed in the wide, open farmlands and wetlands, while along the coast of Howe Sound, nesting islands offer safe havens for seabirds raising their young. From above, you can trace their flight paths and spot gatherings you’d never see from the ground. It’s a rare chance to witness the spring movement of birds across an entire ecosystem.
Another unmistakable sign of spring movement? Bears. As the snow melts and the hillsides start to green, black bears begin to emerge from hibernation. They’re hungry, a bit groggy, and completely focused on finding food. Grasses, fresh shoots, skunk cabbage, and native berries like salmonberries and thimbleberries are all part of the post-winter buffet waiting in the valleys below. It’s nature’s version of a spring reset—and the bears are more than ready for it.
Wildlife in the Sea-to-Sky includes a healthy population of black bears, and spring is one of the best times to spot them safely and respectfully. From your window seat on a scenic flight, you might notice tiny black dots scattered across mountain clearings or grassy meadows below. Look a little closer (or let your pilot point them out), and you’ll realize those dots are bears, slowly grazing or wandering near rivers and forest edges. It’s a quiet kind of thrill that never gets old.
Down in the waters of Howe Sound, spring is just as lively as it is on land. While birds and bears steal the show up top, there’s a whole world of movement happening beneath the surface, too. Herring make their way into the shallows to spawn, setting off a feeding frenzy for seals, sea lions, and seabirds. Wild salmon begin their journey back to local rivers, adding to the seasonal activity below the surface. And if you’re really lucky, you might spot orcas or even the occasional whale gliding through the sound, drawn in by the abundance of food. From above, the water comes to life with subtle ripples, swirling patterns, and the flash of something unexpected just beneath the surface.
From above, patterns in the water tell a quiet story of marine movement. You might see circling seabirds over a school of fish or the ripple of something larger beneath the surface. It’s these subtle clues that make wildlife in the Sea-to-Sky so fascinating to observe from the air.
Spring movement in the Sea to Sky is all around—from migrating birds and emerging bears to marine life stirring in the sound. But while these changes stretch across mountains, valleys, and waterways, you’d be hard-pressed to take it all in from ground level.
That’s where Sea to Sky Air comes in. Our scenic small plane and seaplane tours give you a bird’s-eye view of this incredible seasonal transformation. You’ll fly over glaciers, alpine lakes, rivers, and fjords, spotting the signs of spring that most people never get to see.
Better yet, our flights are a low-impact way to witness wildlife in the Sea-to-Sky. We believe in protecting what we love, and there’s no better way to appreciate the ecosystems around us than by observing them gently, from above.
Ready to experience spring movement and wildlife in the Sea-to-Sky for yourself? Check out our upcoming scenic flight tour times and start planning your flight!
