Elizabeth Lake Bird Sanctuary

A bird checklist and circle birding tour guide brochure is available and can be picked up at the Cranbrook Visitor Centre. The circle tour begins at Elizabeth Lake, continues to Kimberley's Nature Park and Wasa Lake.

Places and Pointers for Viewing

Walking trails around the 250 acre park lead to bird-watching blinds around the lake.

Type of Wildlife Often Seen

Elizabeth Lake is an important nesting and staging area for several waterfowl species including Canada geese and teal, ringneck, scaup, redhead, bufflehead, goldeneye and ruddy ducks. You can also see coots, grebes, black terns and songbirds. Mammals present include muskrats, whitetail deer, elk and moose. Elizabeth Lake also holds a large population of Western Painted Turtles, BC's only indigenous turtle species. Watch for rare bird species such as the Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Oriole and Nashville Warbler.

Best Times of the Day for Viewing

All times

Driving Directions

Located on the west side of Cranbrook on Highway #3.