Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve

Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, 5 km (3 mi.) s. on Hwy. 100, then 13 km (8 mi.) s. on a paved road to the reserve, features a wide variety of birds, including gannets, common murres, thick-billed murres, black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills and black guillemots. A 1.4-kilometre (.9 mi.) trail meanders along the coast and leads to Bird Rock, a 100-metre-tall (328-ft.) sandstone bank where the birds congregate; photographic opportunities abound. An interpretive center contains exhibits about seabirds and a scale model of the reserve.

Whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals can be seen during the summer. In spring and fall shorebirds and raptors migrate to the area. Winter brings sea ducks, including harlequins and common eiders.

Note: Stay on the trail and avoid steep slopes and cliff edges. Check with staff about trail conditions before beginning. The area sometimes is windy and foggy. The trail contains areas of loose rock and sometimes is slippery.

Picnicking is permitted. Time: Allow 2 hours, 30 minutes minimum.