Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival

Located 90 minutes east of Vancouver and just minutes from Harrison Hot Springs, the Harrison River is a short but major tributary of the Fraser River. It drains from Harrison Lake, just west of Harrison Hot Springs, passing by the communities of Chehalis and Harrison Mills before entering the Fraser just north of Chilliwack. But what makes the river a nature lover’s dream is its biodiversity and its ease of access to unique wildlife experiences.
The Harrison River also holds the impressive title of being the first officially designated Salmon Stronghold in Canada, with over 1.1 million Sockeye returning in 2011. As a result of this abundance of salmon, the Harrison River is a hotbed of bald eagle watching opportunities.
Every fall, thousands of bald eagles congregate at the Harrison River, making it one of the most spectacular bald eagle watching opportunities near Vancouver. In fact, it’s considered the third largest bald eagle gathering in all of North America! But the bald eagles wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the salmon.

For a truly incredible experience, visit the Harrison River this month. On November 19 and 20, the 16^thAnnual Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival will be happening at various participating venues throughout the Fraser Valley from Mission to Harrison Mills.

This two day family-friendly event celebrates the annual return of the bald eagles to the region where they can be seen feasting on the millions of spawning salmon. In 2010 there were 7000 bald eagles in an area that covers about 2 square miles, so you can only imagine the kind of abundance we’re talking about!

http://www.604pulse.com/2011/11/09/harrison-river-salmon-stronghold-wildlife-paradise/