VANCOUVER - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 128

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Two kilometers (1.2 miles) from Ladner Village along River Road West, cross Canoe Pas-
sage on the old wooden bridge to access the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctu-
ary (604/946-6980, 9am-4pm daily, adult $5, senior and child $3), far enough from the city
to be missed by most visitors. The 350-hectare (800-acre) sanctuary protects the northern
corner of low-lying Westham Island, a stopover for thousands of migratory birds in spring
and fall. The best time for a visit is during the spectacular snow goose migration, which runs
from early November to mid-December. Otherwise, you'll see abundant migratory birdlife
anytime between October and April. The island also serves as a permanent home for many
bird species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, herons, swans, owls, and ducks.
Accommodations
Delta is an ideal place to stay if you're planning to get an early-morning jump on the crowds
for the ferry trip over to Vancouver Island or if you're arriving from the United States and
don't feel like tackling city traffic after a long day's drive.
$100-150
Delta Town & Country Inn (6005 Hwy. 17, 604/946-4404 or 888/777-1266,
www.deltainn.com , $109 s or d) is at the junction of Highway 99 and Highway 17, halfway
between the airport and the ferry terminal, but the setting is parklike and quiet, with most of
the 49 rooms enjoying views over extensive gardens and a landscaped pool area. In addition
to the large pool, facilities include tennis courts, a restaurant, and a sports bar.
The closest accommodation to the southern departure point for ferries to Vancouver
Island is the Coast Tsawwassen Inn (1665 56th St., 604/943-8221 or 800/716-6199,
www.tsawwasseninn.com , $139-169 s or d), four kilometers (2.5 miles) northeast of the
ferry terminal back toward the city along Highway 17 and within walking distance of down-
town Tsawwassen cafes and restaurants. The hotel comprises two separate sections, one
containing 50 newly decorated guest rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness center, a
restaurant, and a lounge. The other part of the complex holds 89 much larger suites, each
with a kitchen, separate bedroom, and private patio.
CAMPING
Parkcanada (4799 Nulelum Way, Delta, 604/943-5811 or 877/943-0685,
www.parkcanada.com , tents $33, hookups $33-39.50) is very convenient to the BC Ferries
terminal at Tsawwassen, a 30-minute drive south of the city center. The campground has
a small outdoor pool, but next door is a much larger waterpark—perfect for the kids. Oth-
er amenities include a store with groceries and some RV supplies, laundromat, lounge, and