Roberts Bay Ecological Reserve

 

Roberts Bay Ecological Reserve is in the seaside town of Sidney, one of thirteen communities that from the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Roberts Bay has several is a unique public beach areas with sandy yet muddy shores. It lies on the northeast side of the Saanich Peninsula on Sidney Channel, Haro Strait and the Salish Sea. Armstrong Point lies to the immediate north while Roberts Point is on the southern side. The bay is surrounded by residential homes yet the waters and shoreline are a terrific place to observe migratory and resident birds and wildlife.  The Reserve was established in 1931 as Roberts Bay, now called Shoal Bay, Bird Sanctuary. An interpretative display sign, found at the end of Ardwell Road, describes some of the flora and fauna of the bay.  The list of migratory birds that have been observed here can be found on local birding webpages. The reserve is border by private property so please stay in the park boundary. This area can be accessed from along the Beach Accesses of Armstrong Point, and from the greens spaces found at the north end of both Third and Fifth Street Green Space.

Geographical location N48º 39″ 45″ W123º 24′ 12″

Roberts Bay Ecological Reserve on Ardwell Avenue can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1). Access the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17) from McKenzie Avenue to head north along Saanich Peninsula.  Turn at the MacDonald Park Road exit and follow the road to the four way stop. Turn right onto Resthaven Drive. Follow Resthaven Drive to Ardwell Avenue and turn left onto Ardwell Avenue and look for parking near the large display sign. There is limited parking along both Ardwell Avenue and Resthaven Drive. City busses travel along Resthaven Drive.

Further Information on the area

Secret Beaches of Greater Victoria

http://www.sanctuaryproject.ca/

Birds of Western North America

Field Guide of Birds of Western North America

A Birder’s Guide to Vancouver Island

Best Places to Bird in British Columbia