North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is located in a park-like setting with a peaceful rustic atmosphere. When visiting the centre you will be able to view eagles, several species of owls, falcons, hawks, ravens, and black bears. Rehabilitating eagles can be viewed through one way glass in the largest flight enclosure of its kind in Canada. The Centre's mandate is the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned native wildlife, with a focus on raptors and black bears. GUIDED TOURS: are available for groups of 15 or more. HOURS OF OPERATION: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 7 days a week. ENTRANCE FEES: $15.00.00 adults, $6.00 children aged 3-12, plus applicable taxes.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
283 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
63
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
3
cafeloverCanada
canada401 contributions
Sep 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the centre's wildlife and learning about the animals there. Finally saw a bald eagle but the black bear stayed hidden and out of the sun.
Written 20 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cafeloverCanada, thank you for the great review and 5 star rating! Our bald eagles are incredible! Truly majestic!!! It's unfortunate that you weren't able to see Rae, our black bear, she is a beauty but definitely has a mind of her own! We hope to see you again. Cheers, Eden
Written 23 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luigi R
Milan, Italy41 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We were happy to discover that the centre is very rich in animals, explanations and interesting facts for each one of them. It is centred around birds, but there are also other animals, including a black bear! Even if the animals are in cages, they have plenty of space and are assisted adequately by the workers.
The centre also has a big amazing garden populated by native flowers and plants which can be very relaxing to experience and walk through, while also learning new information.
Interesting and recommended if you have time and want to see and learn things about multiple different birds.
The centre also has a big amazing garden populated by native flowers and plants which can be very relaxing to experience and walk through, while also learning new information.
Interesting and recommended if you have time and want to see and learn things about multiple different birds.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Luigi, thank you for the incredible review and 5 star rating! We are so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful visit and were able to enjoy the gardens as well as seeing and learning about the animals in our care. We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff and volunteers. Thank you for supporting wildlife and we hope you can come again soon! Cheers, Eden
Written 23 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
humunukuapuaa
Vancouver, Canada25 contributions
Jul 2022
Oh we will go back every time we visit the island for this place now. The staff-the environment made for the animals to heal and live in- the beauty of the whole environment really touched us all. It was educational; heartbreaking; but wonderful to see that there are people out there that are doing their best to care for animals hurt by humans; cars; electrical poles etc. We left feeling a bond to each animal. A great place to support- we stayed over 3 hours. Great job to the friendly staff!
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for such a wonderful review and 5 star rating!
While the circumstance that bring our non-releasable, permanent residents here are heartbreaking, we are happy to provide a safe environment for them to heal and thrive. We have many animals that come into our care that are rehabilitated and are released back into their natural habitat. We are grateful that we are able to educate our visitors on ways that we can all contribute to preventing injuries to our wildlife. Thank you for your support! Cheers, Eden
Written 23 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle L
Duncan, Canada11 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
This was such a amazing experience. I saw the sign on the way to camping. I had to go. Everyone needs to go visit and support this place. What they are doing for nature is incredible. Seeing so many animals and birds close up was so exciting! Bring a camera and a picnic😊❤️. I'm definitely going back over and over.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle, thank you for such an incredible review and 5 stars!! We are so happy that you had such a wonderful experience and look forward to welcoming you again soon! Cheers, Eden
Written 23 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hannah R
24 contributions
Aug 2021
I think this is just such a wonderful place, it's so important as more development on the island puts more animals at risk of injury. As a species we have to have more care for the wildlife that lives around us and the NIWRC fosters that for adults and children. It's a lovely place to visit, there's a lot to see and the pathways are well kept. I hope in the years to come it expands because I believe there will be further need for it.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hannahr72890, thanks for your five star review. You are certainly correct that we all need to take greater care and NIWRA wants to help educate our guests on how to help. We are happy that you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you back soon. Regards, Patt
Written 13 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gorsey
Manchester, UK94 contributions
Jun 2022
Didn’t find out about this wonderful place when researching online for things to do around Parksville prior to our stay , but saw an advertisement in the local tourist guide when staying in the hotel and visited one morning. So glad that we did. Able to see birds and bear whilst finding out about them and the work undertaken by the recovery centre. Good place to visit for all ages, as it also has a play area and gift shop. A little gem!
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, gorsey, for not missing a visit to NIWRA! And thanks for your excellent review. Please come again soon. Cheers, Patt
Written 13 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LRossmann
Campbell River, Canada74 contributions
Jun 2022
We went on a beautiful sunny day and had a wonderful time. There were 2 of us that had difficulties getting around and there was no problem using a walker and/or finding benches to sit on for a rest.
There were lots of rehabbed birds that had their own spaces that were big and set up perfectly for them. There is lots of greenery everywhere and used in a great way. If you wanted sun you can find sun and if you are looking for shade then you can find that too.
There are lots of different pathways to take and check out all the different animals and birds on display.
We did manage to see the' 1' bear that they had on display but he wasn't into hanging around for pictures. But still nice to see.
There was a gentleman with an owl on his arm that was walking around and talking about them with lots of information.
When we first walked in we were stunned by the display of all the stuffed animals on display and how they were displayed. Great to see.
There is also a gift shop with lots of goodies to check out.
There were lots of rehabbed birds that had their own spaces that were big and set up perfectly for them. There is lots of greenery everywhere and used in a great way. If you wanted sun you can find sun and if you are looking for shade then you can find that too.
There are lots of different pathways to take and check out all the different animals and birds on display.
We did manage to see the' 1' bear that they had on display but he wasn't into hanging around for pictures. But still nice to see.
There was a gentleman with an owl on his arm that was walking around and talking about them with lots of information.
When we first walked in we were stunned by the display of all the stuffed animals on display and how they were displayed. Great to see.
There is also a gift shop with lots of goodies to check out.
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, LRossman for your five star review! The volunteers and staff at NIWRA work continually to ensure the buildings, washrooms, pathways, exhibits and gardens are accessible to all . We are so glad you had a chance to see our resident black bear, Rae. And, yes, she does she wants! Please come again soon. Cheers, Patt
Written 13 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane C
Nanaimo, Canada189 contributions
Jun 2022
We were able to take our time, and enjoy the experience of every thing we saw. The gift shop was terrific.
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diane C, thanks for your five star rating! We're so glad to hear that you took your time with the bears, birds, gardens and gift shop. Come again soon. Cheers, Patt
Written 13 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simona D
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Friends
It was a lovely stay at the rescue Center. We saw so many different animal’s. And it is lovely to read about them and why they are staying there. We would highly recommend to visit it!
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We're happy that you had a great visit to NIWRA, Simona. Thank you so much for your excellent review! Cheers, Patt
Written 13 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lisa p
14 contributions
May 2022
A wonderful way to spend a couple hours. An organization that cares for animals. Interesting wildlife that you can see fairly close up and information regarding how they were hurt and how they are being helped. The garden area and grounds are amazing to walk around. Really enjoyed our time here.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your five star review, lisa p! We're happy you enjoyed your visit ~ come back soon. Regards, Patt
Written 13 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
NORTH ISLAND WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE (Errington) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
- North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre:
- (8.87 km) Cornerstones Bed & Breakfast
- (2.51 km) Cedar Song B&B and Cottage
- (4.45 km) The Beach Club Resort
- (7.29 km) Ocean Sands Resort
- (6.63 km) Oceanside Village Resort
- Restaurants near North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre:
- (4.91 km) Salt PIZZERIA
- (1.43 km) Trees Restaurant
- (4.31 km) Chameleons
- (8.44 km) Bistro 694
- (5.44 km) Mekong River