Buttertubs Marsh Park

Buttertubs Marsh Park is a stunning natural oasis and bird sanctuary located in the heart of Nanaimo, Canada. Covering an area of about 40 hectares, this protected site is a vital ecosystem where man-made wetlands harmoniously coexist with urban development.

The sanctuary serves as a key refuge for migratory and nesting birds, attracting nature lovers with its picturesque views. Visitors can enjoy a 2 km loop trail, which is perfect for quiet walks. Along the route, there are special observation platforms that allow you to see the marsh inhabitants without disturbing them.

This "green island" is valued not only for its biodiversity but also for the opportunity to instantly escape the urban rhythm for an atmosphere of pristine nature. The park is the only documented nesting site for the American Bittern on Vancouver Island, making it a significant site for the scientific community and eco-tourists alike.

For more information before your visit or to contact the park administration, you can use the following contact details:

The main activity in the park is, undoubtedly, birdwatching. From three observation platforms and a high tower, you can see Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Anna's Hummingbirds, and Red-winged Blackbirds. In spring and autumn, during migration periods, the park turns into a true paradise for birdwatchers and photographers wishing to capture rare shots of wildlife.

For those who enjoy active recreation, there is a flat and well-maintained loop trail. It is excellent for walking in any weather and is accessible to people of all fitness levels. While walking, be sure to look down at the water's edge: Western Painted Turtles can often be found here sunning themselves on logs, which adds a special charm to the walk.

In addition to contemplating the fauna, visitors come here for meditation and a quiet study of the local flora—from majestic poplars to vibrant irises. Benches are installed along the trail where you can have a small picnic or just rest while listening to the rustle of the reeds. This is a place where every step reveals new facets of human interaction with a fragile wetland ecosystem.

The attraction is easily accessible by car: from the center of Nanaimo, the drive takes only 5–10 minutes. Free parking is available for visitors directly at the entrance on Bird Sanctuary Drive. If you prefer public transport, use the Nanaimo Regional Transit System buses, which stop within walking distance of the park.

For those who enjoy active recreation, you can reach the park on foot or by bicycle. The distance from the central part of the city is about 2–3 km along flat roads passing through residential areas such as Hawthorne Corner. The route is intuitive, but for convenience, you can use navigation apps.

Travelers arriving from the airport or by ferry will spend about 15–20 minutes on the road, following Highway 1. You can also always use a local taxi service to get to the sanctuary's main gates quickly and comfortably.

The history of this place began long before it became a park. Originally, Buttertubs Marsh was a natural shallow lake in the Millstone River floodplain. However, in the mid-19th century, the Hudson's Bay Company drained the area, turning it into agricultural land. Vegetables were grown and livestock were raised here to provide food for local miners.

The park got its unusual name, "Buttertubs," thanks to the Morrell farming family. They named the area after the famous limestone caves in the Yorkshire Dales in the UK, where butter was traditionally stored. To support agriculture, the Millstone River bed was deepened, which lowered the water table and extended the grazing season.

In the 20th century, a dairy farm operated here, and the ruins of its barn can still be seen today. It wasn't until the 1970s, when the threat of residential development arose, that the Nature Trust of British Columbia purchased the first 46 acres of land. Over time, the territory expanded through donations and acquisitions, becoming a protected natural area where any commercial activity is now strictly prohibited.

For a leisurely stroll along the main 2-kilometer trail, most visitors need 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to walk around the perimeter of the marsh, make several stops at the viewing platforms, and enjoy the silence away from the city noise.

If your goal is wildlife photography or detailed birdwatching, it is worth planning about 3 hours for your visit. Patient observers are often rewarded with sightings of rare bird species or turtles basking in the sun. Thanks to its convenient location in the city center, the park is ideal for both a short morning visit and a full day of relaxation in nature.

The sanctuary is open to the public daily. Official opening hours are from 06:00 to 23:00, allowing you to enjoy a walk in both the early rays of dawn and the peaceful atmosphere of evening twilight.

Despite the set schedule, the city administration recommends that visitors check the information on the official City of Nanaimo website beforehand, as access times may be adjusted depending on the season or environmental events.

A visit to the sanctuary can be perfectly combined with a tour of other interesting city sites. Within a radius of several kilometers, there are both historical monuments and picturesque walking routes that reflect the region's rich past.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to learn more about the island's settlement history and enjoy a variety of architectural and natural forms. Below are the most notable sites located nearby: