The 2025 Brant Wildlife Festival, hosted by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, will take place from Friday April 4th through Monday April 7th. Make sure to check out our calendar of events!

The Brant Wildlife Festival brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate nature. The festival hosts a multitude of events in the Spring that connect people with nature, educate people of all ages on topics of conservation, and celebrate the incredible biodiversity our region has to offer. The Brant Wildlife Festival is the only one of its kind on Vancouver Island.

The Brant Wildlife Festival aims to connect community with the spectacular migratory return of Brant geese to raise awareness for the biological diversity within the region and highlight the importance of protecting critical habitat and minimizing disturbance to wildlife. The Brant Wildlife Festival takes place during a time where wildlife is extremely active, with Brant geese preparing for their migration and herring spawning, many other species are attracted to the shores and waters. Beaches within the MABR and surrounding areas provide an abundant food source for the Brant geese in the midst of their migration.

Temporary Closure of Beaches to Dogs

Beaches within the Parksville Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area (PQBWMA) will be temporarily closed to dogs for the annual Brant geese migration. Rathtrevor Beach will be closed to dogs from February 15 – April 30. Parksville Bay Beach and Qualicum Beach will be closed to dogs from March 1 – April 30. 

It is important to watch for and obey regulatory signs. Dogs and humans in close proximity cause the Brant to take flight, preventing them from feeding or resting. Questions can be directed to the RAPP line (Report All Poachers and Polluters) at 1 877 952-7277, #7277 on the Telus mobility network or online.