Who We Are
About Brant Wildlife Festival
The Brant Wildlife Festival is held in central Vancouver Island which boasts one of the richest levels of biodiversity in Canada. The 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. A significant threat to Brant is the loss and degradation of habitat, including nesting and feeding grounds.
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 brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate nature in the MABR. 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 festival encourages appreciation of our natural environment and community.
The festival provides ample opportunities to explore this beautiful area, including: estuary and wetland tours, bird identification classes, an eagle release and more!
Our History
For 18 years the Brant Wildlife Festival was spearheaded by the Mid Island Wildlife Watch Society (learn more about the history of the festival). Over time, the society was challenged to secure the financial and human resources necessary to organize and operate the festival. In June 2006, the members dissolved the society and transferred the assets to The Nature Trust of British Columbia. In June 2023, organization of the festival was transferred to the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region.
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region
The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region works with local community groups and volunteers to present this festival.
The MABR is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, ranging from Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay. The MABR inspires a positive future for all living species by facilitating collaboration, coordinating participatory research, and supporting environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability.
We acknowledge and thank the Qualicum, Snaw-naw-as, Snuneymuxw, K’ómoks, Tseshaht, Hupacasath, and Ditidaht First Nations, on whose traditional lands the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region is situated within.