Urban Raptors| Delta
Delta

An Unforgettable & Up-close experience

Step behind the scenes at our working raptor facility in Delta, just outside Vancouver, for an extraordinary encounter with birds of prey.

During this approximately one-hour experience, you’ll meet several raptor species up close, watch birds fly just metres away and hear the individual stories of the birds you meet. Your experience concludes with a guided walk through the surrounding farmland alongside a free-flying Harris’s hawk—including the opportunity to experience the hawk flying directly to your gloved arm.

With a maximum of six guests, every Urban Raptors experience is small, personal and remarkably close.

Choose a shared experience and meet other wildlife enthusiasts, or reserve the entire experience exclusively for your own group.

Experiences offered on select dates

One shared small-group encounter and one private encounter. Space is extremely limited, and advance reservations are required.

Experience length is approximately 1 hour. Minimum age of 8 to participate.

Available by reservation only at our Delta, BC facility. This experience is not available at our visitor centre on Vancouver Island.

What You'll Experience

Every encounter is shaped by the birds participating that day, but your Urban Raptors experience will generally include:

Close-up encounters with several raptor species
Birds flying just metres from your group
Exceptional opportunities for photography and observation
Stories about the personalities and natural history of the birds you meet
Insight into how the birds are trained and cared for
An introduction to the conservation, education and wildlife-management work they support
A guided walk through our rural property with a free-flying Harris’s hawk
The opportunity for each participant to experience the hawk flying to their gloved arm

The birds’ wellbeing always comes first, so participating species and activities may vary. Every experience is shaped by the birds, their interests and the conditions that day—which means no two encounters are exactly alike.

Visit a Working Raptor Facility

Get an inside look at a working raptor facility! Our Delta location is an active workplace where birds are cared for, trained and prepared for educational and professional wildlife programs throughout British Columbia.

Your guide will introduce you to the relationships we build with the birds and explain how trust, choice and positive reinforcement shape their training. You’ll also learn how raptors help people better understand wildlife—and, in some cases, help resolve conflicts between people and wild birds safely and responsibly.

A Remarkable Experience to Share

Our Urban Raptors experiences are ideal for:

Families looking for an unforgettable experience near Vancouver
Birthday and anniversary celebrations
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts
Photographers seeking exceptional close-up opportunities
Small groups visiting Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
Anyone who has ever wondered what it feels like to stand beside a flying hawk

No previous bird-handling experience is required. Our team will provide all equipment and guide you through each interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the experience take place?

The experience takes place at our working raptor facility in Delta, BC. Detailed arrival instructions will be provided with your reservation.

Is this experience outdoors?

Yes. Much of the experience takes place outdoors on a working rural property. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe footwear suitable for grass, gravel and potentially uneven ground. Washrooms are also limited, please prepare accordingly.

What happens if it rains?

Experiences generally proceed in light rain, with activities adjusted when necessary. Severe weather or unsafe flying conditions may require us to modify or reschedule the experience.

Which birds will we meet?

The participating birds vary based on their wellbeing, interests and the conditions that day. Guests will generally meet several different raptor species, but we cannot guarantee a particular bird or species.

Will we get to hold a bird?

During the hawk walk, participating guests will normally have the opportunity to wear a falconry glove and experience a hawk flying to their arm. All interactions are guided by our staff and depend on the bird’s willingness to participate.

Can we take photographs?

Absolutely. Photography is encouraged, and the small-group format provides excellent opportunities for photographs without crowds. Flash photography is not permitted.

Can younger children attend?

For safety, participants must be at least eight years old. If you are hoping to arrange an experience for a family that includes younger children, please contact us before booking to discuss whether an alternative program may be suitable.

Is the experience accessible?

The experience takes place on a working rural property and includes outdoor walking over grass, gravel and uneven surfaces. Please contact us before booking if anyone in your group has mobility or accessibility requirements so we can discuss available accommodations.

Can I bring my dog?

No. For the comfort and safety of the birds, pets cannot accompany guests. Service-animal arrangements should be discussed with us before booking because of the presence of free-flying birds.

LOCATION

4586 96th St.

Delta, BC.

Facility is open by reservation only - please do not arrive without a booking

Questions, or need help booking?

This experience takes place at our facility in Delta. Looking for our Vancouver Island visitor centre?Click here

Urban Raptors| Delta
Delta

An Unforgettable & Up-close experience

CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Urban Raptors Encounter