The Raptors — Attraction in North Cowichan

An absolutely wonderful experience for the whole family. Like many other reviewers we found the staff very friendly knowledgeable and helpful. The basic entry includes a visit to all of the cages / exhibits which homes the birds. As a photographer I found these interesting but not conducive to great photos. The flying exhibit is extremely well done and highly informative. The staff really know how to engage the audience and have Birds fly over the audience offering fun and insight at the same time. The next level up is the Closer experience. Here you are taken to a private area given a glove and one of the Raptors then flies to your hand and eats the treats provided. This happens two or three times per person so for the whole group to have this experience usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. While it is pretty much a quick and fleeting experience for each Landing it is fun.

The Closest experience I found much more valuable and worthwhile. We were lucky it was not too busy and everyone in her party along with others who had similar tickets was each given the opportunity to hold several birds for several minutes each. This lets you see the birds close up have your photo taken with the birds by your friends and family and ask questions of the Handler to learn more about the individual birds you are holding. As a photographer I also got the opportunity to shoot several Birds close up while my wife and friends were holding them. Overall and excellent day....

I visited the Raptors on a whim, assuming that they were a rescue centre. Upon visiting, and asking more questions, it became clear that this is not a rehab or rescue centre and very few of the birds were even born in the wild. In addition, not all birds get to fly or soar daily, so they live their lives in a tiny enclosure. The flying demonstration was informative and a great photo op, but the falcon injured her talon on the bait tether, and was bleeding. It was really sad. They say "the birds go for a fly and always come back"- trying to make visitors feel like it's the birds' choice. In reality, these birds are scared of the wild and wouldn't know how to get the resources they need to live. This isn't a free will choice. Not all birds get the opportunity to soar either. Even the harris hawks aren't allowed to leave the eyesight of the handler, and have been born in captivity. I did participate in the closer experience and it was very cool to feel the weight of the hawk on my arm, but at what cost? The enclosures are so small, and it was really heartbreaking to see the birds in these conditions. It's also a for profit organization, and it seems as though little of the money goes back into the birds. If you're okay with zoos, you'll be okay with this place. I felt horrible being there and even taking photos. The birds are intelligent and majestic and fascinating and...

We just happened to spot the sign when we drove by and quickly decided we’d be back the next day.

The flight demonstration was amazing, I’ve never had an experience where large birds have flown so close to me before. My kids (3 and 6) were equally enthralled. We had arrived to see the first demonstration, and then checked out the birds in the aviaries, and both kids asked to stay for another demonstration. The 2nd demonstration had 3/4 new birds so it felt like a whole new experience. It was also interesting to see a moment when a bird took off for a bit, and how the trainers handled it. All the staff was very professional and seemed well trained.

Unfortunately, our kids were too young for the added experiences (and one too young for even the kids experience), as they were both asking to see more! Just another reason to come back when they’re older. I would highly suggest the hands on experiences if you’re able to, as I feel like it would have added a whole other level. I will be recommending this experience to anyone we know visiting the area. Thank you!

Logistics stuff - lots of parking, including some on the shade. Bathroom available, as well as 4 picnic tables to snack. They do sell some snacks, but you’re able to bring...