The Raptors
The Raptors
4.7
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Birds of prey have always inspired awe. Sadly, they are threatened in many parts of the world. When you experience them up close, you learn that they are more than predators from the sky; they are essential to maintaining the delicate eco-balance of our planet. The Raptors offer compelling and interactive experiences with a variety of birds of prey species including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Get closer than you ever imagined to these majestic and intelligent creatures. Flying demonstrations, hands-on encounters and educational talks offered daily (March - October). The Raptors is located in the heart of the beautiful Cowichan Valley, just 60 minutes north of Downtown Victoria and 45 minutes south of Downtown Nanaimo by car.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
533 reviews
Excellent
418
Very good
97
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Frank K
48 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
After three wildlife tours we found out about this place and wanted to try it out. The Raptors is in between a zoo and a wildlife tour. Almost all the birds were raised by humans. But they are wild and could choose to go back to the wild but choose not to because who could refuse a consistent meal?
We also chose to do the Closest Encounter experience which at $110 is not cheap but compared to wildlife tours it's very cheap. In over one hour we got to experience having an Aplomado Falcon (so cute), American Kestrel (stunning) and Harris's Hawk (majestic) land on our gloved hands like real falconers. We also got the chance to feed a Black Vulture which reminded me of my pet dog. It's a once in a lifetime experience.
We also went to two Flying Demonstrations which were really entertaining and educational. I appreciated seeing a Bald Eagle 🦅, a Barn Owl, an American Kestrel, a Barred Owl, and a Saker Falcon fly around and thrill the audience.
I would highly recommend The Raptors. Even without doing any of the experiences you can have an amazing time with the Flying Demonstrations, Talks, Exhibits, etc.
We also chose to do the Closest Encounter experience which at $110 is not cheap but compared to wildlife tours it's very cheap. In over one hour we got to experience having an Aplomado Falcon (so cute), American Kestrel (stunning) and Harris's Hawk (majestic) land on our gloved hands like real falconers. We also got the chance to feed a Black Vulture which reminded me of my pet dog. It's a once in a lifetime experience.
We also went to two Flying Demonstrations which were really entertaining and educational. I appreciated seeing a Bald Eagle 🦅, a Barn Owl, an American Kestrel, a Barred Owl, and a Saker Falcon fly around and thrill the audience.
I would highly recommend The Raptors. Even without doing any of the experiences you can have an amazing time with the Flying Demonstrations, Talks, Exhibits, etc.
Written July 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jdglek
Victoria, Canada259 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We visited The Raptor Centre because we were exploring the island as we travelled up north. This is a very small place with a few cage enclosures, a demonstration area and a rehabilitation space that is not open to the public. Yet, we found their work so fascinating, the birds so needy, that we bought a membership. Every chance we can, we stop and watch the demonstration where several birds of prey are brought out and talked about. It has certainly changed our opinion on vultures. BC now has 1/3 of the world's population of bald eagles and this is entirely due to the conservation work of several of these bird sanctuaries and research centres.
Each demonstration shows of a different set of birds so we haven't seen the same shows twice. They are only open Mar to Oct but a membership is worth it. We have brought many friends with us to watch these amazing creatures.
Each demonstration shows of a different set of birds so we haven't seen the same shows twice. They are only open Mar to Oct but a membership is worth it. We have brought many friends with us to watch these amazing creatures.
Written November 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C W
Punta Gorda, FL97 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Unfortunately it was raining but we still enjoyed it. Robyn was a great and knowledgeable demonstrator. We all enjoyed the closer experience. I didn’t give it five star because it is quite pricey. The birds are beautiful and well cared for. You can tell the staff love their birds
Written June 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fr0gFish
British Columbia, Canada33 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Fantastic! Three of us booked the "closest" experience and loved every minute of it. Kudos to very helpful (Tina) and knowledgeable (Isaac) staff. The presentation was also extremely informative and delivered with a much enjoyed touch of humour (sorry, I did not catch her name). A definite must!
Written April 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah R
24 contributions
Jun 2022
We had a wonderful time visiting The Raptors! Not only were there many beautiful bird species to see, the flight demonstrations (we stayed for 2 and each one featured different birds!) were so cool! It's very engaging and interactive, the handlers are informative and passionate about what they do. The relationships they have with the birds is pretty spectacular and because the birds are used to being handled, the ones that are brought out around guests are generally quite at ease which is just lovely. The educational component was important, interesting and easy to understand even for those who don't know a lot about conservation. We did the CLOSEST encounter which I believe was well worth the money and highly recommend if you have the opportunity, but even if you don't, it's a lovely way to spend an afternoon, checking out the birds and watching the demos. I will definitely go again!
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammy D
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
What a wonderful experience! Getting up close with Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Barred Owls and my favourite, the Turkey Vultures is amazing.
The staff are all devoted to caring for the birds and educating the visiting public. It’s great seeing so many young staff with backgrounds and interests in biology and the fact that this company is founded and run by women is a positive addition to the tourism industry on Vancouver Island.
I highly recommend a visit to The Raptors Centre and if you can take the opportunity to attend one of their special events such as Owl Evenings and Medieval Knights do it!
The staff are all devoted to caring for the birds and educating the visiting public. It’s great seeing so many young staff with backgrounds and interests in biology and the fact that this company is founded and run by women is a positive addition to the tourism industry on Vancouver Island.
I highly recommend a visit to The Raptors Centre and if you can take the opportunity to attend one of their special events such as Owl Evenings and Medieval Knights do it!
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary L
Lafayette, LA21 contributions
Jun 2023
Logistics Tip - We traveled via ferry from Vancouver to Victoria (Ferry - Vancouver to Tsawwassen) then drove north to Duncan to see the Raptors. Rather than go back to Victoria, we traveled a short bit further and hopped on the Ferry at Duke Point that brought us back to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal in Vancouver.
This was an AMAZING experience. We did the "closest encounter" where we got to walk through the grounds before meeting Ryley, our guide, and interacting with "Slightly, Emerald, Fraction & Theo." "Kyle" the raven was a sweetheart, too, prancing around in his enclosure and pool hankering for our attention. The older I get the more I appreciate what raptors do for the environment and why they are important in the food chain. Ryley expertly handled our four new acquaintances and answered our every question. We learned why vultures are a bird of prey but not a raptor because they don't have the three sharp "S's" - Sharp beak, sharp eyes and sharp talons. When Slightly flapped his wings and headed for the piece of meat on my leather glove, it was like nothing I've ever experienced. You could feel the wind on your face as he landed gently and picked up his treat. Don't. Miss. This.
This was an AMAZING experience. We did the "closest encounter" where we got to walk through the grounds before meeting Ryley, our guide, and interacting with "Slightly, Emerald, Fraction & Theo." "Kyle" the raven was a sweetheart, too, prancing around in his enclosure and pool hankering for our attention. The older I get the more I appreciate what raptors do for the environment and why they are important in the food chain. Ryley expertly handled our four new acquaintances and answered our every question. We learned why vultures are a bird of prey but not a raptor because they don't have the three sharp "S's" - Sharp beak, sharp eyes and sharp talons. When Slightly flapped his wings and headed for the piece of meat on my leather glove, it was like nothing I've ever experienced. You could feel the wind on your face as he landed gently and picked up his treat. Don't. Miss. This.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tuffers2017
Tauranga, New Zealand6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
What a fantastic experience, even though we had some inclement weather the team at The Raptors put on an excellent show offering witty comments whilst producing a dynamic show.
All I can say is well done and thanks for a wonderful experience. More than worth the entrance fee.
All I can say is well done and thanks for a wonderful experience. More than worth the entrance fee.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EverExplore
Seattle, WA217 contributions
Aug 2021
This experience is awesome! There are many different types of birds and they are absolutely beautiful. The hourly group show is highly informative and fun. The birds are not held in captivity and will fly down from trees, through the seated spectators to perch on display. Be sure to sit in the front row if you want to get unobstructed photos of these magnificent creatures. The 'Closest' experience is fantastic. Guides are super knowledgeable and ensure guests are safe at all times.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CowtownPotter
Fort Worth, TX56 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This turned out to be a great experience seeing and meeting the raptors!! But it was a rocky start! We booked the day prior and we're presented 3 time slots to choose from for the "CLOSER" experience-- 11:15, 1:15, & 3:15. We selected the 1:15 since we were driving an hour out from Victoria.
Caution #1: the website automatically loads in 1 adult ticket even tho we put in 2 seniors. If you're not careful, you'll be buying 3 tickets. Then when we arrived at 1:00, the ticket lady said we were supposed to be there that morning for the 9:50 tour. We told her that wasn't what we booked and she said, "yeah, sometimes the website does that" and proceeded to tell us they were extremely busy but that she'd "try" to fit use in at 1:45. (caution #2: check your confirmation email carefully and call if it's messed up!)
We waited the extra half hour and looked in all the enclosures at the various birds. Then went to the meeting place at 1:45 and waited another :15 until our Hawk Walk finally started. When it finally got going, it was great. Afterwards, the Flying Demonstration was fabulous. We highly recommend this experience and will be back!!
Caution #1: the website automatically loads in 1 adult ticket even tho we put in 2 seniors. If you're not careful, you'll be buying 3 tickets. Then when we arrived at 1:00, the ticket lady said we were supposed to be there that morning for the 9:50 tour. We told her that wasn't what we booked and she said, "yeah, sometimes the website does that" and proceeded to tell us they were extremely busy but that she'd "try" to fit use in at 1:45. (caution #2: check your confirmation email carefully and call if it's messed up!)
We waited the extra half hour and looked in all the enclosures at the various birds. Then went to the meeting place at 1:45 and waited another :15 until our Hawk Walk finally started. When it finally got going, it was great. Afterwards, the Flying Demonstration was fabulous. We highly recommend this experience and will be back!!
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are staying in Victoria and would love to come visit for the day. What kind of public transport will get us to your centre??
Written March 30, 2018
Sorry, it's not my centre. There is an island bus system but I don't think they go to the centre, that said you could take a taxi.
Written April 20, 2018
Hi Raptors,
I am 66 years of age and retired on 20 acres in the Cedar area. I would like to know if you guys give lessons on how to raise and handle birds of prey? I have no experience except for nursing an eagle back to health when I lived in Africa many years ago.
Is your facility open this time of year?
Many thanks Martin.
Written January 11, 2017
Hi Martin,
We do offer a week-long falconry course for those who are interested in getting in to private falconry (or for those who just really enjoy working with birds!) These run twice a year. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information! ( info@the-raptors . com ).
We are currently closed for January/February, but will re-open March 11th.
Written January 11, 2017
If we book the hawk walk or hawk encounter or raptor experience for my husband would I be able to accompany and take photos?
Written April 29, 2015
What else is there to do after you have seen the 1 o'clock show? The reason I am asking is because I will have 20 children with me.
Written February 16, 2015
Sorry for the delay answering! You hopefully called ahead and booked a tour - we offer 1/2 hour tours for groups of your size, which runs before the flying demonstration. It adds a lot of information to your visit. If you have already been, hopefully you had a great time!
Written March 6, 2015
What varieties of owls are at Pacific Northwest Raptors. Need to make two choices between the hawk, owl and raptor encounters for our visit in May.
Thanking you in advance for any assistance.
Written January 3, 2015
I would talk to them when you get there and they can explain the difference. I do not think you will be disappointed with any of them.We did the hawk walk as well as the encounters. I'm not sure now but one of those (I think it is the encounter) allows you to hold "perched on your arm" on of the birds and you sorta get a choice to a point. That was really quite an experience. So was the walk where they fly to your arm in the woods. Just amazing. The staff was very helpful in helping us choose as I was a little confused from what I read and wasn't sure. We were there in October and it was not at all crowded which was a major plus.
Written February 18, 2015
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