North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary that focuses on the rehabilitation of ill, injured, and orphaned animals. Just 5 minutes from Parksville, it gives visitors a rare chance to see bears, owls, eagles, hawks, turtles, and other resident animals that cannot return to the wild, while supporting their long-term care and recovery work.
The 8 acre property feels more like a forested park than a traditional attraction, with winding gravel paths, ponds, gardens, and educational displays spread between indoor and outdoor spaces. Families, photographers, and animal lovers can wander at their own pace, meeting ambassadors like Rae the black bear, learning about local raptors, and exploring the Museum of Nature and First Nations Discovery Area.
What to expect at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
- Best for: Families, animal lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for an easy, low stress outing that still feels meaningful.
- Time needed: Plan for about an hour to walk the main loop and visit the key exhibits. Give yourself up to two hours if you like to read signs, take photos, and relax at the picnic area.
- Hours: Public viewing is typically open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Check the centre’s website before you go for any seasonal updates or closures.
- Admission: There is a modest admission fee that helps fund the centre’s rehabilitation work. Adults pay around $15 plus tax, children 4 to 16 pay around $6 plus tax, children 3 and under are free, and veterans and military members are welcome at no charge.
- Accessibility: Gravelled paths, reserved parking stalls, accessible washrooms, and free wheelchairs make this a good choice for strollers, mobility aids, and multi-generational outings.
- On-site highlights: The Museum of Nature, Rae, the resident black bear, raptor enclosures, Turtle Town release pond, Hidden Garden, forested nature trail, First Nations Discovery Area, and a small gift shop.
- Amenities: Free parking, picnic tables, washrooms, and shaded seating areas around the grounds.
- Good to know: There is no food service on site, so bring your own snacks or plan to stop in nearby Parksville or Coombs. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the grounds.
Get close to local wildlife in a place that is dedicated to rehabilitation and long term care rather than operating as a zoo. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre supports ill, injured, and orphaned animals, providing a permanent home for more than sixty residents that cannot return to the wild.
Open Daily 9:00am – 4:30pm
Over spring break, we took a journey from Sooke to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, conveniently located just five minutes from Parksville on Central Vancouver Island.
While Parksville is renowned for its scenic beaches and waterfalls, our recent discovery, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, has quickly become a top attraction on our list. With over 1,200 Google reviews boasting an average rating of 4.8, it’s clear why.
The center excels in caring for ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife and offers animal lovers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife up close.
Most animals displayed at the centre are there because they require care, and some cannot be released back into the wild.
The Wildlife Centre ensures the animals’ well-being while educating and engaging the public. The proceeds from visitors help sustain their vital work.
Highlights around the grounds
- Museum of Nature: Start your visit inside the log building filled with dioramas, taxidermy displays, and sounds that introduce you to Vancouver Island’s wildlife and habitats.
- Rae the black bear: Meet Rae, a non-releasable black bear who now serves as an ambassador in the education program and often becomes a favourite stop for visitors.
- Raptors and resident birds: Walk past a variety of non-releasable birds, including owls, hawks, eagles, and other local species in thoughtfully designed enclosures.
- Turtle Town pond: Watch turtles bask and swim in the large release pond, a calm spot that is popular with kids and photographers.
- Hidden Garden and picnic area: Follow paths toward the summer garden, climbing rocks, a small cave, and stone carvings that make the picnic area feel playful and unique.
- Nature trail: Stroll a short forested loop with benches and viewpoints that offer a quieter feel away from the main buildings.
- First Nations Discovery Area: Visit the area that now houses the Ravenshong canoe and learn more about local Indigenous culture and stories connected to the region.
- Gift shop: Finish your visit at the gift shop, where purchases help support the ongoing care and rehabilitation of the resident animals.
Tips, Suggestions
- The Wildlife Centre is great for all ages, abilities and interests. It’s a top attraction on Vancouver Island
- There is a large parking area, but it can get busy, especially on weekends
- Do not bring pets, as they are not allowed on the premises
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Washrooms on site
Location – 1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC
Parking – Parking is free
Admission – Adult $15, Ages 4-16 $6, Ages 3 & under FREE, Veterans & Military FREE
Hours – 9:00am – 4:30pm daily
Accessibility – Gravel paths are wheelchair accessible, along with reserved parking stalls and accessible washrooms. Free wheelchairs are available for use.
NIWRA Mission and Objectives
The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRA), located in Errington, BC, has a dual mission focused on the care of ill, injured, and orphaned wildlife and the education of the public on wildlife and environmental issues. Founded in 1985, NIWRA non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing a sanctuary for wildlife rehabilitation, aiming to reintroduce as many animals back to their natural habitats as possible.
The facility is well-equipped with a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and offers comprehensive wildlife care practices, which include expert veterinary care, customized diets, and specialized handling equipment.
This enables the center to rehabilitate a range of animals, from birds and black bears to raptors and other species native to Vancouver Island.
NIWRA also places a strong emphasis on public education through its interactive learning center, and various educational programs that invite visitors to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts. This combination of rehabilitation and educational outreach highlights NIWRA’s comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation and public awareness.
In the Area
Here are some recommendations we’ve enjoyed when planning for the perfect family day in the Parksville area.
Waterfall Viewing – Englishman River Falls
Goats on the Roof – A quirky stop in Coombs
Rathtrevor Beach – Catch it at low tide
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