We’re bringing a little extra cheer to the trails this holiday season! MABR has decked out some of our Amazing Places with beautiful, festive foliage bundles. These bundles are up from now until January 1st – we invite you to come explore, discover, and celebrate nature with a holiday twist!

Here’s how it works: find any of the festive bundles as you wander, hike, or enjoy the outdoors in the following Amazing Places, snap a picture, and email it to us at mabr@viu.ca. When you do, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a family day pass (for two adults and three children) to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre - a perfect way to continue your exploration of the natural beauty our region has to offer! Two lucky winners will be chosen at random on January 2nd, 2025.

Be on the lookout for eight festive foliage bundles in these MABR Amazing Places:

Heritage Forest in Qualicum Beach
Milner Gardens and Woodland in Qualicum Beach
Notch Hill in Nanoose Bay
Parksville Community Park in Parksville

Plus, for an added holiday treat, a bonus bundle is waiting at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre!

This is a wonderful opportunity to make a family outing, enjoy nature, and maybe even spot some local wildlife while embracing the spirit of the season. So, grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and come celebrate the beauty of winter with us! Happy hunting, and good luck in the draw!

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 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.

The Brant Wildlife Festival brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate nature. 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 Brant Wildlife Festival is the only one of its kind on Vancouver Island.