A pair of Oceanside beaches will be closed to dogs for the next few months in order to protect the migration patterns of certain animals, like Black Brant geese. (Image Credit: Angie Ooms/Brant Wildlife Festival Facebook page)

By Jordan Davidson

migratory patterns

Dogs barred from Oceanside beaches during Brant geese migration

Feb 15, 2026 | 6:12 AM

PARKSVILLE — Oceanside beachgoers are being asked to keep their canine friends at home for now.

Two Parksville beaches will be off-limits to dogs for the next few months, as the Black Brant geese are making their way to the area to feed and rest, as part of their annual migration from California and Mexico to their northern nesting grounds.

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Parksville Bay Beach will not allow pooches from March 1 until April 30, while nearby Rathtrevor Beach will be closed to dogs starting Sunday, Feb. 15, until April 30.

The sandy day-use beach along the east shore of Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is closed to pets year-round, with leashed pets allowed only on the rocky north shore from May 1 to Feb. 14.

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Wildlife such as the Brant geese use the area as a stopover on their long migration journey to rest and feed, to build up strength for the remainder of their journey.

The 2026 annual Brant Wildlife Festival is in its 35th year, put on by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR).

The festival celebrates all the local living things tied to the arrival of the Brant geese, takes place from April 10-13, with more information available here.

To celebrate the milestone year, MABR are asking for collectibles from past festivals to add to their collection, including posters, shirts, paintings and more. (Image Credit: Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region on Facebook)

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