Buttertubs Marsh

Buttertubs Marsh is a birding and hiking conservation area located in the middle of the community of Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The marsh is a man made estuary extending over 40 hectares (100 acres). The Buttertubs Marsh portion of the conservation area is 18.7 hectares (46 acres).

The Buttertubs Marsh Conservation Area is located on the banks of the Millstone River. There are viewing platforms, sitting benches, picnic tables and over 2.4 kilometres of walking trails. The walking trails in the marsh are also part of the Trans Canada Trail.

The Buttertubs Marsh trail is a loop trail circling a section of the marsh. Part of the trail system is following along gravel routes wandering through a forest. Other sections are raised boardwalk trails protecting the sensitive habitat and preventing you from getting your feet wet.

The marsh is a popular place for birdwatching mainly because it is very central in the community and it is easily accessible. Some of the birding wildlife viewed when visiting the marsh could include swallows, Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, American Widgeons, Red-Winged Blackbird, eagles, kingfishers, Ruddy Ducks, Green Herons, woodpeckers and American Bitterns.

The park is a sensitive conservation area for feeding and nesting of birds. Dogs and birds do not go together, so NO dogs are permitted in the park.

How to Get to Buttertubs Marsh

Travel to the community of Nanaimo on Vancouver island. From the Nanaimo Parkway (main island Highway #19) access Jinglepot Road . Travel Jinglepot Road towards town until you reach Bird Sanctuary Drive. Turn here and continue to the marsh and parking lot.