Range Bald Eagle breeds from northwestern Alaska and central Canada south to the southern United States and Baja California, but very locally distributed in interior North America. Winters from Alaska and southern Canada south along the coast and major river systems to at least the southern limits of the breeding range. Formerly bred throughout most of North America north of Mexico. The Bald Eagle is widely distributed throughout the province. It is primarily associated with aquatic habitats including seashores, lakes, rivers, sloughs, and marshes, although it has been found in almost all habitats from sea level to 2,380 m elevation.
Habitat preference varies considerably with season.
In spring, migrants follow sea coasts, rivers, and valleys northward. Concentrations are evenly distributed along the coast depending on available food resources. In the interior it is not unusual to find large groups of eagles sitting on frozen lakes awaiting the thaw or gathering near livestock calving grounds. Some frequent garbage dumps. Adults have been seen back at nests in Victoria by 7 February, in Lumby by 22 February, in Williams Lake by 29 February, in Prince George by 14 March, in Fort St. John by 24 February, and in Atlin by 1 April.