The southern tip of Vancouver Island is the southernmost point in British Columbia. Lands adjacent to the Migratory Bird Sanctuary are of low elevation. The climate is mild and precipitation is low due to the rain-shadow effects of the Olympic and Vancouver Island mountains. The shoreline is predominantly rocky with sheltered and open bays alternating with prominent rocky headlands. Small islands and rocky reefs are also common.
Tidal currents are strong.
A prominent feature in the Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a long and narrow tidal channel extending seven kilometres inland, ending in a small tidal basin with extensive eelgrass beds. Public Use Lands fronting the waters within the Migratory Bird Sanctuary support the whole spectrum of human activities associated with the City of Victoria. Wildlife Although published reports on bird use of Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary are not available, personal observations of Canadian Wildlife Service, B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, and Royal British Columbia Museum staff suggest considerable wintering use of some areas. While parts of the sanctuary still receive high migratory bird use, most areas have, as a result of urban development, been seriously reduced in value as migratory bird habitat. Areas such parts of Portage Inlet and Trial Islands, however, still exhibit significant values.