Bald eagle watchers will have four weekends this year to enjoy the largest North American gathering of these raptors.

Thousands of eagles come to the area to feed on the millions of spawning salmon travelling up the Fraser River tributaries such as the Harrison River. The estuary is also home to trumpeter swans, ducks, seal, black bear, coyote, deer and the great white sturgeon.

The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival kicks off this weekend, Nov. 17 and 18, with eagle viewing sites, guided walks, jet boat tours with Fraser River Safari and eagle biologist David Hancock, mostly in the Harrison Mills area.

There are also First Nations cultural events, food and more at Sts'ailes Lhawathet Lalem on Saturday.

Closer to Mission, the Inch Creek fish hatchery is open to visitors.

Harrison Hot Springs is the centre of activities on Nov. 23 - 25, with speakers, photo exhibits and more. Harrison Mills will host the action over the next two weekends, with photo workshops and boat tours.

See full schedule details at fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca.