Portage Inlet is a shallow basin connected to Victoria Harbour by the narrow Gorge Waterway. Fresh water flows into the inlet through Craigflower and Colquitz creeks, two important salmon streams. The shallow waters of the inlet contain intertidal mud flats, extensive eelgrass beds and native oysters, and historically supported herring spawning. The inlet is also one of the most important bird habitat areas in the CRD and is part of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Residents value the scenic waterfront property and recreational value of the inlet.
Victoria Harbour is one of three Migratory Bird Sanctuaries found in the capital region and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. Learn more about the three local bird sanctuaries:
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Portage Inlet Creeks and Watersheds
The Colquitz river, Craigflower creek and Hospital creek drain into Portage Inlet.