You never quite know who you’ll meet in Point Roberts.

Look toward the water and you might spot harbor seals or, on a very lucky day, the unmistakable dorsal fin of an orca. Look up and bald eagles may be circling overhead. Wander a quiet road or woodland trail and white-tailed deer may appear at the edge of the trees.

With its mix of shoreline, coastal forest, wetlands and open water, Point Roberts offers wonderful opportunities to experience wildlife where it belongs — in the wild. Lily Point alone provides important habitat for species including Chinook salmon, orcas, bald eagles and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.

And birders have plenty of reasons to keep their binoculars handy. More than 230 bird species have been recorded in the Point Roberts area, reflecting the peninsula’s rich combination of coastal and forest habitats.

The best part? You don’t necessarily have to go looking for wildlife here. Sometimes it finds you — during a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, or one of those moments when you simply stop, look around and take in the view.

Slow down. Look a little closer. Point Roberts is alive all around you.