To the south, it is bounded by the Strait of Georgia, the northern arm of the larger Salish Sea.

It is an important stop for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway, particularly for western sandpiper and dunlin, and has been designated a Hemisphere Reserve by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and a Canadian Important Bird Area.

The mudflats, extensive eel grass beds and salt marshes support a rich population of marine invertebrates which are an important source of energy for migrating shorebirds.

[1] Pollution and industrial activity in the area pose potential threats to wildlife.

The Boundary Bay Airport, on its north flank, is used by small aircraft and has been the setting for various film shoots.