7 Amazing Places to Go Birding in Canada from Coast to Coast
When it comes to bird watching in Canada, we’re incredibly fortunate to have access to some of the most breathtaking wild places in the world. From the rugged cliffs of Newfoundland, where Atlantic puffins bob along the coastline, to the shores of British Columbia, where bald eagles soar overhead, there are over 450 species of birds to discover across the country.
As a life long birder, who grew up spending summers at my grandparent’s cottage in Haliburton learning about birds and other wildlife, I’ve explored some incredible birding destination across the country. So, I’ve rounded up my top picks for the best places to go birding in Canada.
I’m sharing world-renown hotspots like Point Pelee National Park in Ontario and Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland. Plus, I’m dishing out tips on trails to take, species you can find in each location, and when to visit for the best birding.
So, lace up your boots, grab your binoculars, and let’s flock to the best birding locations in the country! Your next unforgettable wildlife experience awaits.
Point Pelee National Park
When people ask me, where is the best place to birdwatch in Canada, my first suggestions is Point Pelee National Park! Especially in the spring!
It’s one of the smallest national parks in Canada but Point Pelee hits big when it comes to species. There have been more than 390 species reported in the park. A big reason for this is thanks to its location along a major migratory flyway. This allows for a large range of diverse species in a very small area during the spring and fall migration.
Point Pelee is best known for being home to the most southernly point on mainland Canada. To me, it’s one of my favourite places for birding in Ontario! And the best time to go is during the spring migration, which typically starts in March. However, if you’re like me and looking for songbirds, the best time to go is at the end of April.
When it comes to what species you’ll see in Point Pelee, it depends on the time of year. In the spring there’s an abundance of warblers, while in the fall you can see large flocks of blue jays and monarch butterflies.
Where to go in the park: Woodland Nature Trail (and seasonal birding trail south of it)
Insider tip: If you want to visit during spring migration, book accommodation near the park at least 6 months in advance.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Another great park for birding is MacGregor Point Provincial Park. Home to over 200 bird species, it’s situated on the coast of Lake Huron in Ontario, and is one of my favourite provincial parks in Ontario!
The Park is a must stop on any Lake Huron coastal road trip, especially in the spring! Every May, birders flock to the park to attend the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. I was blown away by this festival! It features countless tours that you can join. Plus, the community is so helpful with sharing information on where to go for specific birds and what time of day is best.
Head to the Tower Trail for some of the best bird watching in the park. The trail loops around a wetland, and features a lookout tower and a blind. I spotted everything from various warblers near the tower to different duck species near the blind.
A huge selling point of the park, in terms of birding, is that it features a number of ecosystems, meaning a diverse bird range. There’s everything from coastline to marshland and dense forest to open fields. You can even spot woodcocks doing their mating dance in the fields on the edge of the park.
Where to go in the park: Tower Trail and Huron Fringe Trail
Insider tip: If you want to attend the birding festival, grab your tickets as soon as they go on sale to be able to get a spot on a tour, they fill up fast.
Grasslands National Park
If you’re looking for a truly unique birding landscape in Canada, then add Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan to your list!
The park is made up of lowland and upland grasslands cut by rivers and coulees, with pockets of badlands, and prairie dog colonies. Each of these habitats supports different species for foraging and nesting, making it a standout destination for birding in the Prairies.
It’s a haven for both common and rare birds can be found with in the park. When visiting during the migration, you’ll spot a wide variety, including warblers, American white pelicans, and sandhill cranes.
One of the most incredible birds to spot in Grasslands is the burrowing owl. With roughly 200 breeding pairs in the province, these small raptors some of the many endangered species.
Where to go in the park: Top Dogtown Trail,
Insider tip: For a better chance of seeing burrowing owls, visit one of the prairie dog colonies within the park. Their burrows are where the owls nest.
Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary
If you’re searching for the best places to birdwatch near Saskatoon, it’s hard to beat Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary.
Located about 2.5 hours south of the city, this historic site was established in 1887. This makes it the oldest bird sanctuary in North America and Canada’s first protected area for migratory birds.
Home to over 300 species, it’s a must-visit for any birder. Start at the Interpretive Centre to get a feel for the area and test your skills. I love that they have interactive exhibits where you can listen to bird calls before heading out.
There are a few short trails. The Shore to Sky Trail is a great quick option, leading from the centre through grasslands to an observation tower with views over the lake, where waterfowl are often abundant. Along the way, keep an eye out for species like the bobolink.
One thing I loved about Last Mountain Lake was the fact that on top of the hiking trails, you can take the self-guided driving tour through the park. This experience takes you through wetlands and grasslands, where you can stop as you spot birds.
On one visit, highlights for me included a wide range of species like the willet, northern shoveler, American avocet, pelicans, Wilson’s phalarope, and even a western meadowlark.
If you want the best experience, I recommend booking one of the Wild Views Tours of Last Mountain Lake. There are two, one is focused on spring or fall migration and the other is a specialized general tour of the park.
Where to go in the park: Shore to Sky Trail
Insider Tip: If whooping cranes are on your birding bucket list plan a visit to Last Mountain Lake in the fall!
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
For anyone interested in birdwatching in Newfoundland, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a must. Just 30 minutes south of St. John’s, this protected area is accessed from Bay Bulls. Here you can hop on a 90-minute boat tour with Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch or O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours.
The reserve spans four islands and is best known for its Atlantic puffins—over 250,000 nest here. It’s the largest colony in North America. In total, more than 35 million seabirds from 350 species gather in the area. It’s also home to the second-largest colony of Leach’s storm petrels.
I was blown away by all the species I spotted on the islands, like common murre, thick-billed murre, black guillemot, black-legged kittiwake, and my favourite the razorbill.
Taking a boat tour here is easily one of the best things to do in St. John’s, especially in summer. Along with the incredible birdlife, there’s a strong chance of seeing whales—I’ve spotted humpbacks (including a mother and calf) and minkes on both of my tours, often just minutes apart.
Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from St. John’s by car, Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is unforgettable. About two hours from St. John’s, this coastal reserve is home to the province’s largest colony of nesting northern gannets—and one of the most accessible in North America.
A short 1.3 km coastal trail from the visitor centre leads to Bird Rock, a dramatic sea stack nearly level with the cliff you stand on. From here, you’re face-to-face with thousands of gannets—it’s an incredible, up-close wildlife experience. While the colony currently has around 8,000 nesting pairs, it’s still a remarkable sight.
Beyond gannets, you can spot common murres, razorbills, black guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, and both double-crested and great cormorants. It’s also the only place you can see thick-billed murres from land. Along the trail, look for the distinctive grass nests of savannah sparrows and grey seals resting on the rocks below.
There’s also a visitor centre with a small museum to learn more about the reserve. Just be prepared—this area sees fog most days of the year, so clear views are a bonus if you get them.
Victoria, British Columbia
When asked what is the birding capital of Canada, I used to always say Point Pelee National Park and area, with around 400 bird species recorded. But as of 2025, the Greater Victoria area has claimed the unofficial title, with an impressive 423 reported species.
Victoria is located on the Pacific flyway and it’s easy to see why birds are flocking here. From downtown, you can head in any direction and quickly find yourself immersed in completely different habitats. Go from endangered Garry Oak meadows and temperate old-growth rainforests to white sand beaches and rugged, barnacle-covered shorelines.
Where to go in the city: Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and the Victoria waterfront
Insider Tip: Check out Nature Victoria’s event page for upcoming bird tours.
Start planning your next birding trip
Whether you’re an avid birder or looking for a unique vacation, using one of these amazing locations for birding in Canada as your inspiration for your next trip will certainly be memorable!
Looking for more ideas? Check out my other birding guides:
Best Places for Birding on the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland
Best Bird Watching near Saskatoon
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!
