Point Pelee National Park

Ontario · Canada

EasyOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetlandCoastal

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

May, September-October

Entrance Fee

C$8.50 adults

Hours

6 AM - 10 PM (seasonal variations)

About This Location

Point Pelee is Canada's most famous birding destination, a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Erie that acts as a funnel for migrating songbirds. Its southernmost location in mainland Canada concentrates incredible numbers of warblers, vireos, and thrushes each spring and fall.

The park's diverse habitats — from Carolinian forest to freshwater marsh to sandy beach — support over 390 species. Spring migration peaks in May when the trees drip with warblers, and the Festival of Birds draws birders from around the world.

Location

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Notable Species

Prothonotary Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Orchard Oriole Red-bellied Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

3/4/2026Waterdown wildyard (private)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/4/20265444 Fernbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, CA (45.271, -75.873)1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/4/2026Sarnia--Camp Saredaca4 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

3/4/2026Aurora Arboretum1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/4/2026Katchewanooka Lake--end of Stenner Rd2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/4/2026Katchewanooka Lake--end of Stenner Rd2 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/4/2026Dorchester Swamp1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/4/2026Caledonia--Kinsmen Park3 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/4/2026Buckhorn Lock 312 observed

Black-backed Woodpecker

Picoides arcticus

3/4/2026Simcoe County Forest, Swaile Tract1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

3/4/2026Simcoe County Forest, Swaile Tract1 observed

Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x Lophodytes cucullatus

3/4/2026St. Catharines--Charles Daley Park1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

3/4/2026Manotick--Watson's Mill1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/4/2026Minesing Wetlands--McKinnon Road1 observed

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

3/4/2026Holland Marsh1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/4/2026Markham--Milne Dam Conservation Park1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/4/2026Colonel Samuel Smith Park1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

3/4/2026484–598 Powerline Rd, Hamilton CA-ON 43.19649, -79.715971 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

3/4/2026Stoney Creek--HSA-3rd Rd E.1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Strathroy--Sewage Lagoons2 observed

Birding Tips

1
Arrive before dawn in May — the shuttle to the tip starts at 6 AM and early morning is prime warbler time
2
South winds with approaching rain fronts in May create the best fallout conditions

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Visitor Center

Trails

Gift Shop

Nearby Attractions

Pelee Island
Hillman Marsh Conservation Area

Birding Guides

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

The Beginner's Guide to Birding

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Point Pelee National Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Point Pelee National Park for birding are May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Point Pelee National Park?▼

Notable species at Point Pelee National Park include Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Orchard Oriole, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland, coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Point Pelee National Park?▼

Birding at Point Pelee National Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

Is there an entrance fee at Point Pelee National Park?▼

The entrance fee at Point Pelee National Park is C$8.50 adults. Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM (seasonal variations).

What amenities are available at Point Pelee National Park?▼

Point Pelee National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Gift Shop.