Carolinian forest at Point Pelee National Park during spring migration

Point Pelee National Park

Ontario · Canada

Habitat
ForestWetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/18/2026Crossroads Mersea Rd 2 & Rd 211 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/18/2026Wheatley--Kopegaron Woods CA1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/18/2026Wheatley--Kopegaron Woods CA1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

4/18/2026Hillman Marsh CA--shorebird cell2 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

4/18/2026Hillman Marsh CA--shorebird cell2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

404/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Gadwall

24/17/2026

Mallard

44/17/2026

American Black Duck

64/17/2026

Northern Pintail

24/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

124/17/2026

Bufflehead

34/17/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

44/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

74/17/2026

Snowy Egret

14/17/2026

Great Egret

34/17/2026

Northern Harrier

14/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Arrive before dawn in May — the shuttle to the tip starts at 6 AM and early morning is prime warbler time

  2. 2

    South winds with approaching rain fronts in May create the best fallout conditions

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.