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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/16/2026Pelee Island--Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve (ON Nature)2 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/15/2026Peanut Centre Nursery1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

7/15/2026Pelee Island--Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve2 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/15/2026Point Pelee NP--DeLaurier Homestead Trail1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/12/2026Kingsville--Mettawas Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Tree Swallow

37/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/20/2026

Common Grackle

37/20/2026

American Herring Gull

27/20/2026

Forster's Tern

37/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Trumpeter Swan

17/20/2026

Mallard

37/20/2026

Mourning Dove

27/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

17/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

97/20/2026

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.