Ontario Joins British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and More Canadian Provinces and Territories Welcoming Tourists in 2026 with New Birdwatching Trend

Published on December 9, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

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Ontario joins British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and more Canadian provinces and territories in 2026, embracing a new birdwatching trend that’s set to capture the hearts of nature enthusiasts.

As birdwatching gains rapid popularity, each of these provinces offers its own unique experience for tourists eager to witness diverse bird species in stunning, natural habitats. Ontario’s vibrant landscapes, from the Great Lakes to its lush forests, provide ideal settings for birdwatching, while British Columbia’s coastal sanctuaries and Alberta’s expansive prairies stand out as top destinations.

This growing trend of birdwatching across Canada, with Ontario leading the charge, promises to attract tourists in droves in 2026, eager to explore the beauty and serenity that these provinces and territories have to offer. Discover why Ontario, along with its provincial counterparts, is becoming the ultimate birdwatching hotspot in 2026!

Top Birdwatching Points Across Canada

Ontario

1. Point Pelee National Park – One of the most famous birdwatching spots in Canada, known for its migratory bird diversity (over 390 species).
2. Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area – A hotspot for warblers and shorebirds during migration.
3. Algonquin Provincial Park – Offers sightings of woodpeckers, owls, and migrating waterfowl.
4. Toronto Islands – Popular for observing waterfowl, songbirds, and migrating birds during the fall.

British Columbia

1. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Home to over 300 species including shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrating ducks.
2. Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary – A coastal wetland area ideal for observing shorebirds and waterfowl.
3. Alaksen National Wildlife Area – Known for its migratory geese and shorebirds.
4. Vancouver’s Lost Lagoon – Famous for waterfowl, herons, and songbirds in an urban setting.

Alberta

1. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary – Offers views of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors in Calgary.
2. Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary – A key stop for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.
3. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park – Known for wetland birds like ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes.
4. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park – Provides sightings of songbirds, raptors, and woodpeckers.

Quebec

1. Mont Saint-Hilaire Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Perfect for warblers, woodpeckers, and hawks.
2. Bonaventure Island – Famous for gull colonies and seabirds like puffins.
3. Bécancour Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Known for waterfowl, shorebirds, and herons.
4. Îles-de-la-Madeleine – A prime location for seabirds and maritime species.

Manitoba

1. Oak Hammock Marsh – Great for observing wetland birds, ducks, and geese.
2. Assiniboine Park – A city park with sightings of woodpeckers, waterfowl, and songbirds.
3. Riding Mountain National Park – Known for its forest birds, songbirds, and raptors.

Nova Scotia

1. Brier Island – A top spot for shorebirds and seabirds, especially during migration.
2. Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Great for woodpeckers, warblers, and songbirds.
3. Canso Causeway – Known for migratory waterfowl, ducks, and geese.

Prince Edward Island

1. Lennox Island – Popular for shorebirds and waterfowl.
2. Wood Islands – Ideal for observing seabirds, gulls, and ducks.

Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve – Famous for seabird colonies, particularly gannets.
2. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve – Home to Atlantic puffins and other seabirds.
3. Terra Nova National Park – Known for woodland birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds.

Saskatchewan

1. Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary – A haven for geese, ducks, and shorebirds.
2. Nemeiben Lake – Ideal for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds.
3. Wascana Centre – Located in Regina, it offers sightings of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors.

Northwest Territories

1. Mackenzie River Delta – Known for its migratory geese, ducks, and shorebirds.
2. Tuktoyaktuk – A remote Arctic area offering sightings of Arctic birds like snow geese.

Nunavut

1. Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary – A critical stop for waterfowl and shorebirds.
2. Kuugaarjuk (McConnell River) – A significant location for geese, ducks, and shorebirds.

Yukon

1. Kluane National Park and Reserve – Offers sightings of high-altitude birds, raptors, and waterfowl.
2. Teslin Lake – Known for its waterfowl, including ducks and geese.

Canada’s birdwatching scene is a global phenomenon, and for good reason. Stretching across an immense landscape filled with incredible natural beauty, this vast country offers birdwatchers a diverse and spectacular array of sanctuaries, ranging from Arctic tundra to coastal wetlands. If you’re a bird enthusiast, prepare to have your mind blown. Canada boasts over 40 incredible birdwatching destinations, each offering something unique to the avid birder. From Ontario’s famous Point Pelee to the remote beauty of Nunavut, there’s no shortage of magical spots for bird lovers to explore. Let’s dive into Canada’s birdwatching treasures, where the sky meets the land in a colourful, feathered display.

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Explore the Phenomenal Birdwatching Sites of Ontario: A Nature Lover’s Dream

Ontario is home to some of the most renowned birdwatching locations in all of Canada, with its vast diversity of landscapes, from wetlands to forested reserves. Ontario’s Point Pelee National Park stands tall as one of the most biodiverse birdwatching sites in the world. Famous for being a migration hotspot, it’s a place where you can witness more than 390 bird species year-round. Point Pelee, located at the southernmost tip of Canada, plays host to an incredible number of warblers, shorebirds, and even hawks during migration periods. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a newbie, this location offers an unforgettable birdwatching experience.

Just north, the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area is another spectacular location on the Great Lakes migratory route. With over 300 species, including migrating warblers, hawks, and shorebirds, this is an essential stop for bird lovers in the spring and fall months. Perfect for birdwatchers looking to combine their passion with a relaxing getaway in the picturesque surroundings of Prince Edward County.

British Columbia’s Birdwatching Paradise: Discover Coastal Sanctuaries Like Never Before

When it comes to birdwatching, British Columbia offers a dream world. Known for its coastal wetlands and rugged landscapes, BC boasts some of the most prolific birding sanctuaries in Canada. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a premier birdwatching spot along the Pacific Flyway, a key migratory route. In spring and fall, visitors can spot species such as western sandpipers, whimbrels, and shorebirds on their long journey north or south. The park’s diverse coastal ecosystems create an ideal environment for over 300 bird species.

Not far from the bustling city of Vancouver, you’ll find Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species ranging from ducks, geese, and gulls to marsh birds and shorebirds. Shoal Harbour is a perfect example of a coastal bird sanctuary where both beginners and expert birders can enjoy a day surrounded by nature. Whether you’re on a self-guided tour or joining a local birding group, you’ll experience the magnificent wildlife of the region.

Alberta’s Hidden Gems: Wetlands, Prairies, and More

Alberta is a province that packs a punch in the birdwatching world. From its rich wetlands to its sprawling prairies, Alberta is home to a stunning variety of birdlife. The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, right in the heart of Calgary, is one of the most accessible birding spots. Here, you’ll find a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and geese, as well as songbirds like warblers and finches. The sanctuary, located along the Bow River, provides an incredible urban escape for birdwatchers looking to catch sight of migrating species without venturing far from the city.

One of Alberta’s top gems, however, is Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary, a massive area of wetlands and marshes that serves as an essential stopover for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Thousands of geese stop here during migration periods, making it one of the best spots for seeing these majestic creatures. Whether it’s spring, fall, or summer, the lake offers unparalleled birdwatching opportunities for anyone eager to immerse themselves in Alberta’s wildlife haven.

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Birdwatching in Nunavut and Northern Canada: Arctic Wonders Await

Nunavut is Canada’s wild frontier, where birdwatchers can experience some of the most remote and pristine birding environments in the world. The Akimiski Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary is one of Nunavut’s crown jewels, located in the vast expanse of James Bay. This protected area is home to over 250,000 geese, as well as shorebirds and waterfowl. If you’re looking for an authentic Arctic birding experience, this sanctuary will deliver a birdwatching spectacle like no other. The remote location means visitors must plan ahead and secure permits, but the reward is witnessing Arctic birds in their natural habitat.

Another must-visit sanctuary in Nunavut is Kuugaarjuk (McConnell River) Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This is one of the largest Arctic sanctuaries in Canada, and it is home to over 200,000 migratory birds each year. Geese and ducks are abundant here, with other species like the snow goose and brant migrating through this pristine northern territory. Kuugaarjuk offers birdwatchers an experience that goes beyond the usual, making it a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking the ultimate birding adventure in Canada’s northern wilderness.

The Prairies and Quebec: Find Tranquil Birding Retreats Across Canada

While British Columbia and Alberta dominate birding in the western parts of Canada, the Prairie Provinces and Quebec have their own treasures waiting to be explored. Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary in British Columbia is a must-see, particularly during migratory seasons when thousands of birds flock to this wetland paradise. If you’re visiting Saskatchewan, the Last Mountain Lake Sanctuary offers incredible views of waterfowl in a peaceful, serene setting.

For a more historic birdwatching experience, visit Mont Saint-Hilaire Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Quebec. This forested sanctuary is home to a variety of forest birds like warblers, woodpeckers, and hawks. Quebec’s wildlife areas offer a more tranquil experience compared to the bustling cities, providing birdwatchers with a perfect blend of nature and solitude.

Essential Tips for Visiting Canada’s Top Birdwatching Sites

Planning a birdwatching trip across Canada can be incredibly rewarding but requires a bit of preparation. Before embarking on your adventure, here are a few things you should know:

1. Seasons Matter: The best time for birdwatching varies depending on the region. For the Great Lakes and Southern Ontario, spring and fall migration periods are perfect. For coastal regions like BC, winter offers excellent opportunities for spotting waterfowl.
2. Access Points: Many of Canada’s wildlife sanctuaries are located in remote areas. Be sure to check accessibility details before your visit. Some sanctuaries have well-maintained trails and observation towers, while others require permits or guided tours.
3. Respect Nature: As a birdwatcher, it’s essential to follow local guidelines to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Stay on trails, respect no-entry zones, and never approach nesting birds.
4. Bring the Right Gear: Ensure you have a good pair of binoculars, a spotting scope, and a bird guidebook to identify species. A camera with a zoom lens is also a great idea if you’re looking to capture your experience.

Canada’s Birdwatching Treasures Await You!

Canada’s incredible diversity of birdwatching destinations is waiting to be explored, with over 40 protected areas offering unparalleled views of migrating and resident birds. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the Quebec wilderness, seeking out coastal birds in BC, or embarking on a remote Arctic adventure in Nunavut, Canada is the ultimate birdwatching paradise. Start planning your 2025 birding trip now and discover why Canada is truly the top destination for bird lovers around the world!