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

Loading map...

Notable Species

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

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

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

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/4/2026Minesing Wetlands--McKinnon Road1 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

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

3/4/2026Wasaga- SHORE LINE RD/CEDAR GROVE1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

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

Black-backed Woodpecker

Picoides arcticus

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

Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x Lophodytes cucullatus

3/4/2026Presqu'ile--Government Dock1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/4/2026Dave's yard2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Speed River trail from Edinburgh to Gordon, Guelph1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/4/2026Lakefront Promenade Park2 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

3/4/202694 County Road 15, Brockton CA-ON 44.21561, -81.240561 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Sarnia--Canatara Park (Hawkwatch Hill)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/20264801–4877 Netherby Rd, Fort Erie CA-ON 42.96343, -79.095622 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/4/2026Holtom Lane4 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026London--Springbank Park1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

3/4/2026Metropolitan Eden Grove1 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.