From Sandpipers to Falcons: 7 Birding Hotspots in Ontario's Highlands

Ontario’s Highlands are full of low-key, high-reward birding spots. From wetland boardwalks to cliffside lookouts and quiet backcountry lakes, these locations offer a chance to see everything from waterfowl and shorebirds to songbirds and migrating raptors. 

Whether you’re out for a quick walk, a long paddle, or an early morning coffee-fuelled wander, each stop delivers solid birding without the crowds, plus just enough nearby food and drink to make a full day of it.

Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area, Lanark County

Featuring extensive wetland habitats, the Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area is an excellent location to see waterfowl grazing on wild rice in recovering agricultural fields. Visitors may spot species such as Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum), Redhead (Aythya americana), and Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). 

Westmeath Provincial Park, Renfrew County

Tucked along a quiet stretch of the Ottawa River, Westmeath Provincial Park sits on Bellows Bay. Known for its sandy beach and active sandspit, the park features both dune and wetland habitats. Walking along the sandspit that encloses the bay, you may encounter a variety of sandpipers, including Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii). Late September through early October is prime time to spot Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni) in the sedge, grass, and reed habitats. 

Bon Echo Provincial Park, Frontenac County

Encompassing iconic Mazinaw Lake, Bon Echo Provincial Park is known for its 1,000-year-old petroglyphs on the Mazinaw Rock escarpment. Less well known is that this same cliff provides nesting habitat for the threatened Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Sharp-eyed observers may also spot the striking Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) during the summer months.  Link to park website.

Meisel Woods Conservation Area, Frontenac County

A quiet and lesser-visited conservation area in Frontenac County’s cottage country, Meisel Woods offers a welcome respite from urban life. Among the most colourful species to watch for are Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) and Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea). Along the shoreline of Beaver Lake, keep an eye out for Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) fishing in the shallows. 

Eagle’s Nest Park, Hastings County

Named for the pair of eagles that once nested at the lookout, Eagle’s Nest remains a top spot for viewing raptors above the Bancroft area. An accessible hawkwatch site along a major flyway, it is best visited during spring (May) and fall (September to October) migrations. At these times, you may see species such as Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) and Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) passing overhead. 

Palmerston-Canonto Conservation Area, Frontenac County

Getting off the beaten path is often rewarding, and nowhere is that more evident than at the Palmerston-Canonto Conservation Area. Tucked between Palmerston and Canonto lakes, this area is ideal for a canoe paddle, with opportunities to spot Common Loon (Gavia immer) hunting in deep water. Both lakes feature sandy shorelines and excellent beaches. Along the shore, watch for Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Link to conservation area website.

Haliburton Rail Trail, Haliburton County

Part of a broader network of decommissioned rail-bed trails across Eastern Ontario, the Haliburton Rail Trail is perfect for a birding walk or gravel ride of any length. The corridor supports a wide range of songbirds, including Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla).