Top places to experience fall bird migration in Ontario

Hullett Marsh (Huron County) 

Tucked between Clinton and Wingham in southwestern Ontario, Hullett Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area is a 5,400-acre (2,185-hectare) haven for wildlife. This restored wetland complex is part of the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area, where Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has worked alongside the Province of Ontario and the Friends of Hullett to bring wetlands back to life. 

Originally farmland, the area was transformed into a wetland-rich landscape in the 1980s through a series of major restoration projects. Since then, ongoing upgrades to water control infrastructure have helped maintain this vibrant habitat. 

Why visit in fall?
Hullett’s mix of marshes, open water and forests makes it a magnet for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. Well-maintained trails, viewing platforms and peaceful paddling routes make it a must-visit for a fall adventure. 

Big Creek National Wildlife Area (Norfolk County) 

The 1,900-acre (769-hectare) Big Creek National Wildlife Area on Lake Erie near Port Rowan is a renowned birdwatching location with two viewing towers overlooking the largest sandspit-marsh complex in the Great Lakes.

Ducks Unlimited Canada has worked here for decades to improve wetland function by restoring natural water flow and enhancing habitat. 

Why visit in fall?
Up to 100,000 waterfowl visit the marsh during peak migration. It’s also a great spot to see rarer species like the least bittern and Fowler’s toad. The trails and boardwalks make access easy for recreationists of all levels. 

Luther Marsh (Dufferin County/Wellington County) 

Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area is one of southern Ontario’s largest inland wetlands, covering over 13,000 acres (5,261 hectares) of marsh, swamp and upland forest. Ducks Unlimited Canada has played a leading role in maintaining the water control infrastructure that helps manage water levels and preserve habitat. 

Why visit in fall?
Luther Marsh is a quiet gem for fall birding. It supports large numbers of waterfowl and wetland species, including migrating sandhill cranes, ducks and raptors. With wide open skies and peaceful trails, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature. 

Tiny Marsh (Simcoe County) 

Ontario’s first provincially owned and managed wetland, Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area is part of the Minesing Wetlands system and a longtime focus of conservation work by Ducks Unlimited Canada and local partners. Wetland restoration here has improved habitat for birds and helped sustain the area as a public resource for nature viewing, hunting and hiking. 

Why visit in fall?
Tiny Marsh offers excellent birding along its network of dikes and trails. Fall visitors may spot everything from dabbling ducks to snapping turtles, and it’s a hotspot for photographers looking to capture birds framed by autumn colours. 

Witness Conservation in Action 

Each of these sites tells a story, not just of bird migration, but of what’s possible when people come together to restore and conserve wetlands. Ducks Unlimited Canada is proud to support these efforts across Ontario, helping create places where both wildlife and people can thrive. 

This fall, grab your binoculars, hit the trails and experience the beauty of bird migration in Ontario’s wetlands.