The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ingleside, Ontario, offers over eight kilometres of self-guided walking trails (including boardwalks) through wetlands and forests. More than 200 bird species have been spotted here, including all sorts of ducks and geese. The sanctuary is the biggest bird-banding station on the Atlantic Flyway, and roughly 1,200 to 1,500 ducks and 6,000 to 7,000 geese are banded here each year. You may also spot blue herons, belted kingfishers and many other birds.
Friends of the Sanctuary runs nature programs at the sanctuary throughout the year, including camping, bird feeding and cross-country skiing activities.
Are you a cyclist? Then you can easily get to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary via the Great Waterfront Trail, which cuts right across the property.
And if you’d like to camp, the sanctuary’s campground offers more than 100 campsites, including spaces for RVs and a dog-friendly section. Alternatively, you can book one of two waterfront cabins or a treehouse called Robin’s Roost. The campground also has a beach and a boat launch.
If you go to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary
The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary is at 5591 Morrisons Road in Ingleside. It’s located 95km southeast of Parliament Hill. Note that the opening dates (early May to late October) on the sanctuary’s website are for the campground only. The trails at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary are open year round.
Dogs are not permitted on the walking trails but are allowed on the Great Waterfront Trail.
The hours of the visitor centre vary with the seasons; check the Friends of the Sanctuary website for current information on the visitor centre and public programs.
Looking for something else to see and do near Ingleside? Here are a few options.
- Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg
- Upper Canada Playhouse, Morrisburg
- Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site, Morrisburg
- Long Sault Parkway, Long Sault
- Lost Villages Museum, Long Sault
You can also check the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry’s tourism website.
Looking for more tips on things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.