Sometimes known as the “Pelee Island of the North,” Manitoulin Island is a hotspot for birdwatching throughout the year, with many species breeding on the island and many others migrating through. The south end of the island is noted as a destination for viewing sandhill cranes, while the north end of the island is an Important Bird Area. Throughout summer and fall Manitoulin is also known for its hiking and fishing spots.
Birds to see
September: Sandhill crane, common merganser, red-necked grebe, great blue heron, belted kingfisher, and several breeds of warblers.
October: Common loon, red-breasted merganser, horned grebe, white-winged scoter, black scoter, surf scoter
November: Hairy woodpecker, Downy woodpecker
How to get there: From Toronto, take Highway 400 north towards highway 69 and continue north. Just before Sudbury, take Highway 17 west. After 140 km, turn left onto ON-6 towards Espanola/Manitoulin Island, until you arrive on Manitoulin Island. Continue onto ON-540 to go further inland.
View Larger Map