Your Guide To Birding In Windsor Essex: Quick Trips & Long Flights
Perched at the southernmost tip of Canada, Windsor Essex is a true haven for bird lovers, where unique geography and diverse habitats transform the region into a major migratory crossroads each spring and fall. Hundreds of thousands of birds pass through along key flyways, filling places like Point Pelee National Park, Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, and Ojibway Prairie Complex with colour and song. Recognized as one of North Americaβs premier bird-watching destinations, our region offers everything from rare warblers to dramatic raptor migrations, making it equally rewarding for seasoned birders and curious beginners.
Fly Into Birding
Our newly released Birding Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help visitors discover where to go, what species to spot, and how to make the most of birding in every season. Whether youβre planning a quick day trip, a weekend getaway or a week-long nature escape, keep reading for ideas on how to to slow down, look up, and follow the wings. Click here to read our Birding Guide and start planning!
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Fly By Day: A Quick Birding Escape in Windsor Essex
One day will fly by but we want to squeeze in as much as we can for a one-day visit!
8am – Start your day off right with breakfast at Ure’s Country Kitchen. A delicious home-cooked meal is just the fuel you need for a day full of exploring!
10am – From Ure’s you are just a quick drive away from Holiday Beach Conservation Area, renowned for its birding.Β Each fall, the conservation area hosts the Festival of Hawks showcasing the spectacular migration of thousands of hawks, vultures, eagles, falcons and other birds of prey.Β For this reason, this site has been named an Important Bird Area (IBA). Β Holiday Beach Conservation Area has large shady picnic areas, a playground, nature trails, a boardwalk, sandy beach for swimming, and a three story observation tower. Group/seasonal camping is available.Β Day usage fees apply.
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1pm – Now you’ve worked up an appetite and it’s time to enjoy an indulgent and invigorating lunch at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards and The Vines Restaurant where you’ll enjoy world-class wines, expertly crafted cuisine, and a naturalistβs haven. Take in the tasting room, The Vines Restaurant, and patio dining. Their name was chosen from one of the many birds of prey that frequent the 5 acres of green space surrounding the vineyards and their logo symbolizes their commitment to the environment. After a delicious bite to eat you don’t want to miss a walk through The Hawk Trail – the culmination of their afforestation project that began in 2012. Five acres of land has been returned it to itsβ ancestral native habitat. Over seven thousand trees have been planted and an acre size wetland was built. Guests can walk the 1.5 kilometre trail and explore the trees, plants, wildflowers, animals, and birds that now live on the property. You can find eighteen species of animals and wildlife, over fifty different birds, protected by numerous native Carolinian trees and dozens of native wildflowers, plants and bushes.
3pm – After lunch make your way to Point Pelee National Park. Situated at the southern extreme of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park is a tiny sanctuary supporting a mosaic of habitats from jungle-like forest to lush wetlands to open savannah. Β Bike the 4.5 km trail taking you deep into the forest, or walk the boardwalk out onto one of the largest freshwater marshes left on the Great Lakes. Walk the Marsh Boardwalk, paddle a canoe in the marsh, experience the Botham Tree Trail, take a round trip shuttle rideΒ to The Tip, or enjoy a picnic and a swim at the beach. Check out our Event Calendar for Dark Sky Nights dates!
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7pm – Wrap up the day with an ice-cold brew from Cured Craft Brewing Co. Leamingtonβs only craft brewery prides itself on hand crafted, small batch, delicious tasting beers with amazing reviews. Located in a renovated heritage building in the heart of the uptown, their taproom and large patio serve delicious foods and beverages from local suppliers.
(Don’t Just) Wing It All Weekend: A Windsor Essex Birding Getaway
Fly into Caesars Windsor for a full weekend of fun with a little mix of everything!
4pm – After checking in to Caesars Windsor – your one stop spot for entertainment, food, drink and a full night of fun – take some time time to explore the property: the elegant rooms, indoor pool, fitness centre, shopping and of course try your luck on the gaming floor. Check our Event Calendar for upcoming shows in The Colosseum offering premium entertainment. You don’t need to go far to tempt your tastebuds! Experience a gourmet adventure at Neros Steakhouse, a quick bit at Cafe 377, catch the game at Legends Sports Bar or a retro meal from Johnny Rockets. Spago Trattoria offers authentic Italian cuisine.
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10am – after a relaxing night stay and a bite to eat it’s time to begin your day of adventure! Head east to the City of Windsor’s Lakeview Park Marina and embark on a guided or self guided tour of Peche Island. Peche Island, an 86-acre island, was purchased by Hiram Walker in 1883. Walker used the island for a summer place, and his buildings included a stable, large home, greenhouse, and icehouse. The interior of Peche Island preserves Provincially Significant Wetlands, and the entire island is an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.Β The wetlands attract large numbers of waterfowl, especially Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser, which can be found in the nearby waters. Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles are often attracted by these large flocks and can sometimes be seen perched in the islandβs larger tree tops. Walk-ups are generally not permitted, plan to register before 4:30pm the day prior to your tour!
1pm – Time for lunch! Make your way back to downtown Windsor and head in to the Loose Goose Resto Pub and Lounge for chicken wings and a refreshing drink! Stop in to Whiskeyjack Boutique for some retail therapy and to pick up a souvenir or two before heading to your next stop.
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3pm – Malden Park is an 175-acre park that features the highest hill in Essex County.Β Located at the highest elevation point in Malden Park, the observation area includes railings, benches, binoculars, landscaping and wayfinding signage. The area provides a clear vantage of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. From Malden Park make your way to Ojibway Park. A total of 265 species have been recorded in the Ojibway Prairie Complex on the southwest corner of Windsor. This is the largest protected tallgrass prairie and oak savannah in Ontario. This park complex attracts large numbers of migrant warblers, and other song birds and breeding birds such as Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Rosebreasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, and Indigo Bunting.
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6pm – It’s time to unwind with a sunset cruise aboard Windsor Premier Cruises! Experience Windsor/Detroitβs waterfront from the Macassa Bay. Enjoy a 3 hour sunset dinner cruise with live entertainment and themed nights. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance! After the cruise you are just steps away from another great night sleep at Caesars Windsor.
9am – The early bird catches the worm! And for this full day you’ll want to head out on the road bright and early to make your way to Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is home to countless migrating geese and ducks. In the spring and the fall, the grounds are filled with birds passing through using the Sanctuary as a safe resting place for food, water, and shelter.
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12pm – Stop for lunch and a flight of craft beer at Banded Goose Brewing Co. to stay with the Jack Miner vibes. Craft beer, delicious food and great company come together in the heart of downtown Kingsville. Pair your favourite pint with a mouthwatering meal from their fully equipped food truck. After lunch stroll Main Street for some great shopping, cool cafes and sweet treats. You can even pop in to Pelee Island Winery for a tasting and to pick up a bottle to go!
3pm – For your last stop on this finely feathered tour, we want you to take in Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. A birding trail borders 87 acres of unique Shorebird Habitat where water levels are actively managed to create mudflats, providing outstanding viewing opportunities. Hillman is located just minutes from Point Pelee National Park, and can easily be combined with a visit to nearby Kopegaron Woods Conservation Area.
Seven Days, Seven Flights: The Full Flock Experience
Planning a full week in the region? Youβll have plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace and spot a wide variety of birds along the way. In addition to the awesome spots above, here are a few more of our feathered favourites:
Day 1: LakeShore Top Spots to Flock To:
- Belle River Beach and Main Street shopping and dining
- The GOAT Tap and Eatery
- Rochester Place Golf Club and Resort
- Iron Kettle Commissary
- Urban Surf Co.
- OG Pizza
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Windsor East-Lakeshore
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Day 2: Windsor and Tecumseh Top Spots to FLock To:
- Ojibway Park
- Malden Park
- Windsor Riverfront Trail
- Walkerville Distillery District
- Sandwich Town
- Lakewood Park
- McAuliffe Woods
- Shop Tecumseh BIA
- JS Rise and Fry
- Antonino’s Original Pizza
- DoubleTree by Hilton Windsor Hotel & Suites
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tecumseh
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Day 3: LaSalle and Amherstburg Top Spots to Flock To:
- Petite Cote Conservation Area
- Brunet Park
- Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets
- Fort Malden National Historic Site
- Downtown Amherstbug Dining and Shopping
- Wolfhead Distillery
- Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
- Holiday Beach Conservation Area
- Hotel Stry
- The Little White Church – A Boutique Hotel Experience
Day 4: Essex Top Spots To Flock To:
- Colchester Beach and Harbour
- Windmill Ridge & Kranicz Orchards
- John R Park Homestead
- Chrysler Canada Greenway
- Oxley Estate Winery
- The Grove Motel
- Lungovita Beach Retreat
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Day 5: Kingsville Top Spots To Flock To:
- Cedar Beach
- Lakeview Park
- Jack Miner
- Kingscoast Estate Winery
- Mastronardi Estate Winery
- Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
- Green Heart Kitchen
- Mettawas Station Italian Mediterranean Grill
- The Grove Hotel
- Inn 31
Day 6: Leamington Top Spots To Flock To:
- Seacliff Park & Beach
- Leamington Arts Centre
- Leamington Municipal Marina & Waterfront
- The Bank Theatre
- Augusto’s Grill
- Lakeside Bakery Deli Cafe
- Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel & Conference Centre
- Days Inn Leamington
- Quality Inn Leamington
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Day 7: Pelee Island Top Spots to Flock To:
- Pelee Island Bird Observatory
- Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve
- Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve
- Pelee Island Winery Pavillion
- StoneHouse 1891
- Stonehill Estates Farm Shop
- Pelee Island Adventures
- Scudder Marina
- The Wandering Dog Inn
These ideas are just the beginning! Explore visitwindsoressex.com to plan your perfect birding adventure in Windsor Essex. Explore dineyqg.ca for the best spots put a fork in it, don’t forget to utilize the Birding Guide for top spots, tips and tricks for exploring and plan your visit around some of the top festivals and events in the region with our Summer Event Guide.
Explore & pour the craft breweries, distilleries and cideries in Windsor Essex that make up the Barrels Bottles & Brews trail! Explore with The Flight Log β a self guided tour of the Windsor Essex #BarrelTrail. There are three purchase options based on how you want to explore including a 1 Day Pass, Weekender Pass valid for 3 days, or you can become a Frequent Flyer and get a years worth of tastings & exclusive offers.
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Explore our 20+ Essex Pelee Island Wineries that call our region home. Located in the Lake Erie North Shore appellation, the most southern wine region in Canada offers bold reds and crisp whites, and unforgettable experiences at each stop. Explore EPIC Wine Country with the Tasting Pass. The pass includes 4 x 1 oz tastings at six participating wineries. Purchase your pass today to start your exclusive experience β and exclusive discount offer!
