October in Ontario is pretty magical. Forests shift to bright reds, oranges, and golds, while migration is in full swing overhead and along our shorelines. It’s the perfect time to combine two favourite pastimes: birdwatching and fall colour chasing. We've compiled some of the best places where you can enjoy both in one unforgettable outing.
Why Birding and Fall Colours Pair Perfectly
Autumn is one of the busiest birding seasons of the year. Songbirds like warblers, kinglets, and sparrows are on the move, hawks are moving south along ridges, and waterfowl gather in large numbers on lakes and wetlands. Add in the backdrop of peak fall colours, and you’ve got a stunning way to experience the season.
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| Fall colours. Photo by Shayna Hartley. |
Top Ontario Spots for Birds + Fall Colours
Algonquin Provincial Park
Renowned for its fiery maples, Algonquin is also a birding hotspot in October. Look for migrating sparrows, crossbills, and finches, plus the chance to see Gray Jays (Canada Jays) against the brilliant backdrop. Moose and other wildlife sightings are a bonus!
Cootes Paradise, Hamilton
This wetland bursts with autumn colour along its trails and boardwalks. Flocks of waterfowl stop here on their way south, and raptors are often spotted overhead. The mix of marsh and maple forest makes it a great fall destination.
Niagara Escarpment Lookouts
From Beamer Memorial Conservation Area to other escarpment ridges, these high points are prime for hawk watching. Broad-winged Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and even Bald Eagles can be seen soaring south, often framed against a landscape of gorgeous fall colours.
Lake Simcoe & Barrie Waterfront
Closer to home for many, Lake Simcoe is a staging area for waterfowl. Watch ducks, geese, and loons while the shoreline maples and oaks show off their colours. Barrie’s lakeside parks make for an easy and beautiful bird walk.
Local Conservation Areas
Don’t underestimate smaller local parks and trails. Places around Newmarket and Barrie with mixed woods, fields, and wetlands offer wonderful views of changing leaves while warblers, kinglets, and thrushes pass through.
What to Watch For in October
Songbirds: Kinglets, warblers (like Yellow-rumped and Blackburnian), sparrows.
Raptors: Broad-winged Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and occasional Golden Eagles.
Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, swans, and loons on lakes and ponds.
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| Belted Kingfisher. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. |
Tips for the Best Experience
Check Ontario Parks’ fall colour reports to time your visit.
Bring binoculars and a camera—you’ll want to capture both birds and landscapes.
Dress for chilly mornings; fall birding often means early starts.
Pack snacks and a thermos of coffee or tea—birding with a warm drink in hand is peak autumn comfort.
Fall migration is fleeting, and so are peak colours. Pairing the two makes for some of the most memorable outdoor experiences Ontario has to offer this time of year. This October, grab your binoculars, head to your favourite trail, and enjoy the birds and leaves together, it’s autumn at its finest, on full display.
Enjoy it while you can!
Warmly,
Heather
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