Toronto 
The diverse habitats across Ontario support marsh, shore and field birds and a spectacular number of migratory birds stopover at various parts of Ontario during spring migration. Plenty of events are held to celebrate this wonder of a phenomena.
Photo Credit: Parks Canada
Here are the most famous and must-attend festivals, whether you are an avid birder or just looking to spend some time immersed in nature.
1. Festival of Birds
The cool climate and the beautiful ecosystems defined by the rare Carolinian floral species make this a definite space for any birder with an interest in adventure. The mild green lands are characterized by the sweet melodies of the birds in the park.
It is one of the most significant migration corridors, including birds and butterflies whose migration peak time occurs in spring after their journey across Lake Erie.
More than 100 species of birds live in the park, and over the years, at least 350 different migratory species of birds have been observed.
To celebrate the avian migration phenomenon in Canada’s southernmost mainland, The Friends of Point Pelee and Point Pelee National Park organize the Festival of Birds every May. Details
May 1 to 18, 2026
Point Pelee National Park & Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, Leamington
2. Festival of Flight
Rondeau Provincial Park, a globally recognized bird-watching hotspot on the shores of Lake Erie, invites enthusiasts to its Festival of Flight this spring.
During the festival, the park will host guided bird hikes led by expert birders, revealing the diverse avian life of the season.
May 2 to 17, 2026
Rondeau Provincial Park, 18050 Rondeau Park Road, Morpeth
3. Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory Spring Birding Festival
Photo Credit: Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area is located about 20 kilometres (km) southeast of Picton along the northeast shore of Lake Ontario. The geographic location and habitat diversity attract a spectacular number of migratory birds to the tip of the peninsula.
Also, large numbers of diurnal and nocturnal raptors pass through the area during spring and fall migration. The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO), located in the southeast corner of Prince Edward County on Long Point, organizes this annual festival that celebrates migration along this corridor. Details
May 8 to 10, 2026
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, 6056 Long Point Rd, Milford
4. Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Female Black-throated Green Warbler/ Photo: Bruce Edmunds
With birds on the nest and blossoming flowers, you will have an excellent time uncovering the beauty of the Huron shoreline. Although there is so much more to this festival!
In the morning, you can participate in guided hiking, which is a truly outstanding experience as you will focus not only on birds but also on flowers and insects both inside and outside of the park.
The festival takes place in early spring, giving photographers and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to capture the wonderful Huron coastline. Additional hiking and workshops take place in the afternoon.
Workshops are about bird identification, nature photography or other nature-related topics. Details
May 22–25 and May 28–31, 2026
McGregor Point Park, Port Elgin
5. Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend
Photo Credit: The Friends of Presqu’ile Park
Presqu’ile is the perfect place to view amazing birds on their migratory journey.
During spring, smaller birds and shorebirds, such as warblers and whimblers, migrate north and stop at Presqu’ile to rest.
The park is the perfect spot for birds to stop over since it is positioned as a peninsula in Lake Ontario and has diverse habitats availing plenty of food and a place to rest. If you want to witness the spectacle, May is your month.
Although the number of birds will vary from day to day, there’s always something to see throughout the month. Activities include bird banding, beginner walks, orientation, and more!
May Long Weekend – May 16 & 17, 2026
Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 328 Presqu’ile Pkwy, Brighton
6. Dorion Birding Festival
The Dorion Birding Festival, hosted by the LRCA, promises a captivating two-day adventure.
You will get to explore diverse bird habitats, travelling by bus to Hurkett Cove Conservation Area and Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, among other picturesque locations. The festival includes guided hikes, meals and various presentations.
May – Dates, TBA
Dorion Public School, Dorion
7. World Migration Day Celebrations
Every year, during the second Saturday in May, World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated to encourage bird conservation and increase awareness of birds through activities that are fun, engaging and educational. Across Ontario, many events are held to celebrate the annual event.
May 9, 2026
Events include:
For the Birds Festival @ Ruthven Park National Historic Site, Cayuga — Learn the basics of identifying birds in the field and become a certified citizen scientist. Experience science in action through bird banding demonstrations and get up close and personal with migration.
Spring Bird Festival @ Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto — Tommy Thompson Park is Toronto’s largest greenspace and provides critical stopover habitat for migrating birds. To date, 318 native species have been recorded at the park!
Ottawa Migratory Bird Day: The event will include naturalist guides leading walks to observe birds and their habitat, birds of prey demonstrations, and outdoor activities for bird lovers of all ages.
Toronto Bird Celebration: Bird-themed events will be happening all across the city, hosted by many of Toronto’s conservation organizations and community groups.
Many events are held across Ontario. Check events here.
