Plan Your Visit
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is situated on Federal land in a designated National Wildlife Area (NWA). The Prince Edward Point NWA is managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS). While the NWA is open to the public year-round, the Observatory runs its banding operations in the spring and fall only.
Visitors are always welcome during migration season, where our friendly staff and volunteers would happily talk about our banding and research, and answer any questions you might have about bird migration, conservation, and advocacy.
How to Get Here?
PEPtBO is located in Prince Edward County, Ontario. The Observatory is situated at the end of Long Point Road, about 35 minutes southeast of Picton, Ontario. Follow directions to Long Point Road. Once you enter the National Wildlife Area, drive for approximately 2 kilometres. There is no public transit access to the Point.
What About the Bird Banding Station?
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory bird banding field station is open to the public every day during the spring and fall migration seasons. Our hours of operation are:
April 15 - May 31 ~8am-12pm
August 15 - October 31 ~8am-12pm
Bird banding occurs daily but it's best to plan for a morning visit if you are interested in watching the banding team at work or speaking with our friendly staff or volunteers. Birds wake up very very early ;)
Please note, however, that banding may be suspended during inclement weather, such as rain or high winds. Also note that our knowledgeable banding staff have an important job to do and love to answer your questions when we’re not slammed!
Where Do I Park?
There are several parking spots available at the Observatory banding station, as well as two designated accessible parking spots.
Are There Any Facilities for Visitors?
There are public washrooms a short walk down the road from the Observatory. Washrooms are operated by the County Parks Board and are closed during winter months. The Observatory also has a fairly large green space with a variety of picnic tables.
PEPtBO and its surrounding trails are located within a National Wildlife Area, which means they are pack-out what you pack-in locations. Please take all garbage with you, as there are no disposal facilities on-site.
Prince Edward Point has limited facilities as the aim is to keep the land as natural as possible.
Are There Any Hiking Trails? How Difficult Are they?
Prince Edward Point boasts several short trails for interested bird watchers and nature lovers. The Lighthouse Trail is 1.2 km one way on packed gravel road. This trail sees a mix of forest, marsh, orchard, and coastline habitats. Point Traverse Woods is a 1 km walk around the perimeter of a protected bay on packed gravel road. This trail offers beautiful vistas overlooking Lake Ontario and is home to a variety of waterbirds. Due to its lower canopy it is also a productive site for spotting spring and fall migrating birds, specifically warbler viewing. Both the Lighthouse and Point Traverse Woods Trails are open year-round. Please refer to our Let’s Go Birding page to discover the various bird species found in Prince Edward Point.
About Accessibility
Both the station and public washrooms are accessible; however, the trails may be more challenging for wheelchair and mobility aid users. During our hours of operation, the Observatory is happy to lend a variety of items to make your hike more enjoyable and productive, including cane seats (walking canes that convert easily into seats for resting), wheeled carts to carry heavier birding equipment, and binoculars. Just check in with the station when you arrive to make arrangements.
The trails around Prince Edward Point are short and fairly flat, but they wind through natural terrain and packed gravel rather than graded paths or boardwalks, so expect some uneven footing.
Do I Have to Be a Serious Birder?
Nope! PEPtBO maintains that birding is for everyone, and everyone is welcome! Our friendly staff and volunteers are happy to answer any questions regardless of your level of knowledge and expertise.