Visit a national wildlife area
National wildlife areas (NWAs) are a growing network of over 50 protected areas across Canada. NWAs are typically managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service, and in some cases they are co-managed with the help of local indigenous communities.
Some of these sites are open to the public and provide an opportunity for people to experience and connect with nature. A list of publicly accessible sites is shown below.
National Wildlife Areas are created and managed for the purposes of wildlife conservation, research, and interpretation.
Visitors are responsible for their own safety and must recognize that natural areas may include uneven or slippery surfaces and other potential hazards. Everyone must stay on designated trails for both safety reasons and to minimize disturbance to wildlife and their habitats. Be sure to choose activities that match your skill level and experience to avoid injury. Please keep your pets or service animals on a leash and leave no trace by packing out what you’ve brought in.
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Welcome to Alaksen National Wildlife Area and George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
These protected areas are part of the Fraser River Delta, recognized as an internationally important migration stopover and wintering area for nearly 1.4 million birds each year.
“Come visit throughout the seasons to learn, to discover . . . to connect with nature.”
Alaksen National Wildlife Area
Located about 50km south of Vancouver, BC, Alaksen NWA is part of the Fraser River delta.
Activities: Whether you’re interested in trail walking, wildlife viewing or nature photography, there is an activity for every member of the family.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
Interpretive programming for groups of all ages is offered by the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary (next door to ECCC’s Alaksen NWA office).
Highlights: This internationally important migration stop-over and wintering area for many migratory birds along the Pacific coast attracts up to 1.4 million birds from Siberia to South America each year. The area is made up of a mosaic of estuarine habitats, remnant wetlands, riparian forests, agricultural areas, and urbanized zones. This conservation area overlaps with George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area
Located about 80km south of Kelowna, BC.
Activities: This is a perfect spot for wildlife viewing and nature photography. You can follow a short boardwalk trail to see magnificent views of the landscape from the wildlife viewing tower. Visitors must stay on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
The Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance offers some local public events.
Highlights: This area showcases a wide range of habitat types that support migratory birds and other wildlife including over 30 at-risk species. The NWA was established in 1979 to protect a population of the endangered California Bighorn Sheep, which can still be found here. This area is a dynamic natural system which has been influenced by erosion, flooding, fire, grazing and other natural processes.
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Into this special place, they travel.
The explorers, the adventurers, the observers, the hunters, and the anglers.
They come to feel the bond, between sky, and water.
To experience, the breathless wonder of nature.
They come to study, to learn, to connect.
Across thousands of hectares, in a landscape formed by ice, life now thrives in abundance.
Cared for, and conserved, since 1887, for the benefit, of many species.
This special place, is Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area.
Where time, can stand still, and yet life, just flies by.
Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area
Located about 140 km from Regina and Saskatoon, SK.
Activities: There are lots of activities for visitors to explore at Last Mountain Lake NWA. You can witness a birds-eye view of the surrounding landscape from one of two new observation towers, hike our various trails, picnic in our new picnic shelter, and participate in other recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, canoeing/kayaking, birdwatching and wildlife photography.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
You can call (306) 836-2022 or email RNF.LML.NWA@ec.gc.ca for more information.
Highlights: Due to its strategic location in the heart of the North American central flyway, this NWA supports a wealth of birdlife. Spectacular populations of migrating ducks, geese, Sandhill Cranes, and other birds use the area as they migrate during the fall and spring; with more than 300 species recorded during migration. In the summer, many birds and other wildlife stay to breed and thrive in the wetland and native prairie grassland habitats found at Last Mountain Lake.
Big Creek National Wildlife Area
Located on the north shore of Lake Erie at the base of the Long Point peninsula, and approximately 100km from London, ON.
Activities: You can enjoy spectacular views of wildlife and their habitats from two viewing towers or by walking two designated trails. During the fall bird migration, 1.5 km of the trail that leads into the marsh’s interior is closed to align with the conservation goals for the NWA.
Big Creek NWA consists of two distinct “units”:
- The Big Creek Unit is open to the public for day-use only from May 15th to September 15th for bird watching, hiking and photography
- The Hahn Unit is open to the public year-round for day-use only for bird watching and photography
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
Highlights: This is the largest sandspit-marsh complex in the Great Lakes, these extensive wetlands provide a major staging area for waterfowl. More than 200 bird species use the area during spring and fall migrations. This NWA is recognized for its significant ecological and social values, and supports wildlife including birds, frogs, turtles, amphibians, and insects, all of which rely on wetland habitats. The extensive marshes found at the mouth of Big Creek remain relatively undisturbed compared to other Great Lakes coastal wetlands.
Soft sand beach swimming and camping are also available nearby at Long Point Provincial Park
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On the shores of Lake Ontario, at the tip of Prince Edward County’s Long Point peninsula, you will find Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, an important area for bird and monarch butterfly migration.
During spring and fall migration seasons, the sky is alight with the sights and sounds of birds.
With the greatest number of birds on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario.
Including song birds, waterfowl, and birds of prey.
Come explore hiking trails.
Visit one of the beaches.
Learn about bird banding.
And enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area
Located on Lake Ontario about 70km from Belleville, ON, in Prince Edward County.
Activities: You can participate in seasonal activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and swimming at one of the small unsupervised gravel beaches, or register for interactive programs offered in the spring and fall by the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. You can also launch your boat in the harbour at the end of Long Point Road.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
Highlights: The unique geography of this site together with the diversity of forest, grassland, and wetland habitats results in a spectacular number of migratory birds that concentrate at the tip of the peninsula. This location has the highest densities of birds during migration, on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded on the point including songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey. Additionally, large numbers of raptors pass through the area during spring and fall migration.
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Between river and mountains, I am a spectacle of nature.
I was created to protect migratory birds, species at risk and to preserve their habitat.
I inspire discovery, observation, and learning.
A link between you and nature.
I am the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.
The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Located along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, about 50km from Quebec City, QC.
Activities: You can visit the Interpretation Centre to see the biodiversity exhibit and join other seasonal interactive programs, or participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and geocaching.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
Detailed information about the activities offered at Cap Tourmente NWA can be found in this Pamphlet.
Highlights: The Cap Tourmente NWA was initially established to protect the American Bulrush marshes that serve as the primary habitat of the Greater Snow Goose during migration. However, the area’s placement at the junction of the Canadian Shield, the St. Lawrence Lowlands, and the Appalachians supports a diversity of habitats and wildlife. The NWA is home to a wide range of animals and plants, including more than 325 bird species, 30 mammal species, 22 types of forests and 700 plant species; and many of these species are listed as at-risk.
(available in French only)
Lac Saint François National Wildlife Area
Located about 120 km from Montréal, by the St. Lawrence River in Quebec
Activities: You can explore the visitor's centre and participate in guided tours on foot or in a rabaska canoe. You can also participate in various conservation awareness activities and geocaching.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
To learn more about activities at Lake Saint-François NWA, contact AMAPRE.
Highlights: The biodiversity of this area is among the most remarkable in Québec. The NWA consists mainly of swamps and marshes with sedge and cattail plant communities, wooded wetlands with Red Maple stands, and well-drained dry woods of hawthorn, hickory and maple. It is home to more than 287 animal species and 547 plant species, many of which are listed as at-risk.
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To me, Cape Jourimain has always been a great place to run and explore.
Our family has always gone in the spring to check out the birds, which are pretty cool.
We’d always run next to the dunes and down onto the flats to see if we could find hermit crabs or periwinkles.
When it was high tide, we’d head inland to higher ground and run around on the trails.
Sometimes we’d find animal tracks and make some tracks of our own, riding our bikes down Canada’s Great Trail.
Standing on the cliffs you can see for miles, all the way down the mighty Northumberland Strait.
Spring is such an exciting time at Cape Jourimain, as the birds come back it almost feels like they bring the warm weather with them.
Everything is exploding with life.
The warm wind, the smell of the salt water, the beach. It all reminds me of our trips to the Cape Jourimain.
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We stopped here on our summer holiday.
After a long time in the car, it felt good to smell the sea and run on the trails.
The bridge looked neat from underneath. And they have a really cool building where you can learn about animals and things that live in the sea…
And we had a yummy lunch!
But it was the birds. It was as if Cape Jourimain was breathing in waves and wings. I fell in love with one of those cute little birds. Our guide calls it a sandpiper.
She said it migrated all the way from the Arctic and it’s stopping here for some food.
Such a long trip for a little bird.
I remember the warmth of the sand and the water and playing with my dad.
Every time I think about that, I smile.
I’d like our next family vacation to go visit that sandpiper in the north or the south, if we can.
Or maybe we should come back here, halfway in between.
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This was a place of connection.
For us, the perspective of seeing Cape Jourimain from the water was always the best from the fall.
The golden sea grass in contrast to the beautiful blue sky ignites the imagination.
As the paddles glide through the water it brings us to the present, to enjoy this moment together.
Hearing the wind in the leaves offers a last goodbye, as fall slowly slips away to winter.
We always make time for a trip to the historic lighthouse. Not only has it helped mariners navigate the Strait for generations, it offers a beacon of hope.
A reminder of the beauty of this place, and a reminder of the connection we
have together.
As the sun sets we couldn’t resist heading back to the beach one last time
to soak up the last moments of fall.
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Stories from the first peoples talk about Wuk’taa’mook — The Crossing Place.
Winter is a time of reflection, an opportunity to pay homage to the people and time that have come before us.
The ice and the snow offers its own kind of beauty, reinforced by the solitude that surrounds me.
These moments seem to be frozen in time, and encourages the ability to slow down and take in the wonders of winter.
The snow-dappled trees seem to echo the past.
I return to Cape Jourimain whenever I can. A lifetime of memories overlap like the seasons themselves.
As I stand here and reflect, I can’t help but feel grateful that Cape Jourimain will always remain protected, so that countless more memories can be created.
Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area
Located at the New Brunswick end of the Confederation Bridge to PEI.
Activities: You can explore the interpretation centre and the network of well-marked and accessible trails to observe wildlife and reconnect with nature. Bring a picnic, swim, launch your boat and in the winter, you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, or skate.
The Cape Jourimain Nature Centre also offers limited food services, a craft shop featuring local artisans, and a museum describing the local human and natural history.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
Visitors can also participate in educational programs or take a tour offered by the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre.
Highlights: Cape Jourimain functions as a refuge for approximately 170 species of resident and migratory birds. It provides valuable nesting, rearing and migration habitat for several bird species including waterfowl and shorebirds. Osprey can also be found using the area's nesting platforms. This site has an extraordinary variety of ecosystems to appreciate, including salt marshes, brackish marshes, freshwater wetlands, barrier beaches, sand dunes and woodlands.
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Over the mountain top, Chapeau Dieu.
Shorebirds spill like mist after a rain to a place known in their sinew, in their brain.
Descend to Chipoudy, to Shepody.
The salted plain, its shores muddied with blood-red tide, the creeks brimming a heart that beats once, twice, daily.
Acadian dykes hold back the sea, hold history.
The marsh is laid down grain-upon-grain, clay-upon-clay.
With each turning of the tide— acreages of wind and sky!
Islands breach these ochred waters like whalebacks.
This place full of sound, the loons orphaned voice, the held breath, the sigh of the sharp-tailed sparrow.
The quarryman’s pick striking stone echoes through eternity.
Always the wind bending the salt-loving grasses, their backs catching the light.
With the birds we return in season—to witness a gathering from the wide-world a murmuration, the air becomes a drumskin for wings.
The flock a shadow upon the water, a dark cloud creating its own musical wind, curving, spiraling flecks of living light, of ecstatic energy, one body, whirling until laid upon the shore
Shoulder to shoulder, to hold warmth within,maturing roost, at rest, at last.
They gather and ungather with each ebb and flow, fattening, waiting for winds from the Arctic to carry them across seas, three days.
Winds from Africa to bridge continents, north and south, east and west Stitching our broken world together with wings.
Shepody National Wildlife Area
Located on the Bay of Fundy about 46 km from Moncton New-Brunswick.
Activities: You can enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and photography. Visitors in the summer and fall will have the opportunity to witness thousands of shorebirds as they pass through the area during their migration from the Arctic to South America.
You can also visit the new exhibit at the Shorebird Discovery Centre to learn about the important role of Shepody NWA in the migration of shorebirds and their survival.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
Highlights: This conservation area was created to protect shorebird roosting habitat as well as wetland habitat for waterfowl and waterbirds. The invertebrates and biofilm found throughout the extensive mudflats supports large numbers of migratory shorebirds who visit Shepody NWA each fall, before continuing their journey to Central and South America. The saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands at this site provide important production, staging and migration habitat for waterfowl, and some of the best nesting habitat in the Atlantic provinces for many marsh birds.
Chignecto National Wildlife Area
Located only 5-6km from Amherst, Nova Scotia.
Activities: You can enjoy hiking throughout the small network of trails, observe wildlife, and photograph the surrounding landscape.
This NWA is open to the public for day-use only, however staff are not always on-site to manage public safety. All visitors are responsible for their own safety, must be respectful of the environment by staying on designated trails to minimize harm and disturbance to wildlife and leave no trace.
Highlights: This conservation area contains a diversity of habitats and wildlife species, in part due to the area’s geology. An impressive number of bird species have been recorded at Chignecto NWA, reaching a total of 228 species in recent years.
Looking to include a trip to a national park or heritage site on your travels? Visit Parks Canada.
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