A small selection of the many ducks at Presqu'ile

Presqu’ile’s Waterfowl Weekend

During March, spectacular events are taking place at Ontario Parks. One of them takes flight at Presqu’ile Provincial Park on March 16 and 17, 2024.

It’s the 46th anniversary of Waterfowl Weekend, hosted by park staff and Friends of Presqu’ile Provincial Park volunteers.

Make plans to witness one of the best waterfowl migrations in the world!

Presqu’ile is one of the world’s best places to view this mass March migration. The prominent L-shaped peninsula on Lake Ontario protects Presqu’ile Bay, near the Town of Brighton, about two hours east of Toronto.

Tens of thousands of swans, geese and ducks stop in the sheltered areas of  Presqu’ile Bay to rest and feed before moving on to nesting grounds further north and west.

Ring-necked Ducks are just one of the many species of ducks to be seen at Presqu'ile in March. Photo: D. Bree.
Ring-necked ducks are just one of the many species of ducks to be seen at Presqu’ile in March.

The park is fantastic to photograph at any time of year. In late winter, water lapping at ice along the shoreline can create cool ice volcanoes. This is a unique and short-lived photographic opportunity you might just catch during your visit in March.

Another scenic vista offered to visitors is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, built in 1840. It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset.

Presqu'ile lighthouse

Bring your binoculars, if you have a pair. If not, staff and volunteers will have telescopes set up at all the best viewing points to help you identify close to 25 different species of waterfowl.

Volunteers helping visitors see ducks at Presqu'ile Waterfowl Weekend

Volunteer naturalists will be stationed at various viewing stations around the park from 10:00am – 4:00pm to help you find and view the ducks and other waterfowl.

Visit the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre for duck themed displays, children’s activities and more!

The Friends of Presqu’ile Park will host a BBQ where lunch, hot drinks and snacks can be purchased starting at 11:00am and their Lighthouse Gift Shop will also be open all weekend long.

Take wing to Presqu’ile!

A daily vehicle permit or seasonal pass is required to visit Presqu’ile all year long. Daily vehicle permits are $21 per vehicle and can be purchased in advance online.

Learn more about the event and plan your trip here.