A Haven for Campers, Hikers AND Migratory Birds!
Morrisburg, ON, April 30, 2025 – Parks of the St. Lawrence, are officially open for 2025 camping reservations, welcoming campers, hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the natural beauty of Eastern Ontario’s riverfront campsites, parks and beaches.
This year, attention turns to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a gem hidden in the Parks’ many campgrounds and a vital resting, feeding, and nesting site for a wide array of migratory species.
Located just over an hour from Ottawa, Ontario, the Sanctuary stretches alongside the St. Lawrence River. Managed by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an Agency within the Province of Ontario, the Sanctuary has played a critical role in wildlife conservation for decades, first as a re-establishment site for Canada geese, and today as a refuge for countless species including great blue herons, belted kingfishers, double-crested cormorants, and more.
Now is the perfect time for both professional and novice birdwatchers, hikers and families to catch glimpses of incredible species passing through. Visitors may also spot migrating bats, butterflies, and important insect species, all part of the vital ecosystem that calls the Sanctuary home during key points in their life cycles. Day passes are available at the Registration Building.
The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary is also home to the largest bird banding station on the Atlantic Flyway. Each year, researchers band between 6,000 to 7,000 geese and 1,200 to 1,500 ducks, gathering vital information about migration routes, life spans, and the health of bird populations. These operations provide critical insights for conservation efforts across North America.
“The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary isn’t just a local treasure, it’s part of an international network protecting migratory species,” said Lyle Harper, Manager of the Parks of the St. Lawrence. “Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, visiting the Sanctuary during peak migration period is a rare experience. We look forward to welcoming visitors back for a great season.”
In addition to the Sanctuary, Parks of the St. Lawrence offers a full range of outdoor experiences and premium campsites. Waterfront campsites with both water and electricity to variety of cabins and soon to come prospector camping tents! The parks are a perfect launch point for adventure, exploration, and discovery throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons staying right here in Eastern Ontario.
Guests are reminded to respect the conservation efforts in place, including restrictions on firearms and hunting, keeping dogs on leash, and taking all garbage out of the park with them, this all helps protect the species that rely on this critical habitat.
For more information on camping reservations, park amenities, and how to plan your visit, please visit www.stlawrenceparks.com.
About Parks of the St. Lawrence
Parks of the St. Lawrence is one of the largest tourism destinations in Eastern Ontario. Guests are invited for a camping getaway, a road trip through Eastern Ontario to explore the picturesque landscapes or relax on a beach or surrounded by nature. Parks of the St. Lawrence operates two scenic waterfront parkways, six sandy beaches and day-use picnic areas, a bird sanctuary, extensive multi-use trail networks, and ten beautiful waterfront campgrounds. These areas, which span 7000 acres from the 1000 Islands to the Quebec border, are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, families, boaters, and scuba divers. Parks of the St. Lawrence welcomes guests to enjoy our spacious campsites and waterfront cabins, winding bike paths, pristine nature trails, boat launches, picnic areas, scuba diving and remarkable fishing. We are the perfect destination for campers, runners, cyclists, photographers, anglers, scuba divers and explorers alike.
About St. Lawrence Parks Commission
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Kingston Pen Tours, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 10 campgrounds and 6 beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkways.
To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca.
Media Contact
Amanda Liebeck
Communications and Media Relations
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
613-217-4028
Amanda.liebeck@parks.on.ca
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