Birding Canada’s Riviera

Stretching along Lake Erie’s northern shore for more than 350 miles is Canada’s most temperate region, one that can aptly be dubbed “Canada’s Riviera.” The similarities of the area to the Mediterranean seacoast are surprising. Both lie along a latitude of roughly 42 degrees and enjoy a balmy summertime average temperature of 73°F.

With roughly a dozen provincial and national parks along the lakeshore, Canada’s Riviera is a popular summer destination. The shoreline is dotted with quaint fishing villages and follows the edge of rich agricultural fields. Most of these parks have languished in the shadow of their more famous cousin, Point Pelee National Park, and await discovery by adventurous birders willing to explore their rich habitats. If you follow the shoreline along King’s Highway 3 (commonly referred to as Highway 3) from Buffalo, New York, to Detroit, Michigan, you’ll discover the many gems easily reached from this primary highway.

UPPER SHORELINE

Roughly 30 miles west of Buffalo you’ll find Rock Point Provincial Park, a 460-acre park with a lengthy beach. It has an extensive hiking trail system through a mixed deciduous forest and