Top 5 Birding Spots in Québec This Fall
Autumn in Québec is pure magic for birders. Thousands of birds are on the move, from tiny warblers darting through the trees to vast flocks of Snow Geese filling the skies. Whether you’re looking for a quick urban outing or a remote coastal adventure, these five spots are among the very best for fall birding.
1. Tadoussac Dunes
At the mouth of the Saguenay River, the Tadoussac Dunes are legendary for migration. The site funnels incredible numbers of birds—hawks soaring overhead, waves of warblers, blackbirds streaming by, and flocks of finches. On the right day, the sky is alive with movement in every direction.
👉 Species to look for: Sharp-shinned Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, warblers, blackbirds, and finches.
👉 Visitor tip: The best views are from the lookout, used by the Tadoussac Bird Observatory. You might run into the dedicated counter, Jesse Roy-Drainville.
2. Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Cap Tourmente is world-famous for its spectacular Snow Goose migration. Tens of thousands gather in the marshes and fields, creating a roar of wings and calls that you’ll never forget. But it’s not just geese—Cap Tourmente also sees excellent diversity of migrating songbirds and raptors.
👉 Species to look for: Snow Geese, sparrows, warblers, and hunting Peregrine Falcons.
👉 Visitor tip: Entry fees apply, but it’s well worth it. Visit from late September through October for peak Snow Goose numbers.
3. Banc de Portneuf
This tidal sandbar in the St. Lawrence Estuary is a magnet for shorebirds. Huge flocks of sandpipers, plovers, and yellowlegs gather here to feed before continuing south. It’s a great place to learn shorebird ID as dozens of species can be seen side by side.
👉 Species to look for: Sandpipers, plovers, and yellowlegs in impressive numbers.
👉 Visitor tip: The site is best on rising tides close to high tide. Watch the tide levels carefully—when it reaches 4 meters or more, you can get stuck.
4. Pointe des Maizerets (Québec City)
Right in Québec City, this urban park is a migration hotspot. Its mix of trees, wetlands, and riverfront makes it attractive to a wide range of birds. On a good fall day, you’ll find everything from warblers and sparrows to ducks and even seabirds pushed in by strong northeast winds.
👉 Species to look for: Warblers, Rusty Blackbirds, shorebirds, scoters, jaegers, and storm-petrels on windy days.
👉 Visitor tip: Easy to reach by car. Members of the Club des ornithologues de Québec (COQ) can access the site early at 6:30 a.m. with free parking.
5. Forillon National Park
At the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon is a natural funnel for migrating birds. The park’s forests, cliffs, and coastline attract a wide range of species. In fall, it’s especially known for its huge numbers of migrating passerines, from warblers to thrushes, along with late-season stragglers.
👉 Species to look for: Warblers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, juncos, and thrushes.
👉 Visitor tip: The Anse-aux-Amérindiens sector offers one of the best overlooks for migration watching.
Wrapping Up
From the roar of Snow Geese at Cap Tourmente to the raptor flights over Tadoussac, fall birding in Québec is a spectacle like no other. Each of these sites offers a unique way to experience migration up close. So pack your binoculars, check the tides and weather, and enjoy the magic of the season.
🍂 Migration won’t wait—make sure you don’t either.
Alexandre Lajeunesse
