In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day this year, Central Algoma Land Trust is proud to partner with Parks Canada to provide special access to Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site so that birders can experience the wonders of spring bird migration. 

The site will be open from 6:00am until 2:00pm on Saturday May 9, 2026. 

Fort St. Joseph, which is also home to the St. Joseph Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, is well known as a top tier birding location within the Algoma District. Well over 200 different bird species have been recorded here over the years, including 181 throughout 2025. 

During mid-May, a wide variety of migratory birds can be seen in a single day, including many ducks, raptors, warblers, and sparrows. The almost 1000 hectare bird sanctuary has 4.3km worth of hiking trails that can be explored and the ruins of Fort St. Joseph offer a great vantage point out over the open water of Lake Huron.

This event is open to everyone, from experienced birders to those looking to try out the hobby for the first time. If you don't have your own pair of binoculars, you can rent a pair from Parks Canada for a small fee. Carter Dorscht, our Executive Director and avid birder, will be present in the ruins area for the day to help point out birds.

Location: Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
Date: Saturday May 9, 2026
Time: 6:00am to 2:00pm EDT