Join TRCA for a free fall birding walk on Ward’s Island! Part of City of Toronto’s Goodnight, Island event.

Discover the wonders of winter wildlife!

Bring your family and friends, and join TRCA on a birding adventure at Toronto Island Park! We’ll explore the diversity of birds that live on Ward’s Island and learn how resident bird species prepare for the fall and winter seasons. Grab your binoculars, find your field guides and bring your enthusiasm as we meander along Toronto’s waterfront to learn more about our feathered friends!

This event is intended for Ages 12+:
Beginner level information
Activities and concepts that are suitable for children ages 12 and older
Intended audience includes older children and adults

TRCA is committed to creating an accessible experience for all participants. If you require an accessibility accommodation, please email vicky.an@trca.ca at least 7 days prior to the event.

Event Details

Date and Time: Saturday, October 24 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm.
Timing may vary slightly as the walk will commence upon the departure of the 2:30pm Ward’s Island ferry boat from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to the Ward’s Island Ferry Dock (estimated arrival time 2:45pm.)

Location: Ward’s Island, Toronto Island Park. Meet your event leader at the Ward’s Island Ferry Dock.

Ticket Price: Tickets for the birding walk are free. Visit the City of Toronto’s website to purchase ferry tickets online.

Travel Info: Participants are encouraged to take the 2:30pm Ward’s Island ferry, which departs from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. To buy ferry tickets in advance and view the ferry schedule, visit the City of Toronto’s website. Walk leaders will meet participants at the Ward’s Island Ferry Dock upon the arrival of the ferry boat around 2:45pm. The walk will conclude at the Ward’s Island Ferry Dock in time for participants to board the 4:45pm ferry back to the mainland.

Cancellation Policy: The event will run rain or shine but will be cancelled if there is a chance of thunderstorms, hazardous weather, or ferry service disruption. Registrants will be emailed by 7:00am on the day of the event if there is a cancellation. Please direct any questions regarding the cancellation policy for this event to vicky.an@trca.ca.

Be Prepared

Please dress appropriately for fall weather. This program will take place completely outdoors. We recommend following Environment Canada’s Toronto Island forecast for weather information.

Ensure you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear with good traction.

Bring a personal water bottle and snacks, if needed.

If you have your own binoculars and a bird ID field guide, please bring them! Extra binoculars and field guides will also be available to borrow during the program.

Birds are very sensitive to other animals. Any perceived threats may cause them to flush (fly away) unnecessarily, which can harm the birds and also impact our ability to view them. For this reason, this is a dog-free walk.