It’s as Canadian as Niagara Falls. As Canadian as the northern lights. It’s as much a part of our national, natural identity as the Bay of Fundy’s storied tides, as the Rocky Mountain’s rugged peaks or the Prairies’ expansive skies. Every fall, the migration of millions of birds creates a natural wonder like no other. And as Canadians, it’s something we should all experience.

So if you’ve never watched the fog rise from a marsh in the pre-dawn dark, now’s your chance. If you’ve never heard the thunder of wings erupting off the water and into the sky, pull on your boots and head outside. If you’ve never paused to soak in the crispness of the air and the crunch of leaves underfoot, don’t delay. Even if you’ve witnessed them before, these wonders are worth experiencing time and again.

This fall, put migration on your bucket list. There are countless places across the country that are alive with wildlife on the move. Here are a few DUC-partnered wetlands where you and your family can visit and explore together. Many have groomed nature trails, benches, interpretive stations, creeks, docks and other features sure to create an amazing bucket-list experience.

Swan Haven Interpretive Centre
Marsh Lake, YT

Minnekada Regional Park
Coquitlam, B.C.

Bow Habitat Station
Calgary, Alberta

John E. Poole Wetland
Big Lake, Alberta

McKell Wascana Conservation Park
Regina, Saskatchewan

Chappell Marsh Conservation Area
Rural Municipality of Corman Park, adjacent to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Oak Hammock Marsh
Stonewall, Manitoba

Riverbank Discovery Centre
Brandon, Manitoba

Whitewater Lake
Manitoba

Oshawa Second Marsh
Oshawa, Ontario

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Quebec City, Quebec

Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre
Shubenacadie (near Halifax), Nova Scotia

Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre
Fredericton, New Brunswick