Ontario Tourism Vacation Getaway Outdoor Adventure Package

Weekend of Birding on Manitoulin

Brief Description:

Self-guided weekend for birding on Manitoulin Island, Ontario Canada
 

Package Pricing:

Off-Season:      $ 265 CAD + 13% HST
                        ($60/person/weekend for extra people)

Ferry Season:   $ 345 CAD + 13% HST
                       ($75/person/weekend for extra people)

Prices are for 4 day, 3-night weekend, for up to 5 persons.  For more than 5 people, there is an extra charge for each additional person.

Children under 5 yrs. old are free.

Availability Dates:

This package is available every weekend in the Winter/Spring between:

January 15  till June 15 inclusive

and every weekend during the Fall/Winter between:

Sept. 15 till Dec. 15 inclusive

subject to prior booking of this and other packages.

This weekend package is not available during Prime Season (June 16 - Sept. 15, and Dec. 15 - Jan. 15).  For a week-long adventure during Prime Season, see  Week-long package

Duration:

3 nights, 4 days

Friday noon till Monday 11:00 AM
 

Details about the Package:

Manitoulin Island is located on one of the most popular bird migration paths in North America.  Manitoulin is also the first land after (or the last land before) crossing the Great Lakes.  The birds know they will need to be fully rested before attempting this crossing, or need a full rest having just finished this Olympic-class crossing of open water.

The best times to see migrating bird populations are between the third week of May and second week of June; and then again during the second half of September. In these Fall weeks, it is possible to see large "kettles" of hawks and even eagles drifting over the island.

Bird species found on Manitoulin

This package includes a recommended itinerary and activity guide to help make the most out of your birding weekend.  This guide gives directions to the best hardwood, boreal, farmland, beach, and marsh areas for birding on Manitoulin.
 

Package Participants:

Minimum 1 person

Maximum 8 persons (due to available sleeping accommodations in the cottage where you will be staying).

Participants should be capable of walking on uneven ground, traveling through forested and marshy areas.

At least one person in each group should be experienced at navigating with compass in wilderness areas if it is decided to wander from major roads.

Package Suitability:

This package is designed for small groups and families.  The package is ideal for parents with children 8 yrs. old and above.

Children above the age of 5 will generally be able to fully participate in the recommended activities.  Children's keen eyesight and hearing is ideal for birding.  Children between 3 and 5 will be able to participate on a limited basis.  Once children have been shown what to look for and congratulated for their finds, there is no stopping them.  Children under 3 years old will usually have to be carried, and slings or backback carriers are not generally suitable for traveling in thick bush, but there are many other birding areas that are more accessible
 

What's Included?

• Lodging for up to 12 persons at BBL's waterfront cottage
   
• Self-guided itinerary and recommended activities at BBL and surrounding area for interesting birding hotspots.
   
• A birding field guide, binoculars, bird call, and compass will be available for use during your stay.

Bring it with you

• Sturdy shoes with excellent ankle support (open toe, flip flops, sandals, etc. are NOT recommended)
• Tall rubber boots for use on edge of marshy areas.
• Sketchbook or your birding logbook
• Camera, field scopes, or your favorite binoculars (binoculars are available at BBay for your use)
• Your favorite compass (compasses are available at BBL for your use during the weekend)
• Food and clothing
• Sleeping bag or bedding (blankets, sheets, pillowcase), BBL supplies 6 double beds with foam mattresses
• Sunscreen lotion, personal toiletries, etc.

Available options & customization:

• Also available as a week-long package
• Local Manitoulin experts in birding are available for personalized instruction, expert guiding, and assistance in your birding adventure (subject to availability and prior booking).
• Add-ons for horseback riding, swimming, boating, hiking, nature trails, animal observing, canoeing, fishing, cycling, rock hounding, and many others.  See BBL's website for further information on Manitoulin activities.

Term & Conditions:

Package requires at least one responsible adult, 25 years or older, in attendance. Children participants must have the prior written permission of their parent or legal guardian. Participation and cottage rental are subject to BBL's approval of your rental application, and your signing of liability waiver & indemnification agreement. Rental deposit of $500 CAD is due with submission of package application, and becomes your Damage Security Deposit. Payment of full package price is due 3 months prior to the start date of the package, or upon acceptance of application; whichever is last to occur. Damage Security Deposit for cottage rental is fully refunded within 2 weeks after end of package (assuming no damage or loss identified by post-package inspection). You are recommended to obtain cancelation insurance, as there is no cancelation nor refund for booked vacation periods.