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Oak Hammock Marsh

Manitoba  >  Canada

Ducks unlimited. Canada's Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland is one of North America's birding hotspots.

Added* by Joey Addesi
Most recent update 23 березня 2025

Description

Oak Hammock Marsh is a world-class birding destination located about 20 km north of Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is one of North America’s most significant wetland ecosystems, covering over 36 square kilometers of marsh, grasslands, and aspen parkland. The landscape is a patchwork of shallow ponds, cattail-lined channels, open water, and grassy uplands, making it an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species.

Bird Species You Can See in Different Seasons: Spring (April – June): A migration hotspot! Expect to see Tundra Swan, American Avocet, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and warblers moving through.

Summer (July – August): Nesting birds like the Black Tern, Forster's Tern, and various duck species (Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal) are common. Raptors such as Northern Harrier and Swainson's Hawk hunt over the marsh.

Fall (September – November): Large flocks of Sandhill Crane and Snow Goose stage in the marsh before their long migration south. Ducks and shorebirds also gather in impressive numbers.

Winter (December – March): While many birds migrate, hardy species like Snowy Owl, Common Redpoll, and Rough-legged Hawk remain.

Details

Access

Oak Hammock Marsh is located in Manitoba, about 34 kilometers (21 miles) north of Winnipeg. From Winnipeg, take Highway 7 or Highway 8 north, then turn east on PR 220, following signs to the Interpretive Centre. The drive takes around 30–40 minutes from downtown Winnipeg. There is a free parking lot at the Interpretive Centre, which is the main access point to the marsh. It is spacious enough for cars, RVs, and buses. Press P on the map for directions. There is no direct public transportation to Oak Hammock Marsh. The best option is to drive or arrange a ride.

Admission is $ 14 (2025). Walking is the best way to explore the marsh, with 30 km of trails, boardwalks, and viewing platforms that offer excellent wildlife-watching opportunities.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , Reedbeds , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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