Late Fall Migration in Canada’s top tourist destination surrounded by wineries & breweries. Your chance to enjoy Migrants by day, Wine by afternoon and Owls by night.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Start & End Point: Picton, ON
Fitness Level:Easy
Accommodation:Luxury Hotel
Group Size: Intimate (Max 10 Guests)
Guided By: Rick Szabo
Prince Edward County Wine & Owls
October 15–18 | 4 Days / 3 Nights
Where migration meets indulgence. This fall, trade the city for Canada’s most charming wine country—where morning birding, afternoon vineyards, and nighttime owls come together in one unforgettable experience.
Thursday, Oct 15: Welcome to Wine Country
Arrive in Picton, Ontario by mid afternoon. Check in at The Claramount opens at 3:00 p.m., and we'll gather in the lobby at 6:00 p.m. for a welcome meal to toast the long weekend ahead. Owl banding is weather dependent, and if Friday night's forecast looks bad, this is the night we move it to.
Friday, Oct 16: Bird, Sip & See the Owls
We begin with a crisp fall morning at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, where late-season migrants move through one of Canada’s top birding hotspots. We will spend the morning walking the trails and scanning the lake front. After lunch, we head to one of the area’s best wineries for a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting.
An afternoon back at the hotel for a siesta before another delicious dinner at one of the Award winning restaurants in Picton.
That evening, we’ll experience the magic of live owl banding—Northern Saw-whet Owls up close, and the potential for Long-eared or Barred Owls under the stars. We have rented out the Banding Laboratory as a Private party to have full behind the scene one-of-a-kind owl experience.
Owl banding is always weather dependent. Mist nets can't be run in rain or high wind, so the final call is made the day of. Plan for a late night either way. We're typically back at the hotel around midnight, sometimes later if the owls are making us work for it.
Saturday, Oct 17: From Field to Glass, Take Two
Another morning of fall birding in Prince Edward County. Wake up time will be dependent on how late the owl banding took us. Hawk migration is moving through the County at this time. Dozens to hundreds of Broad Winged Hawks, Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles are moving overhead. Flooded fields often draw in ducks, geese, and the occasional late-season rarity. Rick will pick a new birding spot depending on what’s been seen recently. The afternoon will be relaxed again at a different winery. Dinner will be once again back in town for another Award winning meal. The evening is yours: a nightcap by the harbour, the spa, or an early night after a long one on Friday.
Sunday, Oct 18: Departure Day
Enjoy a slow morning in town or a short farewell walk before departing Prince Edward County. Depart anytime you’d like.
A note on owl night: Owl banding is the heart of this retreat, and it's the one thing we can't schedule around weather. Friday night is the plan. Thursday night is our backup if Friday looks wet. We'll keep you posted throughout the weekend.
Trip Highlights:
Late fall migrants along Lake Ontario
Evening owl banding demonstrations
Tastings at top wineries and breweries
Charming accommodations in the heart of wine country
Ideal for bird lovers who appreciate a good glass of wine and cozy vibes
Includes
All Accommodations, All Meals, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Wine Tastings, Transportation once to Picton, Entrance Fees into all Parks & Banding Demonstrations.
Does Not Include:
Travel to/from Picton, Travel Insurance, Alcoholic beverages (except tastings), Personal Items.
Dates & Cost
Upcoming Retreat Dates
Oct 15 - 18
Pricing (USD)
Shared Room: $2,100 per person
Private Room: $2,950 per person
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