Sitting in the shadow of Toronto’s skyscrapers, Montreal’s culture, and Vancouver’s mountains, the nation’s capital often gets overlooked by Canadian and international visitors. Sure, it’s a government town, but Ottawa is also a bucket list town, jam-packed with activities and destinations you simply cannot experience anywhere else in the country. While you can easily spend a week or more exploring the city, a short visit ticks off many boxes, and you don’t have to venture too far either. Having visited with my own family this summer, here’s a handy Bucket Listed tip sheet of what to see and do:

It’s the jet noise that first makes me look up. I was pursuing a black-throated green warbler in Northern Alberta’s boreal forest when a super-sonic rumble drew my gaze higher. 

Located 14 kilometres east of Royal Canadian Air Force Station Cold Lake is Cold Lake Provincial Park, home of two fighter jet squadrons, where the presence of these powerful flying machines adds to the birdwatching excitement. 

Cold Lake Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s best destinations for spring birdwatching. Situated in a transition zone between boreal forest and aspen parkland habitats, more than 200 bird species have been recorded here, including 22 colourful warbler species. 

I set up camp, literally, in one of the park’s best places to search for avian treasures. At Lund’s Point campground, the A loop sits at the base of a narrow peninsula poking into Cold Lake. 

There are plenty of birds to see along the peninsula, but the foot trail from A loop to Hall’s Lagoon connects me to aspen forests, wetlands and riparian habitats. I meet a grey-haired man on the trail, his baseball cap adorned with a bird logo and binoculars hanging from his weathered neck, hinting he’s a fellow bird lover. 

I have had the privilege of exploring, researching, and lecturing on all seven continents, but there is always something special about exploring my own country. I have previously conducted research on lakes throughout large parts of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, but I had never explored the “wild side” of Northern Vancouver Island. So, when I was asked to be the Royal Canadian Geographical Society Ambassador and Special Resource person for this trip, I jumped at the opportunity and it was a remarkable trip.