The GLYDE Guide to shore and waterbirds of Northern Ontario

The moment your Giesler GLYDE paddleboard skims the calm waters of Muskoka or slices through the glistening surface of Lake Nipissing, you’re entering the domain of some of Ontario’s most graceful and awe-inspiring waterbirds. Whether you're gliding silently through a narrow channel or anchoring near a rocky shoreline, paddleboarding puts you in the perfect position for intimate encounters with the region’s native birdlife.

Here are some of the most iconic—and sometimes surprising—shore and water birds you may spot along your journey from Muskoka to North Bay:

🐦 1. Common Loon

No bird is more symbolic of the Canadian wilderness than the hauntingly beautiful common loon. With its striking black-and-white plumage and eerie calls echoing across the lake, spotting a loon from your paddleboard feels like a sacred moment. These expert divers often disappear underwater for a minute or more, resurfacing unexpectedly in the stillness of the bay.

Best viewing: Early morning or dusk, in deeper, quieter lakes.

🦆 2. Hooded Merganser

This small diving duck turns heads with its dramatic crest and bold black-and-white markings. Mergansers prefer forested lakes and rivers, often paddling close to shore. They're quick to dive at the slightest disturbance, making a slow, quiet approach on your GLYDE a real advantage.

Best viewing: Calm inlets and small lakes in spring and fall.

🦅 3. Bald Eagle

Scan the skies and treetops—you just might catch the commanding silhouette of a bald eagle. These apex predators patrol the lakes and rivers of Northern Ontario, often perching in old pines or gliding silently above open water in search of fish.

Best viewing: High perches along river bends and larger lakes.

🕊 4. Great Blue Heron

With their long legs and slow, stalking gait, great blue herons often resemble statues until they suddenly take flight with a prehistoric squawk. You’ll find them fishing in the shallows, balancing perfectly on half-submerged logs or rocky outcrops.

Best viewing: Shallow bays, marshy shorelines, and river mouths.

🐤 5. Spotted Sandpiper

Small but energetic, the spotted sandpiper patrols rocky shores with a teetering walk and quick, darting movements. Its soft “peep-peep” call can alert you to its presence before you see its camouflaged brown and white body.

Best viewing: Rocky points and island edges in late spring and summer.

🦢 6. Trumpeter Swan

Once nearly extinct in Ontario, the trumpeter swan has made a stunning comeback. Their all-white plumage and deep, trumpet-like calls make them unmistakable. Paddle quietly and you might share the lake with these gentle giants.

Best viewing: Quiet bays and protected lakes with ample aquatic vegetation.

🐦 7. Belted Kingfisher

Look (and listen) for the belted kingfisher’s rattling call as it zips over the water. This stocky, crested bird is often seen perched on branches above clear water, scanning for fish before plunging in with impressive accuracy.

Best viewing: Riverbanks and small coves, especially near beaver ponds.

🐣 8. Osprey

These raptors soar high and dive with incredible precision. Ospreys build large stick nests atop dead trees or even hydro poles. If you see one hovering, stay still—it’s likely seconds away from a dramatic plunge.

Best viewing: Around lakes with good fish populations and visible nests.

Paddle quietly, paddle often

Birdwatching by paddleboard offers a rare, meditative way to connect with nature. The silence of a Giesler GLYDE cedar board lets you get closer—without the noise of a motorboat or the distraction of busy trails.

Every launch becomes a chance to witness the seasonal rhythms of Muskoka and the North—migratory flocks arriving in spring, nesting herons in early summer, or the lone call of a loon at dusk in late fall.

So bring your binoculars, pack a field guide, and let the water be your trail.

Share your experience:

Snap a photo of your favourite bird sighting and send it to Giesler GLYDE for a chance to be featured. We love to see what you discover from the deck of your board.

✨ Ready to GLYDE?

✅ Order your Giesler GLYDE
✅ Book a test ride at Ruth Lake
✅ Follow us on Facebook