NCC's Shorebird Reserve and Interpretive Centre, Johnson's Mills, New Brunswick
Most places under NCC's care welcome visitors. Please check site-specific pages on this website for access information and any special restrictions.
Every summer (July–August), thousands of shorebirds pass through the Bay of Fundy, from their breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic to reach winter grounds in South America. Feast your eyes on this spectacle at the pebble beaches and mudflats of Johnson’s Mills as our feathery visitors feast on mud-dwelling invertebrates like mudshrimp. The shorebird reserve provides healthy habitat for lots of other creatures even after all the birds have migrated south to South America for the winter. This internationally recognized shorebird reserve is a paradise for birders and wildlife watchers alike.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has conserved 215 hectares in the area. Johnson’s Mills is an important stopover site for migrating shorebirds that can number up to a quarter of a million individuals each year.
Trail length: There are no designated trails but visitors are welcome to explore and hike anytime of the year. From mid-July through September, visitors are asked to please stay off the beach during the high tide period, which is two hours before to two hours after high tide. Camping and fires are not permitted at any time of the year.
Amenities on-site
- Interpretive centre with ramp access
- Observation deck
- Compost toilet
Points of interest
Village of Dorchester, located eight kilometres away from the interpretive centre. For more information visit www.dorchester.ca.
Species to look out for
Shorebirds:
- semipalmated sandpiper
- least sandpiper
- semipalmated plover
- black-bellied plover
- sanderling
- white-rumped sandpiper
- ruddy turnstone
- red knot
Common sightings include:
- porcupine
- snowshoe hare
- red squirrel
- bald eagle
- double–crested cormorant
- great blue heron
- northern harrier
- peregrine falcon
- merlin
- kestrel
Present but not commonly seen:
- moose
- bobcat
- black bear
- groundhog
- short-tailed weasel
- coyote
Directions
From Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island: Trans-Canada Highway – Bridge St., Sackville, NB
- Exit #506 Route 106 W for 16 km to Dorchester Route 935, 8 km to Centre.
From New Brunswick: Trans-Canada Highway – East Memramcook, NB.
- Exit #488 follow Route 106 E for 15 km to Dorchester Route 935, 8 km to Centre.
Visitor information
The Interpretative Centre is open daily in July and August, starting July 3. Visitors can call the Centre at 506-379-6347 to enquire about high tide times and bird migration numbers.
Download a copy of the summer tide schedule and Shorebird Interpretive Centre hours to check the best time to see the birds!
When visiting the property, please:
- Respect the wildlife and other visitors.
- Use viewing platforms. Walk softly and avoid waving and shouting.
- Refrain from bringing pets on site.
- Refrain from lighting fires or smoking.
- Remove your own garbage.
- Respect that the property does not permit the removal of any plants or animals.
Read more about the Johnson’s Mills here >
All visitors to NCC properties do so at their own risk.