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 (532 acres) 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 closed for the season; however, the viewing deck is still open to visitors.

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.

All visitors to NCC properties do so at their own risk.