Wadena Wetlands

Situated on the edge of the Quill Lakes and Fishing Lake, Wadena has become a mecca for waterfowl hunters and for bird watchers from around the world.  The Wadena Wildlife Wetlands, a short 5 minute drive from Wadena, provides a feeding and resting place for more than 1,000,000 birds annually.  Big Quill Lake is the largest salt water lake in Canada.  The lakes are designated a global international site, an endangered species shorebird reserve, and an important birding area.

What can you expect to see when visiting?

The Wadena and District Museum and Nature Centre houses nature displays pertinent to the Quill Lakes Bird Area and specifically the Wadena Wetlands as well as artifacts of historical significance.

When venturing out to the Wetlands, you will find viewing towers and hiking trails featuring interesting interpretive information along the way!!… not to mention the flora and fawna!

Here you will find over 8 km (5 miles) of trails, along with marsh boardwalks, a canoe launch and observation towers.  As well as a picnic shelter, clean washroom facilities, and informational signage.

The Wetlands are best known for viewing large flocks of shorebirds during the months of May and August.  Click here to see a chart of the best time to visit.

There is also a waterfowl feeding station that is operated from late August to October.  Access to the feeding station is prohibited at the time however visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the 40,000 ducks that feed here from the main viewing tower.