Title: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Tours and Activities

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## Visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Activities

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#### Discover a sanctuary for birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals on Maryland's Eastern Shore in this beautiful area rich in wetlands, forest and meadows.

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic environmental centre with over 28,000 acres (113 square kilometres) of freshwater reservoirs, wetlands, open fields and forests. Enjoy a fun day outdoors, get close to amazing wildlife and photograph the beautiful scenery.

In 1933 the Blackwater Refuge was created as a sanctuary for birds migrating along the critical migration highway called the Atlantic Flyway. The name “blackwater” comes from the Blackwater River and the Little Blackwater River, which feed the refuge area. These rivers have tea-colored waters darkened by the tannin that is picked up as the water drains through peat soil in the marshes. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery, home for over 250 bird species, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, numerous mammals and more than 100 species of threatened and endangered plants.

Learn about the amazing bald eagle, the most famous wildlife resident in the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. The refuge hosts the largest breeding population of bald eagles on the East Coast north of Florida. View the live camera feed constantly monitoring an eagle’s nest on the Friends of Blackwater website.

The main attraction of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is Wildlife Drive, a paved road that you can explore by car, bike or foot. Follow this route along the Blackwater River. Discover the amazing views and see interesting examples of the local wildlife.

While you are visiting the refuge, make sure you stop off at the visitor centre on Key Wallace Drive. Here you’ll find great wildlife exhibits, including an authentic eagle's nest, a lovely butterfly garden, a book and gift shop and plenty of useful information including maps and brochures. On the second floor, discover the Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways to Nature Observatory, which features bird exhibits and scopes for viewing the Blackwater River.

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located about 12 miles (19 kilometres) south of Cambridge, Maryland in Dorchester County. Visit to enjoy a fun and educational day for the whole family.

## Plan a trip to see Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

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### Eurostars Saint Gregory Dupont Circle Georgetown

Downtown Washington D.C.

CA $669

per person

Jan 13 - Jan 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Baltimore (BWI)

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)

Exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff.

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2025

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### SIXTY DC

Downtown Washington D.C.

CA $711

per person

Jan 13 - Jan 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Washington (DCA)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)

One of the best hotels I’ve stayed at in a while. They have a popular restaurant on site and a very nice roof top bar. The hotel is gorgeous and rooms are very chic and cozy. Most bars are walkable from this location too. Johnny helped check us in and was incredibly kind and created such a memorable experience for us. I have already recommended this hotel to others and will definitely stay again.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

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### Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown

Northwest

CA $1,234

per person

Jan 13 - Jan 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Baltimore (BWI)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)

A lovely and comfortable hotel with pleasant staff! Would stay here again!

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

### Popular places to visit

![Cambridge](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/253000/253722-Harriet-Tubman-Underground-Railroad-Visitor-Center-Cambridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Madison. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Harriet-Tubman-Underground-Railroad-National-Historical-Park-Cambridge.d553248633992438829.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Harriet Tubman State Park Visitors Center

Harriet Tubman State Park Visitors Center is just one of the places to see in Church Creek, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? 

[](https://expedia.ca/Harriet-Tubman-State-Park-Visitors-Center-Cambridge.d724958565816635392.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Bettys Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bettys Island during your travels in Church Creek. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Bettys-Island-Maryland.d924439153949745152.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Woods Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Woods Island during your travels in Woolford. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Woods-Island-Maryland.d924439555136950272.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Harriet Tubman Birthplace Marker

Find out about the history of Cambridge when you spend time at Harriet Tubman Birthplace Marker. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Harriet-Tubman-Birthplace-Marker-Cambridge.d553248621561879377.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Pot Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pot Island during your travels in Church Creek. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Pot-Island-Maryland.d924439091548987392.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

## Check availability on hotels close to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

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[Tomorrow night

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2936 Ocean Gtwy Cambridge MD

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2831 Ocean Gateway Cambridge MD

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Family and Pet-Friendly, Waterfront with Pier

 Cambridge MD

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 Cambridge MD

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