Viewing is best from the the Kawartha Hideaway Road causeways over Sandy Creek at Sandy Creek Bay and from the mainland to the island of Kawartha Hideaway. There is very little room to park at the causeway over Sandy Creek and limited room for a vehicle or two at the Kawartha Hideaway causeway. Although many species can be seen with binoculars, a spotting scope is recommended.

Kawartha Hideaway is primarily a site at which to view spring waterfowl migration. A wide variety of both diving (Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck and mergansers) and dabbling ducks (primarily Mallard and American Black Duck) has been observed here, along with fairly large numbers of Canada Geese, as well as Trumpeter Swan. The variety is best between ice breakup and ice-out. A selection of landbirds can be observed, primarily during the breeding season, including Red-bellied Woodpecker and Eastern Wood-Pewee. Both Bald Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk can be encountered.  

Waterfowl concentrate to the south of the Kawartha Hideway causeway in Kawartha Hideaway Bay between Sugar Bush Island and Kawartha Hideway, to the north of the causeway south of Brushy Island and in Sandy Creek Bay west of the causeway. All land is privately owned and cannot be accessed. Be careful parking making sure not to obstruct the road or block driveways.