Early morning and late day visits are optimal. During migration, particularly in spring, the mature willows and thickets along the shore near the boat ramp can be good for migrant passerines. In fall, winter and early spring the river is worth scanning for waterfowl.

Both Orchard Oriole and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher have been recorded here on a number of occasions. Red-bellied Woodpecker is regularly encountered. Both Eastern Screech-Owl and Barred Owl occur in the surrounding swamp forest.

Whitfield Landing is a municipal park administered by the Township of Cavan Monaghan. The short access road runs through upland mixed forest and soft maple swamp down to the boat ramp and dock. There is ample parking in the parking lot. The park may be busy, particularly on weekends, as it is a popular location with fishermen.

The only developed trail is the gravel access road from the intersection of Bartlett and Whitfield roads east to the boat ramp at the Otonabee River. The roundtrip distance is a little over three-quarters of a kilometre of easy walking. Accessible by vehicle most of the year, the access gate is open dawn to dusk from Spring to Fall; the gate is locked from late October to early May, but is open to pedestrians. The access road is not maintained in winter and walking may be difficult. There is usually enough room in front of the gate to park two vehicles.