Staycation Series: Things to do on Pelee Island

North AmericaThe AmericasLocal ExperiencesCanadaWindsor-EssexStaycation Series
Written By Roxana Rangel

Being less than an hour away from Windsor makes it a great location to staycation locally! Pelee Island is a small island off of Leamington, on the unceded territory of Caldwell First Nation; the original people of Pelee Island. The island has a long wine history – being the first winery in North America AND if you’re a fan of Champagne THIS island is the reason why it was introduced to North America. The slow pace of the island is perfect for a relaxing staycation getaway where you have so many things to explore from nature sounds to the night sky, all at the most southern tip of Canada!

Ferry window looking at Pelee Island. Bugs on the window are Fish Flies (or June Bugs) are commonly seen in June but are totally harmless!

How to get to Pelee Island? 

Getting to this staycation destination requires some planning. You’ll need to reserve tickets on to the Pelee Island Ferries via the website. You can cross over with any vehicle, your bike, or even walk on to the ferry! Prices for an adult (with a bike) start at ~$25 CAD (full price list).

The ferry is about 1 hour and a half long and leaves from Leamington, Ontario at:

  • 10AM, 2PM, 6PM (Mon/Thurs-Sun)*

  • 10AM, 6PM (Tues & Wed)*

*This is their Summer Schedule (June 17 - July 14) – for an accurate schedule, check out their dates here.

I would strongly recommend bringing your bike or vehicle so you can get around and see the most out of this beautiful island. If you don’t have a bike, no worries! There is a bike rental shop, Comfortech Bicycle Rental (519-724-2828) diagonally across the port so you can start off your adventure with some wheels.

You can also get to the island with your personal vessel or by airplane. If you’re arriving with your personal vessel, Scudder Marina is your arrival point but you’ll have to book your reservation by calling 519-724-2377. Airplane service from Windsor Airport is only available in the winter months through Pelee Island Transportation.

What to do on Pelee Island? 

Live the island life! 

Things run at a slower pace on the island! So take your time! Here are some ideas below:

  • Explore the five walking trails (they are not named so I will do my best to explain how to get there below)

    • 1. Trail starts right off of Pelee Art Works (82 East West Rd, Pelee Island, ON N0R 1M0)

    • 2. Trail starts before you get to Stone Rd, on the right hand side is the Ontario Nature Reserve

    • 3. There is a semi-circle loop on Stone Rd, at the Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve

    • 4. There is a walking trail near Brown’s Point

    • 5. At the start of “The Sanctuary” The Mission Hall Project, there is long walking trail that leads you to the Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve

  • Cycle around the three main cycling routes*

    • Great Lakes Waterfront trail: 30.3 km (2.5 - 4 hrs)

    • Fish Point Loop: 8.7 km (45min - 1.5 hr)

    • North Bay Loop:14.3 km (1.5 - 3 hrs)

  • Crank out the binoculars for bird watching at and around the four conservation areas

    • Pelee Island Bird Observatory

    • Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve

    • Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve

    • Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve

    • Essex Region Conservation Area

    • Nature Conservancy of Canada Area

If you’re looking for a guided experience, check out Pelee Island Adventures (226-724-4742), they offer a variety of tours and have golf cart or e-bike rentals so you can zoom your way around the island!

*During adverse weather conditions in early spring, late fall or winter, cycling routes might be closed for safety.




Wine

If you’re a wine lover, then you’ll find something for you at the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion or Vin Villa!

Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

The Pavilion is the hub of the island during the busy months! You can get a tour of the grounds, come for a tasting, and enjoy light refreshments in the outdoor wine garden! 

  • Tours 

    • Held at 12 noon daily. Cost is $5 per person.

    • You can reserve via OpenTable to secure a spot! There is a limit to the tour size – don’t miss out. 

  • Wine Tastings

    • Reservations are not required. If you have a large group, call ahead of time to give the winery a heads up.

  • Live Music

    • They’ve got a great lineup of musicians this summer to enjoy! Check out their event schedule below:

      • North Coast Band – July 16th

      • Toast & Jam – July 17th

      • Bob & Dan – August 13th & 14th

      • Ted Lamont – September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (Labour Day weekend)




Vin Villa 

When you step onto the grounds of Vin Villa, prepare to be in awe! According to their website, Vin Villa was “...founded in 1866 on Pelee Island, the southernmost point of Canada,” and “...it’s one of the most historically significant viticultural sites in North America.” This preserved and partially restored Villa was: 

  • Canada's First Commercial Winery

  • The Birthplace of Champagne in North America

  • The First Wine From North America to Win World-Wide Recognition

Behind the Gates Vin Villa Tours

Tours are offered exclusively by Pelee Island Adventures. You’ll be able to go behind the gates of this historical winery and discover the history of winemaking on Pelee Island as the secrets of Vin Villa unfold. 

  • Tours in 2022 run from May 28 - October 16 

  • You can reserve your ticket online at www.peleeislandadventures.com

    • Adults (19+): $45 includes wine tasting and souvenir medallion

    • Seniors (65+): $35 includes wine tasting and souvenir medallion

    • Kids (12 and under): $15 no wine tasting or souvenir medallion

      • For those under 19 or non-wine drinkers, enjoy handmade gourmet chocolate Vin Villa medallion

Discover Local

There are opportunities to discover local and support Pelee Islanders by exploring these stores and centers!



Where to eat on Pelee Island

It’s not about quantity but QUALITY on the island! There are some delicious spots to check out while you’re visiting. Be sure to give them a call, check with their websites or socials to confirm their hours! 

Where to stay on Pelee Island?

Pelee Island has a variety of accommodations you could stay at! From inns, bed-&-breakfasts, to cottages and camping.

Happy Exploring!

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Check out this Staycation Series: Road Trips from Windsor Map Guide  -- you can toggle Pelee Island and it will show you all the spots mentioned in this blog post!


ONCE YOU’VE DONE ALL THE THINGS TO DO ON PELEE ISLAND, VISIT ITS NEIGHBOURS, HARROW, AMHERSTBURG OR KINGSVILLE (coming soon).

Roxana Rangel
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