Explore one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse National Parks – Point Pelee in Leamington. Then ferry across to Canada’s southernmost inhabited point – Pelee Island.
- Trek to the tip of Point Pelee National Park
- Experience Leamington’s diverse cuisine and waterfront entertainment
- Bike the entire 42 square kms of Pelee Island (a recommended 2-day excursion)
Mainland:
Kick off your day in Kingsville! Rich in Victorian heritage, Kingsville, âCanadaâs Southernmost Townâ, welcomes foodies and wine lovers alike, to peruse its unique and eclectic downtown core. Kingsville is also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts where stellar boating, fishing, and golf meet with miles of recreational trails and waterfront charm.
As you pedal towards Point Pelee National Park, grab a picnic lunch at a local artisan shop or a roadside fruit stand offering fresh local produce. Point Pelee is the southern extreme of mainland Canada, and is a tiny sanctuary supporting a mosaic of habitats. Bike the 4.5 km trail taking you deep into the forest, trek out to the beach at the southernmost tip, or walk the boardwalk out onto one of the largest freshwater marshes on the Great Lakes.
Continue on your journey to Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, located just minutes from Point Pelee. At Hillman Marsh, a birding trail borders 87 acres of unique shorebird habitat. The nature centre has educational displays about flora and fauna typical to the region and the marsh is a great place for hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
Work up an appetite as you explore the unique uptown shops of Leamington, then sample the fresh Lake Erie perch or Mexican-Latin cuisine.
After dinner, head to Seacliff Park for a summer concert. The Park has rolling green space that ends in a sandy shoreline beach.
Pelee Island:
Take your bike and board the ferry for the 90-minute excursion to your tranquil getaway on Pelee Island. Before starting your pedaling journey, stop in at the Pelee Island Heritage Centre to discover the Islandâs rich history and pick up your self-guided audio tour of the 100 Gateways to Pelee.
Be sure to visit Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve, popular for its picturesque beauty and rare photo opportunities. You can park your bike, then walk along a trail to the southernmost point off of mainland Canada.
On the opposite side of the island is Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve. Named for the second oldest Canadian lighthouse on Lake Erie, originally built in 1833, that stands at the tip of the spit. Lighthouse Point boasts a number of nature trails ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.
Relax in the outdoor garden at the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion with a glass of wine as you enjoy the vineyard overlooking Lake Erie, or join the crowd for an interactive wine tour and tasting at the tasting bar. There is also a gift shop for unique finds and the Deli Hut for BBQ food to compliment the wine selection.
Before getting back on the ferry, stop at Pelee Art Works, featuring the work of local artists and artisans, to take a piece of Pelee Island home with you.
Pelee Trails
Explore one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse National Parks – Point Pelee in Leamington. Then ferry across to Canada’s southernmost inhabited point – Pelee Island.
- Trek to the tip of Point Pelee National Park
- Experience Leamington’s diverse cuisine and waterfront entertainment
- Bike the entire 42 square kms of Pelee Island (a recommended 2-day excursion)
Mainland:
Kick off your day in Kingsville! Rich in Victorian heritage, Kingsville, âCanadaâs Southernmost Townâ, welcomes foodies and wine lovers alike, to peruse its unique and eclectic downtown core. Kingsville is also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts where stellar boating, fishing, and golf meet with miles of recreational trails and waterfront charm.
As you pedal towards Point Pelee National Park, grab a picnic lunch at a local artisan shop or a roadside fruit stand offering fresh local produce. Point Pelee is the southern extreme of mainland Canada, and is a tiny sanctuary supporting a mosaic of habitats. Bike the 4.5 km trail taking you deep into the forest, trek out to the beach at the southernmost tip, or walk the boardwalk out onto one of the largest freshwater marshes on the Great Lakes.
Continue on your journey to Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, located just minutes from Point Pelee. At Hillman Marsh, a birding trail borders 87 acres of unique shorebird habitat. The nature centre has educational displays about flora and fauna typical to the region and the marsh is a great place for hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
Work up an appetite as you explore the unique uptown shops of Leamington, then sample the fresh Lake Erie perch or Mexican-Latin cuisine.
After dinner, head to Seacliff Park for a summer concert. The Park has rolling green space that ends in a sandy shoreline beach.
Pelee Island:
Take your bike and board the ferry for the 90-minute excursion to your tranquil getaway on Pelee Island. Before starting your pedaling journey, stop in at the Pelee Island Heritage Centre to discover the Islandâs rich history and pick up your self-guided audio tour of the 100 Gateways to Pelee.
Be sure to visit Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve, popular for its picturesque beauty and rare photo opportunities. You can park your bike, then walk along a trail to the southernmost point off of mainland Canada.
On the opposite side of the island is Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve. Named for the second oldest Canadian lighthouse on Lake Erie, originally built in 1833, that stands at the tip of the spit. Lighthouse Point boasts a number of nature trails ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.
Relax in the outdoor garden at the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion with a glass of wine as you enjoy the vineyard overlooking Lake Erie, or join the crowd for an interactive wine tour and tasting at the tasting bar. There is also a gift shop for unique finds and the Deli Hut for BBQ food to compliment the wine selection.
Before getting back on the ferry, stop at Pelee Art Works, featuring the work of local artists and artisans, to take a piece of Pelee Island home with you.
