Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to Pelee Island…there’s well…some planning involved! We’ve added a few tips and tricks below plus some great dining and exploring suggestions to get you on your way.
Canada’s southernmost destination is a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts. If slowing down is on the agenda, Pelee Island is for you. Relax on pristine beaches, take a leisurely bike ride around the island or explore trails with natural wonders. Take in stunning sunrises and sunsets with panoramic views of Lake Erie. Let it become your private island getaway from the daily grind.
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How to Get There
You can travel to Pelee Island by ferry, personal water craft, or plane. The ferry ride lasts approximately 90 minutes from the Canadian mainland and 105 minutes from Sandusky, Ohio. Visit Ontario Ferries for more information on how to book your reservation today!
Some establishments and activities on Pelee Island are seasonal. To avoid disappointment, please contact establishments that you would like to visit before Victoria Day or after September 30th.
Pelee Island Ferry
The Pelee Island Transportation Company services the Island from April until early December, offering vehicle and transportation services on its two ferries, the MV Pelee Islander and the MV Pelee Islander II. With departures leaving Leamington from April until the end of July, and Kingsville from August until early December. The ferry ride takes approximately 90 minutes.
Make sure to check your departure location as it changes during the year (and based on weather), and don’t forget to make a reservation for your vehicle well in advance of travel. Often ferry bookings can fill up months in advance – rarely is a drive on spot available for a spontaneous visit. For more information please visit Ontarioferries.com.
You should pre-book your ferry travel – especially by car. Often weather can hamper your travel plans – so be prepared during inclement weather that ferry service could be disrupted (ie: bring a second set of undies and a toothbrush!)
Walk on visitors or cyclists must also pre-book online. The ferry is pet friendly. Limited dining options are available on the ferry.
If driving over, make sure you top up your tank as gas station hours at the Pelee Island Co-op are limited.
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How to Get Around the Island
There are three options when looking to travel across the island if you aren’t bringing your car.
- By your own two feet
- By bicycle rental (ebike and pedal) from The Pelee Shop
- By bicycle (ebike) or golf cart from Pelee Island Adventures
During high traffic periods rental options may be limited. Advanced reservations are encouraged.
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Where to Dine
There are several great dining options on Pelee Island with varying dates and hours of service. Please contact the provider in advance, as hours and dates listed below may not be current:
- Westview Tavern – open daily
- Stone House 1891 – closed on Tuesdays
- The Dog & Goat – closed on Monday
- Pelee Island Winery – closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- Cone Heads – open daily
- The Taco Shack – open daily
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Where To Stay
After a day of adventure on the Island you’ll want a comfortable place to rest your head:
- The Wandering Dog Inn
- Scudder Marina (transient slips available)
- East End Campground
- Kiki’s Westview Motel
- Airbnb’s and Cottages abound on the island – click here for a listing of additional accommodations
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Where To Shop
There are several great shopping opportunities, gift shops within walking distance of the Ferry and a Co-Op for everyday goods:
- The Pelee Shop
- Pelee Art Works
- One of A Kind Pelee
- Pelee Island Co-operative Association
- Pure Pelee
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Tours
Pre-book your tour before you get to Pelee Island. The top two guided tours on the island include:
Check out Pelee Island Adventures for tours and experiences, rentals and more to enhance your Pelee Island experience!
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Natural Attractions
Canada’s southernmost destination is a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts. Relax on pristine beaches, take a leisurely bike ride around the island or explore trails with natural wonders.
- Fish Point Nature Reserve
- Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve
- The Pelee Island Bird Observatory
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