explore pelee

We took our bikes to the island on the ferry and enjoyed the 1 1/2 hour ride in calm waters on a beautiful sunny day. We rode a bit more than 1/2 way around the island, stopping to enjoy the packed lunch we brought with us. There is very little traffic and it is very safe, flat biking. People are very friendly. We stopped in at the museum and welcome center. We'd definitely go back and either camp or stay at one of the many B&B's. It was lovely!

If you're looking to get away from it ALL, Pelee Island is a good choice. We spent 3 nights at the Westview Motel mid-week mid-August 2014. It quickly became clear, as we'd been warned, that there was not a lot going on with only 3 restaurants on the island, a couple of boutique stores, a general store ( the "Co-op") only open from 9 - 2 pm daily, and not much else. It was very windy and chilly (no fault of the island of course) so swimming was not an option. We toured the island by car a few times, visited the Hippie Store twice, the winery twice, had one dinner at the Westview Tavern, 2 breakfasts at the Legion, and one at Coralee's Bakery, who were also kind enough to deliver a pizza to us one evening (delivery is NOT usually offered). For the rest, we'd brought our own food so we were pretty self-sufficient. The Island Museum, right across from the ferry, was interesting and informative with historical artifacts, lots of quirky old newspaper stories and an informative curator. While there isn't much in the way of attractions or amenities, the island does offer peace and seclusion. Internet is only available at the ArtWorks gift shop.You will get maybe 2 - 3 TV stations. Note: There is a boil water advisory on the island so plan accordingly.We were very fortunate to hook up with some other guests at our motel to party with, so there wasn't really a dull moment, but I suggest bringing a couple of good books, games, and whatever entertainment you enjoy to fill in the gaps if you are staying more than a day.Be prepared to drive with one hand and keep the other free for waving at other drivers and pedestrians - it's a friendly place for sure!

This is the best way to see Peele. No need for a car they even have electric bikes! Stop by the bakery before the ferry arrives to avoid the line up.

Booked this tour, guess you don't really need to since they attack you when you get off the ferry. However the tour was good, we all wanted to get on the 4:00 pm ferry so our 2 hour tour turned into an 1 1/2 hour tour by mutual agreement. The guide was knowledgeable and tour was interesting, the a/c in the van was a little weak, but other than that it was good. Now as far as Pelee Island goes, I was not impressed, I know it's not touristy, but how about an information booth staffed in the summer or something to at least point you in the right direction. As far as the island goes, it has a few unique features and if you own one of the of lakeside cottages it's awesome. But for everyone else, it looks a heck of a lot like the rest of South Western Ontario shore along lake erie, soybean fields and vineyards. a big whatever. Unless your an experienced cyclist it's really to big to bike easily especially with smaller children. The ferry won't sell tickets for walk-ons until an hour before sailing which I don't understand and which forces you to be there way before you need to be. Guess the only attraction would be getting drunk at the winery, other than that save yourself and take a pass on this and drive around some dirt roads on the mainland if you wanna see farm fields. Definitely take your car and drive, which you will have to book way in advance.

We enjoyed the ferry ride to and from the island, and everyone we met was very friendly.We were surprised and disappointed to see that there were so few amenities close to the ferry harbour. Much of the area is for sale, the hotel was closed and boarded up, and they could use a nice restaurant on the waterfront.

This year we stayed at home for vacation,and we made a road trip to Leamington,about an hour from Windsor Ont. We stayed at The Comfort Inn on Erie Street. Although a chain Motel,this location was one of the best I have ever visited. Clean,quiet and comfortable,with a breakfast included.The main treat in this trip was visiting Pelee Island. An hour and a half ferry ride from Leamington it is a little piece of heaven. We rented bikes and cycled from one end of the island to the other. So many things to see,including a nature reserve with the most southern part of main land Canada being a part of it.My favourite part was visiting the winery! They have a huge picnic area, and a BBQ hut where you can purchase fresh meat and do it yourself BBQ! It is also possible to purchase glasses or bottles of the wines from the vineyard to have with lunch or take as a treat home with you.When we visited a wedding reception was taking place what a great idea!This was a great trip and I would highly recommend it for Canadians or visitors alike!The ferry ride is very inexpensive but 24 hours notice is required if bringing your car,just a helpful hint!

Pelee Island is a nice little getaway. A quiet island with relaxing atmosphere, We just spent one day and one night but were able to tour the entire island, visit the winery, eat yellow perch and trek to the light house and see a massive 6 foot yellow striper snake in the driveway - could have done without that. My goal was to see the most southern part of Canada - I have now - without a need to return.

So to begin we were going to take the big blue bus tour. So happy we choose these amazing ladies instead. The tour guide Burney grew up there and knew so much about her home and was so informative. We made many stops along the way and she was more then willing to answer countless questions about the Island. She was also willing to take group pictures for us at various spots. On any of the stops if we wanted to get out of the van and take pictures she encouraged us to. I noticed on the Blue Bus Tour this was not an option they only got off once. The best thing about this tour I think is that it is more personal your not with 50 other people. I would recommend anyone going to the Island to go on this tour is more then worth your money. Oh and did I mention A/C and comfy seats!!! These ladies made our trip to Pelee Island so enjoyed and fun we will be back for sure and will take the tour again.Thanks =)

Absolutely beautiful. It is so nice to see a island like pelee so preserved and so well cared for. The inhabitants of the island should be applauded. Especially the farmers. What beautiful fields and farms. So clean and refreshing. No wonder people never want to leave.

My husband, a business world traveler - has taken me to many traditional vacation spots - i.e. Maldives - pure white sand, clear water, private tropical islands, many people would consider their dream vacation.Pelee Island has out done even the Maldives for me! It is my Paradise for the simple fact that it helps me escape reality. The fun begins taking the ferry boat over to the Island. There are so many B&B's which have had great reviews besides the B&B I have experienced there for two years now (having only been twice to Pelee). "The Gathering Place" gets my vote! with an infinity star rating of excellence. Excellence in Cleanliness, Attractiveness, Plenty of Delicious Homecooked food, presented in the finest fashion, a host & hostess who go above & beyond to educate you about the Island and the fun things you can do. The Island has a top-of-the-line bakery, soft ice cream stand, hard ice cream stand, winery, museum, arts & crafts center, hardware store, post office, gift shop, lighthouse, a few restaurants serving food that everyone loves including the perch & pickeral being specialties, of course and more. You can rent boats and bikes, or bring your own bikes like we do. Most of all you can sit and relax feeling the wonderful breezes, as you enjoy beautiful sunsets while listening to the sounds of the wide variety of birds that come to the Island. It is a bird lover's Paradise - therefore my Paradise! For those who love to swim - jump in and enjoy the waves! I am a naturalized American Citizen who resides in PA, USA who looks forward to this getaway every year now. I plan to return every year until the day I die. I love you Pelee and miss you!! Kathryn Burtch

Let's be clear. If you seek the traditional fun and excitement of busy resort towns (like Sandusky OH or Port Dover ON), bars and attractions, crowds, lots of shopping and fine dining, you have come to the wrong place. On the other hand, if you want to get away from the daily grind and familiar urban environments of most Great Lakes areas, definitely try Pelee Island - just come prepared.What will I find at Pelee Island? Some quaint B&Bs, a good and popular bakery, a quirky lake-themed restaurant with good lake fish (e.g., perch, pickerel) and Long Island ice teas, quiet sandy beaches, lonely roads ideal for biking, some isolated and tranquil wilderness areas, beautiful sunsets and some lovely places to relax with cool onshore breezes and don’t forget bird watching (lots of it). If you can entertain yourself with cycling, reading, swimming, hiking, walking and wine drinking, and do not require the stimulation of lots of other people, Pelee can offer you a private setting where you might come to believe the rest of the world does not exist (or at least you won’t care if it does). It can be a true get-away. The Pelee Islanders refer to it as living on “Pelee time” which is distinguished by having no numbers.How should I prepare to visit? Go to Pelee Island with the knowledge that many conveniences are not easy to obtain, if at all available. If you have a favorite food, drink or medication, bring lots of it with you. Prepare not to live fancy or on a clock. The lake-themed restaurant is nice and the food is good (not fancy). Just be prepared for the owner, a friendly man, to be at the beach or doing a chore. Like with most things at Pelee, just pull up a chair, relax and eventually you will get what you want – if it is available. Bring some binoculars for bird watching. Bring a good book or two. Bring some bug spray – you may or may not need it. Throw away your watch, mobile phone and expectations for Pelee Island to be like the rest of Southern ON. It is not.Get prepared. Take a chance and try relaxation Pelee Island-style – if you dare.

I wish I had been able to find the following information before traveling to Pelee Island, Ontario this past summer.There are no stores (except a liquor store). There is no ATM (there is one, but it only has cash once a month). The water is non-potable (and there is no store from which to buy bottled water). Except for the winery and two bars (which are filled nightly with the 20s hook-up crowd), there is NOTHING to do. Except for the twice daily ferry ($$$), there is NO WAY to get off the island to buy things (unless you own an airplane).People will say that I should have known - yes, I should have, but there was no place online I could find with this info. If you go, take EVERYTHING you're going to need - water, feminine products, cash, etc. We won't be going back. Been there, done that.

I have to say the day was pleasant but there isn't a lot to do or see. A visit to the winery is, of course, a must, but there are not a lot of stores or attractions and only a small handful of restaurants. I regret that we did not go straight to the winery for our lunch. Their garden is lovely. We went on a Wednesday and some places were closed. I expect there might be more happening on weekends but then you need to deal with more crowds, on the ferry and in other locations. Having said all that, if I was in need of a quiet and peaceful place to go to relax and unwind ....... absolutely. the Island has some delightful looking Inns and B&Bs. If you are looking for somewhere just to go sit and chill for a few days, or a week, read a book or two, take some long walks or bike rides, this is your haven.

Waited for ferry to take us to Leamington in Ontario. Drove car to winery and picked up a couple of bottles of locally made wine. Not much else there. Felt very desolate. Customs officers were friendly.

We love to take tours whenever we are in a new area to us. This was an excellent way to see the island and our guide was very knowledgeable. It never sounded like she was bored!!! Very important to us. Great gal, two hours well spent!