We’re excited that you’re planning to visit Pelee Island! As Canada’s southernmost inhabited land, an island with a unique biodiverse environment and in our opinion, one of the best sunrise/sunset watching locations, Pelee Island just may find a special place in your heart.
Pelee Island is the largest of the southern Lake Erie islands and the only one with full-time human inhabitants. Grape growing began in 1854 (shoutout to Henry Price for that great idea) and at Pelee Island Winery, we continue that tradition today with over 700+ acres of vineyards.
For those who haven’t yet ventured to Pelee Island, we’ve compiled some resources and favourite tidbits of advice from the locals, to ensure you enjoy your time. It does take a little more planning to visit an island in the middle of a Great Lake. We think it’s worth it and hope you will too.
Visiting the Winery Pavilion on Pelee Island
Our Pelee Island Winery Pavilion is located approximately half a kilometer from the ferry dock. For all of our information, see our Visit Us at the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion page.
*Spoiler alert*
May 6th-June 16th — Mon – Sun: 11 am – 4 pm
Holiday Weekends-Extended Hours
June 17th – September 5th — Mon – Sun: 11am – 8pm
September 6th – October 10th — Mon – Sun: 11 am – 4 pm
Traveling to Pelee Island
From April through early December, Owen Sound Transportation Company operates ferry service to and from Pelee Island. The mainland terminal is located in Leamington during April through July and switches to Kingsville from August through December.
What you need to know:
- Reservations are required for all passengers whether you’re booking your vehicle, bringing a bicycle or walking on. Reservations and schedules are made through Owen Sound Transportation. You can find everything here.
- We suggest making ferry reservations as soon as you know you’re traveling to Pelee Island to avoid disappointment. There is limited capacity and the ferry can fill up quickly, especially on holiday weekend.
- The ferry ride is 1.5 hours each way.
- You must be at the dock 1 hour before departure if you are driving your vehicle on and a half an hour before for walking on or with your bicycle.
- Currently there is no food and beverage service on the ferries. Watch for updates on this via the Owen Sound Transportation website linked above. There are washrooms.
- There are two vessels offering service. The Pelee Islander II, which is the larger and main vessel, and the Pelee Islander, the smaller vessel.
- Both vessels offer indoor and outdoor seating.
For more information see Getting Here.
What is There to Do?
We suggest you set your internal time clock to “island time” when you travel to Pelee Island. The remoteness of the middle of a Great Lake location and the calming influence of nature guide you to slow down. That being said, from our friends at the Township of Pelee Island, here are the resources you’ll require to plan in advance to be able to un-plan during your visit.
What’s Open on Pelee Island for Visitors?
A must-review before you visit. Check out what will be open during your visit so you can plan supplies and activities accordingly.
Where to Stay – highlights those accommodations choosing to list on the Township of Pelee Island website.
Where to Eat – highlights those establishments choosing to list on the Township of Pelee Island website.
Things to Do
Medical – Emergency Services – VON Medical Clinic: May 29, 2022 – September 4, 2022 (winter hours until May 28 – see website)
*Hours Starting May 29, 2022* Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm; Thursday: 7:30am – 3:30pm ; Saturday and Sunday: 8:30am – 12:30pm
What to Prepare and or Pack
- Good walking shoes, sunscreen, hat and bug spray (this is the great outdoors) as well as a water bottle.
- Snacks, groceries or meals depending on what time of the season you are visiting, for how long and what time of day.
- There is one place to get fuel on Pelee Island at the Pelee Island Cooperative. Also groceries, hardware and post office.
- That novel you’ve been meaning to finish along with a beach blanket.
Advice from the Locals
“Type A personalities be warned! You’re on island time now! There is nowhere you have to be.. except to the boat on time. Never, EVER miss the boat! Sign up for text messaging service to be in the loop of any schedule changes. ontarioferries.com.
Pelee Island is loved for what it isn’t. If it’s less you’re after; we have more of it. Less noise, less traffic, less screen time. Come here for that. And wine… come for wine too.”
– Cathy Miller, Owner The Wandering Dog Inn
“Whether you choose to bike, drive, or walk, take time to slow down.Breathe the fresh air, gaze at the starry skies, explore the many fascinating layers of our ecological gem, feast on our fresh Lake Erie perch, sip our award winning Pelee Island Wines, and discover the treasures of our museum!!” – Kim G, Manager Pelee Island Heritage Centre. peleeislandmuseum.ca
“Nature is waiting for you on Pelee Island. A great way to learn more is to participate in the events of the community-driven ‘Pelee Buzz’ “. – John A, Volunteer – Find their 2022 program here.
“Don’t miss stopping by saying hi and shopping at Pelee Art Works!” – Linda S, Manager at the not for profit artist shop and community hub Pelee Art Works. https://www.peleeartworks.org
We look forward to welcoming you to Pelee Island in 2022!
Cheers!
* We will continually update this page with relevant information throughout the 2022 season. Should you have a suggestion for additional information, please reach out to us at: social@peleeisland.com
As this is a resource and not a business guide, individual businesses can be found through the links to the Township of Pelee Island website’s Tourism pages.