Pelee Island is the largest island in the Western Basin of Lake Erie, in the Province of Ontario. It is located less than 30 kilometers South of Leamington, Ontario. If arriving from the South, Pelee is 22 miles from Sandusky, Ohio.
Pelee Island is home to nearly 235 permanent residents, with the population rising to around 1,500 during the summer months.
Pelee Island covers 10,000 acres. It is 12.5 Km long and 6 Km wide.
Summer is the most popular season for Pelee Island, but the spring and fall are growing in popularity due to the quiet and solitude.
Yes. Stone House 1891 has an ATM available for public use during business hours; open to the general public and patrons. The Stone House is located at 1115 West Shore Road, just steps from the ferry dock.
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!
Yes. Pelee Island is a port of entry into Canada so when traveling from the United States you will be crossing a border and will require you to have a valid Passport.
Many people enjoy walking, biking or driving Golf Cars around the Island. Bikes and Golf Cars can be rented across from the ferry docks or brought across from the mainland (Golf Cars coming to the Island require a permit). Personal vehicles can also be brought across on the Ferry as well.
It takes approximately 4 hours to bike the perimeter of the Island.
Yes. Pelee Island has a first rate Clinic and normal OHIP air ambulance service to the nearest hospital if required. There are services provided by Windsor Essex EMS on the Island to respond to emergency situations. Attendants are present on the Island 365 days a year, the base is located at 1047 West Shore Road behind the Municipal Building. There is also a volunteer Fire Department on the island. For all emergency services, please call 9-1-1.
Pelee Island has variety of restaurants and ice cream locations, generally open from May through till October. Check out our list of Things To do, featuring dinning options for more details.
We have a Co-op with a selection of groceries open 5 days a week, which is also the location of the island gas station.
Soy beans are the most predominant crop on the Island with 4,500 acres. Other crops on the Island include wheat (1,000 acres), grapes (600 acres), and a variety of organic crops on 250 acres.
While the majority of establishments on Pelee Island have potable water, much of the island is not connected to the municipal water systems. It is best to ask the owner of the establishments you are in and otherwise consume bottled water when unsure.
Pelee Island offers a variety of motels, bed & breakfasts, and cottage rentals. Check out our list of featured Accommodations for more information.
Regularly scheduled flights connect us to Windsor during the winter months when the ferry does not run. Call (519) 724-2115 for reservations.
While the tourism industry is dramatically reduced once the ferry stops running, there is still much to do on the Island during the winter months. Teachers, mechanics, township employees, and nurses all continue their normal work routine in the winter. Farmers begin to make plans for the next year, complete equipment repairs, and begin pruning in the vineyards, while businesses make renovations and place orders for next season. Aside from work activities, the winter months are a slowing down time, where Islanders have more opportunity for reading, visiting, ice fishing, outdoor ice hockey, or to linger after Friday meals or card parties at the Legion.
The regular ferry schedule will occasionally be interrupted by the weather, primarily due to wind speeds or direction.
The stone surrounding the Island came from Island quarries. Much of the perimeter of the Island was completed in 1973.
