Pelee Island is an oasis of green surrounded by the blue waters of Lake Erie. It is also Canada’s most southerly inhabited point. Pelee Island is apx 14.5 kms (9) miles) long by 5.5 kms (3.5 miles) wide. The island, located in the western half of Lake Erie is connected to the Canadian and American mainland by a ferry service. The island is part of the Township of Pelee in Essex County and is comprised of 9 islands with Pelee being the largest. Other islands include Middle Island, Middle Sister Island, Hen Island, Big Chicken Island, Little Chick Island, Chick Island, East Sister Island, and North Harbour Island.

The township of Pelee is on the same latitude as northern California, Its climate, classified as Carolinian, is one of the mildest in Canada and the island has long been used for vineyards and wine making. The wine industry was started here in 1860 and died out in the early twentieth century, but was revived again in the 1980s.

Pelee Island is also part of an important flyway for migrating birds between Ohio, the Lake Erie islands and Point Pelee. Pelee Island is also well known for its fall pheasant hunting season, which has become a lucrative form of tourism for the island.

Pelee Island is famous for it’s abundance of nature with many species such as the Blue Racer Snake being found exclusively in the area. In 1984 Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve was established. This trail leads you through some wetland and marsh areas and eventually meanders towards the beach. The Pelee Island Lighthouse was built in 1833 and was in service helping sailing vessels navigate the treacherous waters of the Pelee Passage in Lake Erie, until 1909.

Another unique area on the island is Lake Henry which was formed in 1972 after high water flooded the farmland of Mr. Henry Nageleisen. At first this "lake" was separated  from Lake Erie by a thin line of trees and sand, but because of natural erosion and lake levels this is now like a bay and part of Lake Erie. This area is teaming with waterfowl – you may see Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, Gulls, numerous varieties of Duck and possibly a Bald Eagle!

Be sure to visit Memorial Park while on Pelee Island and see the Indian Grinding Stone. There are many depressions in the stone, which were caused by the grinding of corn or grain by native people as far back as 7500 B.C. Another famous rock is Hulda’s Rock and can still be seen by Ferry on a clear day. Legend has it that a young Indian maiden named Hulda fell in love with an Englishman who promised to return to her but never did. Feeling alone and forsaken Hulda leapt to her death off the cliff that was once large and high. Today it stands as a memorial to this Indian maidens tragic end.

The island offers marina facilities as well as a ferry service between mainland Canada and from Sandusky Ohio. Visitors to the island will enjoy the pristine sandy beaches and slow paced lifestyle. One of the best ways to discover what Pelee Island has to offer is by bicycle. Rentals are available on the island.

Camping is available as well as numerous Bed and Breakfasts for the more discerning guests. Whatever your choosing, Pelee Island is full of sights and sure to dazzle all your senses.