Pelee is perfect for sun-chasers and stargazers. With lots of Lake Erie shoreline to explore, this is the best of Big Sky and island living. The sunsets can take your breath away.
The Pelee Island Waterfront Trail is a 30km circular route, following close to the Lake Erie shoreline all around the Island. The route travels quiet country roads, through farmland, vineyards and natural areas, and has equal sections that are paved and unpaved. The Waterfront Trail also connects to the Islands’s Ecological Trail System, providing access to beaches, forests, sand dunes, marshes and alvars found nowhere else in Canada. It is a wonderful family-friendly week-end getaway!
Pelee Island is located 32 kilometres south of the Ontario mainland and is part of an archipelago of islands in the western Lake Erie basin. This location of Canada’s southernmost inhabited land area (the southernmost point in Canada is found on nearby Middle Island) creates an environment of unique plants and animals and is on major migratory bird and butterfly routes.
The Fish Point Nature Reserve and the Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve provides habitat for rare species including the Blue Racer Snake, Lake Erie Water Snake, Smallmouth Salamander and Spotted Turtle. In addition, 31 provincially rare and 19 regionally rare plant species are located in the reserves. Another unique feature is the Stone Road Alvar, a globally significant area, where you can find plant and animal life that occurs nowhere else in the world. The physical presence of limestone combined with a southerly climate has created a unique Canadian Savannah environment.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has restored protected and continues to manage over 390 hectares (1,000 acres) on Pelee Island including the Florian Diamante Nature Reserve wetland. Be sure to visit the trail and lookout to take in this impressive restoration project.
In addition to the natural heritage features, there are significant cultural heritage features including the Pelee Island Heritage Centre, the Pelee Island Lighthouse, Pelee Island Art Works, the Pelee Island Winery and local limestone architecture. Accommodations on the Island include bed and breakfasts, cottage rentals and camping.
The Pelee Island Waterfront Trail is open all year–accessible by ferry from Spring to late Fall, and by air during winter months. Spring and fall bird and butterfly migrations are favourite times to visit. There is an annual fall pheasant hunt on the Island occurring in part of October and November, when trail users should be cautious.
Pelee Island is a wonderful gateway to Sandusky, Ohio and the American coast of Lake Erie (check out Connecting Trails below for a suggested cycle tour created by Adventure Cyclist.)
Trail Attributes
Distance: 30km
The Trail follows quiet country roads around the outside of the island. Some sections are unpaved.
Bike rentals and ebike rentals are available on the Island.
Access to Island from Ontario and Sandusky Ohio is by Ferry.
Trail Tips:
The Pelee Island route map was recently updated with potable water, hiking, and several restaurants and shopping locations. There are two additional unsigned cycling loops on the island now included on the map: the 19km North Bay Loop and the 8.7km Fish Point Loop.
Do not miss the scenic hikes on the north and south of the island.
Protecting. Connecting. Celebrating. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number: 86767 9821 RR0001
