Beyond the tip of Canada: our trip to Pelee Island

Jimaan ferry from Kingsville to Pelee island

Last summer, we took the Jimaan ferry from Kingsville to Pelee Island. While we had planned to bike on the island, we wanted to see so much more so we decided to take the car with us on the ferry. It was so cool to see all the cars, vans, and trucks! aboard the ferry. As we were also with our beloved pup, we had to stay on the upper deck, which was fine as we got fresh air. The ferry was well-equipped. They had a cafeteria, gift shop, clean washrooms and great seating areas both indoors and outdoors. Of course, there were bins of life vests and emergency dinghies which should calm any apprehension.

When we got to the island, after 90 minutes, we headed to the northern part, towards the Lighthouse Point. Of course, it took a while as we stopped for pics by the Stoneman

Stoneman @Pelee Island

and the highly interesting Shoe Tree. Apparently, people hang shoes there to “leave their mark.” We didn't want to go barefoot the rest of the day so no shoes from us.

Shoe Tree @Pelee Island

We also passed by the Vin Villa Ruins which was Canada’s first commercial estate winery established in 1866! We didn’t plan on a tour so we stayed behind the gates.

Vin Villa Ruins @Pelee Island

We got some pastries at Connorlee’s. 

Connorlee's @Pelee Island

At that time, the home and business were for sale, as were many of the lots and houses at the island. Service was not good. The server chit-chatted with the prior customer and then proceeded to make coffee without even an acknowledgment. Good thing another server took my order as I would have been ready to walk out. We got some pastries and they were ok. The pastry was not good enough for us to suffer bad service.

pastries at Connorlee's @Pelee Island

We then went for lunch at Scudders, where the service was excellent! Our server seated us quickly and even put out a water bowl for our dog. Service was quick and friendly and the food was good. Definitely recommended!

Scudder's @Pelee Island

Marina @Pelee Island

After lunch, we did all the trails. We crossed a couple of wooden walkways over water, through the beach and onto the second oldest Canadian lighthouse on Lake Erie. Lighthouse Point was named after the lighthouse originally built in 1833.

beach trail to the Lighthouse Point @Pelee Island

wooden bridges at Lighthouse Point trail @Pelee Island

the lighthouse @Pelee Island

Next was the Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve on the southeastern portion of the island. It was a 42-hectare property made up of rare savannahs and prairies. It is said to be one of the few remaining alvar ecosystems in the province, and maybe the world. It had many rare trees and plants and some threatened wildlife (though we did not see any).

beautiful foliage at Stone Rd Alvar @Pelee Island

We passed by Our Lady of the Sea Church constructed in 1887 and checked out the Pelee arts and works building which sold some unique items.

Our Lady Star of the Sea church @Pelee Island

To get to Fishpoint Nature Reserve, we decided to rent a couple of bikes (to add to those we brought with us) at Comfortech.  We biked over 3km and went on the trails at Fishpoint. The ecosystem was so different from those of Lighthouse and Stone Road. How wonderful it was to find all of these on one island!

Heritage Centre @Pelee Island

The Pelee Island Heritage Centre was closed by the time we got back close to the West Dock area so we headed out to have dinner instead at Pelee Island Winery Pavilion. We saw the many varieties of grapes that they were growing. Pelee Island is on the same latitude as the famous wine regions of the world (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, France). Over half of the US’s 50 states are north of Pelee Island, including Northern California!

vineyard @Pelee Island

At the Pavilion, we initially ordered a steak dinner. A not-so-pleasant counter attendant asked if we had wanted to cook it. I was on vacation and I did not want to cook. It was only after I asked if we had to cook all the BBQ items, did she finally say yes. Would have been nice if she explained that to me from the get-go. Overall, the island gave me the impression that many people there were not nice, or at least need further training in customer service.

We decided not to let grumpy folks dampen our spirits so we just ordered already cooked Pulled Pork in buns as well as hot pretzels. We ate them inside a wine barrel—both for the novelty of it and as well, it was getting chilly. The Pulled pork was quite good and we all enjoyed the pretzels.

at the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

Pulled pork sandwiches @Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

yummy hot pretzels @Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

After dinner, I did the wine tasting with a much nicer woman at the Tasting Bar. I had to try the goods before I bought them right? They had some nice vintages!

Gift shop and tasting bar @Pelee Island Winery

By this time, we had to head back to the ferry dock to catch our ride back to Kingsville. It proved to be another memorable ride as we caught one of the most beautiful sunsets from the boat.

Sunset @Pelee Island

There were many B&Bs on the island so we actually could have stayed the night (or two). Pelee Island’s calm and quiet was the perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Southernmost Tip of (mainland) Canada: Point Pelee National Park

Point Pelee National Park

One of the side trips we took when we went to Pelee Island was the Point Pelee National Park.

We were there early and took the first shuttle from the visitor center to the tip of mainland Canada’s outdoor exhibit. 

Shuttle to the Tip @ Point Pelee National Park

Point Pelee National Park

Walking on the trail less traveled and on the beach, we headed to the tip and were mesmerized by the crashing of the waves—high on one side and calm on the other, meeting in the middle.

at the tip of mainland Canada! Point Pelee National Park

crashing waves on one side and calm on the other, at the tip of Canada, Point Pelee National Park

We had a picnic lunch at Black Willow Beach, one of the many picnic and beach areas of the park. Point Pelee has the longest continuous natural beach in the Essex county.

one of the many beaches at Point Pelee National Park

 There were plenty of things to do in Point Pelee. The kids did some geocaching,

geocaching @Point Pelee National Park

Prickly Pear Cactus, one of the rare plants in Canada on the official list of protected plants

allowing us to explore the nearby trails and beaches.

beaches at Point Pelee National Park

Apart from trails, picnics, swimming, there are also canoe tours (and rentals) on the marsh. There, you can also walk the 1km boardwalk loop.

canoe tour @ Point Pelee National Park

Marsh Boardwalk @  Point Pelee National Park

'Twas such a wonderful National Park with plenty of things to see and do!

History lessons from Forts: Fort Malden and Fort George

Fort Malden, Amherstburg

Last summer and in separate trips, we checked out Forts Malden and George. In Amherstburg, we went to Fort Malden. Fort Malden was built in 1795 by Britain to ensure the security of British North America against any American invasion. Although it was smaller, the tours we got were more personal. 

museum @Fort Malden, Amherstburg

museum @Fort Malden, Amherstburg

As it was situated by the lake, it was also more relaxing--like being in a cottage but instead seeing barracks.

barracks @Fort Malden, Amherstburg

We saw the pensioner’s cottage, the museum, and at the barracks, we saw a musket demonstration. 

musket demonstration @Fort Malden, Amherstburg

We also got a treat and were able to see the officer’s room, which was initially locked. 

officer's room Fort Malden, Amherstburg

The last stop was the kitchens where they sometimes offer soldier’s stew. It was a great learning experience!

kitchens @Fort Malden, Amherstburg

Located at Niagara-on-the-Lake Fort George was the scene of several battles during the War of 1812.  It was much bigger and had more buildings and activities than Fort Malden. 

Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake

We got some shillings from the visitor centre to enter the fort.  Apart from barracks, they had the officer’s room and its kitchen, the original Powder magazine building (the oldest military building in Ontario!), artificer’s shop, and others.  

artillery during 1812 @Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake

barracks @Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake

preparing for the demonstrations @Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake

We learned so much about the War of 1812 and the different side stories as well. We got to try some cookies from the Officer’s Kitchen, witnessed a musket demonstration (with more than one “soldier” this time), saw the demonstration of the Fife and Drum corps, and the lowering of the flag. 

Junior officer's room @Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake

demonstrations @Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake

A lot of things to do and see, indeed! After all those history lessons, you can head out to wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Certainly a wonderful day trip from Toronto.