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.