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.