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travel / travel magazine / summer 2007
Island Getaways
Pelee playground
Pelee Island is a southern Ontario oasis, a shoreline circuit
of beaches, birds and beautiful views
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THE MOST SOUTHERLY populated place in Canada, Pelee
Island has 300 year-round residents, but its population swells to
about 1,500 in summer, and on long weekends up to 3,000 people
gather within its 42 square kilometres to play on its beaches,
tour its winery or simply enjoy nature. The tiny island in Lake Erie
is an important flyway for migrating birds and butterflies. Because
it rests at the same latitude as northern California, the climate
is ideal for agriculture. Pelee farms grow soybeans, wheat and
specialty corn, but the island is best known for its vineyards.
BESIDE THE POINT
Getting there Two ferries ply the
roughly two-hour route
to Pelee Island. The MV Jiimaan carries 400
passengers and 40 vehicles and offers light food and beverage service,
while the MV Pelee Islander, an
older ship, transports 190 passengers and 10 vehicles. Reservations
are required for vehicles. Both ferries depart from Leamington, Ont.,
when the season opens in spring, and from Kingsville, Ont., after Aug. 1.
Staying there Accommodations range from bed and breakfasts and campsites to self-catering cottages.
Playing there
Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve occupies
about 100 hectares on the island's northeastern spit and has several
hiking trails, a long sandy beach that extends down the island's east
side and the Pelee Lighthouse. On the west side of the spit, Lake Henry
Marsh offers wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular sunsets.
Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve extends into Lake Erie from
the island's south end. Like Point Pelee on the mainland, Fish Point
is a stopover for migrating birds. The Pelee Island Bird Observatory
maintains a field station at Fish Point that is open to the public.
Pelee Island Winery operates a pavilion on the island from May to
October for tours and tastings. Wander its Red Cedar Savannah
nature trail or relax at its lakeview wine garden.
www.peleeisland.com
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