Major city · Canada
Pelee Island
Go for 2 nights, late May–early June or September: ferry seats and beds sell out weeks ahead, so book both before you plan anything else.
Pelee Island is Canada's southernmost populated point, a 42 km² farming and wine island in Lake Erie with about 235 residents. It is reached only by ferry from Leamington or Kingsville (or from Sandusky, Ohio in summer) and by winter air service from Windsor. Birding, cycling the 34 km Lakeview Trail, the winery pavilion and two provincial nature reserves are the reasons to come. Two nights covers the island; one night is rushed because the ferry eats 1.5–2 hours each way.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Late May–Jun, Sep–early Oct
- avoid Nov–Apr (most services closed, ferry replaced by air service)
- Airports
- CYPT · YQG
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Pelee Island911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Pelee Island Ferries reservations+1-800-661-2220
- Pelee Island Transportation Company (winter air service)+1 519-724-2115
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pelee Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are ferry and lodging availability, rough lake water, algae advisories, thin phone coverage and ticks in the reserves.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1-800-661-2220 Pelee Island Ferries reservations · +1 519-724-2115 Pelee Island Transportation Company (winter air service)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCYPT Pelee Island Airport (Winter air service from Windsor run by Pelee Island Transportation Company; private aircraft year-round.
- Getting aroundBicycling is the best way around the 13.5 km (8.4 mi)-long island; rentals sit near the West Dock (May–Oct).Bicycling is the best way around the 8.4 mi (13.5 km)-long island; rentals sit near the West Dock (May–Oct).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or ice cream at a standC$4–8 (≈ US$3–6)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedCampsite (tent), a night, per personC$32 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMotel room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedMotel room, a night, per roomC$280 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$70 (≈ US$55) · Mid C$140 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CYPT Pelee Island Airport (Winter air service from Windsor run by Pelee Island Transportation Company; private aircraft year-round. Griffing Flying Service flies from Sandusky, Ohio year-round.) · YQG Windsor International Airport (Mainland gateway for the Leamington/Kingsville ferry docks, about 1 h drive.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Apr
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best*
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best*
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Mar (8 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Pelee Island: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
6 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
6 rd
Mar
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
8 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Bicycling is the best way around the 13.5 km-long island; rentals sit near the West Dock (May–Oct). The Lakeview Trail is a 34 km perimeter loop with rest areas, washrooms and air pumps. Bring or rent a car if you have luggage or limited mobility; there is no public bus.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fish Point Nature Reserve
goDoor to door: 20–30 min by bike
Bike or drive south from the West Dock along the island's east side
Southern tip; the JJ Carroll wreck lies about 30 m off the eastern shore. Bird observatory banding runs 7–11 AM, Apr 15–May 31 and Aug 15–Nov 1.
Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve
goDoor to door: 20–30 min by bike
Bike or drive north from the West Dock
Northern tip, with the 1833 lighthouse; alvar and dune habitat.
Pelee Island Winery Pavilion
goDoor to door: 10–15 min by bike
Bike or drive to 20 East West Rd
Open spring and summer; gift shop, snacks and weekend afternoon music. The winery itself is in Kingsville.
Sandusky, Ohio
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Ferry from the island, late spring to early fall only
US-bound crossing; check passport and customs rules before booking.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
West Dock area (West Shore Rd)
Walk off the ferry to motel, tavern, bike rental and the heritage centre; best if you arrive without a car.
East Shore / East Park
Campground and the quiet east side; 10–15 min by bike from the dock.
North Shore / Scudder Marina
Marina, The Main Station campground and guesthouse, and the Dog and Goat; handy if you bring a boat.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget (camping, self-catering)
- C$60–110 (≈ US$45–80) excl. bed
- Mid (motel, one restaurant meal)
- C$110–200 (≈ US$80–150) excl. bed
- High (cottage, winery meals)
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room1 × 2 nights × C$220 | C$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$140 | C$560 |
| Ferry, mainland return2 × C$30 · check | C$60 |
| Bike rental, one day2 × C$40 · check | C$80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 · check | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$119 |
| Trip total≈ C$327 per person per day, bed included | C$1,309≈ US$950 |
Kiki's Westview Motel, from C$180
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; ferry fares and taxes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Campsite, per night | From C$32 (≈ US$25) |
| Motel room, per night | From C$180 (≈ US$140) |
| Island Unplugged festival day passFirst weekend in August | C$35 (≈ US$30)/day |
| Coffee or ice cream at a stand | C$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Restaurant main (perch, burger, pizza) | C$18–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Wine tasting at the pavilion | check |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferries can be fully booked for weeks in summer: reserve before you book a bed.
- The ferry switches from Leamington to Kingsville mid-August and stops in mid-December; winter travel is by air from Windsor.
- Lake Erie water can be rough and is sometimes under toxic algae advisories: read the beach signage before swimming.
- Most restaurants and rentals close from late October to spring.
- Cell and data coverage is thin in places; download maps and ferry confirmations before boarding.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Pelee Island Ferries reservations
- +1-800-661-2220
- Pelee Island Transportation Company (winter air service)
- +1 519-724-2115
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Pelee IslandPelee Island
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Pelee Island Ferries+1-800-661-2220
- Winter air service (Pelee Island Transportation Company)+1 519-724-2115
Embassy
No embassies on the island; the nearest consulates are in Toronto, and the US consulate general is in Toronto. 911 handles emergencies.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ferry, Leamington or Kingsville → Pelee Island: about 1.5–2 h; reserve ahead, sailings can be full for weeks in summer
- Ferry, Sandusky, Ohio → Pelee Island: late spring to early fall only
- Winter air service, Windsor → Pelee Island Airport: runs when the ferry stops, from about Dec 11
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Two ferry tickets, please — Two ferry tickets, please
- Where is the bike rental? — Where is the bike rental?
- Is the water safe to swim today? — Is the water safe to swim today?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the nearest washroom? — Where is the nearest washroom?
Print this card: ferry phone number, 911 and your lodging address are the three things you will need offline.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pelee Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Late May–Jun, Sep–early Oct · avoid Nov–Apr (most services closed, ferry replaced by air service) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-to-bed contract: Leamington and Kingsville dock departures, reservation cutoffs, winter air rung from Windsor.
- Four walking and cycling clusters with rescue anchors: West Dock, East Park, North Shore and the two nature reserves.
- Place pages with verified hours (heritage centre, bird observatory, winery pavilion) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and algae-advisory fixtures so the swim and beach days can go green or red.
Sources
- officialPelee Island Ferries (Ontario Ferries)
- officialPelee Island official site
- officialPelee Island Bird Observatory
- officialPelee Island Heritage Centre
- officialFish Point Provincial Nature Reserve (Ontario Parks)
- officialLighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve (Ontario Parks)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Pelee Island, revision 5252625 (CC BY-SA 4.0)