Biking
Pelee Island is located 40 kilometres south of the Ontario mainland and is part of an archipelago of islands in the western Lake Erie basin. This location of Canada's southernmost land area and on major migratory bird and butterfly routes creates an environment of unique plants and animals.
The Ecological Trail System both constructed and under development provides access to beaches, forests, sand dunes, marshes and alvars found nowhere else in Canada. The Fish Point Nature Reserve and the Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve provide habitat for rare species including the Blue Racer Snake, Lake Erie Water Snake, Smallmouth Salamander and Spotted Turtle. In addition thirty-one provincially rare in nineteen regionally rare plant species are located in the reserves. Another unique feature is the Stone Road Alvar. The physical presence of limestone combined with a southerly climate has created a Canadian Savannah environment.
In addition to the natural heritage features there are significant cultural heritage features including the Pelee Island Heritage Centre, the Pelee Island Lighthouse, the Pelee Island Winery and local limestone architecture.
The trail system includes thirty-four kilometres of on-road bicycle trails, ten kilometres of ecological multi-use trails and five kilometres walking trails. The Township is proposing to extend the Trans Canada Trail to Fish Point the most southerly point in all of Canada. Combined these trails provide access to unique natural heritage environments.
The trails will be open all year. The most interesting times to enjoy the trails will be during the spring and fall bird and butterfly migrations. Visitors should be cautioned, there is an annual fall pheasant hunt on the Island occurring in part of October and November.
Ferry service to the Island is from Kingsville or Leamington Ontario. The trip is approximately one hour and thirty minutes. For schedules contact Pelee Island Transportation Company (1-800-661-2220) or check the website at www.ontarioferries.com and click MV Jiiaman.
For more information on the trails contact Township of Pelee, 1045 West Shore Road, Pelee Island, ON N0R 1M0; telephone 519-724-2931 / fax 519-724-2470; website www.pelee.org ; e-mail info@pelee.ca
Click here for information about the proposed Eco Trail System and for a map of the proposed trails.
BICYCLE RENTALS:
(behind Westview Tavern)
1065 Westshore Road, Pelee Island
519-724-2828
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Guided Eco & Tourist Ventures
Telephone: 519-325-TOUR (8687)
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