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Things to do at The Wandering Dog Inn

 Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve

The nearly 200 year old Lighthouse is located at the very northeast tip of the island.  Parking can be found on the right hand side of the road about 500 feet before the entrance of the park and there is a small bike rack near the entrance.  Private property falls between the parking area and entrance to the park, so be mindful to not trespass.  Across the road from the parking lot is an inland lake created when the north end of the island was breached during the Nor’easter of 1972.   Catch the sun setting over Lake Henry, behind the trees and reeds on your way out of the park.  Enter through a short walkway on a narrow, sometimes uneven, dirt trail to a newly repaired boardwalk.  Continue on through a wooded area to some of the island’s most pristine beach.

Local tip: Look for lucky stones!  Small white ovals about the size of a dime with the letter J or L on them.  These are ear bones from sheephead fish also known as freshwater drums and believed to be used by indigenous peoples to protect from illness and bring luck along one’s travels.

Local tip: Look for the lotus bloom in August on Lake Henry

Useful: No bathrooms or potable water on site

Instagrammable: Lighthouse approach  #peleeisland #peleelighthouse 

Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve

Fish Point is the very southwest tip of the island.  There is limited parking and small bike racks as well as a bench near the entrance.  A hike through the woods opens up to an ever-changing sandspit point.  Note:  The beach path is not passable along the shoreline due to high lake levels.  Fish Point, like is mainland sister Point Pelee is an important stopover for migrating birds, and a bird-watchers paradise. Black-crowned night herons and other birds frequent a lagoon, and shorebirds are numerous.  Signs are posted along the trail with details about species at risk and rare plant life.  Downed trees and high lake levels have rerouted the footpath; so watch your step and follow the flag markers as you wander a new trail to the beach.  Swimming off the point is not permitted due to dangerous undertow.

Local Tip: Trilliums bloom in mid-May and takeover the forest floor.

Local Tip: Switch your phone to airplane mode and use your phone without worry of roaming on nearby US cell towers 

Useful: Pelee Island Bird Banding Station is west of Fish Point on McCormick Rd.

Useful: No bathrooms or potable water on site

Instagrammable: the waves breaking from both directions at the point #fishpoint

Mission Hall Project

The Mission Hall Sanctuary nestled in the vineyards on Ruggles Run Road is a small open-air structure lovingly built in memoriam of the Mission Hall church originally located just across the road.  It’s a space that welcomes quiet reflection and personal offerings of gratitude.   Picturesque for small weddings and ceremonies. Open air and open to the public. 

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Leamington, Kingsville and Pelee Island are connected to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail by over approximately 65 km of cycling trails. The Pelee Island trail is 30 km around the island that runs right along the shore most of the way.  BRING YOUR OWN BIKES OR RENT FROM THE PELEE SHOP- 519 724 2828 https://waterfronttrail.org/places/communities/pelee-island/

Pelee Art Works

 Pelee Art Works is located on East West Road just around the corner from the ferry terminal.  Art Works is a project of Pelee Island Community Arts; a registered charity that supports the arts and environmental sustainability on the island.   Arts and crafts workshops offered throughout summer. Shop for local, hand-made souvenirs, art and island keepsakes to take home.

Pelee Island Heritage Centre

Founded in 1988, The Heritage Centre houses exhibits that feature the near and prehistoric history of the island.  The Heritage Centre is located directly across for the ferry terminal with tourist information centre found at the front entrance with brochures, maps and business cards to help you navigate the island.  Consider a self-guided tour of the museum for a nominal donation

 

Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

Pelee Island Winery is Canada’s largest privately owned estate winery with over 700 acres of grapes tucked away on Pelee Island.  The Pavilion wine garden is entirely outdoors with stone fired pizza and snacks to order.  Daily tours are an education in sustainability and cover the rare microclimate that make Pelee Island grapes the happiest grapes that have ever been grapes.

Must Sip: Secco, Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Franc, Vinedressers Meritage, Lighthouse Sauvignon Blanc, Lola Rosè.  Photo Credit: Ian Virtue Photography

East to West – Sunrise and Sunset

You will never be more aware of the direction you are facing than when you are on Pelee Island.  The sunrise in the east bursts over the lake and can be easily viewed from East Park Beach or at the foot of East West Road near the Inn.  Catch the Sunset at any of the benches along West Shore Road, from the deck at The Westview, SH1891 or as you stroll the pier at Scudder Marina. 

The moon rises in the east and you may be able to catch the moonrise and sunset at Fish Point at dusk at the height of summer.

Explore the trails:

Stone Road and Brown’s Road Alvars:  These alvars are unique ecological areas that have important plant and wildlife living amongst the natural habitat. Stone Road Alvar has almost 200 hectares of wooded and limestone plain (alvar) that is unlike anywhere else in Canada. Brown’s Road Alvar is a nearly 300 hectare natural area, with a mosaic of savanna, open woodlands, meadows and thickets, this area is a perfect combination for habitats that are crucial to many species at risk. This natural area also surrounds the beautiful Noah Garno Trail from Brown’s Road to Harris Garno Road.  

Florian Diamante Nature Reserve: This Nature Conservancy of Canada property is home to beautiful 25-hectare wetland and trail within Browns Road Alvar.  Located near Browns and Henderson roads. The wetland trail system connects with the existing Noah Garno Trail that runs north of the wetland.

Middle Point Wetland Trail: This Nature Conservancy of Canada property offers a 1.3 km looped walking trail through grasses and restored wetlands on East Shore Road.

Beaches: Our beaches are natural. 

It is important to note that the water levels at our beaches are ever changing and there are no lifeguards or public amenities on site. Be careful, but enjoy all the beauty our beaches have to offer!  

BEST BEACH : East Beach: Largest public beach best suited for swimming is located across from East Park Campground, walking distance to the Inn.  There are 3 public beaches on East Shore Rd. Note, only East Park Campground Beach has bathroom facilities.

Lake Access: Small and located at the foot of East West road, steps from the Inn. There is a rough water warning here, so use your judgement before swimming.  This is a great place to go for a quick morning dip or cool off at the end of a long, well enjoyed day; but not a beach to set up on.  Hit East Beach for extended beach fun.

Sunrise Beach: Small beach, on the east side, south of Parsons.

Brown’s Beach: Through the path at Middle Point Woods and secluded.

SWIMMING IS NOT recommended at Fish point or Lighthouse Point. Both beaches are lovely hikes. Find a quiet beach on the western trail end at Fish Point.  Pack in, pack out.

Eat, drink and be merry:  

*Kitchens close early on Pelee Island with most ending service at or before 8pm and some only serving until 4pm.  This is a salient fact if you arrive on the 6pm boat!!  Not all island restaurants are open 7 days a week. Be sure to check with location directly on hours and days of service. 

Mainland Suggestions:

Burgess Refreshments: Famous bacon burger, footlong dogs and mountains of ice cream. Located next to Leamington Ferry Terminal. Open 7 days.

Cured Craft Brewing: Local craft beer, pulled pork everything located in the heart of Leamington’s downtown.

The Grove Brewing Company: Craft beer and seltzers, extensive menu.  New in 2022. Located near Kingsville Ferry Terminal. Open 7 days.

Banded Goose Brewing: Pub style eats with a dog friendly vibe.  Their own craft and seasonal beers on tap! Located in heart on Kingsville’s downtown.

 

On Island:

Pelee Island Winery:  Turn right off the ferry.  Spend the afternoon in the outdoor wine garden; grab a wood fired pizza and your favourite bottle(s).  Best tour on the island!

Westview Tavern:  The locals fave!  Located just across for the ferry terminal; The “Classic Burgers” and Friday night Fish Fry are staples of an islander diet! 

The Shack:  Walk up service, perfect for grab and go and a stroll down the pier at Scudder Marina. Pizza, wings and tacos!

The Filling Station: Soft serve ice cream on waffle cones and blizzard style ice cream cups packed with Reeses bites make us happy!  Walk up service.

The Dog and Goat: Located on the north end of the island at the foot of West Shore Road. Perch Tacos and daily specials. Watch for Goat the dog.

Stonehouse 1891:  Large patio, just south of the ferry.  Excellent sunset views.

Coneheads:  Located just north of the ferry terminal.  Hard scoop cones and milkshakes.  Wander over for ready made options before getting on the ferry.