Point Pelee National Park
http://www.parcscanada.gc.ca/parks/ontario/point_pelee/point_pelee_e.htm
Point Pelee National Park is a small green oasis that juts out into Lake Erie. The Park is internationally known for its spring and fall migrations of birds and monarch butterflies. A transit service transports visitors to the tip from April through October. Interpretive programs and exhibits are featured at the Visitor Centre. Visitors can rent bicycles and canoes at the Marsh Boardwalk, or hike and swim. Skating and cross country skiing available when conditions allow.
Hillman Marsh
Conservation Area
An 850-acre marsh, this is one of the premiere areas for viewing marsh life. Bald Eagles are residents. Rarities such as Yellow-headed Blackbird, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Eurasian Wigion, Glossy Ibis and Western Kingbirds are often reported here. The site can provide excellent birding both spring and fall.
Pelee Passage
The Passage, a strip of water between Pelee Island and Point Pelee, quickly became known by sailors as one of the most treacherous passages of Lake Erie. Since the mid 1800s, over 275 ships have been recorded as having sunk somewhere in the depths of the waters of Pelee Passage. In the process, the deep waters of Lake Erie claimed the lives of numerous sailors and passengers and destroyed thousands of dollars worth of cargo and machinery. Fifty locations have been identified and fifteen ships have been marked with a mooring buoy system for public exploration. The average depth is about 12 metres (40ft.), with the deepest being 22.5 metres (74 ft.). Shipwreck exploration provides a unique insight into the heroic and tragic stories of life on the open waters of Lake Erie.
Ontario’s
Wine Route
You will find yourself in one of the most gifted areas in the world for creating fine wine. Our four wineries, each bearing the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) symbol - a certification of the absolute highest quality, invite you to travel the "Southwestern Ontario Wine Route." Stop in and ask the on-site wine master about our grapes, our soil, our winemaking techniques, and learn more about the wines created . . . many are winning world acclaim!
Pelee Island Winery
(519) 733-6551
Website: www.peleeisland.com
E-mail: pelee@mnsi.net
Colio Estate Wines
(519) 738-2241
E-mail: colio@total.net
D’Angelo Estate Winery
(519) 736-7959
LeBlanc Estate Winery
(519) 738-9228
E-mail: leblanc@mnsi.net
Grape Tree Estate Wines
(519) 322-2081
Email: winery@grapetreewines.com
Pelee Island
As Canada’s most southerly inhabited point keeping its own time in "peace and tranquility", Pelee Island is "Canada’s Best Kept Secret." The island is on the 42nd parallel, the same latitude as Northern California, Madrid Spain, and Rome Italy and is 14.5 km ( 9 miles) long and 5.5 km (3.5 miles) wide. A bicycle ride up the west shore is truly an extraordinary experience; a blend of aromas from the trees and plants unique to the island in combination with the offshore breezes is an absolute delight to the senses. Spend time at one of the beaches, go fishing, or visit one of many historic sites like the lighthouse at Lighthouse Point. Discover Vin Villa (c.1860), one of the country’s earliest vineyard estates. The ruins are beautifully adorned by the natural vegetation of the island. Hike through Fish Point. Lighthouse Point or Stone Road Alvar nature reserves. Take a tour of the Pelee Island Winery vineyards and pavilion.
Ferry Service/Leamington
Dock
The Leamington dock is just a short two-minute walk from the doors of the Seacliffe Inn and remains the main waterfront attraction. Ferry service is offered from Leamington’s dock and is included in the circuit between Pelee Island, Leamington, Kingsville, and Sandusky, Ohio. Take a relaxing boat cruise aboard the M. V. Jiimaan or the Pelee Islander over to Pelee Island. As you leave the mainland behind, the silhouette of Pelee Island becomes visible on the horizon. Catch a glimpse of lake freighters, fishing boats, and sailboats as the ferry makes its way across the lake. Look for the new Jet Express which charters to Put-In-Bay and Cedar Point, Ohio.
Marina
The full-service Leamington Municipal Marina is equipped with 336 wells, a picnic shelter, and a nautical theme park. Bike and car rentals are available. It is surrounded by a beautiful lake side sitting area kissed with dozens of brilliant flowers - the perfect place for an enchanting afternoon stroll. The marina is the host to many special events throughout the spring and summer months.
Colasanti’s
Tropical Gardens
Website: www.colasanti.com
E-mail: colasant@mnsi.net
A 3.5-acre greenhouse complex, housing the largest selection of cacti and tropical plants in Southwestern Ontario. This is a whole day event! The kids will love the indoor petting zoo, exotic birds and reptile exhibit, 18-hole indoor miniature golf course, a family entertainment centre and indoor jungle gym. Wander through the art gallery and craft shop featuring country crafts, Dept. 56 and snowbaby collectibles. Homemade fudge and preserves are available in the Bounty of the County store. Full dining area.
Jack Miner Bird
Sanctuary
Website: www.jackminer.com
E-mail: infor@jackminer.com
This world-famous sanctuary was created in 1904 by pioneer conservationist Jack Miner for the conservation of migrating wild ducks and Canada Geese. Best time to view peak migration, last two weeks’ October, all of November. Museum, picnic area, viewing stadium and pond area; complimentary bird feed available.
John R. Park
Homestead
Website: www.wincom.net/erca
E-mail: erca@wincom.net
Nestled in a 19-acre conservation area on the north shore of Lake Erie, John R. Park Homestead is a restored 19th century farm home originally built in 1842. Also part of the homestead is a smoke house, ice house, blacksmith shop, sawmill, stable, and an outhouse. Drift back in time as you tour the exhibit. Taste baking from the fireplace and chat with the blacksmith. Visit the heritage garden and orchard, meander along the boardwalk and relax by the lake shore under the shade of a tree. Staff is dressed in period costume for your journey back through time.
Southwestern
Ontario Heritage Village
E-mail: hewitson@netcore.ca
Tour the village grounds and find many nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings including log cabins, a general store, barber/cobbler shop, church and a school. The Transportation Museum displays antique and classic cars, wagons, trucks, motorcycles and other memorabilia from bygone days.
Fort Malden National
Historical Site
Fort Malden commemorates a British military base on the then western frontier that slowed the American invasion of Canada during the War of 1812. Visit three buildings including an extensive museum and a restored barrack. Beautiful grounds contain the remnants of the old fort.
Casino Windsor
Looking for some excitement? Just 45 minutes away is the newly opened Casino Windsor with three floors of gaming to suit every player’s needs. The Casino also boasts a complimentary entertainment venue and a 3,000-car parking garage.
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