Things to Do on Pelee Island: Your Ultimate Ontario Weekend Getaway

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July 29, 2025

Exploring Pelee Island with a Stay in Leamington, Ontario CA

Looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, vineyards, and lakefront beauty? A Pelee Island trip with a cozy stay in Leamington, Ontario offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation – making it one of the best weekend trips from Toronto. Located in Lake Erie, Pelee Island Ontario is Canada’s southernmost inhabited point, and it’s a hidden gem for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, cyclists, and anyone looking to unwind from the everyday hustle.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to plan a Pelee Island Ontario getaway, why Leamington is the ideal base, and what not to miss among the top Pelee island attractions on your island adventure.

Why Visit Pelee Island?

Pelee Island Ontario is a serene and scenic destination, offering some of the most unique Pelee island attractions, best known for:

Biking-friendly trails across the island
Pelee Island Winery Pavilion with local tastings
Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve and birdwatching
Historical sites like Vin Villa Ruins
Unspoiled beaches perfect for swimming or sunset watching

Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic retreat or a family craving fresh air and fun, exploring the things to do on Pelee Island makes for a truly unique Ontario experience and ranks among the best weekend trips from Toronto.

Stay in Leamington — The Gateway to Pelee Island

Leamington, Ontario is the closest town to the Pelee Island Ferry Terminal and is an ideal place to stay before or after your island visit. Just a 10-minute drive from the ferry dock in Kingsville or Leamington, this charming lakeside town offers:

Comfortable hotels, motels, B&Bs, and cottage rentals
Plenty of dining options, including waterfront patios
Access to Point Pelee National Park
Local attractions like the Leamington Marina, Seacliff Park, and Tomato Capital of Canada installations

Pro tip: Arrive in Leamington the night before your ferry to Pelee to avoid early morning travel stress and explore the town at a relaxed pace – this strategy makes your Pelee Island Ontario adventure one of the most stress-free best weekend trips from Toronto.

Getting to Pelee Island: Ferry Info

You can take the Pelee Island Ferry from Leamington (May–early August) or from Kingsville (late summer–October). The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 hours, and it’s a scenic journey across Lake Erie.

Book in advance — especially if you plan to bring a vehicle or bike. Check the seasonal ferry schedule at ontarioferries.com

Things to Do on Pelee Island

Once you arrive, it’s time to slow down and soak in island life. Here are the top things to do on Pelee Island and must-see Pelee island attractions:

Bike the Island Loop

The flat, 28 km perimeter makes for a leisurely day-long bike ride. Bring your own or rent one near the ferry terminal.

Visit Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

One of the premier Pelee island attractions, enjoy wine tastings and scenic vineyard views. Try the island-grown Pinot Noir or Gewürztraminer.

Lighthouse Point Nature Reserve

A peaceful hike through marshes and forests that ends at a charming, historic lighthouse — and possibly a Lake Erie beach all to yourself. This natural wonder ranks among the top things to do on Pelee Island.

Explore Vin Villa Ruins

Once the site of Canada’s first commercial winery, the Vin Villa ruins are essential Pelee island attractions and a must-see for history buffs.

Birdwatching Paradise

Spring and fall migration seasons bring thousands of birds through the island. Don’t forget your binoculars! Birdwatching is definitely one of the unique things to do on Pelee Island.

Beach Picnics & Lake Swims

Pack a lunch and enjoy a swim at Sunset Beach, Fish Point, or Scudder Beach.

Where to Eat

Pelee Island Ontario has a handful of cozy cafes and eateries, mostly open seasonally. On your way back to Leamington, be sure to explore:

Birdie’s Perch — Double-decker bus food truck serving perch tacos

Freddy’s Restaurant — Mediterranean & seafood near Point Pelee
Burgess Refreshments — Classic diner with lakeside views

Best Time to Visit

Late Spring to Early Fall (May–October) is ideal.
Summer is the most popular, but late September offers quieter travel and stunning fall colors.
Note: Pelee Island is very quiet in the off-season, and some services may be closed.

Final Thoughts: The Magic of Pelee Island + Leamington Stay

A trip to Pelee Island Ontario with a base in Leamington offers a refreshing escape where time slows down and nature takes over. From cycling lakeside trails and sipping wine by the water, to watching the sunset over Canada’s southernmost tip, it’s truly one of the best weekend trips from Toronto.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a summer road trip through Southern Ontario, the diverse things to do on Pelee Island and its unique attractions will leave you relaxed, inspired, and reconnected with the simple joys of life.