Pelee Island

My father and grandmother were both born and raised there. My grandparents had a farm on the east side (among the other jobs they did) and we used to visit weekends from spring to fall and stay for a few weeks each summer in a little cottage just up the beach.

One of the great things about the Island was that even when it was too rough (or there were too many flies) to swim or play on one side of the Island we just had to go round to the north end or over to the west side and the weather would be wonderful. The wind didn’t often affect all parts of the island at once.

I remember the feeling, and I think I get this even moreso as an adult, that as soon as the ferry pulls away from the mainland dock there is a change in the air and you literally leave everything behind. Stress and work and everything else stays with the traffic lights and Pelee is like another world.

I’m anxious to go back again, and to bring friends who’ve never seen the place. The history and nature sitting everywhere is like nowhere else I’ve ever been. It’s great to just sit on the beach or if you’re adventurous there are stories everywhere.

My Grandparents built a cottage back in the 1940’s on the east side of the island. My Mother & Aunt practically grew up there. When my Grandfather retired & they moved to Florida, they ended up selling it in the late 70’s. I miss collecting beach glass & lucky stones, seeing pheasant running amuck, the cool A frame cottage 2 doors over, bon fires, going to The Trading Post, Rolo’s & the grocery store.

I grew up in the Windsor Essex County area and never until this past May had been on the ferry over to Pelee Island.

Had a great time there with friends. Nature all around. And plenty to do – biking, swimming, drinking, etc.

Ferry ride over is about an hour or so and costs about $6.00 Cdn.

Be sure to go to the winery with friends and drink up a storm!