Pelee Island is a 10 km x 4 km island located in the southwestern basin of Lake Erie. The island is very flat and low-lying - originally it was three smaller island before colonists drained marshes that connected them. The island is now primarily agricultural, with a small population of permanent residents that is augmented by cottagers and tourists in the warmer season.

There is not an inconsiderable amount of land which is now under the protection of Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Parks, Essex Region Conservation Authority, and Ontario Nature. Several of those lands have been restored to forests or other natural habitats and feature trails and other features to enjoy by birders.

The island is best known as a site for spring migration but fall migration can be very good as well. Spring birding can easily rvial any of the major Lake Erie birding hotspots with a tiny fraction of the people. The main reason for the lower number of visiting birders is the 1.5 hour ferry ride.

Getting There
Pelee Island can be reached by air and by ferry. Local providers operate regular flights from Windsor during the winter months and Griffin Flying Service offers regular service from Port Clinton, Ohio. The Owen Sound Transportation Company typically runs ferry service from Leamington or Kingsville to the island from late March/early April until mid-December, depending on ice and wind conditions, with sailings 2–3 times a day, seven days a week. The ferry also runs from Sandusky, Ohio during peak season (late May to late September). Advance reservations are strongly encouraged, particularly on weekends and if you plan to bring a vehicle. Information on sailing dates and schedules is available
through the Owen Sound Transportation Company’s website.