Last summer we took a road trip along the north shore of Lake Erie, stopping at many places along the way. Our goal was visiting Point Pelee National Park and to stand on the most southern point in mainland Canada.
We did! Now I can cross this off my Ontario travel bucket list.
Why is it one of the most popular places in Southern Ontario for visitors and nature lovers?
The Most Southern Point In Mainland Canada
Point Pelee is best known for the Monarch butterfly migrations that happen in late August and early October. While this may be the most exciting time to visit the area, it does draw crowds.
So it’s best to visit the park first thing in the morning before it gets busy.
Another benefit of an early morning visit to Point Pelee National Park is the heat and humidity. This part of Ontario gets very hot during the summer period as the humid air around Lake Erie makes for a soupy, scorching day.
Doing a long walk around Point Pelee during this kind of weather can be exhausting. Since there’s so much nature around you, it’s a space for nature-lovers.
The Carolinian forest is a habitat for unique plant and animal species. The area around the tip of Point Pelee shows a succession from beach to the sand spit savannah, to forest.
Here are some photos that I took during our visit in August that illustrate the beauty of this area and why it’s a must visit.
Reaching The Tip Of Point Pelee National Park
For me, the highlight was to say that I stood at the tip of Point Pelee National Park. Its the most southern part of Canada from the mainland (Point Pelee Island is a bit further south).
The tip at Point Pelee is beautiful but also very dangerous.
While the water may seem shallow, there is a very strong riptide that can sweep even a grown adult out into the lake. So swimming is a big not permitted at Point Pelee National Park.
Looking towards land from the tip of Point Pelee – you can see one side has higher waves and the other is calmer. However, still waters are deceiving.
To get to the tip from the parking lot, you can either walk several kilometres or hop on a shuttle bus. On a hot day, we definitely recommend the shuttle bus.
Point Pelee Marsh
On your way out of Point Pelee National Park, you can stop by the marshes and walk along the boardwalk.
This is an excellent spot for wildlife photography as many birds that migrate to this area make their nests. If you’re patient, you’ll see the birds swimming or flying around the marsh. You’ll also spot frogs, turtles, muskrats, snakes, and various insects such as dragonflies and damselflies.
The boardwalk is very sturdy, but it’s wise to hold little kids’ hands, as the railings leave space for kids to crawl through. You don’t want to be fishing little ones out of the marsh!
What To Bring With You For Your Visit To Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park is located near Leamington, which has several options for getting something to eat after your visit.
However, we recommend packing a few snacks to take with you. A picnic lunch is also a great idea, as there are tables and benches located around the park.
A few other things to bring with you:
- A backpack with the essentials and a few bottles of waters. As I noted, it gets hot and humid, which means you’ll be working up a sweat. Ensure you’re hydrated in the summer heat.
- Have a hat and sunscreen with you as the UV is high, reflecting off the water.
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals. The area by the tip is sandy, so you may want to wear footwear that’ll easy clear the sand.
- Your camera for some cool shots of you standing at the tip. It’s a memorable experience that you’ll want to capture.
Getting To Point Pelee National Park
If you’re traveling from Toronto, leave early in the morning to get to Point Pelee before noon. It is about a 3-1/2 hour drive.
The quickest way is to take the 401 west from Toronto.
Learn more about Point Pelee National Park on the Canadian government website, including any restrictions due to Covid-19.
QUESTION: If you’ve visited Point Pelee National Park, what are your favourite experiences there?
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1 Comment
Looks awesome! It’s on my list of places to go. Some friends just got back from being there for four days yesterday (they are birders).