pelee island
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Pelee Island, ON Lat: 41° 48.824 Long: 082° 39.525 |
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DESCRIPTION Pelee Island is the southern-most inhabited part of Canada. Middle Island, 2 nm south is the most southerly part of Canada, lying a mere 460'/140m north of the border. Over 1/2 of the 50 states of the United States are north of Pelee Island. Pelee is also the largest island in Lake Erie. A rural delight, Pelee Island is also wine country and is home to a highly-rated winery - Pelee Island Winery. About 15 sq. miles / 40 sq kilometers in size, it boasts a permanent population of 150-200 people. That number swells to 1,500-5,000 during the summer. It is an island comprised of farms, vineyards and parkland. It is home to Canada's 2nd oldest lighthouse, built in 1833. Pelee is a popular destination for cruising sailors. If you are looking for a place to get off the beaten track, Pelee Island is for you. |
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APPROACHES The only location with a marina and transient docking is Scudder Marina located on the north shore at the settlement of Scudder. There is a pier on the west side of the island known appropriately as West Dock. This is the ferry terminus and site of the island's infrastructure services - customs, library, town hall and some local businesses. There is no transient docking here but anchorage is possible. The island can be approached from any point of the compass but there are hazards to keep in mind as you approach the island. The following is a list but verify with your own charts!. From the North: water off Sheridan Point is shallow; there is a charted obstruction ("ruin") on the east side of Sheridan Point. From the Northeast: There are shoals off Pelee Passage Light From the East: Shoals exten along the east shoreline, as charts indicate. From the South: Chickenolee Reef lies approximately 2 nm off the south shoreline. It is marked with an unlit spar buoy. Give it wide berth. From Fish Point, there is a charted sand bar that extensd out into the lake. From the West: There are 3 fishing weirs (traps) and/or obstructions south of West Dock and another 3 north of West Dock. The entrance to Scudder is between an offshore breakwater and the harbour mouth. There is a Fl RED light at the east end of the breakwater. There is an ISO RED light at the end of the west harbour seawall. Further on, is a Fl RED light on the end of the pier forming the north wall of the marina harbour. The approach to West Dock is clear. There is a Fl GREEN light marking the dock. Note the fish weirs along the shoreline and give them a wide berth. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Scudder Marina (519) 724-2377 VHF 68 Scudder Marina is the only marina on the island This marina is an excellent refuge for sailors in foul weather. It has approximately 30 transient slips. There is a fuel dock (gasoline only). There is water and power dockside. There are washrooms and showers available. There is a snack bar on-site. West Dock This is the government dock located on the west shore of Pelee Island. There is no marina and there is no transient docking. However, it is the location of municipal facilities. Anchorage Anchoring is an option at Sudder Harbour and at Fish Point on the southwest tip of Pelee Island. Boats will also anchor at West Dock. Pay attention to wind direction and wind speed as these are wide open anchorages. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no repair or maintenance facilities on Pelee Island. Provisioning can be done at the Co-Op store adjacent to the marina. There is a beer and liquor store located at West Dock. There is no bank or ATM on the island. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES There is a medical clinc with a nurse available for emergency calls. The clinic is accessed by dialing 911. Serious emergencies are transferred to hospitals in Leamington or Windsor via Air Ambulance or land ambulance depending on ferry schedule. There is no pharmacy on the island. |
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PLACES TO EAT Scudder Beach Bar & Grill is located steps from the marina. A casual menu suits this relaxed, casual bar-restaurant. They have live entertainment Thursdays to Saturdays. Anchor and Wheel Inn is located west of Scudder Marina, at the base of Sheridan Point. Its Island Restaurant has a laid-back, Caribbean theme and their menu features Lake Erie Perch (you're not surprised, are you?), steaks, ribs, and pastas. Outside is a Tiki bar and deck. At West Dock, you will find Westview Tavern and Restaurant. Also at West Dock is Pelee Island Island Winery and its Wine Pavillion. Here you will find relaxed dining and opportunities to enjoy fine wines produced in this the oldest estate winery in Canada. |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Because of its flat topography, Pelee Island is perfect for a bicycle tour and bicycles can easily be rented. Its easy to cycle around the island and many do. There are a number of walking trails you can enjoy. For a really interesting tour experience, take in the Pelee Island Wine Tours. For a modest fee, you can enjoy a walking tour, a wine seminar, an opportunity to sample excellent wines and a BBQ. Check out the Pelee Island tourism site which will give you many ideas on getting the most of your visit. Return to Home Page Return to Lake Erie |
