Point Pelee National Park in Canada's Deep South is famous for the monarch butterfly migration plus wildlife and vegetation not found anywhere else in Canada.
Where is Point Pelee?
Located 30 miles (50km) southeast of Windsor Ontario, Point Pelee is the most southern point of land on the Canadian mainland. This 10 mile (16km) sandspit extends into Lake Erie and intersects the 42nd parallel. It shares the same latitude as northern California and Rome Italy. In this southern location, Point Pelee is the only place in Canada where Carolinian forests and savannah grasslands can be found.
Point Pelee Master Plan
Point Pelee was made into a National Park in 1918, upon the urging of hunters and birders. Throughout the years, the park became overcrowded with campgrounds, cottages, and bumper to bumper traffic at the beaches. After two years of planning, a Master Plan for Point Pelee was announced in 1972 to combine preservation with recreation. All private land was returned to Parks Canada and the main road was cut off mid-point with a transit system set up for transporting visitors to the tip.
What to See and Do:
Point Pelee Marsh Boardwalk: This is an opportunity to observe marsh life up close on a network of boardwalks. Canoes are available for rent for those visitors who wish to explore the numerous waterways cut out through the tall reeds.
Point Pelee Beaches: Along the west side of the Point, there are numerous beaches with parking facilities. Directional signs are posted along the main road. The beaches have a steep drop off not far away from the shore so caution is advised.
Point Pelee Interpretation Center: The tram to the tip is located on the west side of this building. Inside the Center, there are exhibits outlining the formation of Point Pelee and displays of birds, insects and flora that are unique to the park. This is the hub of the Point where visitors can find maps and information about the Park. It is recommended to go there first.
The Tip of Point Pelee: A few steps from the tram drop off area; the 42nd parallel marker is situated on the short boardwalk trail to the tip. The East and West Point beaches can be accessed at the drop off area or at the end of the trail. Visitors can walk right out to the tip but not allowed to swim due to a dangerous undertow.
Hiking, Biking, Cross Country Skiing at Point Pelee: There is a network of trails from the Marsh Boardwalk to the Tip. Some trails are marked as hiking only and others are multi-purpose. These trails take visitors through marshland, lush Carolinian forests and grassy savannahs. Each area presents a unique selection of wildlife and vegetation only found at Point Pelee.
Point Pelee Bird Watching: Point Pelee is renowned as Canada's finest bird watching spot. Over 360 species have been recorded and many of them cannot be seen anywhere else in Canada. Because the Point Pelee is located on the crossroads of two major migratory routes, birdwatchers and scientists from all over the world visit the park during the fall and spring migration season.
Point Pelee Butterfly Watching: In the fall, monarch butterflies assemble at Point Pelee for their southward migration. It is an amazing sight to see the trees and shrubs thickly coated with these orange and black winged insects.
One would think that the reclaiming of private property and the restricting of vehicle access would drastically reduce the number of visitors to Point Pelee. In the 1960s, attendance peaked to 781,000 visitors. Now the average yearly attendance is around 500,000 visitors, which is still a healthy number for a small park. The Master plan has proved successful in preserving a fragile environment, yet attracting visitors who enjoy and appreciate this unique piece of paradise.
The copyright of the article Point Pelee National Park in Ontario Travel is owned by Maureen K. Fleury. Permission to republish Point Pelee National Park in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
