While a digital detox was far from our minds when we set out to Pelee Island, it’s definitely something I’d head back for time and time again. To be honest, it was exactly what I needed after a whirlwind of trips, projects and events. The sound of birds chirping in the mornings, the scent of fresh flowers, sipping a glass of wine in a hammock…
Ah, the simple things. No WiFi, no cell service, no TVs, but somehow I left feeling Pelee Island more connected than ever. You see, it’s the kind of place where drivers still wave to each other, strangers engage in lengthy conversations across dinner tables and a trip to the local bakery rewards you with more than just a basket of pastries. Sound magical? It is. And it’s the perfect island escape if you’re looking to recharge and put things into perspective…
With technology out of the way, you’ll feel like you have extra hours in the day so I suggest that you spend them exploring the island. Here’s what I recommend you do:
How To Spend Your Time On Pelee Island
Stay At The Wandering Dog Inn – It’s a quaint little inn, but it’s well-loved, cozy and the perfect place to rest your head. Don’t expect any frills (the witty signs dotting the property will help manage your expectations), but know that the husband and wife duo who own the inn will treat you like family.
Their living room and wrap-around porch is a hub for all guests: a place to exchange stories over hot coffee & pound cake as the morning light peeks in…
Sip Local Wine At Pelee Island Winery – If there is only one thing you do when you visit the island, make it a trip to the winery. Located in Ontario’s oldest wine region, Pelee Island vineyards are Canada’s largest private estate (550 acres)! Both locals and visitors alike gather here to sip wine, listen to live music (on weekends) and enjoy an al fresco lunch (I recommend ordering a pizza or two). Warning: the wine garden has such a great vibe that you may not want to leave! I know I didn’t.
Go For A Bike Ride – Whether you’re visiting for the day or sticking around for a few, you’ll want to rent a bike for a little adventure. Head to Comfortech Bike Rentals to grab the gear you need and go for a jaunt to the Pelee Island Farmers Market, the winery or the bakery. You can use bikes as your primary mode of transportation, but the island is bigger than it feels so give yourself plenty of time to get around!
Get A Taste Of The Island – While there are only a handful of restaurants on the island, the food quality is top notch. There’s strong emphasis on using local/regional ingredients, the service is down-to-earth and the ambiance is varied (from the Key West vibes at Anchor & Wheel Inn to the historic and sustainable Stone House 1891). Do not leave the island without eating the blackened pickerel at Anchor & Wheel Inn, the coconut shrimp at Stone House 1891, the pulled pork sandwich at The Bakery and ice cream from Pelee Island Coneheads.
Hop On A Guided Tour – For this you’ll want to hand the reigns over to the lovely folks at Explore Pelee. They’ll take you on a group/customized private tour to showcase some of the gems that you’re likely to miss on your own. The highlights for me were visiting Fish Point Provincial Park, Scudder Marina and The Mission Hall Project.
Visit One Of The Most Historically Significant Wineries In North America – My jaw dropped when we stepped inside the restored wine cellars at Vin Villa. Founded in 1866, it is Canada’s first commercial winery and is truly a must-see for those interested in Canadian viticulture history. The amount of time and energy that has gone into restoring this property is unreal! I can’t wait to see what it looks like after their current plans are set in motion.
Spend Some Time At The Beach – Regardless of what season you visit, you’ll want to check out the beaches that hug the island. Nothing like listening to the sounds of waves crashing on shore during your digital detox…
Hope you guys get a chance to visit this very special island. As the southernmost inhabited point in Canada, it is the perfect place to unplug, recharge and relax. Sand between your toes and wine in hand, of course…
A huge thanks to Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Ontario Southwest for hosting us on this press trip and for sponsoring this blog post so I could share our itinerary with you. As always, reviews and opinions are my very own.
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