Getting Here

Pelee Island is located less than 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) south of Leamington, Ontario, and approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) north of Sandusky, Ohio. Depending on where you’re coming from, and the time of the year there are a few different ways that you can get to our remote island.

Pelee Island has three official Canadian port of entry sites. Any visitors coming from outside of Canada must have a valid passport with them.

Getting here by Ferry Getting Here by Plane Getting here by personal watercraft

Getting to Pelee Island By Ferry

The Owen Sound Transportation Company operates daily Pelee Island ferry service from late March or early April through early December. There are two ferries in operation, each offering different capacities and onboard amenities.

Pelee Island Ferry Options

Pelee Islander (Small Ferry)

The Pelee Islander has been operating since 1960, and is best suited for lighter traffic.

Capacity of 9-10 vehicles and 196 passengers
Limited indoor seating with a small canteen serving snacks, drinks, and light items
Outdoor upper deck with seating (often covered)
Routes:
Pelee Island to Leamington and Kingsville, Ontario (Dependent on time of the year)
Pelee Island to Sandusky, Ohio
Typical operates a shorter seasonal schedule than the larger ferry

Pelee Islander II (Large Ferry)

The Pelee Islander II, launched in 2018, is the primary Pelee Island ferry and handles most passenger and vehicle traffic

Capacity of approximately 40 passenger vehicles and 399 passengers
Can accommodate larger vehicles like buses, semi-trucks, tractors, and heavy equipment
Large indoor lounge
Dining area with accessible tables
Cafeteria serving basic breakfast, lunch, and dinner options depending on the time of day
Certain foods cannot be cooked or served in severely rough weather
Outdoor seating on upper deck
Covered and gated area for passengers travelling with dogs
Elevator to get from the car deck to the main deck, but does not go to the upper deck

Ferry Routes & Travel Times

Leamington to Pelee Island

Approximately 1.5 hours travel time
Typically runs from early spring through the end of July

Kingsville to Pelee Island

Approximately 1.5 hours travel time
Typically runs from August through early December

Sandusky to Pelee Island

Approximately 2 hours travel time
Typically runs from early May through mid June, and for the month of September on Friday's & Sunday's only
Typically runs daily from mid-June until Labour Day

Pelee Island Ferry Reservations & Boarding

Reservations are required for all passengers (vehicles, bikes, and walk-ons)
Arrive 1 hour before scheduled departure time
No boarding permitted within 10 minutes of departure time

Ferry Delays, Cancellations, & Updates

Pelee Island ferry crossings may be delayed, cancelled, or rerouted due to weather or mechanical issues.

Notifications are typically send via text or email, affected passengers will also likely be contacted by phone
Updates can be last-minute, sometimes after arrival at the dock
All changes are Ade for the safety of the passengers and crew

Learn More

Getting to PElee Island By Plane

When the Pelee Island ferry is not operating (early December through late March), the only way to access the island is by air.

Flights to Pelee Island from Canada

During the winter months, Cameron Air Service provides daily flights between Windsor, Ontario, and Pelee Island.

Flight Details

Operates from early December to late March
Aircraft: Cessna 208 Caravan holding up to 8 passengers and two pilots
Reservations required

Flights to Pelee Island from the United STates

Year-round Pelee Island air service is available from the U.S. via Griffing Flying Service.

Departs from Port Clinton, Ohio
Service runs year round
Various planes in the fleet ranging from 3-9 passengers and 1 pilot

Private Aircraft to Pelee ISland

Pelee Island is accessible by private plane via the local airport.

Private aircraft are welcome
For airport information, call 519-724-2931
Pelee Island is an official port of entry if travelling from outside of Canada

Canadian Flight Info USA Flight Info

Getting to Pelee Island By Personal Watercraft

Travelling by boat is a popular way to reach Pelee Island during the warmer months. Whether you're arriving by personal watercraft, or larger vessels, docking is available at the island's only marina.

Scudder Marina

Scudder Marina is the only marina on Pelee Island, and is located in the north bay.

Coordinates: N 41° 49.00 / W 82° 39.40
Operating season: typically early May through early fall
Monitors VHF Channel 68
For more information call 519-724-2377

Docking & Marina Amenities

Scudder Marina offers a range of docking options for visiting boaters:

Serviced slips
Primarily 30 amp
Limited 50 amp available
Unserviced slips
Dock fingers ranging from 15 to 35 feet
Accommodates vessels up to 65 feet at the ends of the main docks
Recently, and continually updated docks and infrastructure
Charcoal grills available on site
Picnic tables and a small pavilion
Small retail store with very limited basic boating necessities
Public washrooms and showers on site

Reservations & Availablility

Reservations are not required, but are strongly recommended
The marina frequently fills up during:
Summer weekends
Canada Day and Independence Day Weekends
Special events on Pelee Island

Tips for Boating to Pelee ISland

Plan ahead during peak season to secure a slip
Monitor VHF Channel 68 when approaching the marina and confirm you slip number with the office before docking
Over half of the slips are reserved seasonal docks and you will be asked to move if you dock in a reserved slip
Be prepared for limited availability on busy weekends