There are a sandy beach and a large dock with plenty of commercial fishing vessel traffic in Canada. A 14km portion of the old London and Port Stanley Railroad still operates, running north beyond the village of Union to St Thomas Parkside. A one-hour trip costs $9 adult or you can go longer. Some 11km west and 3km south of St Thomas, near the village of Lona, is the South wold Prehistoric Earthworks National Historic Site. Surrounded by farmland are the earthwork remains of a double-walled Neutral Indian fort from around 1500-1650. It was once a village of about 600 people. Farther west, Point Pelee National Park, on the southernmost point of mainland Canada, is a top Lake Erie attraction. It's known for the thousands of birds that show up in spring and autumn on their migrations. Up to 342 species have been observed here - about 60% of all the species known in Canada. The fall migration of monarch butterflies is a highlight.
The region also contains some plants found nowhere else in the country, such as the prickly pear cactus. There are numerous nature trails, a 1.5kmboardwalk through the marsh, forest areas and sandy beaches within the park. Bicycles and canoes can be rented in the summer although the park remains open all year. To the east, the town of Westley has some accommodation and a provincial park where a violent storm swept much of the beach away in 1998. The camping area is good though. Note that during bird migration periods, this is a relatively busy area. Hillman Marsh on the shoreline north of Point Pelee offers good bird watching, a nature centre and a walking trail. Lakeside Leamington, north-east of the park, is Ontario's tomato capital and a major ketchup producer.
There are several motels and a seasonal tourist office on the main street. It's about 40km drive straight overland from Windsor, rather than around the lake shore. Do Drop Seacliff Drive W is a Swedish/English B&B. Rates are $35/50. For accommodation assistance, call the Chamber of Commerce Monday through Friday. From here and Kingsville, ferries run to the largest island in the lake, Pelee Island. Pelee (pronounced 'pee-lee') is halfway across to Ohio, and ferries run over to the USA side as well. Canada tourism ferries run from March to the beginning of December. Tickets cost $7.50 each way for adults; cars are $17. From the island, ferries run to Sandusky, Ohio. The island is known for its good beaches and small vineyards. Visit the ruins of Vin Villa Winery and the old lighthouse.
There are tours, with tastings, of Pelee Island Winery. Quite a variety of wines is produced here, including Canadian champagne. There are a few restaurants on the island, inns, and camping. Bicycles can be rented. During midsummer, ferries and accommodation should be booked in advance.
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