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Toronto
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$$$
ITINERARY (Full Day)
Marsh Boardwalk
Point Pelee Tip and Beach
Birdie's Perch
nugget’s Advice
Prepare in advance
Pack bug spray for visits during warmer months. The summer season often brings a variety of insects in and around the park.
Good to know
Check the website for hours of operations as it varies throughout the seasons.
Recommended time of the year
This itinerary is especially enjoyable in the warmer months (late spring and summer).
About This Day
This day trip explores the most southern tip of Canada at Point Pelee National Park. The park is a great choice for things to do in Ontario for kids. Enjoy the outdoors and nature while learning about the various biodiversity in the ecosystem. First, start at the Marsh Boardwalk, where kids can observe the various fishes, frogs, birds, cattails and lily pads. Next, head to the most picturesque beach area and the southernmost tip of Canada. Finally, after a great day of exploration in the park, enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Birdie's Perch. The restaurant's design resembles a London double-decker bus. Don't miss out on the freshest fish tacos and handmade fries. Wash it all down with a yummy milkshake or ice cream to end the day.
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Point Pelee is considered to be the most southern tip of Canada and extends right into Lake Erie. The Marsh Boardwalk area is a popular place for tourists to visit in the park. This area is perfect for lovers of nature and the outdoors. The boardwalk trail is approximately 1.8 km long (1 mile) and very easy and straightforward to follow for any age. It could take anywhere from 30 minutes and up to walk this entire trail, depending on your pace and how much time you want to enjoy the scenery. Point Pelee's Marsh Boardwalk atmosphere is very serene and tranquil, thereby making it one of the best places to visit in Ontario to relax and decompress. The park also offers boat tours around the marsh area at an extra cost, and canoes are also available to rent.
DIRECTIONS
From the entrance of Point Pelee, the drive is approximately about 8 minutes and will be on the left side.
TIP
Be mindful of little ones running along the boardwalk, since certain parts are open and do not have a barrier.
Point Pelee Tip and Beach
Point Pelee Drive, Leamington
FREE
Point Pelee Tip is a beautiful place and very picturesque. Weather permitting, pack a snack or lunch and relax while the kids adventure out to play, collect and skip rocks. Grab the camera and take advantage of the ample photo opportunities with your little ones. Depending on the time you go, you may or may not be able to physically see the tip. The beach itself stretches up to 20 km (12 miles) around the entire peninsula on both sides. In the visitor area, there is also an interactive kids exhibit area.
DIRECTIONS
The beach is a 10-minute drive south from the Marsh Boardwalk area and a 10-minute walk from the parking lot area. Alternatively, there is a shuttle to the tip of the trail from the visitor center that runs daily from April to October.
TIP
The park does not recommend swimming in the water as the waves can get too strong and high. Bring sandals/water shoes for the beach area. During the winter months, there is a parking area closer to the beach area that can accommodate a limited number of cars. The parking lot is also open after 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. during the week.
Birdie's Perch
625 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington
$$$
Birdie's Perch is a wonderfully unique restaurant. The design was inspired from London's famous double-decker bus. The food is a hit with tourists and locals as everything is freshly prepared with high-quality, local, homegrown ingredients. The beef and local Perch tacos are both savoury and the portions are quite filling. Our nuggets ordered hot dogs with a side of fresh hand-cut fries. It's a little on the pricey side, but the kids enjoyed every last bite.
After the meal, wander outside to a conveniently located ice cream shack next to Birdie's Perch. Milkshakes and ice cream are a perfect complement after exploring Point Pelee National Park on a hot, sunny day.
DIRECTIONS
Exit Point Pelee National Park and drive north approximately 5 minutes along Pelee Drive. Birdie's perch is on the right side.
TIP
Outdoor patio seating is available on nice, sunny days, but on rainy days, customers are welcome to sit atop the double-decker bus. Review hours of operation on the restaurant's website, as hours are limited and closed during winter months (generally from October to April).
Best Western Leamington
566 Bevel Line Road, Leamington
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WE LOVEDIndoor pool with two giant water slides; indoor common area in the hotel included a basketball court, Ping-Pong table, billiards, arcades, badminton and a big play structure for the kids.
WE DIDN'T LIKEThe hotel customer service could use improvement and more staff.
STAYED06 July, 2017 with 3 year old, 6 year old
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