Hike and Bike Pelee
October 15 – 17, 2021
Leaders Jim and Patti Blair
It’s time to head south! It has been five years since our last trip to Pelee and a year since our Club has traveled anywhere! This trip will explore the shoreline of Lake Erie, including Pelee Island at Canada’s most southerly latitude. We hope that fall colours will be in effect. Jim and Patti have designed this trip to combine hiking and/or cycling, as well as the potential for Lake Erie perch dinners! Rondeau Provincial Park is a first time destination on a Club trip.
Accommodation: We will be staying at the Quality Inn in Leamington. It is currently the policy of the hotel that all guests be double vaccinated. The hotel cannot ask for proof of vaccination but is relying on your honesty and goodwill to maximize safety for all. The hotel is conveniently located in Leamington and accessible to many amenities and eating establishments. Hotel rooms have a mini fridge and a microwave. The hotel manager has assured us of a place to store bicycles overnight.
Transportation: This is NOT a bus trip. Participants will drive themselves to the various hiking/biking destinations. If you wish to carpool with other members, that is up to you. You will pay your own entrance fees to various parks, but we have made a group booking to travel on the ferry to and from Pelee Island.
Meals: Due to Covid restrictions, the hotel will provide a “Breakfast to GO”. (More details to follow). You will be responsible for your own snacks and lunch food to sustain you on the trail. Due to Covid restrictions we will not be organizing group dinners, however dining locations will be suggested.
Hiking: If you are exclusively a hiker, then you can hike on all three days and leave your bike at home. The hiking on this trip is rated as easy. Trails are generally flat and wide, with easy footing. You will be treated to Carolinian forests, wetlands, old growth forests, savannahs, unique shoreline habitats, and memorable Lake Erie vistas. Guided hikes on Friday and Sunday will offer a long and short option. Walking/hiking on Pelee Island will not be guided and will be on quiet roads and trails.
Cycling: If you wish to cycle you must carry your bike on your vehicle, as there are no rentals available. The best way to experience Pelee Island is by bike. To circumnavigate the island is about 30 kms with options to increase or decrease distance. If you wish to get to the very tip of the island, it is a walking trail only. In both Rondeau Provincial Park and Pelee National Park, up to 25 kms of cycling trails are advertised, with the option to hike as well as bike.
Itinerary and Driving Times: (times subject to change)
Friday Oct 15: Meet at Rondeau Provincial Park, (driving time from Burlington, 2 hours 20 minutes) located on the shore of Lake Erie. Pay your own entrance fee and meet in the parking lot at 11:30 a.m. The Park offers approximately 25 kms of trails suitable for hiking /cycling. We will offer 2 hikes: a long and short option. The cycling will not be guided but you may use the park map that you receive upon entry. Lunch will be on the trail. We depart the park at 3:30 and drive to Leamington where we are booked at the Quality Inn. (Driving time just over one hour). If you wish to stop on the way for a Lake Erie perch dinner, we will make some recommendations near the community of Erieau. (Add about 15 minutes driving time)
Saturday Oct 16: We drive to nearby Kingsville (15 minutes) and park at the terminal to catch the Pelee Island Ferry for a 10:00 a.m. departure. We have a group booking for the ferry and will board as foot passengers. Those who have bikes can bring them on board at no extra cost. The ferry trip is 1 ½ hours and due to Covid restrictions, the ferry is operating at half capacity. Once on the island you can hop on your bikes and explore the island. If you are a walker, you can head towards the tip of the island, Canada’s most southerly point and explore the island on foot. The ferry departs at 4:00 p.m. and arrives back in Kingsville at 5:30. Dinner will again be on your own and suggested dining spots will be provided.
Sunday Oct 16: We will meet at 9:30 at the Visitor Centre parking lot at Point Pelee National Park. (10-minute drive) From here, two guided hikes will be offered: a long and a short. Those who wish to cycle can again use the park map and venture out on their own to cycle and/or hike as desired. Participants will eat lunch on the trail and depart mid afternoon for the drive back to Burlington (driving time 3 hours), arriving by 6:00 pm.
Trip Cost: The trip cost is $215 for double occupancy and $380 for single occupancy.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel up to Oct 1, 2021, and only be charged a $25.00 processing fee. After Oct 1, you will be responsible for any costs that the club has incurred on your behalf. This could include accommodation, transportation, leader subsidy etc. If you cancel after Oct 1, and there is a wait list, we will do our best to find a replacement, in which case, you may not be charged for all expenses, other than the $25 processing fee.
If the club cancels the trip for any reason, you will be issued a full refund. Please note that the hotel has issued the following statement: “Hotel and Group acknowledge that cancellations due to the pandemic will not hold either party accountable for any losses sustained and can occur up to 24 hours prior to arrival if mandated by any level of Government or Local Health Unit”
In the event of interruptions to travel plans due to circumstances beyond our control, that result in changes to our itinerary, any resulting costs will be the responsibility of the participant.
Please contact Jim and Patti Blair if you require further information: pblair24@cogeco.ca
In Summary:
We are excited to offer this opportunity to explore Lake Erie and the Pelee area with you. It will be wonderful to share our favourite activities together once again.
Jim and Patti Blair