Pelee Island

Pelee Island
Copernicus Sentinel-2, ESA · CC BY-SA 3.0 igo · source
Name	Pelee Island
Location	Lake Erie
Coordinates	41.78, -82.68
Archipelago	Lake Erie Islands
Area	42 km²
Length	12.8 km
Width	5.6 km
Administration	Canada
Population	247
Population as of	2016

Pelee Island is located in the western basin of Lake Erie, near the Canada–United States border. The island is part of the Lake Erie Islands archipelago and is situated approximately 32 kilometers north of Sandusky, Ohio, and 90 kilometers southeast of Windsor, Ontario. The island is connected to the mainland by a Viking Air ferry service and is also accessible by Air Canada flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport. The island's unique location makes it a popular destination for tourists and a key location for Ontario Power Generation and Hydro One.

Geography

Pelee Island is the southernmost inhabited place in Canada, with a total area of 42 square kilometers. The island is approximately 12.8 kilometers long and 5.6 kilometers wide, with a shoreline of approximately 34 kilometers. The island's terrain is generally flat, with some areas of glacial till and beach deposits. The island is surrounded by several smaller islands, including Middle Island (Lake Erie) and North Bass Island. The island's geography is similar to that of nearby Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, with a mix of agricultural land, wetlands, and forests. The island is also home to several parks, including Fish Point Nature Reserve and Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve, which are managed by Parks Canada and Ontario Parks.

History

The island has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleoindian period. The island was later inhabited by the Neutral Nation and the Ojibwe tribes, who used the island as a hunting and fishing ground. In the late 18th century, the island was settled by European Americans, who established a series of farms and vineyards. The island was also an important location for the Underground Railroad, with many abolitionists, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, using the island as a stopping point for escaped slaves. The island's history is also closely tied to that of nearby Detroit, Michigan, and Cleveland, Ohio, with many residents of the island commuting to these cities for work.

Demographics

As of the 2016 Census of Canada, the population of Pelee Island was 247 people, with a population density of approximately 5.9 people per square kilometer. The island's population is predominantly Canadian, with a small number of American residents. The island's residents are predominantly English-speaking, with a small number of French-speaking residents. The island's demographics are similar to those of nearby Leamington, Ontario, and Kingsville, Ontario, with a mix of agricultural workers, tourism industry workers, and retirees. The island is also home to a number of seasonal residents, including Toronto and Detroit residents who own summer homes on the island.

Economy

The economy of Pelee Island is primarily based on agriculture, with a focus on grape and wine production. The island is home to several wineries, including Pelee Island Winery and Vin Villa Winery, which produce a range of wines using Vitis labrusca and Vitis vinifera grapes. The island is also home to a number of farms, which produce a range of crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. The island's economy is also supported by tourism, with many visitors attracted to the island's beaches, parks, and wineries. The island is also home to a number of small businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores, which cater to the island's residents and visitors.

Tourism

Pelee Island is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors attracted to the island's beaches, parks, and wineries. The island is home to several hotels and bed and breakfasts, including the Pelee Island Hotel and the Wandering Dog Inn. The island is also home to a number of restaurants, including the Pelee Island Winery Restaurant and the Scudder Beach Bar and Grill. The island's tourism industry is supported by a number of tour operators, including Pelee Island Transportation Company and Lake Erie Islands Cruises. The island is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with many species of birds, including the Kirtland's warbler and the piping plover, found on the island.

Environment

Pelee Island is an important location for conservation efforts, with several parks and nature reserves located on the island. The island is home to a number of endangered species, including the Lake Erie water snake and the eastern fox snake. The island's environment is also supported by a number of conservation organizations, including the Pelee Island Heritage Centre and the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy. The island's environment is closely tied to that of nearby Point Pelee National Park and Lake Erie Islands National Park, with many species of plants and animals found in these parks also found on Pelee Island. The island is also an important location for climate change research, with several universities, including University of Windsor and University of Western Ontario, conducting research on the island. Category:Islands of Ontario