Point Pelee National Park, established in 1918, resides no more than a twenty minute drive from my residence. Essentially it is the only area with trees in a local landscape dominating by agricultural development and greenhouse complexes. It is my refuge whether on a bicycle or with my kayak. Normally I arrive at the park before sunrise and on days when there is some fun cloud formations accumulating over the lake. Point Pelee is on Lake Erie which is remarkably shallow, which keeps the heat in and as a result, we frequently get vapour magic in the sky.
Point Pelee National Park, established in 1918, resides no more than a twenty minute drive from my residence. Essentially it is the only area with trees in a local landscape dominating by agricultural development and greenhouse complexes. It is my refuge whether on a bicycle or with my kayak. Normally I arrive at the park before sunrise and on days when there is some fun cloud formations accumulating over the lake. Point Pelee is on Lake Erie which is remarkably shallow, which keeps the heat in and as a result, we frequently get vapour magic in the sky.
Blue Heron Respite
The park is known world wide for being located on a significant bird migration route. In the spring, most of the songbirds arriving are nocturnal. With Point Pelee peninsula extending 20 kilometres into Lake Erie, this is the first point of land they see and it provides a much needed resting stop. Fall migration can begin as early as June and in October the locals host a migration festival, where numerous birdwatcher arrive from around the world toting monopods and lenses that probably weigh more than me.
“At Point Pelee, the migratory birds are sure to collect preparatory to their passage across the Lake. It is a vast roadway over which birds of passage are sure to travel.”
W. H. Ballou, 1877
Nocturnal Ornithologists. Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada. ISO 200, f/10 @ 1/15 sec.
The Park is operated by Parks Canada and it is open year round. The majority of the park is accessible by vehicle, but off road vehicle’s and motorized boats are prohibited. Bicycle trails and kayak/canoe launch points are available with the park offering third party boat rentals. A popular launch point, referred to as Boardwalk, allows the paddler access to a large marsh which adjoins the lake. During the summer, white swans, egrets and blue herons are abundant around its shores.
The most popular way to explore the park is via the 12 kilometres of bike trails or cycle the 9 kilometer main roadway to the visitor centre and then onward to “the tip”.
Numerous beaches are available on the west side of the park, with cooking and washroom facilities at the majority of them.
Every time I venture into the park, which is usually once a week, I am always rewarded with photographic opportunities. I find the following quote so very appropriate;
Thats it! The end of the line, as they say. Point Pelee park. The two ladies are out for a walk, at the farthest tip of Canada’s mainland. ISO 100, f/25 @ 1/50 sec.
Thats it! The end of the line, as they say. Point Pelee park. The two ladies are out for a walk, at the farthest tip of Canada’s mainland. ISO 100, f/25 @ 1/50 sec.“If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there, you’ll only hear about it.” – Jay Maisel
