SCENE FROM THE Southern Shore

Looking for a Lake Erie getaway that keeps your sights on the shoreline? The Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) region has it all, from fishing, hiking, biking and bird watching to swimming, kayaking, camping and more.

“You can visit a whole other country, so close to home,” says Holly Ing, manager of content marketing

Cast a Line

Ontario’s southern coast offers exciting challenges for anglers of all ages and abilities. Climb aboard one of the region’s spectacular fishing charters, where captains reveal their love for Lake Erie and lead you on half- or full-day adventures to an abundance of walleye, perch, bass, pike, trout and steelhead. For those looking to troll the shores, head to Rondeau Park, Colchester Harbour/ Beach, White Sands Conservation Area or Long Point Provincial Park, farther down the coast.

Bring Your Binoculars

“The unique geography of the region attracts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each spring and fall,” says Ing, giving a nod to Holiday Beach Conservation Area, which is renowned for its birding and has been named an Important Birding Area. This destination also offers large shady picnic areas, a playground, nature trails, a sandy beach for swimming, observation tower and camping options. During fall, don’t miss the Festival of Hawks, a September spectacle where you can see hawks and owls up close as they prepare to seek warmer weather for the winter. Also keep your eyes peeled during a stroll down

Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

Get on the Water

Pelee Wings Nature Store offers everything adventurers need to enjoy the great outdoors, from kayaks and paddleboards (for rent and purchase) to astronomy scopes, binoculars and more. Join the staff at Pelee Wings Beach for Friday night kayaking or Saturday night paddleboarding. To discover some of the region’s natural beauty, drop your vessel in the water at Seacliff Beach or Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Or, discover an aquatic wonderland in Point Pelee, where you can meander through channels to explore smaller, lesser known areas of the Marsh Boardwalk.