After being suspended due to the pandemic, the City of Windsor has announced the return of boat tours to Peche Island.

Peche Island is an 86-acre island purchased by Hiram Walker in 1883.

Walker used the island as a summer home and his buildings included a stable, large home, greenhouse, and icehouse.

The property was sold in 1907. The City of Windsor acquired the land from the Province of Ontario in 1999.

It is now a naturalized park with walking trails, docking facilities and picnic tables.  Public washrooms are available.

According to Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Peche Island is a jewel in the City of Windsor.

“Since we first launched the boat service in 2018, residents have been able to enjoy a quick and easy way to tour this incredible park each summer. Although the pandemic caused a short shutdown of this service, I’m glad we can now safely welcome back the community and offer a chance to explore this protected natural area.”

Tours are scheduled to begin this week and will be available every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday (weather permitting) until early October. Tours begin each day at 10:00 a.m. and the last ride to the island takes place at 2:00 p.m. A maximum of six riders can travel each voyage, with up to two trips crossing each hour.

Tours leave from Lakeview Park Marina on the hour and return from Peche Island on the half-hour.  Lakeview Park Marina is located at 9200 Riverside Drive East in Windsor.  Cost for the round trip is $7.75 per person with the exception of children under the age of three who may ride for free.

Anyone interested can reserve a spot by calling (519) 255-1161. Pets and larger personal items such as bikes are not permitted due to safety and capacity concerns. Guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to sign a waiver, review a safety video, and be fitted for a personal flotation device (PFD), which is required to wear on the boat.

Click here to learn more about Peche Island.