London 
Peche Island is located on the Detroit River, just off the coast of the City of Windsor.
Credit: Essex Region Conservation
At only 86 acres in area, it is a rather small island that is currently uninhabited. The only access throughout the island is by boat, and there are a few walking trails.
Hiram Walker, the founder of Hiram Walker & Sons distillery, purchased Peche Island during his lifetime, where he would often vacation before it was sold in 1907. The island, which was an Ontario provincial park, is now maintained by the City of Windsor, which purchased it from the Government of Ontario in 1999.
On its northern shore, the Detroit River plays host to thousand-foot ships which pass by the island, and Peche Island’s shores offer fantastic views of Detroit, Michigan.
For those looking for a day’s escape from Windsor or from Southwestern Ontario this summer, Peche Island offers a great getaway!
Here are a few ways to explore Peche Island this summer:
Boat Trip to Peche Island
The City of Windsor, which maintains the island, offers boat transportation to the Island, and you are free to brave the inland trails yourself.
Boat transportation, which begins from Lakeview Park Marina in Windsor, costs $13.00 per person.
These run on select dates from June 20 to September 26, 2026. Tours are available Saturdays in late June, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from July 4 to August 29, Fridays and Saturdays from September 4 to 12, and Saturdays on September 19 and 26. Boat service runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with final return at 2 p.m.
To book tours, call (519) 255-1161 or email CRBC@citywindsor.ca. Pets, bikes and other large equipment are not allowed on the six-passenger boat.
Guided Tours
Discover Peche Island guided tours run Fridays and Saturdays from July 4 to August 29, 2026. Each tour takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Led by a tour boat captain and interpretive guide, guests enjoy scenic views and learn about the island’s cultural history, from Indigenous roots to becoming a Windsor park. The tour includes a one-hour island stop with a 2-kilometre walk along a rustic trail.
Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, bug spray, photo ID, a bag, a reusable water bottle, and binoculars. Register by 4:30 p.m. the day before by emailing CRBC@citywindsor.ca or calling 519-255-1161
Peche Island Tours
The Walking Trails
One of the things that the City of Windsor has done spectacularly well since purchasing the island is to create a multitude of walking trails that both hug the beautiful coastline and explore the inland areas of Peche Island.
Much of the walking trail on Peche Island is shorter—less than 10km in length—and natural, meaning it has plenty of rocky surfaces and is near trees and vegetation.
Facilities on the Island include picnic tables and washrooms.
Bring Your Kayak or Canoe!
Exploring Peche Island doesn’t just have to be done on foot! Its waterways are perfect for canoeing and kayaking! While most of the waters of the Detroit River are not suitable for kayaking, don’t do it if you are a novice. The Canadian Coast Guard will have to rescue you, but that shouldn’t stop you from bringing your canoe or kayak to test out the waters inland, which are much calmer.
You can also paddle on your own to the Island from Shanfield Shores Park.
