MV Pelee Islander & MV Pelee Islander II
From the Ontario mainland to the beaches and vineyards of Pelee Island and across the Canada-United States border, our Pelee Island fleet offers a vital connection across the waters of Lake Erie. Learn about the storied MV Pelee Islander and the modern MV Pelee Islander II, from their history and technical specs to essential onboard amenities and beyond.
Quick Facts
MV Pelee Islander
- Pelee Island ↔ Sandusky
- Crossing Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
- Capacity: 196 passengers, 10 vehicles
- Size: 44 meters (144 feet) long with a 11.5-meter (38-foot) beam
- Maximum Service Speed: 12 knots
MV Pelee Islander II
- Leamington/Kingsville ↔ Pelee Island
- Crossing Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Capacity: 399 passengers, 34 vehicles
- Size: 67 meters (220 feet) long with a 15-meter (49-foot) beam
- Maximum Service Speed: 13 knots
Onboard Amenities
Enjoy a snack from our onboard canteens while taking in the sights and sounds of scenic Lake Erie from open-air viewing decks on MV Pelee Islander and MV Pelee Islander II.
History of the MV Pelee Islander & MV Pelee Islander II
Launched in 1960, the original MV Pelee Islander was built by the federal government to replace the aging SS Pelee. For over 60 years, it has served as the primary link between Pelee Island, the Ontario mainland, and Sandusky, Ohio.
Its sister ship, the MV Pelee Islander II, was commissioned in the mid-2010s in response to surging demand from the island’s thriving tourism and agricultural industries. Built by Asenav Shipyards, the vessel officially entered service in 2019, effectively doubling the capacity of the original MV Pelee Islander.
Pelee Island Ferries FAQ
Yes. There is a Pay Parking lot situated at the Kingsville and Leamington Terminals.
Passengers travelling across the Canada-United States border must have proper identification (e.g. valid passport, birth certificate, visa waiver) or they may be refused passage. Customs offices are located on Pelee Island and in Sandusky when you disembark the ship. For the most up-to-date information on entry requirements to the United States, check out the Canada Border Services Agency website here.
In the event that a ferry crossing or multiple crossings are cancelled due to unsafe weather, or a mechanical issue with the ferry, we do our very best to re-book passengers with vehicle reservations onto the next available ferry crossing that has space available. If on next crossing is limited, stand-by will be offered as an option. We also add ferry crossings to the extent that legal and safe working hours of work allow, and are usually successful in moving all affected passengers within 24-36 hours of the cancellation event.