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Point
Pelee
Watching the Monarch Migration
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Outdoor Adventure Canada
Autumn
has arrived and many of us have already started to put out outdoor
gear into storage for the winter months that loom ahead. This
is a great time to go on a weekend getaway that allows us to enjoy
the outdoors by day and relax in comfort in the evening.
A fascinating
weekend trip takes us to Point Pelee National Park. Pelee is located
near Leamington, Ontario and is the southern most tip of Canada.
The southern location combined with the "lake effect"
climate makes this an important ecological region for Canada.
The area is generally warmer throughout the year and the area
is known as a Carolinian zone. There are 70 species of tress and
more types of reptiles, insects and amphibians than anywhere else
in Canada. Point Pelee is also the resting place for hundreds
of thousands of Monarch Butterflies.
The butterflies
are drawn from the milkweed fields in Ontario to the tip of the
park as they migrate to Mexico. The reason they stop is to wait
until favorable conditions permit them to continue ther 3000 km
journey south to the mountains of Central Mexico. The
migration usually occurs between late August and early October
with the peak in September. The tip of Point Pelee is considered
the best spot to view the Monarchs.
 Bring
along your binoculars and search the trees. If you are patient
you will see trees laden with countless butterflies waiting to
resume their flight. Poor weather and cold fronts often cause
the Monarchs to congregate. The optimum time to view these beauties
is in the early morning.
Accommodations
can be made at local bed and breakfasts. If you have the chance
to view this extraordinary event bring a camera as it offers excellent
photographic opportunities. If you happen to miss the narrow time
frame don't worry because the birding opportunities and wineries
make Point Pelee a wonderful experience at any time of year.
For
more articles please view the archives.
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