Park regulations

Point Pelee National Park

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Regulations

Report violations

If you see something suspicious, do not hesitate, report it. Your information and participation contributes to the protection of this special place for all visitors.

Contact Emergency Dispatch 24/7 toll free 1-877-852-3100.

National Parks are unique places and therefore require unique rules and persons to enforce them.

Laws are designed to protect you, the visitor, and also the Park for enjoyment by future generations. It is your responsibility to be aware of the laws. If you have any questions please contact the Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre.

Park Wardens are Federal Peace Officers responsible for the protection of the National Park, and preservation and maintenance of public peace. Their primary responsibility is enforcement of the National Parks Act, however, they also enforce Criminal Code, such as liquor and highway regulations among others.

Breaking the law in a National Park can result in eviction, a ticket or even arrest. Canadian National Park offences can carry heavy fines and could result in jail time or restitution. For some offences, such as poaching or pollution, fines can be in excess of $250,000. View a complete listing of the Canada National Parks Act.

What you need to know about

Activity restrictions

There are a number of outdoor activities that require a permit. Check with Point Pelee National Park prior to engagement of non-traditional, unusual or commercial activities.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol within the Park is only allowed at registered campsites. Alcohol is NOT ALLOWED at beaches, day use areas or on trails.

Area closures and restrictions

Occasionally, area closures and other restrictions are required to protect Park resources and for visitor safety considerations. Closures are enforceable by law. These closures will be posted at the trailheads, access points, park offices, and information centres. Information on closures will be posted as an alert on our main page.

Boating

Only non-motorized watercrafts are permitted within the PPNP marsh. Each occupant/passenger requires a life vest and safety equipment. Drinking and boating is illegal, similar to drinking and driving.

If you are planning to visit the beach area by boat via Lake Erie, a day-pass must be purchased from the front gate. Boaters are not permitted within 100 metres from the Tip. Swimming at the tip is very dangerous and not permitted. Anchoring off the tip and swimming to shore can result in a $10,000 fine.

Boaters are encouraged to be courteous to fellow beach goers by visiting the ‘edges’ of the shore, where beachgoers can be avoided. Do not block swimming access on shore.

Camping

Camping is allowed at Camp Henry at the oTENTik Village only. All other camping or overnight stay - including sleeping in a vehicle - in roadside pullouts, trailheads, and day-use areas is not allowed. The permit holder for the campsite is responsible for the site, including cleanliness, noise levels, and actions of visitors. All campers must adhere to the permit conditions.

Please be advised Group Camping is available at certain locations during the Festival of Birds. Please contact 519-322-2365 ext. 0 for details.

You can ensure that you are a good neighbour and guarantee a good camping experience by respecting and adhering to the following conditions:

oTENTik Village permit conditions

  • Noise – Excessive noise in the park at any time is not allowed.
  • Washing dishes – Dish washing stations are available at the comfort stations.
  • Accessing facilities – Please use pathways to access oTENTik Village facilities. Cutting through a neighbouring site will disturb other campers and may cause damage to fragile vegetation.
  • Recycling – Bottles and cans can be recycled near the Camp Henry Office.
  • Garbage – Help keep the park clean by disposing non-recyclable items into marked garbage receptacles.
  • Pack in, Pack out – we encourage you to "Pack In, Pack Out," and to not leave anything behind after your stay.
  • Vehicles – Vehicles staying overnight must be registered to a campsite. Campsite reservations include parking for 1 vehicle only. This vehicle can be parked at the general Camp Henry parking lot. Additional vehicles must be registered at Camp Henry and can be parked at the north end of West Beach parking area.
  • No cooking or food preparation is allowed inside the accommodation.
  • Smoking is not permitted within the accommodation.
  • Campfires are only permitted in your fire pit.
  • Pets are not permitted in the campground.
  • Sites must be vacated by 11 a.m.
  • oTENTik sites are accessed by foot. Visitors may park a maximum of 1 vehicle in the campground parking lot, 1 other inside the park within walking distance. Carts are provided to transport camping equipment to your site.
  • In addition to camping fees, all campers must pay the park entry fee upon arrival at the campground. Please see our website for pass options.
  • Cell phone coverage varies based on service provider.

Noise and park enjoyment

You are not allowed to interfere with the quiet enjoyment of the park by other visitors, during any part of the day or night. This includes loud music and shouting in campgrounds, and/or in day use areas.

Please remember, even quiet conversations can carry through a forested area. Please report disturbances to park staff.

Cannabis

Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is your responsibility to understand federal, provincial, and municipal regulations for cannabis use. At Point Pelee National Park, smoking and vaping of any substance is prohibited within 20 metres of playgrounds, public buildings, shelters, and viewing towers; inside oTENTik accommodations, on the park shuttle and at shuttle drop-off points.

Learn more about Cannabis use and National Parks

Day-use areas

Day-use areas, such as beaches and picnic sites, are open during park hours only. They are not for camping or gatherings at night. Liquor is not allowed at day-use areas. Barbecues are provided, however, visitors must provide their own charcoal.

Use of drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) are increasing in popularity for hobbyists, photographers, and businesses. Flying drones in a National Park is not permitted.

Learn more about the use of drones in the park 

E-bikes

E-Bikes are not allowed on any park trails.

Mobility Scooters are allowed on trails.

For Parks Canada‘s full definition on e-bikes, visit: parkscanada.gc.ca/ebikes

Share the trails
Be wildlife aware.
Follow proper trail etiquette.
Ride within your capability.

Learn more about cycling in the park

Fire

Illegal fires pose a serious threat to the park and facilities. Fires are only allowed in proper designated, metal fire pits while staying at Camp Henry or while renting the Northwest Beach Pavilion, which comes equipped with fire ring. Do not collect deadfall or cut branches for fires. Use park purchased or provided firewood only. Never leave a fire unattended. Be sure to put it out before you leave.

Please keep your campfire safe for you and the environment by following these rules:

  • Keep fires small – To reduce their impact on the environment, fires must be contained within the designated metal fire pits provided and be kept to a reasonable size. It is illegal to start a fire outside of a designated location.
  • Use firewood provided – Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive insects and disease. Do not burn garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning. Dead wood provides important habitat for many park species.
  • Never leave a fire unattended – Fires must be attended at all times.
  • BBQs – Charcoal barbeques are allowed and can be found throughout the park. Visitors must bring their own charcoal. Please extinguish and dispose of cold coals and ash properly.

Fireworks

Use of fireworks, or any type of explosive, is not permitted within a National Park.

Fishing

As part of Point Pelee National Park's ongoing marsh restoration efforts and to protect the species at risk, recreational fishing in the marsh is prohibited.

Litter

You are not allowed to litter or leave food or other attractant where wildlife can access it. All food and garbage must be stored or disposed of in animal-proof containers. We encourage you to pack in pack out.

Middle Island Visitation

Middle Island is an 18.5 ha island that is part of Point Pelee National Park and is the southernmost part of Canada. The island is managed as “Zone I - Special Preservation” area, which is the most protected classification in Parks Canada’s zoning system. Visitation is strictly prohibited between March 1 and September 1 each year. There is no tour access. There are no visitor services on the island (no docks, no shelters, no washrooms). Please contact Point Pelee National Park staff at our visitor centre to learn more about Middle Island.

Metal Detection Devices

Metal detection devices are never permitted in the park. Pursuant to the Superintendent authority designated under Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, the following notice is in effect:

  • The use of a metal detector is designated as prohibited in Point Pelee National Park.
  • All areas of Point Pelee National Park, including beaches, are covered under this prohibition.

Natural and historic objects

It is illegal to collect plants, mushrooms, berries, animals, animal parts (including antlers), fossils, driftwood, rocks, signs and any historic or natural object.

If you believe you have found something significant, leave the item in place and report your finding to the nearest Parks office. Please leave these natural items for others to enjoy as well.

Off-road driving / Parking

Vehicles must remain on hardened surfaces, paved and gravel roads. The use of ATVs’, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, or other off-road vehicles is not allowed. Vehicles must be parked in designated parking spots marked with a parking bumper.

Pets

All domestic animals must be kept under physical control (i.e. on a leash or in suitable confinement) and not become a nuisance. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to leave your pet unattended in your car. If left unattended, the animal may be impounded. Allowing your pet to chase, injure or disturb any wild animal or visitor in the Park is an offence. Remember to clean up after your pet.

Swimming at the Tip

Swimming at the Tip is strictly prohibited. The tip area includes all areas south of the Tip exhibit area. Swimming at the tip is a fineable offence up to $10,000.

Even wading in the water at the tip can be very dangerous due to strong currents. For a safe visit to the tip area follow these guidelines:

  • Do not swim or wade at the tip
  • Stay on dry sand or forest edge to ensure safety
  • Keep a close eye on children while visiting the tip area

If you see visitors in the water at the tip, please notify park staff immediately.

Wildlife viewing

DO NOT entice, touch, harass or feed wild animals in the park. Pursuing animals with cameras is considered harassment. Animal behaviour is unpredictable and could result in injury if they are not given enough space.

Obstructing traffic is an offence and a hazard to other motorists. Pull over in designated pullouts only for viewing wildlife. Learn more about wildlife photography.

We need your help

If you see something suspicious, do not hesitate, report it. Record the following information and contact Emergency Dispatch 24/7 780-852-6155 or toll free 1-877-852-3100. You can drop this information off at any Parks Canada office.

  • Date
  • Time occurred
  • Location (road, trail day use area)
  • What happened (offence believe occurred)
  • Licence plate (include province)
  • Vehicle description (make, model, color)
  • Number of persons, age, description (gender, race, hair, height, clothes)
  • Identifying features (dents, stickers)
  • Other notes

Please report any activity such as fishing offences, vehicle off-roading, littering or polluting, removal of artifacts, damage to plants, poaching, feeding and harassment of animals and public liquor use.

This is only a summary of some common regulations governing National Parks and has no legal status.

Your information and participation contributes to the protection of this special place for all visitors. Your information will remain anonymous. If you are willing to assist further please provide your name, address, and phone number.

Visit the Canada National Parks Act for a complete list of regulations.

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