Climate
Point Pelee lies within a climatic zone classified as humid continental. Rapid and non-periodic weather changes are characteristic of the zone that is strongly influenced by seasonal conflict between polar and tropical air masses. The climate of Southwestern Ontario is one of the most variable in Canada. Surrounding Lake Erie greatly modifies the climate of the Park and exerts a stabilizing effect. In autumn, lake waters cool more slowly than the land and in spring, the land warms faster than the water. The influence of the lake is most evident during winter when low temperatures are raised above the average lows further inland. The mean January temperature of Leamington and Pelee Island is -3°C, 27°F the warmest in Ontario. The July mean temperature of 23°C 73°F is the highest in Ontario. Lake Erie increases humidity in the region and humidity in the Park is probably greater than that experienced by the rest of Ontario.
Flora and fauna
Point Pelee National Park is known for its many species of butterflies, some of which are found nowhere else in Canada. It is also well known as a birdwatching location.
Landscape
The park is completely located a narrow peninsula, a large portion of which is wetland.
History
Bird migration was the reason Point Pelee became a national park in 1918 and has since garnered international recognition as an âImportant Bird Areaâ and a UNESCO designated âWetland of International Significanceâ. While significant breeding birds call the park home, Point Pelee's greatest importance is to migratory species moving through in spring and fall.