One of Windsor’s oldest attractions is ready for tour business.

Peche Island has a long and storied history but until now, has been inaccessible to anyone without means of water transportation.

Funding from Windsor city council has paid for a boat and trained staff.

City officials say the island is spruced up and the nature lovers paradise is ready for visits.

Tours begin June 27 and will conclude on Oct. 3.

The boat will operate Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, out of Lakeview Marina at 9200 Riverside Dr. E.

The first shuttle will depart Lakeview Park Marina at 10 a.m. and will continue every hour on the hour until the last departure from the marina at 2 p.m.

Boat rides cost $5. Kids under 2 years old are free. 

Mayor Drew Dilkens gave members of the media a tour of the island on Monday.

Anyone interested in a tour is advised to call 519-948-3383 to book their seat. Waivers are mandatory and can be downloaded in advance from the Peche Island web page

Peche Island is an 86-acre island located on the Detroit River between Windsor and Detroit that was purchased by Hiram Walker in 1883.

Walker used the island for a summer place, and his buildings included a stable, large home, greenhouse, and icehouse.

The property was sold in 1907, and then the City of Windsor acquired the land from the Province of Ontario in 1999. It is now a naturalized park with walking trails.