Lee County [CA]

outdoor adventures | beaches & islands | arts & culture | family fun | dining & distilling

Fort Myers

When travellers conjure up dreamy thoughts of Florida, certain images are bound to flow into their minds: white-sand beaches, families enjoying each other’s company under sunny skies, fresh seafood bursting with flavour, and tranquil nature scenes. No other area of the Sunshine State delivers those types of experiences better than the islands, beaches and neighbourhoods of Fort Myers. From the soft sands of Sanibel and Captiva Islands to the silent solitude of nature parks and fine food offerings, it’s Florida at its finest. Here’s a look at some great activities you can take part in this region of the state, which is oh-so-easy to reach from Canada by car or airplane; multiple Canadian carriers fly into and out of Southwest Florida International Airport.

At J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island you can hike, bike or drive while observing birdlife including roseate spoonbills, migratory white pelicans and wood storks, and native plants and animals including vivid green frogs and Florida softshell turtles. Other great nature parks include Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, where the only sounds you’re likely to hear are the warbling of tiny birds and the wind tickling the fronds of a palm tree.

Manatees are massive, gentle creatures who can sometimes be found in the warm waters around Fort Myers. Manatee and Eco River Tours offer boat rides to see these amazing animals. Looking to spark some romance? They also have sunset tours.

Quiet nature

Magical manatees

Boating excursions, sailing trips, eco-cruises and charters on the blue-green waters around Fort Myers offer a great way to relax and enjoy the area’s beautiful nature at a slow pace. There’s a good chance you’ll spot dolphins or other wildlife on trips like this one (pictured) from Adventures in Paradise.

Come sail away

a southwest Florida paradise

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Sanibel and Captiva Islands are quiet places of refuge in a busy world. The islands had some damage from Hurricane Ian last year, but many businesses are up and running again. Captiva and Sanibel are known to have some of the best seashell collecting in the world. Mind you, on most days the only hunting you need to do is to look down at your feet. Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel Island is one of the top stretches of sand in the region; the Gulf-side beach is currently open while the bayside undergoes repairs.

Seashell central

Wasting away again

If you grab a ride to super laid-back Cabbage Key, you might spy a pod of dolphins swimming in the wake of the boat. Check out the Cabbage Key Inn restaurant, where visitors tack up thousands of dollar bills on the walls and ceiling. If you’re looking for true seclusion, try a charter boat ride to a quiet island and enjoy feeling like a castaway.

Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island and the attractive town of Boca Grande are both old-school delights, where time has nearly stood still. The Gasparilla Inn & Club is a gorgeous hotel that has been frequented by American presidents and celebrities for decades. There’s also great shopping and an excellent golf course designed by renowned architect Pete Dye.

The Williams Academy Black History Museum is a fine place to learn about the area’s rich Black history. The original Williams Academy built-in 1912 was Lee County’s first government-funded school for black students. Today visitors can learn about Black culture and history in the region, such as the Black Union troops who defended the fort at Fort Myers against the Confederates in the U.S. Civil War.

Black history

Art and music

Downtown, the Fort Myers River District offers monthly art walks, where you can check a variety of wonderful artists, and go on regular live music walks, with musicians of all types and styles. Art Walk is every first Friday evening of the month, while Music Walk is every third Friday evening of the month.

Memorable history

Fort Myers is the home of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford used to go to escape northern winters. It is a beautiful waterfront property where you can learn not only about the two men’s inventions, but also how Edison loved to fish and how Ford was quite a dancer. The 8.5-hectare garden is first-class, too, with gleaming pink orchids, a massive India fig tree, and much more.

Shoppers will love the dozens of stores at the Miromar Outlets, including Adidas, Kate Spade, J. Crew, and Saks off Fifth. There’s also wall-climbing for kids, a shady children’s playground, and more than a dozen food outlets that serve up everything from macarons to pasta and craft beer.

Shopping sensations

Use your imagination

The IMAG History and Science Center is a hands-on science and aquarium museum where you can learn about Native American culture, build a mini roller coaster, watch a movie in a 3-D theatre, and feed a stingray in a new touch tank that’s slated to open in late November. Don’t forget to check out the bearded dragon!

Something for everyone

There are plenty of great parks for kids of all ages in Fort Myers. Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park features everything from zip lines to go-karts, as well as an arcade and mini-golf. The Sun Splash Family Water Park is a 10-hectare facility that offers water slides for all ages, and a lazy river.

White pelicans at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Outdoor adventures

Beaches & islands

Arts & culture

Family fun

Black crowned night heron at Six Mile Cypress Slough

Birdwatching at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Plan your trip

Great Calusa Blueway

Sanibel Island

Back Streets at 47th Terrace, Cape Coral

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Dolphins surfacing

Lunch at Cabbage Key

Seashells on Sanibel Island

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Music Walk in downtown Fort Myers

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Sun Splash Family Water Park

IMAG History and Science Center

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Reffen Street Food Market Photo credits: Lukas Bukoven (left); Reffen - Copenhagen Street Food (right)

The BLOX Building (left); The Black Diamond (right) Photo credit: Daniel Rasmussen

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Dining & distilling

Crazy Dingo Brewing Company makes fine ales in Fort Myers. The brewery is surrounded by a farm, and they use fresh, local ingredients to help brew their beer. Coastal Dayz Brewery is a great downtown spot with a fine patio, so you can enjoy the Florida sunshine. Enjoy a tour or tasting at the small-batch List Distillery, home to Mr. Tom's Spirits, with a range including vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, whiskey and cream liqueurs made using locally sourced, natural ingredients.

Craft beer & distilleries

The BLOX Building (left); The Black Diamond (right) Photo credit: Daniel Rasmussen

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Upscale dining

The Veranda offers classic dishes in a lovely setting that evokes the American south. You can find everything from pistachio-crusted Sea Bass to rack of New Zealand lamb to chicken with a Cajun beurre blanc. On slow-paced Gasparilla Island, the old-time Gasparilla Inn has a four-course, traditional heritage dining experience.

Reffen Street Food Market Photo credits: Lukas Bukoven (left); Reffen - Copenhagen Street Food (right)

The Veranda

Waterfront wonders

The Mucky Duck is a fun, British-style pub on Captiva Island, with tables plunked directly in the island’s famous white sand. Kids can run freely or play in the sand while they wait for their meal, and the sunsets are bound to boost your relaxation meter readings. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill is a vibrant, open-air bar and grill that features live music and views of Salty Sam’s Marina and Matanzas Harbor. Parrotheads take note: A new Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is opening this winter.

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Kayaking on the Great Calusa Blueway (left); Manatee (right)

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (left); Boca Grande (right) Lighthouse photo credit: Brian Tietz

The Mucky Duck

outdoor adventures | beaches & islands | arts & culture | family fun | dining & distilling