Situated in southern Ontario, nestled alongside the Detroit River, Windsor is arguably one of many province’s most ignored and underrated locations. The realm provides a wealthy historical past, lovely waterfront views, award-winning wineries, and a thriving arts scene if you recognize the place to go. There really is one thing for everybody.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a enjoyable getaway just a few quick hours from Toronto, look no additional. Begin planning your new highway journey with our checklist of 17 issues to do in Windsor, Ontario.
Historical past of Windsor, Ontario
- Windsor was first settled in 1728, making it the oldest steady European settlement in Ontario.
- The primary settlers established a Jesuit mission close to present-day Assumption Church.
- Sandwich City, the primary city settlement within the space, was established by the British in 1797.
- From the early 1800s till the Emancipation Proclamation and the top of authorized slavery, Windsor/Essex performed an integral position within the Underground Railroad. The Sandwich First Baptist Church was the primary cease in Canada for a lot of slave households fleeing over the border.
- In 1836, a daily ferry service was established, travelling from Detroit to the foot of Ouellette Avenue, resulting in the event of present-day Windsor.
- The Hiram Walker and Sons Distillery was established in 1858. Along with the distillery, an entire firm city was established with homes, farms, and shops. This could grow to be Walkerville.
- Windsor was initially known as Ford Metropolis as a result of its shut ties to the event of Windsor’s Ford Plant. The city was later renamed East Windsor.
- The Metropolis of Windsor was shaped in 1935 by amalgamating Windsor, Sandwich, Est Windsor, and Walkerville. Riverside, Ojibway, and elements of Sandwich townships would grow to be a part of the town within the Nineteen Sixties.
Learn how to Get to Windsor/Essex, Ontario
For these occupied with making the journey from Toronto to Windsor, there are a number of totally different transportation choices to go well with each schedule, price range, and choice.
How far is Windsor from Toronto? The drive will solely take roughly 4 hours, relying on visitors in the event you journey alongside ON-401 W. Nonetheless, this route can really feel flat and uneventful for individuals who like driving to benefit from the surroundings. Fortunately, you possibly can discover many enjoyable locations alongside the way in which with out going far off the freeway, together with Milton, Guelph, Kitchener, Woodstock, and plenty of extra. It is a nice approach to break up an in any other case monotonous drive.
Whether or not you don’t have a automobile or just wish to get pleasure from your journey with out driving, there are a number of public transit choices. If you happen to’re occupied with taking the bus, journeys from Toronto to Windsor with FlixBus begin at simply $32 a method. The journey will take simply over 6 hours, with stops alongside the way in which. You may as well journey with VIA Rail beginning at $55 a method. This shortens the timeline barely, with the route taking roughly 4 hours and quarter-hour.
Air journey is the quickest method from level A to level B, however it’ll include the best price ticket. A number of airways fly from Toronto to Windsor, with tickets beginning at $306 for a spherical journey.
Finest Motels in Windsor, Ontario
After deciding how you’ll get to Windsor, Ontario, it’s time to think about the place you’ll keep. There are a lot of choices for lodging within the metropolis of Windsor and all through Essex County, starting from trendy motels to distinctive Airbnb leases like a wine barrel houseboat floating on the river within the coronary heart of wine nation. With so many choices, it could possibly shortly really feel overwhelming. To assist slim your checklist, listed here are 3 of the very best motels in Windsor, Ontario, primarily based on our current visits to the town:
Caesars Windsor Lodge & On line casino
377 Riverside Dr E
Caesar’s Windsor Lodge, related to the on line casino, combines luxurious and luxury. The rooms supply distinctive views of the town or the Detroit River, relying on which aspect of the towers you’re located. There are two towers – Discussion board Tower, which is adult-only (19+) and Augustus Tower, which welcomes guests of all ages. Along with the comfort of the on line casino being simply steps away, which incorporates eating places, retailers, and different sights, the lodge additionally provides a phenomenal adults-only pool.
With so many issues to do inside the constructing, you possibly can simply get pleasure from a weekend with out ever needing to go away the on line casino property. Nonetheless, in the event you’re on the lookout for extra to do, it’s conveniently positioned downtown throughout from the Competition Plaza and simply steps from the Windsor Sculpture Park.
Vacation Inn Specific Windsor Waterfront
33 Riverside Drive East
One other welcoming Windsor lodge that provides views of the Detroit River from some rooms is the Vacation Inn Specific Windsor Waterfront. This lodge is positioned a brief stroll from the on line casino, making it an important possibility for these planning to see a live performance on the on line casino or exploring the world however trying to find extra budget-friendly lodging. Vacation Inn Specific Windsor Waterfront provides pet-friendly rooms for these travelling with their furry members of the family.
Guests can begin their day with the free on-site breakfast. Whereas there aren’t any eating places inside the lodge, its handy downtown location means you’re a quick distance from a number of nice eating places, breweries, bars, and pubs.
Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Windsor
1840 Huron Church Highway
Situated on Huron Church Highway, only a stone’s throw from the Ambassador Bridge, Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Windsor is a wonderful possibility for these exploring Windsor/Essex in addition to those that could also be persevering with their trip with a visit into the US. The rooms are mild and ethereal, adorned with a enjoyable pop of color.
The lodge has a heated indoor pool and scorching tub, surrounded by home windows to make you’re feeling such as you’re exterior with out worrying in regards to the parts (particularly in the event you’re travelling throughout the winter months). Guests are supplied with a complimentary scorching breakfast. You’ll be able to entry a number of shops, eating places, and low retailers inside strolling distance. Hottest Windsor sights, together with Windsor’s downtown space, are a brief drive (or bus journey) away.
Plan an Epic Highway Journey with These 17 Issues to Do in Windsor, Ontario (and the Surrounding Space)
Are you prepared to start out planning your itinerary? Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, occupied with studying about Windsor’s position within the Underground Railway, or an arts fanatic seeking to uncover the abilities of native artists, this metropolis has lots to supply. After visiting the town many instances, we have now had the chance to go to most of the hottest areas whereas additionally discovering hidden gems treasured by those that name this metropolis dwelling.
As you create your schedule, take a look at these festivals, occasions, and sights in Windsor, Ontario:
Windsor Sculpture Park
Situated alongside the riverfront, Windsor Sculpture Park is an out of doors gallery that options over 30 large-scale works of latest artwork. The sculptures are put in alongside the paved strolling paths from the Ambassador Bridge and Competition Plaza. As a public park house, the works are free to view. It’s a phenomenal approach to spend a day checking the distinctive work of world-renowned artists whereas having fun with the view of Detroit throughout the river.
If you wish to be taught extra in regards to the works and the proficient artists liable for creating them, you possibly can view an entire checklist with particulars on the Metropolis of Windsor web site. We extremely suggest opening this information in your cellphone and taking a self-guided tour, taking the time to learn in regards to the artists as you stand in entrance of their unbelievable creations.
The Hiram Walker Distillery
2072 Riverside Dr E
A necessary a part of Windsor’s historical past, the Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery was based in 1858. The unique distillery was positioned within the space now often known as Walkerville. Actually, Hiram Walker was liable for creating the distillery and founding the city of Walkerville. He and his household have been additionally concerned within the growth of many different essential areas all through the world, together with:
- Windsor Regional Metropolitan Hospital
- The unique Essex Golf Membership
- Walkerville Collegiate Institute
- King Edward Elementary Faculty
- Walkerville Technical Institute
- St Mary’s Anglican Church
- The Windsor Airport (previously Walkerville Airport)
In 1918, Detroit was the primary main metropolis in the US to implement Prohibition. With Windsor conveniently positioned throughout the river, it’s estimated that roughly 75% of all unlawful liquor that was provided to People throughout this time handed via the Windsor/Detroit waterways.
Because of his important position in Windsor’s historical past, Hiram Walker was named an individual of Canadian Nationwide Historic Significance in 1971.
Whereas the distillery as soon as provided excursions and tastings, the corporate has since introduced that they might now not be accessible. Nonetheless, they nonetheless host occasions like Whisky Mixing Class and different whisky-themed masterclasses. A retail storefront is open to the general public on Fridays.
Olde Walkerville Neighbourhood
Initially often known as “Walker’s City,” Walkerville was based by Hiram Walker in 1890. It started as established properties for Walker’s many staff together with a church and faculty to assist their rising households. Over time, the city welcomed many various companies and industries, together with turning into an integral a part of Windsor’s automotive trade. Ford Motor Firm of Canada, Chrysler, and Basic Motors would all open vegetation within the city.
Strolling via the world at present feels such as you’re stepping again in time with its many historic properties and buildings. Some historic buildings value testing embrace Willistead Manor (extra on that subsequent), St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Tivoli Theatre, the Financial institution of Montreal Constructing, and the Barclay Constructing (previously Walkerville City Corridor).
Willistead Manor
1899 Niagara St
Inbuilt 1906, Willistead Manor was the house of Hiram Walker’s second son, Edward Chandler Walker. The 36-room mansion was constructed on a 15-acre property, creating an unbelievably spectacular presence within the historic city. The constructing was designed by well-respected Detroit architect Albert Kahn and constructed utilizing grey limestone quarried within the close by city of Amherstburg, hand-cut on-site particularly for the venture.
Edward and his spouse, Mary Elizabeth Griffin Walker, solely lived in the home for a short while till Edward died in 1915. Mary then deeded the manor to the city of Walkerville in 1921.
Public excursions of the mansion can be found in July and December annually, with the December excursions that includes beautiful vacation decorations all through the property. Additionally it is a well-liked venue for weddings, receptions, conferences, and different occasions.
Caesars Windsor Lodge & On line casino
377 Riverside Dr E
Along with a phenomenal lodge, Caesar’s Windsor is a superb place for a enjoyable getaway. The on line casino options 85 desk video games and 1738 slot machines, providing loads of alternatives to win large. In addition they host poker tournaments each Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.
There may be rather more to do on-site than simply gaming. Browse a number of luxurious boutiques and retailers, watch the sport at The Home Sports activities Lounge, get pleasure from reside music at one of many on line casino bars or dance the evening away at Ariius Nightclub. When it comes time to eat, there are a number of totally different eating places to select from, starting from the high-end menu at Nero’s Steakhouse to a fast chew on the go from Café 377.
One of many greatest causes to go to is the numerous live shows at Caesar’s Windsor, which occur within the property’s leisure venue, The Colosseum. Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from performances from among the world’s hottest acts and massive names. Examine the occasion calendar when you recognize your journey dates to see if there’s a present that catches your consideration. Some upcoming performances when scripting this embrace Scotty McCreery, Mariana’s Trench, The Tenors, Blue Rodeo, and Stroll off the Earth.
Canadian Aviation Museum
2600 Airport Rd
An attention-grabbing Windsor attraction it’s possible you’ll not have heard about beforehand is the Canadian Aviation Museum. The museum is positioned on the Windsor Worldwide Airport, within the unique hanger of #7 Elementary Flying Coaching Faculty, a part of the British Commonwealth Air Coaching Plan. The hanger served as an lively coaching facility from 1940 to 1944.
Right here, you possibly can see artifacts and historic plane, all displayed in instructional displays designed to assist the general public higher perceive the historical past of aviation in Canada and globally. They host guided excursions, demonstrations, and academic programming. The Wes Bridgen Archive room lets you learn tales straight from British and Canadian veterans over time.
Along with their static shows, the museum additionally maintains a fleet of flyable historic plane piloted by volunteer pilots in airshows to succeed in aviation fanatics close to and much. You may as well ebook an “Honour Flight” in a de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, Boeing Stearman biplane, or Harvard beginning at $99.
Essex Barrels, Bottles and Brews Path
Windsor/Essex is dwelling to many unbelievable craft breweries and distilleries, making it an important place for a romantic getaway or a calming weekend together with your closest pals. When you might merely select a location and cease by for the afternoon, the Barrels, Bottles, and Brews Path is a enjoyable possibility that encourages you to completely expertise the area.
This Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island program highlights 2 distilleries and 11 craft breweries in Windsor, Ontario and the encompassing Essex County area. This self-guided tour is obtainable as a digital passport or “Flight Log.” After buying, the passport will be redeemed for tastings on the collaborating areas. If you happen to’re visiting for a short while, you should purchase a 1-day passport legitimate for five tastings, or, for longer visits, a 7-day possibility is obtainable, which permits for 9 tastings over every week.
Whereas we have now been to and loved each location included on the path (you actually can’t go fallacious), one brewery that holds a particular place in our hearts is Walkerville Brewery. The primary incarnation of this brewery started operation in 1885. Whereas it has had a rollercoaster of highs and lows over time, together with declaring chapter in 2007 after which reopening beneath new possession, it has lengthy held a particular place within the historical past of Windsor’s craft beer scene.
Artwork within the Park
Are you planning a visit to Windsor/Essex in early June? In that case, you need to positively add Artwork within the Park to your itinerary. This common celebration devoted to celebrating the proficient artists and crafters within the space was first organized by the Artwork Gallery of Windsor in 1970. Annually since that date, occasion organizers invite artists, artisans, and artwork lovers to the beautiful grounds of Willistead Manor on the primary full weekend in June.
Artwork within the Park has grown yearly, making it one in all Ontario’s largest outside arts and crafts reveals. Right here, you’ll see native works alongside the unbelievable work of exhibitors from throughout Ontario and Quebec.
Along with the huge assortment of paintings and wares on show, the occasion additionally features a meals court docket supported by native high-end eating places. Refuel with a scrumptious meal and pair it with a glass of native wine or craft beer. There may be additionally reside music and a Youngsters Zone.
Little Italy District
Through Italy, generally known as Little Italy, is a must-see neighbourhood whenever you go to Windsor, Ontario. Right here, you’ll be met with a singular mix of Italian tradition and historical past, with quite a lot of retailers, cafes, and eating places, every impressed by the wealthy Italian heritage of those that constructed up this space.
Based within the early 1900s, the neighbourhood was designed to function a cultural hub for Italian immigrants and their descendants – permitting them to proceed honouring and celebrating their Italian roots. It has impressed the formation of a number of golf equipment and associations, every devoted to supporting and constructing this neighborhood additional.
The result’s a improbable vacation spot for an genuine Italian expertise inside the Windsor metropolis limits. We extremely suggest looking the charming retailers and stopping for a chew to eat in one of many many unbelievable eating places.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
277 King St, Amherstburg
As talked about, the Windsor/Essex space performed a significant position within the Underground Railroad and North American black historical past. The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is a non-profit museum based in 1975 to share the tales of African Canadians and their contributions to the nation. The property contains the museum itself, the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Tayor Log Cabin.
It initially operated because the North American Black Historic Museum, however the identify was modified to the Amherstburg Freedom Museum in 2015 when the museum celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Guests can take a guided or self-guided tour via the property and its many instructional displays. The property additionally hosts shows on matters of African Canadian Historical past and the Underground Railroad for college teams, golf equipment, and neighborhood organizations.
Fort Malden Nationwide Historic Web site
100 Laird Ave S, Amherstburg
The proximity of Windsor/Essex to the US border means the world performed a vital position within the Struggle of 1812. Fort Malden served as a stronghold for the British Military of their battle to guard Higher Canada. Because the People gained traction, the British troops evacuated and burned the fort to the bottom in September 1813. It was partially rebuilt and occupied by the American troopers in 1813-1815 earlier than returning to British management.
Within the early 1820s, the British slowly started to rebuild the fort, together with brick barracks, a guardhouse, a cookhouse, and an artillery shed. The connection between the British and the People began to enhance, however the peace within the space could be damaged with the Higher Canadian Rebel of 1837-38. With the top of the revolt, any plans for the fort have been shelved as troopers moved on and left the world behind.
The property was acquired by the province of Canada West and repurposed. It opened in 1859 because the Malden Lunatic Asylum, which operated till 1870.
Since then, the property has been used as a lumber yard and planning mill earlier than some elements of the property have been subdivided and used for personal residences. It was acknowledged as a Nationwide Historic Web site in 1921 and now serves as a chance to teach individuals about that point in Canadian historical past with excursions, demonstrations, and museum shows.
Detroit River Ford Fireworks
Arguably one of the vital common issues to do in Windsor, Ontario, the Detroit River Ford Fireworks is a spectacle that pulls guests from throughout North America. Placed on as a collaborative effort by the cities of Windsor and Detroit, that is extra than simply the conventional Windsor fireworks you see on different events all year long. It has been acknowledged as one of many largest and most spectacular fireworks reveals in Canada and the US.
The firework show options over 10,000 pyrotechnic results set off from barges on the Detroit River. The present is seen by 1000’s of spectators on either side of the river, with each Windsor and Detroit internet hosting sights and occasions alongside the riverfront. In Windsor, this features a halfway with rides and video games, meals vans, native leisure, and extra.
Journey Bay Household Water Park
401 Pitt St W
If you happen to’re trying to find issues to do with the children throughout your go to, Journey Bay Household Water Park must be on the prime of your checklist. This indoor water park is a superb possibility whatever the climate, making it appropriate for journey any time of yr. The waterpark is conveniently positioned downtown, simply steps away from eating places and different sights.
Right here, you’ll discover 5 waterslides, a surf simulator, a wave pool, and a lazy river. The Splash Zone incorporates a jungle gymnasium and big water-tipping bucket, creating the proper alternative for teenagers to run and play. For fogeys travelling with youthful children, the Tot Loch space options smaller-scale slides, a mini water bucket, and different sights particularly designed for secure play.
{Golfing} in Windsor/Essex
Windsor/Essex is dwelling to many private and non-private golf programs, making it the proper vacation spot for these whose concept of the proper trip entails spending the day on the inexperienced. The Tourism Windsor Essex Peele Island web site’s golf course listing options 21 programs. A few of the extra common programs embrace:
Whether or not you’re a seasoned golfer or a newbie seeking to be taught the sport, Windsor’s many golf programs guarantee everybody has choices!
Level Pelee Nationwide Park
1118 Level Pelee Dr, Leamington
Level Pelee Nationwide Park could also be Canada’s second-smallest nationwide park, however don’t let that idiot you. Situated simply exterior Leamington, Ontario, a brief drive from Windsor, Level Pelee is the proper vacation spot for mountain climbing, tenting, swimming, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, and extra. One of many park’s most attention-grabbing claims to fame is that the tip of the park is the southernmost level of mainland Canada.
It is a lovely place to discover, whatever the time of yr. The park provides a number of totally different trails, starting from an informal 0.5 km stroll alongside the Shuster Path to extra adventurous footpaths just like the Cactus Discipline Footpath and West Seashore Footpath. There are additionally 12 km of motorbike trails.
In the summertime, seashores will be discovered alongside the size of the peninsula. As temperatures drop, the water turns into too chilly for many guests to be occupied with taking a dip, however it creates a shocking view with the ice forming alongside the rocks.
If you happen to’re occupied with exploring the park however didn’t pack all of the gear essential, don’t fear! The park provides a number of leases, together with bicycles, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and canoes.
Camp Henry is a set of 24 oTENTik websites. For individuals who haven’t seen an oTENTik earlier than, it’s a everlasting construction greatest described as a mixture between a prospector tent and an A-frame cabin. Of those, 2 are designated pet-friendly. Every website features a pure gasoline BBQ, desk, chairs, electrical connections, overhead lights, and heating, making it an important resolution even for winter adventures.
Shiny Lights Windsor
The proper approach to ring within the vacation season, Shiny Lights Windsor is an annual occasion hosted at Jackson Park. The park glows superbly, because of the 1000’s of lights and shows which might be arrange throughout the property. There are a number of themed shows, together with a Sweet Cane Lane, photo-friendly ornaments, and a big central tree that provides a lightweight present set to music all through the night.
The organizers have continued including to the spectacle lately, bringing reside music and meals distributors. Examine the schedule for sensory-friendly nights, with modifications to the shows to create a softer, calmer setting for individuals who could in any other case miss out on the vacation magic.
EPIC Wine Nation
Certainly one of our favorite issues to do in Windsor, Ontario, is to hitch in on one of many many Essex County wine excursions, visiting the world’s award-winning wineries and vineyards. Whereas Windsor/Essex might not be the primary vacation spot to come back to thoughts when discussing wine, the area has a lot to supply! Its southern location and climate enable for an extended rising season than most different areas within the province, making producing a broader vary of grapes doable.
Whether or not you’re hoping to take an organized tour or planning your personal self-guided tour, you need to begin with a go to to the EPIC Wine County web site. Right here, you should buy a tasting cross for a tasting flight at 6 vineyard areas or take a look at upcoming particular occasions at collaborating Essex County wineries.
A number of organizations supply wine excursions of the world, however we suggest Grape Vine Excursions. They are going to decide you up anyplace in Windsor or Essex County earlier than taking you for a day of exploring space wineries and breweries. It’s the proper approach to rejoice birthdays or different large occasions!
Plan Your Windsor/Essex Go to Immediately
When selecting your subsequent trip vacation spot, don’t overlook the wealthy historical past, vibrant tradition, and beautiful pure great thing about Windsor/Essex, Ontario. From exploring the historic district of Walkerville to indulging in native wines and craft beers, the town has a lot to supply.
Begin creating your good itinerary with our checklist of 17 actions and locations to go to in Windsor, Ontario – however don’t cease there! There may be a lot extra to supply than we might embrace on this information (with out making it so lengthy it wouldn’t be readable).
Windsor and Essex County really supply a singular and unforgettable expertise for guests of all ages and pursuits. So what are you ready for? Begin planning your subsequent journey to Windsor at present and uncover this gem in Southern Ontario for your self!
