Situated in southern Ontario, nestled alongside the Detroit River, Windsor is arguably one of many province’s most ignored and underrated locations. The world provides a wealthy historical past, stunning waterfront views, award-winning wineries, and a thriving arts scene if you already know the place to go. There actually is one thing for everybody.
In case you’re searching for a enjoyable getaway just a few quick hours from Toronto, look no additional. Begin planning your new street journey with our listing 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, a whole firm city was established with homes, farms, and shops. This may change into Walkerville.
- Windsor was initially referred to as Ford Metropolis because of its shut ties to the event of Windsor’s Ford Plant. The city was later renamed East Windsor.
- The Metropolis of Windsor was fashioned in 1935 by amalgamating Windsor, Sandwich, Est Windsor, and Walkerville. Riverside, Ojibway, and components of Sandwich townships would change into a part of the town within the Sixties.
Learn how to Get to Windsor/Essex, Ontario
For these focused on making the journey from Toronto to Windsor, there are a number of completely different transportation choices to go well with each schedule, finances, and desire.
How far is Windsor from Toronto? The drive will solely take roughly 4 hours, relying on site visitors should you journey alongside ON-401 W. Nevertheless, this route can really feel flat and uneventful for many who like driving to benefit from the surroundings. Fortunately, you possibly can discover many enjoyable locations alongside the best way with out going far off the freeway, together with Milton, Guelph, Kitchener, Woodstock, and plenty of extra. This can be a nice strategy to break up an in any other case monotonous drive.
Whether or not you don’t have a car or just wish to take pleasure in your journey with out driving, there are a number of public transit choices. In case you’re focused on 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 best way. It’s also possible to 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 manner from level A to level B, however it’s going to include the best price ticket. A number of airways fly from Toronto to Windsor, with tickets beginning at $306 for a spherical journey.
Finest Inns 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 inns 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 might rapidly really feel overwhelming. To assist slim your listing, listed below are 3 of one of the best inns 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 provide 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 resort additionally provides a good looking adults-only pool.
With so many issues to do throughout the constructing, you possibly can simply take pleasure in a weekend with out ever needing to depart the on line casino property. Nevertheless, should you’re searching for extra to do, it’s conveniently situated downtown throughout from the Competition Plaza and simply steps from the Windsor Sculpture Park.
Vacation Inn Categorical Windsor Waterfront
33 Riverside Drive East
One other welcoming Windsor resort that gives views of the Detroit River from some rooms is the Vacation Inn Categorical Windsor Waterfront. This resort is situated 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 realm however looking for extra budget-friendly lodging. Vacation Inn Categorical Windsor Waterfront provides pet-friendly rooms for these travelling with their furry relations.
Guests can begin their day with the free on-site breakfast. Whereas there aren’t any eating places throughout the resort, 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 resort 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 components (particularly should you’re travelling through 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 experience) 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, focused on 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 occasions, we have now had the chance to go to most of the hottest places whereas additionally discovering hidden gems treasured by those that name this metropolis residence.
As you create your schedule, try these festivals, occasions, and sights in Windsor, Ontario:
Windsor Sculpture Park
Situated alongside the riverfront, Windsor Sculpture Park is an outside gallery that options over 30 large-scale works of up to date 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 good looking strategy 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 study extra in regards to the works and the proficient artists answerable for creating them, you possibly can view a whole listing with particulars on the Metropolis of Windsor web site. We extremely suggest opening this information in your telephone 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 vital a part of Windsor’s historical past, the Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery was based in 1858. The unique distillery was situated within the space now often called Walkerville. In reality, Hiram Walker was answerable 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 places all through the realm, 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 USA to implement Prohibition. With Windsor conveniently situated throughout the river, it’s estimated that roughly 75% of all unlawful liquor that was provided to People throughout this time handed by way of the Windsor/Detroit waterways.
On account of his vital 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’d now not be obtainable. Nevertheless, 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 called “Walker’s City,” Walkerville was based by Hiram Walker in 1890. It started as established houses for Walker’s many staff together with a church and faculty to assist their rising households. Through the years, the city welcomed many various companies and industries, together with turning into an integral a part of Windsor’s automotive business. Ford Motor Firm of Canada, Chrysler, and Common Motors would all open vegetation within the city.
Strolling by way of the realm as we speak feels such as you’re stepping again in time with its many historic houses 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
In-built 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 undertaking.
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. It’s also a preferred venue for weddings, receptions, conferences, and different occasions.
Caesars Windsor Lodge & On line casino
377 Riverside Dr E
Along with a good looking resort, 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 choice of luxurious boutiques and retailers, watch the sport at The Home Sports activities Lounge, take pleasure in 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 completely 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 various concert events at Caesar’s Windsor, which happen within the property’s leisure venue, The Colosseum. Right here, you possibly can take pleasure in performances from a number of the world’s hottest acts and large names. Test the occasion calendar when you already know 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 fascinating Windsor attraction it’s possible you’ll not have heard about beforehand is the Canadian Aviation Museum. The museum is situated 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 reveals 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 means that you can learn tales instantly 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 achieve aviation lovers close to and much. It’s also possible to e-book 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 residence to many unbelievable craft breweries and distilleries, making it an important place for a romantic getaway or a soothing 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 encircling Essex County area. This self-guided tour is offered as a digital passport or “Flight Log.” After buying, the passport might be redeemed for tastings on the taking part places. In case you’re visiting for a short while, you should buy a 1-day passport legitimate for five tastings, or, for longer visits, a 7-day possibility is offered, 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 improper), 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 underneath 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? If that’s the case, you must positively add Artwork within the Park to your itinerary. This well-liked 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 every of Ontario’s largest out of doors arts and crafts exhibits. Right here, you’ll see native works alongside the unbelievable work of exhibitors from throughout Ontario and Quebec.
Along with the vast 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
By way of Italy, generally referred to as Little Italy, is a must-see neighbourhood once you go to Windsor, Ontario. Right here, you’ll be met with a novel 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 group additional.
The result’s a implausible vacation spot for an genuine Italian expertise throughout the Windsor metropolis limits. We extremely suggest searching 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 consists of 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 by way of the property and its many instructional reveals. The property additionally hosts displays on matters of African Canadian Historical past and the Underground Railroad for college teams, golf equipment, and group organizations.
Fort Malden Nationwide Historic Web site
100 Laird Ave S, Amherstburg
The proximity of Windsor/Essex to the US border means the realm performed an important 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 Rise up of 1837-38. With the top of the insurrection, any plans for the fort have been shelved as troopers moved on and left the realm 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 components 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 coach individuals about that point in Canadian historical past with excursions, demonstrations, and museum shows.
Detroit River Ford Fireworks
Arguably probably the most well-liked 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 traditional Windsor fireworks you see on different events all year long. It has been acknowledged as one of many largest and most spectacular fireworks exhibits in Canada and the USA.
The firework show options over 10,000 pyrotechnic results set off from barges on the Detroit River. The present is considered by 1000’s of spectators on both sides 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 vehicles, native leisure, and extra.
Journey Bay Household Water Park
401 Pitt St W
In case you’re looking for issues to do with the children throughout your go to, Journey Bay Household Water Park must be on the high of your listing. This indoor water park is a superb possibility whatever the climate, making it appropriate for journey any time of 12 months. The waterpark is conveniently situated 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 fitness center and big water-tipping bucket, creating the proper alternative for youths 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 residence to many private and non-private golf programs, making it the proper vacation spot for these whose thought of the proper trip includes spending the day on the inexperienced. The Tourism Windsor Essex Peele Island web site’s golf course listing options 21 programs. Among the extra well-liked programs embrace:
Whether or not you’re a seasoned golfer or a newbie seeking to study 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 fascinating claims to fame is that the tip of the park is the southernmost level of mainland Canada.
This can be a stunning place to discover, whatever the time of 12 months. The park provides a number of completely 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 might be discovered alongside the size of the peninsula. As temperatures drop, the water turns into too chilly for many guests to be focused on taking a dip, nevertheless it creates a shocking view with the ice forming alongside the rocks.
In case you’re focused on exploring the park however didn’t pack all of the gear crucial, don’t fear! The park provides a number of leases, together with bicycles, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and canoes.
Camp Henry is a group of 24 oTENTik websites. For individuals who haven’t seen an oTENTik earlier than, it’s a everlasting construction finest described as a combination between a prospector tent and an A-frame cabin. Of those, 2 are designated pet-friendly. Every web site features a pure gasoline BBQ, desk, chairs, electrical connections, overhead lights, and heating, making it an important resolution even for winter adventures.
Brilliant Lights Windsor
The proper strategy to ring within the vacation season, Brilliant Lights Windsor is an annual occasion hosted at Jackson Park. The park glows superbly, due to 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 gives a light-weight present set to music all through the night.
The organizers have continued including to the spectacle lately, bringing reside music and meals distributors. Test the schedule for sensory-friendly nights, with adjustments to the shows to create a softer, calmer atmosphere for many who could in any other case miss out on the vacation magic.
EPIC Wine Nation
Considered one of our favorite issues to do in Windsor, Ontario, is to affix in on one of many many Essex County wine excursions, visiting the realm’s award-winning wineries and vineyards. Whereas Windsor/Essex will not be the primary vacation spot to return 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 individual self-guided tour, you must begin with a go to to the EPIC Wine County web site. Right here, you should buy a tasting move for a tasting flight at 6 vineyard places or try upcoming particular occasions at taking part Essex County wineries.
A number of organizations provide wine excursions of the realm, 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 strategy to rejoice birthdays or different large occasions!
Plan Your Windsor/Essex Go to As we speak
When selecting your subsequent trip vacation spot, don’t overlook the wealthy historical past, vibrant tradition, and beautiful pure fantastic 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 listing 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 actually provide a novel and unforgettable expertise for guests of all ages and pursuits. So what are you ready for? Begin planning your subsequent journey to Windsor as we speak and uncover this gem in Southern Ontario for your self!
