Enjoy beaches, wine and nature along Canada’s southernmost shores
This summer, explore the beaches, wine and nature of Canada’s southernmost corner, just across the border.
Seacliff Beach, Leamington | Ontario's Southwest
Book a week off to visit one of Ontario’s prettiest regions, rich in culture, cuisine and fine wine.
Explore craft breweries and distilleries, sunny beaches, key birding spots, bicycle-friendly trails and photo-worthy waterfront views in Essex County and Pelee Island.
Suggested length of trip: 5-7 days
Border crossing information
Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada. Before travelling, check border wait times.
Border crossing locations from Michigan into Canada include:
Detroit Windsor Tunnel, Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario
Ambassador Bridge, Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario
Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron, Michigan to Point Edward and Sarnia, Ontario
Where to stay
Approximate distance and drive time to Essex County:
- from Windsor, 25 miles (40 kilometres), 40 minutes
- from Sarnia, 84 miles (135 kilometres), one hour and 40 minutes
While visiting Essex County, find a place to stay that suits your needs and make it your home base. Options include a boutique inn, reinvented roadside motel, classic hotel, cozy bed and breakfast or a nature-focused glamping site.
Two of the four suites in this unique bed and breakfast feature gorgeous balconies with endless lake views.
Location: 123 Adelaide Street, Harrow
A gorgeous Victorian bed and breakfast with the perfect balance of old-world charm and modern comforts.
Location: 178 County Road 50 East, Harrow
Connect with nature, soak in gorgeous lake views and enjoy comfortable glamping-style accommodations on the shore of Lake Erie.
Location: 225 County Road 50 East, Harrow
The Walnut Grove Bed and Breakfast
Just northeast of Harrow, three luxurious suites are available in an idyllic country farmhouse, with unique add-on experiences from picnics to pollinator garden tours.
Location: 4000 McCormick Road, Harrow
Distinctive Inns of Kingsville
Choose from three unique well-equipped downtown suites.
Location: 136 Mill Street West, Kingsville
A trendsetting boutique hotel in a heritage building.
Location: 12 Main Street East, Kingsville
This heritage waterfront inn is conveniently located close to the marina, Pelee Island ferry dock and Seacliffe Park.
Location: 388 Erie Street South, Leamington
Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel
Indoor pool, games room and onsite restaurant make this an attractive accommodation choice.
Location: 566 Bevel Line Road Rr 1, Leamington
Funky and fun are key themes at this brand-new, reimagined roadside motel. Choose from over 20 70s-inspired themed rooms for your stay.
Location: 96 County Road 50 West, Colchester
Getting around
Essex County is a predominately rural area with small towns and farm market communities. The best way to get around is by car or motorcycle. You’ll find free and paid public parking close to town centres and EV charging stations in Amherstburg.
Cycling is another great way to travel. From relatively flat and rural countryside on the mainland to quiet back roads on Pelee Island, this region is ideal for recreational cyclists to explore by bike. Bring your own or rent from one of the operators below.
Tours, rentals and routes
Wine Trail Ride Guided Cycling Tour
Visit local wineries to enjoy tastings and food pairings on a fun and leisurely five-hour bicycle tour with award-winning guiding company, WindsorEats.
Location: 100 Jackson Street, Harrow
This 31-mile (50 kilometres) multi-use recreational trail follows repurposed rail lines through Essex County and is an easy and scenic ride for cyclists.
The local portion of this epic pan-provincial trail hugs the picturesque shoreline of Lake Erie and the Detroit River.
A resource for more cycling info for the region, including maps and bicycle-friendly businesses.
Amherstburg
Located on the shores of the Detroit River, the quaint town of Amherstburg is one of Ontario’s oldest communities steeped in military and cultural history. Visit engaging museums and stroll the waterfront with views across the river to the Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse on Boblo Island.
You’ll want to park your car and explore downtown on foot during Amherstburg’s pedestrian-friendly Open Air Weekends.
Things to do
History and nature
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Originally named Fort Amherstburg, this fort was built in 1795 as a defense of British North America from American invasion. The stronghold experienced action during the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837-38.
Download the visitor guide to explore the grounds, learn about its military history and watch a live musket demonstration.
Location: 100 Laird Avenue South, Amherstburg
Delve into the history and legacy of African Canadians through rare and well-preserved Black heritage artifacts and stories. The museum was founded by residents in 1975 and continues as a community-run not-for-profit organization. Book an in-house tour for the best experience.
Location: 277 King Street, Amherstburg
Holiday Beach Conservation Area
Keen birders will enjoy a visit to this designated Important Bird Area (IBA). The three-story observation tower provides a great vantage point for bird watching and nature photography.
Location: 6952 County Road 50, Amherstburg
Wineries
Relax in the whimsical outdoor tasting garden at this small, generational family farm and vineyard. Tasting flights can be pre-booked.
Location: 8704 Essex Road 9, Amherstburg
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
A beachfront winery that offers tasting flights, wine by the glass, charcuterie boards and picnic baskets and even a weekend beach hut bar serving wine, beer and sangria.
Location: 7258 Essex County Rd 50 RR #5, Amherstburg
Where to eat and drink
Waterfront Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Indulge with a sundae or scoop of gelato from this local landmark overlooking the river.
Location: 229 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg
Authentic Italian food and a splendid view overlooking the Detroit River.
Location: 238 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg
Elevated pub fare, a great beverage menu and a chill atmosphere makes this a local favourite.
Location: 237 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg
Wolfhead Distillery and Restaurant
The area’s first premium craft distillery, Wolfhead produces fine vodka, gin and specialty whisky like coffee, cinnamon or apple caramel. Stop in for a tour and tasting and stay for a bite to eat in the restaurant or outdoor patio.
Location: 7781 Howard Avenue, Amherstburg
Located in historic downtown on the banks of the Detroit River, this microbrewery serves a tasty selection of pizza-style flatbreads and nachos to enjoy with a craft ale or lager.
Location: 263 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg
Colchester and Harrow
Approximate distance Amherstburg to Colchester/Harrow: 16 miles (25 kilometres), 20 minutes
From the beaches and shoreline of Lake Erie to favourable agricultural conditions, the communities of Colchester and Harrow have extended rural roots to embrace grape growing and winemaking. So, prepare your palette for wine tasting.
Public parking lots are located close to the Colchester beach and harbour.
Things to do
Local attractions
Lavender flowering season typically runs from mid-June to early August, although it's worth visiting this lavender farm and shop anytime for their lavender-infused products. Book a garden tour and celebrate this fragrant flower during their free Lavender Festival, June 22–23, 2024.
Location: 130 County Road 50 East, Colchester
Next to the Colchester Harbour, this groomed Lake Erie beach features a playground, splash pad and beach volleyball net. Washroom facilities are available.
Location: 100 Jackson Street, Colchester
Wineries
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery and Bistro
Visit the 17-acre vineyard, winery and bistro in the heart of Lake Erie North Shore for fine wine and great food.
Location: 130 Essex County Road 50, Harrow
Views of vineyards and sparkling blue waters under a big sky set the scene for tasty pizza, flatbread, tacos and salads paired with great wine on the patio.
Location: 151 County Road 50 East, Harrow
One of Ontario’s first wineries has nabbed over 500 awards from around the world. Find out why.
Location: 1 Colio Drive, Harrow
Lake breezes and the temperate climate make the large wine garden an attractive spot to enjoy a glass of wine.
Location: 533 Essex County 50 Road East, Harrow
Savour a slice of Italy with a glass of wine and homemade traditional wood-fired pizza on the patio at this charming boutique winery.
Location: 724 County Road 50 East, Harrow
Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards and the Vines Restaurant
Look for hawks and other birds of prey in the natural spaces surrounding the vineyard from the Wine Terrace.
Location: 1425 Iler Road, Harrow
Where to eat and drink
Family-owned and operated serving diner-style comfort food along with local craft beer and wine.
Location: 1 Country Road 50 West, Colchester
The Wreck at Colchester Harbour
A seasonal beachside grill with Lake Erie views and ultimate vacation vibes.
Location: 220 Jackson Street, Colchester/Harrow
Kingsville and Leamington
Approximate distance and drive time:
- Colchester to Kingsville: 12 miles (20 kilometres), 18 minutes
- Kingsville to Leamington: 10 miles (15 kilometres) 17 minutes
The neighbouring towns of Kingsville and Leamington both enjoy the benefit of breezy lake views, farm-fresh local produce nearby and access to stunning parks and nature.
Find free public parking, including accessible parking in Kingsville. Paid and free parking is available around Seacliff Park in Leamington.
Things to do
Local attractions
Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Take a stroll along the nature trails, observe the birds, and learn about the conservation efforts of the sanctuary, which was the first of its kind in North America.
Location: 332 Road 3 West, Kingsville
Tap into the creativity of the region and beyond with over 600 works of art in the permanent collection.
Location: 72 Talbot Street West, Leamington
Enjoy the sandy beach, waterfront views and open green space for a picnic or to watch the sunset.
Location: 24 Seacliff Drive West, Leamington
Golf and spa
Kingsville Golf and Country Club
Choose from three different course options with a total of 27 holes at this scenic public golf course.
Location: 640 Essex County Rd 20, Kingsville
Need a dose of self-care? Enjoy invigorating and therapeutic treatments for body, mind and soul in a beautiful sanctuary surrounded by gardens.
Location: 101 Mill Street West, Kingsville
Where to eat and drink
Globally inspired fusion menu of tacos, small plates and bowls.
Location: 16 Main Street West, Kingsville
The Goose Kitchen & Bar by Jack’s Gastropub
A neighbourhood landmark with a cozy wrap-around porch serving a seasonal, locally sourced menu.
Location: 31 Division Street South, Kingsville
Award-winning, locally focused craft brewery and restaurant in the heart of Kingsville.
Location: 86 Wigle Avenue Unit 1, Kingsville
Book wine and food tasting and pairing and winery tours at the Kingsville branch of the Pelee Island Winery.
Location: 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville
An independent, small-batch brewery located in a renovated heritage building.
Location: 43 Mill Street West, Leamington
Point Pelee National Park
Approximate distance and drive time from Leamington to Point Pelee National Park: 6 miles (10 kilometres) 13 minutes
Point Pelee is the southernmost point of mainland Canada and also the most ecologically diverse park in the country. Quite impressive for one of Canada’s smallest national parks.
Things to do
Explore forests, marshlands, savannahs and beaches on scenic trails, along a stunning stretch of boardwalk. Paddle the wetlands and shoreline by kayak or canoe. Rentals are available at the Pelee Wings at the Boardwalk.
With over 390 species of birds reported in the park, it is one of the best places in North America for birding. The park serves as a key spring and fall migration stop for birds as well as monarch butterflies.
Point Pelee is also a designated dark sky preserve and hosts a variety of stargazing and night sky viewing events.
If you want to stay in the park, campsites are available or rent one of the 24 oTENTiks. These permanent shelters are basically a hybrid between a cabin and a tent.
Location: 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington
Pelee Island
Soak in the laid-back vibe and natural scenery on Pelee Island, Canada’s southernmost inhabited land and one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. Board the 90-minute passenger and vehicle Pelee Island ferry from the Leamington or Kingsville dock.
Where to stay
An inviting inn that embraces the simplicity of “island living”.
Location: 1060 East West Road, Pelee Island
Non-electrical camping sites include a firepit and picnic table. It’s recommended to make reservations well in advance.
Location: 1362 East Shore Road, Pelee Island
Family-run campground, RV park, guesthouse and restaurant.
Location: 11 West Shore Road, Pelee Island
Things to do
Uncover local history and unique natural culture of the island at this museum and bookstore.
Location: 1073 West Shore Road, Pelee Island
Hike out to the end of the sandspit and stand in Canada’s southernmost tip of land. Birders will note the island is recognized as an Important Bird Area, especially for migrating shorebirds and butterflies.
Location: McCormick Road, Pelee Island
Lighthouse Point Provincial Park
View the remains of the second oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, located in the northeastern corner of the island. Built in 1834 this landmark is almost 200 years old.
Location: Pelee Island
Explore the shorelines and country roads comfortable with golf carts, e-bikes or peddle bicycles. Or opt for SUP board rentals and take to the water. Guided nature and sightseeing tours are also offered.
Location: 1115 West Shore Road, Pelee Island
Visit the site of Canada’s first commercial estate winery founded in 1866. Pelee Island Adventures provides exclusive tours into the restored underground wine cellars.
Location: 56 Sheridan Point Road, Pelee Island
Where to eat and drink
Tour the property and sip a glass of red or white with light snacks from the pavilion overlooking Lake Erie.
Location: 20 East West Road, Pelee Island
Enjoy craft beer and delicious farm-to-table food in a beautiful heritage stone building.
Location: 1115 West Shore Road, Pelee Island
Lake Erie perch and pickerel feature at this seasonal comfort food restaurant.
Location: 1065 West Shore Road, Pelee Island
Friendly local spot at The Main Station serves wraps, sandwiches, burgers and perch tacos.
Location: 11 West Shore Road, Pelee Island
For trip planning support, connect with one of our travel counsellors who can help you build your road trip itinerary.
Discover more great Ontario road trip ideas.
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Last updated: May 31, 2024