Leamington
Welcome to the ‘Sun Parlour of Canada’! Along with Kingsville, Leamington is one of the southernmost towns in Ontario. Located along the 42nd parallel, it shares the same latitude as northern California, Barcelona and Rome.
Tomatoes are at the heart of this town’s history. Leamington was home to the Heinz Ketchup production plant for over a century, and although the facility is no longer operational, the town is still known as the ‘Tomato Capital of Canada’. In the centre of town is a giant tomato landmark built in 1961 that serves as the local tourism information booth.
Leamington is also the gateway community to Point Pelee National Park, a birding hotspot and wildlife sanctuary. Migrating birds, butterflies, island views and local arts are some of the highlights in and around Leamington.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Leamington, scroll down or visit the city's tourism website.
Where is Leamington?
Leamington is the second largest municipality in Essex County, located southeast of Windsor on the north shore of Lake Erie. Highway 3 is the main road into town, and bus service to Leamington is offered by Transit Windsor.
Things to Do in Leamington
Just a 15-minute drive from Leamington is the entrance to Point Pelee National Park. There are six national parks in Ontario, representing the diversity in landscape and natural beauty across the province. Point Pelee is one of the smallest but most ecologically diverse, with freshwater marshes, long sandy beaches and Carolinian forests. Its southern location and unique environment makes it the perfect habitat for hundreds of migrating bird species each spring and Monarch butterflies in the fall. To witness the park teeming with flocks of fowl and the vivid orange, red and black of millions of fluttering butterfly wings is unforgettable. Follow the extensive boardwalk through the marshes, or take to the water in canoe or kayak.
If a tranquil island getaway floats your boat, board the leisurely 90-minute Pelee Island Ferry from the Leamington dock to Pelee Island. The ferry accommodates cars, or you can rent bicycles to tour the island’s beaches, parks and lookouts. Pelee Island Winery is a must visit. Take a wine tasting tour or relax on the outdoor pavilion and enjoy the view overlooking Lake Erie.
In town, spend a few hours exploring the Leamington Arts Centre. The state-of-the-art facility is housed in a gorgeous heritage building and exhibits local visual art, develops cultural programming, offers event and meeting space and serves as an art supply store.
Things to Know About Visiting Leamington
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip to Leamington, you'll appreciate what the locals recommend around town.
Where to get a great meal
There’s a wide selection of meals, including menu options for special diets at Lake Erie at Freddy’s Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant.
Where to get a great cup of coffee
Pick up a fresh cup of hot coffee with a delicious signature dessert at Lakeside Bakery Deli and Cafe.
Where to watch the sunrise
Find a comfortable spot to take in the sunrise at the open green park area and sandy beach at Seacliff Park.
Where to get great ice cream
Choose from 32 different scoops at Sweet Retreat Ice Cream and More or mix it up with a triple scoop of three different flavours.
Where to go for a drink
Cured Craft Brewing Co. is an independent, small batch brewery located in a renovated, heritage building.
Last updated: January 5, 2023