Southwestern Ontario
Follow The Road Less Travelled in Ontario’s Southwest—a region shaped by nature.
Southwestern Ontario is Canada’s southernmost region, sharing a latitude and similar temperature with central Italy.
With deep agricultural roots, this area boasts a wide array of farm-to-table restaurants and farmers’ markets, as well as wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries.
Surrounded by the shorelines of Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron, the region is also defined by freshwater beaches on Lake Erie and the best sunsets in Ontario, attracting family sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts.
Take Ontario Southwest's Responsible Travel Pledge which promotes positive actions and respect.
Port Dover | Destination Ontario
Where is Southwestern Ontario?
The region extends from the Detroit and Windsor border crossing in the south, up along the east shore of Lake St. Clair and the southern shore of Lake Huron to Grand Bend and east towards Woodstock. To its south, it follows the shoreline of Lake Erie from the Detroit River east past the mouth of Grand River at Port Maitland.
You can get to Southwestern Ontario by VIA Rail or flying to Windsor International Airport.
Things to do in Southwestern Ontario
From delicious food to picturesque nature, there’s so much the region of Southwestern Ontario has to offer. For more trip ideas, visit the region’s tourism website.
Try Windsor pizza
Known as the “pizza capital of Canada”, locals are fiercely passionate about the delicious Windsor-style pizza with shredded pepperoni, canned mushrooms and local Galati mozzarella.
Sample whisky
Southwestern Ontario boasts a rich whisky-making history with Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. Distillery, built in 1858. Since then, new breweries and distilleries have become local go-tos.
A day at the beach
Explore the sand dunes at Pinery Provincial Park, soak up the sun at Canatara Beach & Park, splash in the waves at Port Stanley Beach or sit beneath palm trees at Port Dover Beach.
Where to enjoy the arts
Listen to classical and popular music by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, which plays at the Capitol Theatre downtown. Or catch a show at the Huron County Playhouse in Grand Bend.
Birdwatching spots
Dedicated birdwatchers flock to key birding spots like Point Pelee National Park and Long Point Bird Observatory to witness hundreds of bird species on their migratory journeys.
Visit “The Forest City”
London is known for its beautiful green spaces, lush parks and scenic pathways. Hike along the Thames Valley Trail or follow boardwalks immersed within the forested Westminster Ponds.
Cities and towns in Southwestern Ontario
Discover cities and towns and other destinations within this region.
Points of interest in Southwestern Ontario
Add these highlights to your next visit to the region.
Last updated: September 22, 2023