Explore beaches, wine and nature along Canada’s southernmost shores

Stop 1: Amherstburg

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

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. Explore engaging museums and stroll the waterfront with views across the river to the Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse on Boblo Island.

You’ll want to explore downtown on foot during pedestrian-friendly Open Air Weekends.

Attractions and activities

Fort Malden National Historic Site

Originally named Fort Amherstburg, this stronghold was built in 1795 as a defence of British North America from American invasion. It experienced action during the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837-38. Download the visitor guide, explore the grounds, learn about its military history and watch a live musket demonstration.

Location: 100 Laird Avenue South, Amherstburg

Amherstburg Freedom Museum

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.

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

Food and drink

Dancing Swallows Vineyard

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 offering tasting flights, wine by the glass, charcuterie boards, picnic baskets and walking tours.

Location: 7258 Essex County Rd 50 RR #5, Amherstburg

Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant

Authentic Italian food and a splendid view overlooking the Detroit River.

Location: 238 Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg

The Salty Dog

Elevated pub fare, a great beverage menu and a chill atmosphere make 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

Lot 10 Brewing Company

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

Where to stay

Hotel STRY

Treat yourselves to a luxurious stay at this contemporary hotel housed in one of the oldest buildings in Amherstburg’s historic Anchor District.

Location: 70 Murray Street, Amherstburg

Stop 2: Colchester and Harrow

Approximate distance from 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.

Attractions and activities

Serenity Lavender Farm

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 the annual Lavender Festival, June 21–23, 2025.

Location: 130 County Road 50 East, Colchester

Colchester Beach

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

Wilderness Retreat and Nordic Spa

Situated between Harrow and Kingsville, book a hydrotherapy session with a personal sauna and cold dip.

Location: 1833 Road 3 West, Kingsville

Food and drink

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

Viewpointe Estate Winery

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

Colio Estate Winery

One of Ontario’s first wineries has nabbed over 500 awards from around the world. Find out why.

Location: 1 Colio Drive, Harrow

Oxley Estate Winery

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

Paglione Estate Winery

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

Garfield's

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

Places to stay

The Grove Motel

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

Lungovita Beach Retreat

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

Stop 3: 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

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

Leamington Arts Centre

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

Seacliff Park

Enjoy the sandy beach, waterfront views and open green space for a picnic or to watch the sunset.

Location: 24 Seacliff Drive West, Leamington

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

Estate of Health

Get a healthy dose of self-care with 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

El Diablo

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

The Grove Brewing Company

Award-winning, locally focused craft brewery and restaurant in the heart of Kingsville.

Location: 86 Wigle Avenue Unit 1, Kingsville

Kingsville Winery

Book wine and food tasting and pairing and winery tours at the Kingsville branch of the Pelee Island Winery.

Location: 455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville

Cured Craft Brewing Co.

An independent, small-batch brewery located in a renovated heritage building.

Location: 43 Mill Street West, Leamington

Places to stay

Distinctive Inns of Kingsville

Choose from three unique, well-equipped downtown suites.

Location: 136 Mill Street West, Kingsville

The Grove Hotel

A trendsetting boutique hotel in a heritage building.

Location: 12 Main Street East, Kingsville

The Seacliffe Inn

This heritage waterfront inn is conveniently located close to the marina, Pelee Island ferry dock and Seacliffe Park.

Location: 388 Erie Street South, Leamington

Stop 4: 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

Point Pelee National Park

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

Stop 5: 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.

Things to do

Pelee Island Heritage Centre

Uncover local history and the unique natural culture of the island at this museum and bookstore.

Location: 1073 West Shore Road, Pelee Island

Fish Point Provincial Park

Hike out to the end of the sandspit and stand on 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

Pelee Island Adventures

Explore the shorelines and country roads comfortably with golf carts, e-bikes or pedal 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

Ruins at Vin Villa

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

Pelee Island Winery

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

Stone House 1891

Enjoy craft beer and delicious farm-to-table food in a beautiful heritage stone building.

Location: 1115 West Shore Road, Pelee Island

Westview Tavern

Lake Erie perch and pickerel feature at this seasonal comfort food restaurant.

Location: 1065 West Shore Road, Pelee Island

Places to stay

The Wandering Dog Inn

An inviting inn that embraces the simplicity of “island living”.

Location: 1060 East West Road, Pelee Island

East Park Campground

Non-electrical camping sites include a fire pit and picnic table. It’s recommended to make reservations well in advance.

Location: 1362 East Shore Road, Pelee Island

The Main Station

Family-run campground, RV park, guesthouse and restaurant.

Location: 11 West Shore Road, Pelee Island

Crossing the border

Required documents

U.S. visitors 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.

Border crossing locations

There are 14 road border crossings from the United States into Ontario. The 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

Before travelling, check border wait times.

Getting around

Essex County is a predominantly rural area with small towns and farm market communities.

By car

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.

By bicycle

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. 

Chrysler Canada Greenway

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.

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

The local portion of this epic pan-provincial trail hugs the picturesque shoreline of Lake Erie and the Detroit River.

Ontario By Bike

A resource for more cycling info for the region, including maps and bicycle-friendly businesses.