The 20 Best Things to do in Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, on the south bank of the Detroit River directly across from Detroit, Michigan. Windsor is a major contributor to Canada’s automotive industry and has a storied history and a diverse culture. Windsor is known as the “Automotive Capital of Canada” for its numerous auto assembly and parts plants. Apart from being an industrial center, Windsor offers different tourist attractions which make the city more popular. The city also serves as a gateway to Canada’s wine country in Windsor. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is located along the Detroit River, one of North America’s busiest waterways. When planning a trip to Windsor, include some of the following activities in your itinerary to make the most out of your visit.
20. Dieppe Gardens
Dieppe Gardens is a 6.5-acre (2.6 ha) public park located in Windsor, Ontario, on Riverside Drive West between Ouellette Avenue and Wyandotte Street. The park features lush gardens, a fountain, an outdoor amphitheater, and a view of the Detroit skyline. The park is open year-round and is free to the public. Dieppe Gardens offers a tranquil oasis in the heart of downtown Windsor. The park’s gardens are beautifully landscaped and feature a wide variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs. The park’s amphitheater is a popular venue for concerts and other events. Dieppe Gardens is also a great place to take a break from shopping or sightseeing and simply enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
19. Windsor Sculpture Park
The Windsor Sculpture Park is a public art gallery located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The park features over 30 sculptures by local, national, and international artists. The park is open year-round and is free to the public. It is located in the heart of downtown Windsor, on the riverfront. The park is adjacent to Dieppe Gardens and the Art Gallery of Windsor. The park was established in 1992 and is one of the largest public art galleries in Canada. The Windsor Sculpture Park is a great place to see some of the best sculptures from around the world. The park is also a great place to take a walk, relax, and enjoy the views of the riverfront.
18. Art Gallery of Windsor
The Art Gallery of Windsor is one of the best things to do in the city. It has a large collection of art from Canadian and international artists. The gallery also has a variety of events and programs throughout the year. According to Windsorducttours, This site is located in the heart of downtown Windsor, making it easily accessible by public transit or car. There is also a parking lot adjacent to the gallery. You can find more information about the Art Gallery of Windsor on their website.
17. Caesars Windsor
Caesars Windsor is a popular casino in the city of Windsor, Ontario. The casino is located on the riverfront of the Detroit River and offers a variety of gaming options for visitors. The casino also features a hotel, restaurants, nightclubs, and live entertainment venues. It was established in 1998 and is currently the largest casino in Canada. The casino is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Admission to the casino is free for all visitors. The casino is wheelchair accessible.
16. Legoland at Christmas
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids during the Christmas holiday, look no further than Legoland Windsor. This popular tourist attraction transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the festive season, with over 50 rides and attractions to enjoy. Highlights include meeting Father Christmas in his grotto, marveling at the Lego nativity scene, and watching the park’s live shows. There’s also plenty of shopping to be done at the on-site Lego store, making Legoland the perfect place to pick up some unique Christmas gifts.
15. Ojibway Prairie Complex
The Ojibway Prairie Complex is a large nature reserve in the city of Windsor, Ontario. It consists of several different ecosystems, including prairie, savannah, wetland, and forest. There are over 200 species of plants and animals that can be found in the Complex. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking, bird watching, and picnicking in this beautiful reserve. It is also home to the Ojibway Park Nature Centre, where visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna. The Nature Centre has interactive exhibits, a library, and a gift shop. The Ojibway Prairie Complex is located at 3700 Matchette Rd, Windsor, ON N8W 5V7. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free.
14. Capitol Theatre Windsor
The Capitol Theatre Windsor is a historic theatre located in downtown Windsor. According to Thetouristchecklist, It was built in 1921 and is currently home to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. It is also a popular venue for other musical performances, lectures, and films. When it originally opened, the theatre had a capacity of 2,500 people. Today, it has been renovated and can seat up to 1,200 people. The Capitol Theatre Windsor is located at 121 University Avenue West in Windsor, Ontario. It is open to the public for tours and events.
13. Coventry Gardens
Coventry Gardens is a beautifully landscaped public park located in the heart of downtown Windsor. The gardens feature a wide variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as several sculptures and fountains. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic view of the Detroit River from the gardens. It is mostly visited in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom, but the gardens are open year-round. There is no admission fee to enter the gardens.
12. Sandpoint Beach
Sandpoint Beach is a public beach located on Lake St. Clair in Windsor. The beach features a sand volleyball court, picnic tables, a playground, and a washroom. Visitors can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes from the beach. The beach is open from mid-May to mid-September. There is no admission fee to enter the beach. When you visit Sandpoint Beach, you can also take a short walk to Dieppe Gardens. Dieppe Gardens is a beautiful public park located on the Windsor waterfront. The gardens feature a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as several sculptures and fountains. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic view of the Detroit River from the gardens. It is mostly visited in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom, but the gardens are open year-round. There is no admission fee to enter the gardens.
11. Peche Island
This Island is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. It is also a great place for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The island is only accessible by boat and several companies offer charter services. Peche Island is located in the Detroit River and is a part of Windsor’s East End. The island is home to several rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Visitors can explore the island’s nature trails, go fishing, or relax on the beach. The island is also home to the Peche Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1832. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the Detroit River.
10. Walk the Detroit River
The Detroit Riverfront is one of the best things to do in Windsor, Ontario. Stretching for over five miles, the riverfront offers beautiful views of the Detroit skyline and the Canadian shoreline. There are plenty of things to do along the riverfront, including walking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. The Riverfront also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so there is always something to do.
9. University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is one of the leading comprehensive universities in Canada. It is located in the city of Windsor, Ontario on the border with the United States. The school has a long and proud history dating back to 1857 when it was founded as the Assumption College Roman Catholic Liberal Arts school. Today, the University of Windsor is home to over 9,000 students from across Canada and around the world. The University of Windsor offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its faculties include Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, Business, Education, and Law. The school has a strong reputation for research and is home to several world-renowned scholars. The University of Windsor is a vibrant and multicultural community. It is located in one of the most diverse cities in Canada and its students come from a variety of backgrounds. The school has a strong commitment to social justice and equity. It is an inclusive community that welcomes all students.
8. Shopping at Windsor
Windsor is a shopper’s paradise. The city has a wide variety of retail options, from high-end boutiques to large department stores. Downtown Windsor is home to many of the city’s best shops, including The Hudson’s Bay Company, Holt Renfrew, and Saks Fifth Avenue. For a more unique shopping experience, check out some of the city’s independent shops, like Little Footprints on Ouellette Avenue or Hip and Humble on Tecumseh Road East.
7. Windsor Summer Fest
Every summer, Windsor comes alive with a series of festivals and events. The city’s biggest festival is Summer Fest, which takes place over two weekends in July. The festival features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Other popular festivals include the Windsor International Film Festival and the Windsor Pride Festival.
6. Spago Italian Restaurant
If you’re looking for a romantic evening out, Spago is the perfect spot. This upscale Italian restaurant offers an intimate setting with views of the Detroit skyline. According to Crazyourist, The menu features classic dishes like spaghetti carbonara and chicken marsala, as well as more modern fare like grilled salmon with pesto. There’s also an extensive wine list to pair with your meal. Spago is located in the heart of downtown Windsor, just steps from Caesars Casino.
5. Willistead Manor
This historic manor was designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn and is a beautiful example of Edwardian architecture. The estate was once the home of auto parts magnate Edward Chandler Walker but is now open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the manor house and grounds, which include formal gardens, a carriage house, and a greenhouse. The Willistead Manor is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events.
4. John R. Park Homestead
This historic farmstead was once the home of one of Windsor’s early settlers, John Park. The homestead features a farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings that have been restored to their 19th-century appearance. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the buildings and grounds, which include a kitchen garden, orchards, and a heritage-breed livestock pasture. The John R. Park Homestead is open to the public from May to October.
3. Harrow Fair
The Harrow Fair is a tradition that dates back to 1867, making it one of the oldest continuously-running fairs in Canada. The fair features a large midway, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and a truck and tractor pull. The Harrow Fair takes place every October. This year, the fair will be held from October 3-6. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.
2. Windsor Great Park
It’s easy to spend a day (or two) wandering around Windsor Great Park. With over 5,000 acres of land to explore, there’s plenty to see and do. If you’re feeling active, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to follow. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax and take in the stunning scenery. According to LastMinute, this Great Park is also home to some of Windsor’s most popular attractions, including the Queen Elizabeth II Great Park (which features a lake, playgrounds, and plenty of green space), the Windsor Castle, and the Windsor Racecourse.
1. Frogmore House & Gardens
Frogmore House and Gardens is a historic house and garden located in Windsor, Ontario. According to Planetware, The house was built in 1845 by architect Henry Hobson Richardson for Judge Edward William Campbell. The gardens were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and are considered to be one of the first examples of his work in Canada. The house and gardens are open to the public from May to October and are a popular tourist attraction in Windsor.
Conclusion
There are many great things to do in Windsor, Ontario. From visiting historic houses and gardens to exploring the Detroit River, there is something for everyone in this city. If you are looking for a fun summer activity, be sure to check out the Windsor Summer Fest. This annual event features a variety of fun activities for the whole family. And, of course, no visit to Windsor would be complete without enjoying a delicious meal at Spago Italian Restaurant. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find something to do in Windsor that you will love.
