A- Overview:
The city of Windsor, Ontario lies just across the border between the US and Canada, at the southernmost point in Canada. This city of over 300,000 has its roots deeply planted. Windsor’s Coat of Arms, proudly displayed in the Council Chambers of City Hall, carries the motto, “The River and the Land Sustain Us” as a reminder that the city’s well-being is dependent on appreciation and conservation of these valuable natural resources.
Easily accessible by car either from other cities in Canada or from the United States via tunnel, river, or bridge, the city welcomes visitors to celebrate its rich heritage and to enjoy its many fine restaurants, historic sites, and recreational activities.
The main attraction that draws visitors to Windsor is Casino Windsor, which does a booming business with its slots and gaming tables. The waterfront is also a draw: The International Peace Fountain floats in the Detroit River, and the promenade at Dieppe Gardens is a perfect place to view the Detroit skyline. River cruises depart from the gardens.
Other Windsor attractions include Jackson Park with its summer rose gardens, the Hiram Walker (Canadian Club whiskey) Distillery Tour, and the Art Gallery of Windsor. Visitors interested in African-American history can retrace the route of those who escaped into Canada via the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. Sandwich Baptist Church, erected in Windsor in 1821, was the first Baptist church built by freed slaves. Nearby Amherstburg is home to the North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Centre, which chronicles the slaves’ journey to freedom. Also in Amherstburg is Fort Malden National Historic Park, site of a fortress that played a prominent role in the War of 1812. The park contains restored barracks and a museum with artifacts from the British and U.S. armies that occupied the fort.
The International Freedom Festival, a two-week celebration honoring the birth of both Canada and the U.S, takes place in Windsor and Detroit in late June and early July. The fireworks display is one of the largest in North America, and is typically held on a weeknight during the last week of June.
Point Pelee National Park, 35 miles southeast of Windsor, is a large stretch of sand and marsh extending into Lake Erie at the southernmost point in all of Canada. The park is visited by migrating birds and monarch butterflies on their way north or south. It offers an interpretive center, nature trails, a boardwalk and miles of beaches. Pelee Island lies south of Point Pelee on Lake Erie, and is a popular destination for fishing and winery tours.
At Walker’s Fine Candies, located on Wyandotte Street, truffles are still hand-dipped and delectable treats are made the old fashioned way, with chocolate being melted in copper pots and formed on marble slabs. Walker’s is also known for its peanut toffee ice cream topping! Another unique attraction is the Windsor Wood Carving Museum, located downtown on Ouellette Avenue. Open year round, it is the only woodcarving museum in Ontario, and includes over 150 carvings.
For a hands-on experience, visit Canada South Science City, one of the most exciting and challenging family and tourist attractions in southwest Ontario. It features over 100 hands-on interactive science and technology exhibits, an exotic café, a state of the art computer science lab, a “bean bag theatre” and a host of other exhibits for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Windsor has four distinct seasons, ensuring a different visit at any time of the year. Summer tends to be the busiest time of the year. With average temperatures slightly above 72F, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy many of the activities available both in and around the city. Spring and fall are cooler but still comfortable enough for any type of activity. Both seasons are exceptionally lovely as Mother Nature produces spring colors as the blossoms bloom and the earth begins its transition back to green. Fall showers the visitor with vibrant colors as the leaves turn and winter arrives. The winter can be cold and it does snow, transforming the city into a post card-like picture where the visitor is seen sitting by a crackling fire, enjoying a warm drink while dining on some of the area’s fine cuisine. Whatever the season, Windsor has an activity and the weather for it.
Whatever the reason for visiting, whether for business or vacation, this border city presents its visitors with a rich history and modern appeal.
B- City Information:
Population: 307,877
Elevation: 623 feet above sea level
Land Area: 685 square miles
Location: Windsor is located at the southernmost point of Canada, just across the U.S. border from Detroit, Michigan
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Windsor, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Windsor observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Average Temperatures
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Year
°C
-4.5
-4.0
1.0
7.9
14.1
19.5
22.4
21.3
17.3
11.0
4.0
-2.2
9.0
°F
23.9
24.8
33.8
46.2
57.4
67.1
72.3
70.3
63.1
51.8
39.2
28.0
48.2
Average Rainfall
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Year
mm
55.3
54.8
67.2
69.0
80.3
86.6
84.3
76.0
71.3
59.3
63.9
63.2
831.8
inches
2.2
2.2
2.6
2.7
3.2
3.4
3.3
3.0
2.8
2.3
2.5
2.5
32.7
Local Seasons:
Due to the beautiful weather as well as numerous attractions, sights to see, and things to do, the summer tends to be the busiest time of the year. With average temperatures during this time of year slightly over 22 C (72F), it’s the perfect time to get out of doors and enjoy many of the activities available both in and around the city. Spring and fall are cooler but still comfortable enough for any type of activity. Both seasons are exceptionally lovely as Mother Nature produces spring colors as the blossoms bloom and the earth begins its transition back to green. Fall showers the visitor with vibrant colors as the leaves turn and winter arrives. The winter can be cold and it does snow, transforming the city into a postcard like picture: a picture where the visitor is seen sitting by a warm fire, enjoying a warm drink while dining on some of the area’s fine cuisine.
How to Get There:
By Car:
From elsewhere in Canada:
The southernmost City in Ontario, visitors can reach Windsor and environs via Hwy. 401, which terminates in Windsor. Signage for Windsor’s City Centre and Tunnel to U.S. is clearly marked off Hwy. 401, near the City, as is signage for the Ambassador Bridge to U.S.
From the United States:
Entry to Windsor, Canada, is via either the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge. The Tunnel is the only international sub aqueous car tunnel in the world. It has a maximum roadway depth of 75 feet beneath the river surface, is nearly a mile long and is the fast downtown connection between the heart of the City of Windsor and Detroit, Michigan. Transit Windsor also operates a “Tunnel Bus” service which shuttles between Windsor’s and Detroit’s City Centres, providing quick and easy access.
By Air
Windsor Airport
3200 County Rd. #42, R.R.#1
Windsor, ON N9A 6J3
519-969-2430
Windsor Airport, the convenient advantage for tourist, business and convention travelers, is located just minutes from downtown Windsor/Detroit and capable of handling aircraft of all sizes. Passenger services at the airport include restaurant/bar, cash machine, business centre, shuttle and taxi service, four car rental agencies and a full International wing with resident Customs. The terminal has been designed to be passenger friendly to minimize walking distance throughout the terminal and adjacent automated parking lots.
Detroit International Airport
Detroit, MI 48242
734-942-3550
Located directly across the U.S. border from Windsor, the airport is served by many of the recognizable worldwide airlines as well as many local and regional carriers.
By Train
VIA Rail
298 Walker Road
Windsor, ON N8Y 2M9
888-842-7245 (Canada or US)
Windsor’s VIA Rail station is a five-minute drive from the border, just off of Riverside Drive East. VIA provides direct service from Windsor to Toronto, stopping at points between and connecting to points east and west from Toronto. VIA tickets can be obtained directly by calling them, or from your travel agent.
Ground Transportation
Most of the major car rental companies, as well as taxi and limousine service is available at the airport as well as throughout the city. In addition, the Transit Windsor Shuttle (519-944-4111) bus includes a stop at Windsor Airport. In addition to public transit throughout the City of Windsor, it also provides group shuttle services by arrangement.
By Water
City Marina Lakeview Park Marina
9200 Riverside Drive East
2450 McDougall
Windsor, ON N8X 3N6
519-948-3383
Lakeview Park Marina is open seasonally mid-April through October, located approximately 6 miles East of Windsor’s City Centre, where the Detroit River meets Lake St. Clair. In addition to some 300 permanent wells, transit boaters are moored on the Little River and the Federal Wall as and when available.
How to Get Around:
Due to the many sights and attractions both in and around Windsor as well as the proximity to Detroit, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car.
National Holidays:
New Years Day January 1
Good Friday Date Varies
Easter Monday Date Varies
Victoria Day Monday proceeding May 25
Canada Day July 1 (The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day when July 1 Is a Sunday)
Labour Day First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day Second Monday of October
Remembrance Day November 11
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Sandwich First Baptist Church
3652 Peter Street
Windsor, ON N9C 1J7
519-252-4917
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Fugitive slaves who fled to Canada from the United States built the first black church in the area. The original log cabin was torn down in 1851 when the present building was erected. Designated a Historic Site in 1995, the church is open for regular services or group presentations by appointment.
Canada South Wine Tours
125 Tecumseh Rd. W.
Windsor, ON N8X 1E8
519-252-7966
Hours: Call for reservations
Admission Charged
Discover … Relax … Sip … Enjoy! Join a tour through the Lake Erie North Shore designated viticulture area in Canada’s most southerly coastal region. Spend the day visiting a variety of area wineries (lunch included).
Canadian Club Brand Heritage Center
2072 Riverside Drive East
Windsor, ON N8Y 4S5
519-254-5171
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Home of Hiram Walker & Sons Limited, distillers of Canadian Club whisky, founded on this site by Hiram Walker in 1858. The new ‘brand heritage’ tour showcases the production and history of Canadian Club, at Hiram Walker’s elegant executive building. In addition to some rum-running history and a video of the whisky-making process, visitors are treated to a tour of the building and will view the distiller’s famed Canadian art collection. Learn how to sample the product, enjoy a complimentary drink in the C.C. Bistro and take home an exclusive promotional souvenir.
Walker’s Fine Candies
1033 Wyandotte Street East
Windsor, ON N9A 3K3
519-253-2019
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Here, truffles are still hand-dipped and delectable treats are made the old fashioned way, with chocolate being melted in copper pots, and formed on marble slabs. Walker’s are also known for Peanut Toffee Ice Cream Topping!
Casino Windsor
377 Riverside Drive East
Windsor, ON N9A 7H7
519-258-7878
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Casino Windsor offers a total of 100,000 square feet (9,290 square metres) of gaming space.
There are almost 3,000 slot machines and over 130 table games, including premium slot and table games areas.
Windsor Raceway/Racetrack Slots
County Rd. 20 at Sprucewood
Windsor, ON N9A 6P6
519-969-8311
Hours: Open seven days a week from noon to midnight.
Admission Free
Offers a combination of live and simulcast wagering. Home to over 700 slot machines, the facility offers gaming 9 am-3 am, seven days a week.
Serbian Hetitage Museum
6770 Tecumseh Rd. E.
Windsor, ON N8T 1E6
519-944-4884
Hours: The museum is open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4pm.
Admission Charged
Windsor Wood Carving Museum
850 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, ON 519-977-0823
Hours: Open year round, 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Friday; and 10am-4pm Saturdays
Admission Charged
The only Wood Carving Museum in Ontario, an expansive one-room museum located downtown. Includes over 150 carvings.
Windsor’s Community Musuem
254 Pitt Street West
Windsor, ON N9A 5L5
519-253-1812
Hours: Open Tues-Sat 10am – 5pm year round; Sunday 2am – 5pm from May – September
Admission Charged
The Francois Baby House, which was built in 1812, offers exhibitions, displays and programs on area history. The Duff-Baby House and Interpretation Centre in Sandwich, believed to be the oldest continually occupied European settlement in Ontario, offers exhibits, walking tours, programs and special events.
Canada South Science City
930 Marion Ave.
Windsor, ON N9A 2J2
519-973-3667
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Canada South Science City is one of the most exciting and challenging family and tourist attractions in Southwest Ontario, featuring over 100 hands-on interactive science and technology exhibits, an exotic café, a state of the art computer science lab, “bean bag theatre” and a host of other exhibits for visitors of all ages to enjoy!
Hyper Space
2475 McDougall
Windsor, ON N8X 3N9
519-969-5014
Hours: Open daily, year round. Call for seasonal hours
Admission Charged
Hyper Space is an exciting family indoor playland where children 12 months to 12 years and their parents can leap, crawl, climb, and play on equipment that has been designed with safety in mind.
Wheels The Skating Place
2475 McDougall
Windsor, ON N8X 3N9
519-969-4335
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Wheels The Skating Place is a clean, safe, well-supervised family rink that offers fun for all ages! In-line skates welcome at all sessions; roller skate rentals available on-site. A small mini-putt course is also available at Wheels.
XS Family Fun Centre
1930 Ambassador Drive
Windsor, ON N9C 3C3
519-972-6748
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The latest in interactive video game centres, catering fun to all ages with go-karts, batting cages, laser tag and a huge arcade.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Canada South Science City
930 Marion Ave.
Windsor, Ontario N9A 2J2
519-973-3667
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Canada South Science City is one of the most exciting and challenging family and tourist attractions in Southwest Ontario, featuring over 100 hands-on interactive science and technology exhibits, an exotic café, a state of the art computer science lab, “bean bag theatre” and a host of other exhibits for visitors of all ages to enjoy!
Hyper Space
2475 McDougall
Windsor, Ontario N8X 3N9
519-969-5014
Hours: Open daily, year round. Call for seasonal hours
Admission Charged
Hyper Space is an exciting family indoor playland where children 12 months to 12 years and their parents can leap, crawl, climb, and play on equipment that has been designed with safety in mind.
Wheels The Skating Place
2475 McDougall
Windsor, Ontario N8X 3N9
519-969-4335
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Wheels The Skating Place is a clean, safe, well-supervised family rink that offers fun for all ages! In-line skates welcome at all sessions; rollerskate rentals available on-site. A small mini-putt course is also available at Wheels.
XS Family Fun Centre
1930 Ambassador Drive
Windsor, Ontario N9C 3C3
519-972-6748
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The latest in interactive video game centres, catering fun to all ages with go-karts, batting cages, laser tag and a huge arcade.
Walker’s Fine Candies
1033 Wyandotte Street East
Windsor, Ontario N9A 3K3
519-253-2019
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Here, truffles are still hand-dipped and delectable treats are made the old fashioned way, with chocolate being melted in copper pots, and formed on marble slabs. Walker’s are also known for Peanut Toffee Ice Cream Topping!
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
January
One Act Play Festival
Held in late January
Location: Theatre Windsor at Market Square
The Annual Play Writing Competition invites local playwrights to submit a one act play for judging. The Winning plays are produced on the Theatre Windsor stage in the Annual One Act Play Festival. This is a tremendous opportunity to enjoy the performance of local ideas.
Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dinner
Held in late January
Location: Lakeside Park Pavilion/Lake Erie, Kingsville
Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dinner. Proceeds Benefit the Youth & Family Resource Network & ChildCan.
February
Ojibway Winter Festival
Held in early February
Location: Ojibway Park, Windsor
Enjoy cross-country skiing, skating and winter wanders through the ‘wilds of Windsor’.
Windsor Canadian Music Festival
Held in mid February
Location: Assumption University Chapel, Windsor
519-977-1400
Chamber ensemble and solo performances of Canadian compositions.
Devonshire Mall Spring Homeshow
Held in mid February
Location: Devonshire Mall, Windsor
519-256-9134
Heritage Day
Held in mid February
Location: Fort Malden National Historic Site, Amherst burg
519-736-5416
Admission Free
Celebrating Canadian heritage. Refreshments for the whole family.
March
Annual Home Show
Held in early March
Location: Ciociaro Club, Windsor
519-948-3247
Presented by the Greater Windsor Home Builders’ Association.
Windsor Classic Indoor Games
Held in early march
Location: St. Denis Athletic Centre, Windsor
519-235-2300
Paralympic events in Track, Field, Swimming, Boccia, Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Rugby, Goalball, Powerlifting and Sled Hockey.
Maple First Taste of Spring
Held in mid March
Location: John R Park, Homestead, Harrow
519-738-2029
Make Maple taffy in the snow; learn about the first taste of spring in pioneer times.
Colasantis March Break Madness Celebration
Held in mid March
Location: Tropical Gardens, Kingsville
519-326-3287
Let Colasanti’s show you a tropical cure for the March Break Boredom Blues. Visit the zoo featuring Animal Encounter Shows that run daily throughout the week. Create art with one of the open craft classes, enjoy a pony ride, or enter the colouring contest. Play 18-hole indoor mini golf, play on the indoor Little Tykes playground, or enjoy the arcade. Super Sleuths beware; the scavenger hunt will stump even the best of detectives.
Maple March Break
Held in mid March
Location: John R Park Homestead & Conservation Area, Harrow
519-738-2029
Kids, accompanied by adults, try all the steps in maple syrup making and enjoy a taste of fresh sugar.
Maple Moon
Held in mid March
Location: John R Park Homestead & Conservation Area, Harrow
519-738-2029
Join in an old fashioned sugaring off party by candlelight.
Colasanti’s Easter Extravaganza
Held around Easter
Location: Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Kingsville
519-326-3287
Start the Easter weekend festivities on Good Friday by joining in on the Easter Egg Hunt and then venture inside and take part in all of the activities!
April
Cherry Blossom Festival
Held in mid April
Location: Fujisawa Zen Garden, Essex
519-776-4459
See beautiful blossoms of the Japanese Sakura tree, only in bloom for a short time. Many activities and cultural shows held over two weekends. Tea ceremonies performed.
Windsor Home and Leisure Show
Held in late April
Location: St. Denis Centre, Windsor
519-256-9434
One of the largest home shows in Windsor and Essex County featuring home renovations and improvements.
May
Festival of Birds
Held all of May
Location: Point Pelee National Park of Canada, Leamington
519-322-2365
Special events, hikes and birding programs.
June
Carousel by the River Expo
Held in mid June
Location: Riverfront Festival Plaza, Windsor
519-255-1127
The world on your doorstep! Carousel by the River brings together cultural displays, unique arts and crafts, exotic food and live entertainment from countries around the globe…all at a beautiful riverfront location!
Carousel of the Nations
Held in mid June
Location: Varies throughout Windsor
519-255-1127
Take a trip around the globe, as you visit the cultural “villages” set up throughout the city, each featuring cultural displays, unique arts and crafts, delicious food and exotic entertainment.
International Freedom Festival
a two-week celebration honoring the birth of both Canada and the U.S. which takes place in Windsor and Detroit in late June and early July. The fireworks display is one of the largest in North America: It is usually held on a weeknight in the last week of June.
July
Canada Day Festivities
Held in early July
Location: Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada, Amherstburg
519-736-5416
Admission Free
Fort Malden and the community of Amherst burg kick up their heels for the annual birthday celebration of the country. Music, blackpowder demonstrations and fireworks are the highlights of the birthday festivities.
Windsor Theatre Festival
Held in late July – early August
Location: CNR Park, Windsor
519-564-09712
Live Theatre.
September
Devonshire Mall Fall Homeshow
Held in late September – early October
Location: Devonshire Mall, Windsor
519-256-9434
Annual home show.
October
Legends of the Night
Held in late October
Location: Point Pelee National Park of Canada, Leamington
519-322-2365
Join an interpreter at the campfire and take a walk on a jack-o-lantern lit trail.
November
Winter Exhibit
Held mid November – late April
Location: The Windsor Wood Carving Museum, Windsor
519-977-0823
Included are carvings from Quebec and Michigan. Wildlife, wildfowl, historical carvings, a life-size sculpture of Tecumseh, a bust of Cadillac, and famous citizens from Windsor’s last 100 years.
December
Bright Nights
Held early December – mid March
Location: Civic Esplanade, Windsor
519-971-0950
This unique seasonal light show illuminates Downtown Windsor from City Hall Square through Charles Clark Square ending at the Civic Green on the waterfront. It consists of several themed areas and 175 light displays and hosts several winter events and activities.
Arts & Entertainment
Capitol Theatre & Arts Centre
121 University Avenue West
Windsor, Ontario N9A 5P4
519-253-8065
Admission Charged
Community arts centre featuring a variety of performances. The building was recently restored to an original 1920 appearance.
Chrysler Theatre
Cleary International Centre201 Riverside Drive West
Windsor, Ontario N9A 5K4
519-252-8311
Houses one of the largest performing arts theatre in Ontario. Chrysler Theatre features a panoramic view of the Detroit River and skyline, providing a luxurious setting to enjoy the finest entertainment offered today. A variety of performances: classical, theatrical, pop, rock and family entertainment.
Mark Breslin’s Yuk Yuk’s Comedy
Telephone375 Ouellette Avenue – Upper
Windsor, Ontario N9A 7B4
519-256-5233
Call for the latest show schedule!
Stand up comedy with dinner show packages available.
Purple Theatre Company
3277 Sandwich St.
Windsor, Ontario N9C 1A9
519-255-7600
The Purple Theatre Company is one of Canada’s premier producers of original live theatre. Since 1995, the PTC has brought quality entertainment to stages across southwestern Ontario. Often innovative, sometimes edgy, sometimes painfully hilarious and always entertaining, these shows present an outstanding alternative to the ones visitors have already seen.
Theatre Alive
5165 Halford Rd.
Windsor, Ontario N9E 4M3
519-969-0660
Theatre Alive is an incorporated, non-profit community theatre organization that produces large-scale musicals at the Cleary International Centre. Professional shows at a great price!
Theatre Windsor
2109 Ottawa St. at Market Square
Windsor, Ontario N8X 1R8
519-944-1968
This community theatre group produces full-length plays, murder mysteries and one-act plays. In that roster of plays have been numerous family-oriented Christmas shows.
University Players
401 Sunset Avenue University of Windsor
Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4
519-253-3000
Performances scheduled from September to April.
University Players is the theatre company of the School of Dramatic Art, University of Windsor. Professional-style shows found right in the heart of campus.
Windsor Light Opera Association
2491 Jos.St.Louis
Windsor, Ontario N8T 2M4
519-974-6593
Windsor Light Opera is a community based amateur musical performance company of talented people that has thrilled Windsor area audiences since 1948. WLO produce major musicals each April and November at the Chrysler Theatre in Windsor’s City Centre.
Windsor Symphony Orchestra
487 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J2
519-973-1238
The WSO performs five major series: the flagship Premier Classics and the popular Pops Celebration are performed at the Chrysler Theatre; two chamber series, Mozart & More and Bach and Beyond are performed in Assumption University Chapel; and our series for families and a young audience, Family Jamboree.