Urban Surf Co. © Courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island

40 REASONS TO VISIT ONTARIO’S SOUTHWEST

Upgrade your next getaway in Ontario’s Southwest! Stay an extra night or book that experience you’ve always wanted to try. Your dollar lets you do it all! From Windsor Essex’s lush wine region and world-class gaming to Sarnia-Lambton’s gorgeous beaches and vibrant festivals, there’s no shortage of reasons to cross the border. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or history buff, this region delivers unforgettable experiences at a price you’ll love. So pack your bags and get exploring!

Winsdor Essex Pelee Island

1. GO FISH!

We are the muskie and walleye capital of Canada, with our 100-mile coastline offering plenty of options to cast your line and the freshest lake-to-plate dining.

2. POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK

Head to the southernmost tip of mainland Canada at Point Pelee National Park for the perfect photo op.

3. CAESARS WINDSOR

Caesars Windsor is Canada’s largest casino. It offers nonstop gaming, a 4-diamond hotel stay, and world-class shows inside the Colosseum.

4. WINDSOR PIZZA

While Chicago loves a good deep dish, head to Windsor for our famous (and award-winning) Windsor-style pizza, which features our unique spin of shredded pepperoni, local Galati Cheese, cornmeal, and canned mushrooms.

5. PUBLIC ART

Explore downtown Windsor’s alleys, including Maiden Lane, filled with murals and graffiti by world-renowned artists. Then, head to WIFF Alley to check out the latest installations.

6. BIRDING

With our unique geographical position, Windsor Essex Pelee Island is one of North America’s premier birding locations. Peak season is May, when 340+ species of birds flock to our region.

7. BARREL TRAIL

Explore and pour the craft breweries, distilleries and cideries in Windsor Essex that make up the Barrels Bottles and Brews Trail. We are the birthplace of Canadian whisky and home to premium small-batch spirits.

8. PROHIBITION

Be a rum runner for a day by exploring our storied Prohibition past at haunts like Willistead Manor in the historic Distillery District, Walkerville Brewery, with its origins as a warehouse for Hiram Walker, and pay a visit to the founder of Canadian Club, Hiram himself, at his statue welcoming you to the neighborhood.

9. ADVENTURE BAY

Adventure Bay Family Waterpark is Southern Ontario’s wildest indoor facility, featuring 10 slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a FlowRider surf simulator, and much more. Be sure to make a splash with the whole family!

10. WINDSOR SCULPTURE PARK & AWE

Visit Windsor Sculpture Park, a unique museum without walls featuring 35+ large-scale, internationally recognized works of contemporary sculpture by worldrenowned artists. Start your stroll at Art Windsor Essex, which showcases local, Indigenous, and Canadian art. Every visit will leave you in AWE.

11. WINDSOR’S STREETCAR

Streetcar No. 351 - Located at Riverfront Legacy Park, this historic streetcar serves as a tribute to Windsor’s transportation history. Drive further into automotive history with a visit to Ford City, this historic neighborhood is home to restaurants, shops, and 30+ outdoor murals that honor the district’s place in automotive history. Continue your journey to

the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, showcasing exhibits spanning across many eras.

12. EPIC WINE REGION

Canada’s hottest wine region is also its most southern, with di”vine” award-winning varietals, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Baco Noir. Tour, sip, and savor incredible offerings at our 15+ EPIC Wineries, including Pelee Island Winery, Canada’s first vineyard.

13. PELEE ISLAND

Canada’s southernmost inhabited place is Pelee Island, situated literally in the middle of Lake Erie. It boasts spectacular sunsets, pristine beaches, and is the birthplace of champagne in Canada. Vin Villa is the country’s first commercial estate winery, the birthplace of bubbly in Canada, and the country's first commercial estate winery, Vin Villa.

14. RICH IN HISTORY

The charming town of Amherstburg, rich in Canadian history, is located along the shore of the Detroit River and is identified as a War of 1812 community with historically significant sites such as Fort Malden National Historic Site, Park House Museum, and King’s Navy Yard Park.

15. TWO-NATION DESTINATION

Boasting three international border crossings, all are marvels of their time with spectacular architecture. Capture breathtaking views of the soon-to-beopened Gordie Howe International Bridge, the largest cable-stayed bridge in North America and one of the largest ports of entry on the continent.

16. MULTICULTURAL MOSAIC

As one of Canada's most ethnically diverse communities, experience a foodie adventure that could only happen here with a smorgasbord of multicultural dining options from around the world.

17. THE NORTH STAR (OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD)

Windsor-Essex played a proud and pivotal role in the Underground Railroad movement. Explore significant attractions and landmarks, including the Amherstburg Freedom Museum and the Tower of Freedom monument, that highlight our region's rich Black heritage.

18. PADDLING THE PENINSULA

Windsor Essex is a paddler’s paradise—a peninsula surrounded by three bodies of water—Lake St. Clair to the north, the Detroit River to the north and west, and Lake Erie to the south. There are three great ways to make a splash in Windsor Essex! Take in the historic Detroit River and the stunning Windsor and Detroit skyline views with a Windsor Premier Cruise.

19. R&R AT ITS BEST

Rest, relax, and romance in one of our charming small towns, which offer boutique shopping and local dining. Indulge at a luxurious day spa and experience the ultimate rejuvenation— where your dollar goes much further!

20. AGRITOURISM ABUNDANCE

There is an abundance of fresh local cuisine in Windsor Essex, as one of the most agriculturally rich regions in Canada, dotted with farm stands and markets, which offer a plethora of options to feast on.

Sarnia-Lambton

1. STUNNING LAKE HURON BEACHES

With over 180 miles of coastline, enjoy soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets at Grand Bend and Sarnia.

2. WORLD-CLASS FISHING

Reel in trophy walleye, bass, and salmon in the St. Clair River and Lake Huron, some of the best fishing waters in North America.

3. BLUE WATER BRIDGE VIEWS

Drive across the iconic Blue Water Bridge and marvel at the turquoise waters connecting the U.S. and Canada.

4. INCREDIBLE CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS

Tour local breweries along the Cheers To The Coast Trail and experience 10 breweries for a true taste of SarniaLambton’s craft scene.

5. OIL HERITAGE ROOTS

Explore the birthplace of North America’s oil industry in Oil Springs at the Oil Museum of Canada.

6. BOATING PARADISE

Sail, kayak, or paddleboard along the St. Clair River and Lake Huron, with easy access to scenic marinas and waterfront dining.

7. A GLIMPSE OF ART

Experience world-class art from the best Canadian artists at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery.

8. CHARMING SMALL-TOWN VIBES

Discover friendly communities like Grand Bend, Petrolia, and Point Edward with a relaxed pace, welcoming locals, and a rich mix of history and culture.

9. LAMBTON COUNTY WINERIES

Sip locally produced wines at hidden gems like Alton Farms Estate Winery, Shale Ridge Estate Winery, or Dark Horse Estate Winery, blending beautifully with the region’s natural landscapes.

10. HOCKEY HERITAGE

Visit the Lambton Heritage Museum’s hockey exhibition or catch a Sarnia Sting OHL game for a true Canadian hockey experience.

11. WATERFRONT DINING WITH A VIEW

Enjoy fresh, local cuisine at restaurants like Match Eatery, Purdy’s Dockside, and Alternate Grounds Dockside, right on the water.

12. OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AT PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK

Hike, bike, or camp in this natural wonderland, known for its rare oak savannah ecosystem and spectacular sunsets.

13. WORLD-CLASS GOLF COURSES

Tee off at stunning courses like Huron Oaks and Widder Station, offering challenging layouts and scenic beauty.

14. CHARMING FARMERS’ MARKETS

Browse fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts at vibrant farmers’ markets like the Sarnia Farmers’ Market or the Downtown Market.

15. CYCLE AWAY

With over 100 miles of on-road and off-road cycling paths, you can find a new trail to conquer.

16. CATCH A PLAY OR SHOW

Discover both local and worldwide recognized talent at Petrolia's Victoria Playhouse or Sarnia's Imperial Theatre.

17. FESTIVAL AND EVENTS

International superstars grace the stages across Sarnia-Lambton each summer with yearly music festivals and more.

18. Rural Showcase & Local Traditions

Experience the rich history at local agricultural showcases through events like Lambton Plowing matches and fall fairs that have been held yearly in our communities for hundreds of years.

19. From Farm To Table

Explore local flavors and favorites at unique restaurants such as the March Hare, the Lake Hound, the Cast Iron Kitchen, Davis, GRIND, and more!

20. Travel Responsibly

Ontario’s Southwest is actively working to ensure it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations through a number of activities, including encouraging its visitors to sign the Responsible Travel Pledge at oswtravelpledge.com

With all this and more, there’s no time like the present to plan your trip to Southwest Ontario! Your adventure begins at ontariossouthwest.com