The Ontario city of Windsor is one t hat is rich in culture and history. Located just across the river from Detroit, it offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, from museums and casinos to gardens and parks, but if you want to explore some of the hidden gems and offbeat experiences that Windsor has to offer, here are 10 suggestions that will make your trip more memorable.
Enjoy a scenic walk the Windsor riverfront
You can start your exploration of Windsor by enjoying a scenic walk or bike ride along the Windsor Riverfront, which stretches for 8 km along the Detroit River. You can admire the views of the Detroit skyline, watch the boats go by, or relax on one of the benches or picnic tables. The riverfront also features several monuments and sculptures, such as the Great Canadian Flag, the Peace Fountain and the Spirit of Windsor locomotive.
Try your luck at Ontario’s premier gaming complex
If you’re feeling lucky, you can try your hand at Caesars Windsor, Ontario’s premier gaming complex. The casino offers more than 80 table games, 2,200 slots and tournament series. You can also enjoy live entertainment, fine dining, shopping and spa services. Caesars Windsor is also a four-diamond hotel, with luxurious rooms and suites overlooking the river.
See historic aircraft at the Canadian Aviation Museum
For aviation enthusiasts, the Canadian Aviation Museum is a must-visit. The museum is located in the main hangar of the old No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School at the southwest corner of Windsor International Airport. It features several restoration projects and static displays of historic aircraft, such as the Avro Lancaster, the de Havilland Mosquito, the Boeing Stearman and the North American Harvard.
Feel the romance at Coventry Gardens
For a relaxing and romantic experience, head to Coventry Gardens, a beautiful park on the riverfront. The park features a variety of flowers and plants, as well as a fish pond and a fountain. The highlight of the park is the Peace Beacon, a 12-metre tall metal sculpture that lights up at night with different colours. The beacon symbolizes peace and friendship between Canada and the US.
Follow the trails of the Ojibway Prairie Complex
If you love nature and wildlife, you’ll love the Ojibway Nature Centre, a part of the Ojibway Prairie Complex. The complex is a 350-hectare area of natural habitats, including prairies, forests, wetlands and savannas. It is home to more than 160 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, 8 species of reptiles and amphibians, and hundreds of species of plants and insects. You can explore the trails, visit the nature centre, or join a guided tour or program.
Visit Ford City, the former Heart of Windsor’s automotive industry
For a glimpse of Windsor’s industrial past, visit Ford City, a neighbourhood that was once the heart of the city’s automotive industry. Ford City was where Henry Ford built his first Canadian factory in 1904, and where thousands of workers lived and worked. Today, you can see some of the historic buildings, such as the Drouillard Road Fire Hall, the Ford City Community Garden and the Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex. You can also admire the colourful murals that depict the history and culture of Ford City.
See some of the best Canadian art in the country
Don’t miss the Art Gallery of Windsor, one of the best places to see Canadian art in the country. The gallery was established in 1943 and has grown to house over 4,000 works of art, mostly by Canadian artists. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs and special events.
Admire the incredible monuments in the Windsor Sculpture Park
Another artistic attraction in Windsor is the Windsor Sculpture Park, a museum without walls that features more than 30 large-scale sculptures along the riverfront. The sculptures are made by internationally renowned artists, such as Elisabeth Frink, Gerald Gladstone, Sorel Etrog and Joe Rosenthal. You can admire the sculptures on foot or by bike, or download the Sculptures and Monuments app for a guided tour.
Stroll through the city’s green oasis
One of the largest and most beautiful parks in Windsor is Jackson Park, a green oasis in the city. The park covers 28 hectares and features a variety of gardens, such as the Queen Elizabeth II Sunken Garden, the Formal Garden and the Rose Garden. The park also has a playground, a pavilion, a fountain and a war memorial.
Tour a historic mansion built by a wealthy industrialist
One of the most impressive historic houses in Windsor is Willistead Manor, a mansion built by Edward Chandler Walker, a wealthy industrialist and son of Hiram Walker, the founder of Canadian Club Whisky. The mansion was designed by Albert Kahn, a famous architect who also designed many buildings in Detroit. The mansion has 36 rooms and is decorated with fine furniture, art and antiques. You can tour the mansion and learn about its history and architecture.
