Essex County Travel Guide

Explore the striking beauty of Essex County with this detailed travel guide. Get to know the best attractions, hidden secrets, and local culture of this incredible Canadian region.


Introduction to Essex County

Nestled in the Southwestern Ontario region, Essex County boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions in Canada. With vibrant cultural festivals, gourmet cuisine, and a rich history, this area offers endless opportunities for tourists to enjoy their vacation to the fullest. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in Essex County.

List of Places to Visit in Essex County

If you’re looking to explore Essex County’s cultural and natural treasures, here are some must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Leamington Arts Centre - showcases the work of local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
  • Canadian Transportation Museum - a fascinating collection of vintage cars, planes, and locomotives.
  • Chimczuk Museum - explore the region’s history and cultural heritage through immersive exhibits.
  • Edison Depot Museum - learn about the railroad’s impact on the region, and see artifacts from the past century.
  • Fort Malden National Historic Site - a pivotal location during the War of 1812, this site hosts informative tours and exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Essex County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Point Pelee National Park - this stunning park is home to a wide range of migratory birds, and offers hiking and biking trails, kayaking, and swimming.
  • Pelee Island - a serene island with lush forests, pristine beaches, and a charming small town vibe.
  • Holiday Beach Conservation Area - one of the most important spots for bird watching in North America, this park also offers hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary - nature enthusiasts will appreciate this sanctuary’s resident swans and geese, as well as the educational programming.
  • Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve - A unique ecosystem that is home to endangered plant and animal species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Essex County

Essex County has various hiking and biking routes that take you through scenic landscapes and offer an opportunity to explore its fauna and flora. Few of the most famous ones are:

  • Windsor Waterfront Bike Trail - a serene 8 km trail along the Detroit River.
  • Chrysler Canada Greenway - a 42 km trail passing through peaceful woods and farmlands.
  • Hillman Marsh Trail- a 5 km loop through a nature reserve, marsh, and lake habitats.
  • Maidstone Conservation Area Trail - a serene 4 km trail through a nature reserve with stunning views of Lake Erie.

Best Things to Do in Essex County: Activities and Tours

  • Explore Vineyards and Wineries - in Essex County, wine-making is a tradition, and visitors can sample the best vintages from local wineries such as Pelee Island Winery and Colio Estate Wines.
  • Attend Summer Festivals - Music festivals, Film festivals, and food festivals are aplenty in Essex County. Few famous ones are Amherstburg’s Fireworks Festival, Leamington Tomato Festival and Windsor International Film Festival.
  • Visit Art Galleries - Art galleries like the Gibson Gallery and Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre exhibit the works of local artists, and also offers an opportunity to discover live music events.
  • Take a Food Tour - Essex County has a growing food scene that features farm-to-table restaurants, local breweries, and farm markets with fresh produce.
  • Go Fishing - With plenty of lakes, rivers and marshlands in the region, fishing enthusiasts can take full advantage of the opportunity to catch a species like Perch, Pickerel, Bass, and Catfish.

Week-Long Itinerary for Essex County

Day 1 - Visit the Chimczuk Museum and have lunch at Antonino’s Original Pizza Day 2 - Take a bird-watching tour of Point Pelee National Park and end the day with a sunset picnic Day 3 - Tour the Canadian Transportation Museum and dine at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar in Windsor Day 4 - Spend the day at Pelee Island and tour a winery such as Pelee Island Winery Day 5 - Visit Fort Malden National Historic Site and grab lunch at the Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast Day 6 - Do a food tour of Essex County and have dinner at Oxley Estate Winery Day 7 - Visit the Outdoor Adventure Centre, then have a relaxing spa day at the Deerbrook Forest Nature Resort.

Food and Drink Scene of Essex County

Must-Try Dishes

Essex County’s cuisine is influenced by its bountiful agricultural landscape, varied climate, and long history. A few dishes that visitors should not miss:

  • Pizza - Antonino’s Original Pizza is regarded as one of the best pizza shops in the country.
  • Fresh Seafood - The region lies on the shores of Lake Erie which is home to perch, pickerel, and catfish. Restaurants like Erieview Restaurant and The Beach House offer the freshest catches of seafood from Lake Erie.
  • Pies, Tart, and Preserves - Essex is a productive region for apples and strawberries which make it popular for scrumptious pies and preserves, and locally made ice cream.
  • Butter Tarts - A dessert that is loved all over Canada, Butter Tarts are one of the sweetest ways to sample Essex County’s culinary traditions.

Local Beverages

Essex County has distinguished itself as a region producing excellent wines from cool-climate grapes of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. Pelee Island Winery offers vineyard-to-bottle tours, and Colio Estate Wines host tastings of award-winning wines made from Niagara grapes. Banded Goose Brewing Company and GL Heritage Brewing Company are two excellent craft breweries in the region.

Where to Stay in Essex County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Essex County has a diverse selection of accommodations to suit any visitor, from luxury hotels and inns to comfortable guesthouses and campsites. Few of the best hotels and hostels are:

  • Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel & Conference Centre - an award-winning hotel offering indoor pool, fitness centre and restaurant.
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview - A stunning hotel by the border of Niagara Falls on the U.S side with a grand casino, high-end restaurants, and an excellent view of the Falls.
  • Commodore’s Inn - A cozy Inn located at a stone’s throw distance to Erie Beach which also offers a complimentary breakfast and is favorable for families.

What to Buy in Essex County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products that visitors can purchase as mementos:

  • Crafts and Artisanal Products - The Artsy Shop at Walkerville Brewery is a popular spot for buying locally made pottery, jewelry, and home decor items.
  • Gourmet Food - Market Square in Downtown Windsor is an excellent spot for locally grown and sourced produce and dairy products
  • ** Local Wines and Beers** - Colio Estate Wines and Banded Goose Brewing Company are renowned producers of fine wines and beers that can be purchased to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Essex County

Essex County is a welcoming community that values diversity, kindness, and a slow-paced lifestyle. Visitors can expect to see plenty of art, music, and food festivals celebrating the region’s cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Essex County

The best time to visit Essex County is from May to October, when the weather is temperate, and many outdoor activities and events are held. Fall brings rich shades of red and yellow to the trees of Essex County, making it ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Essex County

Do:

  • Participate in local cultural events and festivals.
  • Explore the region’s natural landscapes in detail.
  • Learn about the region’s cultural history by visiting museums and historical sites.
  • Try local foods, wines, and beers.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or pollute the natural parks, lakes, and rivers.
  • Don’t judge the local culture and customs, but instead show respect and appreciation.

Safety and Health

Safety in Essex County

Essex County is a safe and friendly place for tourists. However, visitors should be cautious while hiking or fishing in natural areas, follow the safety measures for those activities, and avoid walking in dark alleys or residential areas at night.

Health in Essex County

Visitors to Essex County will not require any vaccinations or special medical treatments. The region has multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities available for emergencies.

Getting to Essex County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Essex County

The region has two airports:

  • Windsor International Airport - only a 10-minute drive from downtown Windsor, offering domestic and international flights.
  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport - providing international connections, located just an hour’s drive from Essex County.

Bus Stations Near Essex County

Greyhound operates buses to Windsor and the surrounding area. Alternatively, Essex County Transit authority provides transportation services within the county.

Other Options

  • By Car: Essex County is accessible by road through various highways such as Highway 401, Highway 3, Highway 77, and Highway 2.
  • By Train: Windsor railway station operates Via Rail passenger trains to other parts of Canada such as Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto.

How to Get Around in Essex County

Essex County offers multiple transportation options for tourists, including rental cars, bikes, and public transportation, to make exploring the region more enjoyable and convenient.

Where to Go Next from Essex County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time, consider these nearby destinations:

  • Detroit: An iconic American city, known for its automotive culture, Motown music, and impressive art museums, and is just across the border.
  • Niagara Falls: The world-famous waterfalls are about a four-hour drive from Essex County and provide a one-of-a-kind view of nature’s power.
  • Kitchener: Kitchener is a Canadian city steeped in German history and cultural charm. Located 3 hours away, Kitchener has an award-winning Oktoberfest and a top-notch farmers’ market.

Conclusion

Essex County is a hidden gem in Canada, with its natural beauty, rich heritage, and growing food and wine scene. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, an adventurous vacation, or a cultural exploration, Essex County has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this incredible destination!

Underground Railroad Monument in Windsor Underground Railroad Monument in Windsor Boardwalk across a marsh in Point Pelee National Park Boardwalk across a marsh in Point Pelee National Park


    Amherstburg
    Kingsville
    Leamington
    Pelee Island
    Point Pelee National Park