Amherstburg Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and drink, and how to get around in Amherstburg, Ontario.


Introduction to Amherstburg

Amherstburg is a quaint yet vibrant town located in Essex County, in Southwestern Ontario, in Canada, North America. With its historic buildings, natural beauty, and excellent food and drink scene, Amherstburg has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Amherstburg

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Malden National Historic Site: Discover the history of Canada’s military and the War of 1812.
  • Gibson Gallery: A beautiful art gallery that showcases the work of local artists.
  • Park House Museum: Explore the history of a prominent family and the life of earlier times.

Natural Attractions of Amherstburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Holiday Beach Conservation Area: Enjoy hiking and birdwatching while taking in the serenity of the lake.
  • Amherstburg Navy Yard National Historic Site: The whole family can learn about the history of maritime Canada.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Amherstburg

  • Libro Centre Trail: A scenic paved trail that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Cypher Systems Group Greenway Trail: This trail offers great views and wildlife sightings.

Best Things to Do in Amherstburg: Activities and Tours

  • Essex County Wine Tasting Tour: This wine tour is an excellent opportunity to sample Canada’s best wines.
  • Amherstburg Food and Drink Walking Tour: Discover the town’s culinary scene on a guided walking tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Amherstburg

Day Activity
1 Visit Fort Malden National Historic Site
2 Explore Gibson Gallery
3 Hike the Cypher Systems Group Greenway Trail
4 Take an Essex County Wine Tasting Tour
5 Learn about local history at the Park House Museum
6 Enjoy a day at the holiday Beach Conservation Area
7 Join an Amherstburg Food and Drink Walking Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Amherstburg

Must-Try Dishes

  • Butter Tarts: A classic Canadian dessert, these buttery mini pies are delicious.
  • Poutine: Fries, gravy, and cheese curds make for a simple yet tasty dish.
  • Peameal Bacon Sandwiches: Made with thinly sliced back bacon, these sandwiches are a staple of Canadian cuisine.

Local Beverages

  • Pelee Island Winery: Visit the winery and taste some of Canada’s best wines.
  • Amherstburg Brewing Company: Sample craft beer at this local brewery.

Where to Stay in Amherstburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Ye Olde Walkerville Bed & Breakfast: A cozy bed and breakfast located in a historic district.
  • LaRoche Park Nature Reserve Guest House: This guest house is perfect for nature lovers.
  • Quality Inn & Suites: Offers comfortable rooms and great amenities at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Amherstburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pelee Island Winery Wine: Bring home a bottle of wine from one of Canada’s best wineries.
  • Canadian Souvenirs: Take home some Canadian flag souvenirs or maple syrup.
  • Artwork: Don’t forget to get an art piece from one of the local galleries.

Local Culture and Customs of Amherstburg

Amherstburg residents are polite and welcoming. Visitors should respect local customs, like apologizing when bumping into someone, holding doors open for others, and saying “please” and “thank you” when ordering from a menu.

Best Time to Visit Amherstburg

The best time to visit Amherstburg is from May to September when the weather is pleasant, and there are many cultural events and festivals taking place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Amherstburg

Do:

  • Try the peameal bacon sandwiches.
  • Visit the Fort Malden National Historic Site.
  • Take a wine tour.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the parks.
  • Smoke in non-smoking areas.
  • Cut in line or show impoliteness.

Safety and Health

Safety in Amherstburg

Amherstburg is generally a safe town, but visitors should take precautions and avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas.

Health in Amherstburg

There are several hospitals and medical clinics in the town for visitors who need medical care.

Getting to Amherstburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Amherstburg

  • Windsor International Airport: This airport is located 45 minutes from Amherstburg and is a convenient option for those flying from outside of North America.

Bus Stations Near Amherstburg

  • Greyhound Bus Station: This bus station is located in nearby Windsor and is a convenient option for visitors coming from other parts of Canada.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in Windsor and drive to Amherstburg.
  • Taxi or Rideshare: Visitors can take a taxi or rideshare from Windsor to Amherstburg.

How to Get Around in Amherstburg

The best way to get around Amherstburg is by car. However, visitors can also take public transportation or hire a taxi to explore the town.

Where to Go Next from Amherstburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Detroit, Michigan: Located only 20 minutes away, Detroit is a vibrant city with many attractions and activities.
  • Pelee Island: A charming island located in Lake Erie is a great destination for nature lovers.

Conclusion

Amherstburg may be a small town, but it’s full of character and unique attractions. It’s an ideal destination for visitors looking to relax and enjoy the natural and cultural highlights Canada’s Southwest Ontario Region has to offer.

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