Things To Do
in Amherstburg

Amherstburg is a historic riverside town on the Detroit River, just across from Detroit. Its crown jewel is Fort Malden National Historic Site, where stories of early settlers and soldiers come alive amid brick walls and river views. The town blends quiet waterfront charm with small shops, cafes, and family-friendly parks.

In addition to its heritage, the surrounding Essex County offers nature trails, wineries, and easy day trips to Point Pelee and nearby parks.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Fort Malden
morning
:

Begin your adventure at Fort Malden, a historic military site that played a crucial role in the War of 1812. Take a guided tour to learn about the fort's history and its significance in Canadian heritage. Don’t forget to explore the picturesque grounds and enjoy the scenic views of the Detroit River.

afternoon
:

After immersing yourself in history, indulge in a delicious lunch at a nearby local café, where you can savor some regional specialties. Spend your afternoon visiting the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, which offers profound insights into the lives of escaped slaves and their journeys to freedom in Canada. Take your time exploring the exhibits, which celebrate the rich cultural narratives of the region.

evening
:

As evening falls, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. The tranquil atmosphere combined with the sunset over the river creates a perfect end to your day. Finish off with dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh locally-sourced dishes.

day 2
Visit Kingsbridge Park
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing morning walk in Kingsbridge Park, known for its beautiful landscapes and serene ambiance. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the park amidst the lush greenery and serene surroundings. Take your time to relax and appreciate the sights and sounds of nature.

afternoon
:

Post-lunch, take a visit to the nearby historic sites, including the former Town Hall and the beautiful St. John's Anglican Church. Enjoy exploring the charming architecture and the history behind these important landmarks. Spend some time shopping at local boutiques where you can find unique crafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

Wind down your day at a local pub, where you can unwind with a drink and chat with friendly locals. Consider trying some regional beers or wines while tasting pub-style food that reflects the local flavor. Enjoy live music or entertainment if available, immersing yourself in the vibrant community spirit.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-20 CAD
Coffee or tea$3-5 CAD
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$15-25 CAD
🛍️Groceries for a week$60-120 CAD
🚗Taxi or rides within town$12-25 CAD

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Historic riverfront charm and easy access to Point Pelee and wineries
  • Calm, family-friendly vibe with plenty of outdoor spaces
  • Small-town amenities may require trips to Windsor or Leamington for nightlife and some services
  • Limited public transit within Amherstburg; driving or biking is often necessary

Places to Visit in Amherstburg

Visit one of these nice places.

Fort Malden National Historic Site

Historic riverfront fort with brick walls, cannons, and elevated views of the Detroit River at golden hour.

Detroit River waterfront

Long promenade along the river with boats, Windsor skyline, and sunset reflections.

Amherstburg Historic downtown and marina

Colorful heritage buildings, cobbled streets, and marina scenes ideal for street photography.

Point Pelee National Park boardwalks

Marsh boardwalks through wetlands offering birds, tall grasses, and sunrise silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Amherstburg

Amherstburg’s cuisine reflects Ontario’s farm-to-table pace and the region’s lakeside influences, offering hearty comfort food, fresh river fish, and plenty of cafes and wine-friendly spots.

Amherstburg Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Perch fish fry

Crispy lake perch served with fries and tartar sauce at local riverfront eateries.

Must-Try!

Butter tarts

Classic Canadian dessert with flaky pastry and caramel centers.

Poutine

Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, widely available at pubs and casual eateries.

Pierogi

Polish-inspired dumplings reflecting local immigrant influences available at nearby eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Essex County Farmers Market

Seasonal market with local produce, preserves, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks.

Riverside vendors and pop-ups

Occasional street-food stalls along the Amherstburg waterfront during events and weekends.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate features four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid with temperatures often in the 20s Celsius; winters are cold with snow and averages around below-freezing temperatures. Spring and fall are mild with changeable weather and colorful foliage in autumn. Rain occurs throughout the year, with slightly wetter late spring and early fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and queueing

Polite greetings, please/thank you, and orderly queues are expected in shops and restaurants.

Respect for local heritage

Be mindful at Fort Malden and historic sites; follow rules and avoid restricted areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Amherstburg is generally safe for visitors, with common-sense precautions for waterfront areas and trails. Stay aware near the river edges, follow posted park rules, and keep valuables secure in busy areas. Emergency services and tourist information are accessible in Windsor and nearby towns.

Tipping in Amherstburg

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Canada, tips of 15-20% are customary for good service in restaurants; rounding up at bar orders is common.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is also fine; ATMs are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, sunny days with high activity around the waterfront; best for outdoor dining, boating, and events.

Fall

Mild days with colorful foliage and harvest-season winery visits; cooler evenings require layering.

Winter

Cold temperatures with snow possible; indoor venues and coffee shops are cozy refuges.

Spring

Budding nature and migratory birds; weather can be changeable—bring layers and waterproof gear.

Nightlife Guide

Amherstburg at Night

Amherstburg has a quiet, small-town nightlife scene. Most options are relaxed pubs and waterfront bars linked with Windsor’s broader scene, offering live music and seasonal events during the summer. For a livelier night out, residents often head to Windsor for clubs or larger venues.

Hiking in Amherstburg

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hillman Marsh Boardwalk

Boardwalk trails through marsh habitats with birdwatching opportunities.

Point Pelee National Park trails

Coastal and marsh trails suitable for families and birders.

Rondeau Provincial Park trails

Long trails along Lake Erie's coastline with forested and beach sections.

Airports

How to reach Amherstburg by plane.

Windsor International Airport (YQG)

Nearest regional airport with domestic flights and some international connections; roughly 20-25 minutes from Amherstburg by car.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Major international hub about 60-90 minutes away by car; cross-border travel possible by car or bus.

Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)

Ontario’s largest airport; several hours drive, suitable for international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most historic sites, eateries, and the waterfront within a short stroll. Some attractions, such as Point Pelee National Park, require a car to reach. On-street parking and some paid parking options are available in the downtown area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A family-friendly town with a mix of long-term residents and newcomers.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists visiting Fort Malden and Point Pelee during peak seasons.

Multicultural groups

The region includes European heritage families and newer residents in neighboring towns.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Hockey

Popular in winter with local rinks and teams; a staple of Canadian culture.

Baseball/Softball

Community leagues and park programs active in warmer months.

Soccer

Widespread recreational leagues for both youth and adults.

Transportation

Traffic

Automobile travel is the dominant mode of transport; Amherstburg is connected by highways and a cross-border link to Windsor. Public transit is limited within town; Windsor Transit serves nearby communities. Biking and walking are viable within the town center and along the waterfront, with parking available in core areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Amherstburg.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many cafes offer vegetarian options; ask for seasonal veggie plates or pasta dishes; look for restaurants with seafood and plant-based options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in Amherstburg via clinics and urgent care; for hospital-level care, residents typically rely on Windsor Regional Hospital in Windsor (clinic networks and walk-in clinics are accessible in the region). International travelers should have travel insurance and carry basic medical information. Pharmacy services are widely available in town.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

Canada Travel Guide