Things To Do
in LaSalle

LaSalle, Ontario is a family-friendly city on the south shore of the Detroit River, just west of Windsor. It offers scenic waterfront parks, well-kept neighborhoods, and easy access to both nature and urban amenities. The community blends Canadian small-town charm with proximity to the Windsor-Essex metro area's dining and cultural options.

Visitors will find a relaxed pace and plenty of outdoor recreation along the river.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore LaSalle's Nature Trails
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk in the LaSalle Park and Conservatory, taking in the lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Enjoy birdwatching and the tranquil sounds of nature. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy at one of the picnic spots.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby LaSalle Marina, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the Detroit River. Grab lunch at a waterfront café with scenic views. Spend some time at the playground if you're traveling with children.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant specializing in Canadian and international cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing stroll along the riverfront to watch the sunset. Consider visiting a nearby ice cream shop for a sweet treat.

day 2
Discover LaSalle's History and Culture
morning
:

Visit the LaSalle Museum to learn about the town's rich history and heritage. Participate in guided tours to gain insights into early Canadian settlement life. Enjoy a coffee at a nearby café as you reflect on the exhibits.

afternoon
:

Explore local art galleries featuring works by Canadian artists. Have lunch at a bistro known for its farm-to-table options. Spend some time browsing through quaint bookstores and boutiques in the area.

evening
:

Attend a live theater performance or musical event at the LaSalle Community Theatre. Have dinner at a cozy bistro offering local flavors and seasonal dishes. End the night with a leisurely walk through the decorated town center.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee at a café$2-5
🚍Monthly transit pass$70-90
🛒Groceries (weekly)$60-120
🏥Doctor visit (uninsured)$110-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Windsor and Detroit, with easy access to riverfront scenery and parks.
  • Safe, family-friendly communities with well-maintained outdoor spaces.
  • Limited nightlife within LaSalle itself; you may need to cross to Windsor for more options.
  • Winters can be cold and snowy; some services require border crossing for certain activities.

Places to Visit in LaSalle

Visit one of these nice places.

Detroit River Overlook at Malden Park

A high overlooking point with views of the Detroit River, sunsets, and the Windsor skyline across the water.

LaSalle Waterfront Boardwalk

A scenic riverside path perfect for dawn or golden-hour photography and reflections on the water.

Riverfront Sunsets Point

Open space along the river suitable for long-exposure shots of boats and the shimmering water.

Culinary Guide

Food in LaSalle

LaSalle sits in Windsor-Essex, an area known for farm-fresh fare, diverse cuisines, and approachable dining options from casual to refined.

LaSalle Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Butter tarts

A classic Ontario dessert pastry with a gooey maple-sweet filling, widely available at bakeries and markets.

Must-Try!

Peameal bacon sandwich

A commuters’ favorite in Ontario, often served on crusty bread with mustard or pickles.

Perch fish fry

Locally sourced Great Lakes perch, pan-fried or battered and served with fries and coleslaw.

Cider donuts (seasonal)

Sweet, cinnamon-scented treats commonly found at seasonal markets and fairs in fall.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

LaSalle Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods along the riverfront area.

Riverfront food trucks

Seasonal mobile vendors offering diverse street foods during warmer months and events.

Climate Guide

Weather

LaSalle experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with snow and occasional lake-effect effects from the nearby Great Lakes; summers are warm and humid with moderate rainfall; spring and fall bring mild to cool days and changing foliage.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Bilingual courtesy

English and French are commonly used; greet with a polite 'Hello/Bonjour' and show respect in both languages when possible.

Polite conduct

Hold doors for others, use 'please' and 'thank you' often, and respect quiet hours in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

LaSalle is generally safe with typical urban precautions. Stay aware near waterfront areas, observe weather advisories, and keep an eye on border crossing times if driving. In remote areas, guard belongings and be mindful of dusk crowds near parks.

Tipping in LaSalle

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Canada, tipping is customary for service, typically 15-20% at restaurants and cafes, with higher tips for exceptional service. Some establishments include service.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash, debit, and major credit cards; contactless payments are common; some markets may be cash-only for vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Summers are warm with occasional thunderstorms; bring light clothing, sunscreen, and water. The riverfront comes alive with markets, festivals, and outdoor activities.

Fall

Mild days with colorful foliage; comfortable hiking and biking. Harvest-themed events and wine tastings in nearby vineyards are common.

Winter

Cold temperatures with possible snow. Winter strolls require warm gear; indoor attractions and cafes provide cozy options.

Spring

Moderate temperatures with some rain; blooming trees and parks are ideal for walks and photography.

Nightlife Guide

LaSalle at Night

LaSalle itself has a relaxed nightlife scene with casual pubs, family-friendly lounges, and waterfront bars, mostly concentrated across the border in Windsor. Expect laid-back atmospheres, live music on weekends at some venues, and a dining-to-drifty vibe rather than high-energy club scenes.

Hiking in LaSalle

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Detroit Riverfront trails

Scenic riverfront paths along the Detroit River suitable for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

Ojibway Prairie Provincial Park trails

Forest-and-prairie trails with varied wildlife and seasonal colors near Windsor.

Malden Park nature trails

Gentle woodland trails and overlook points near LaSalle for easy hikes.

Airports

How to reach LaSalle by plane.

Windsor International Airport (YQG)

A small regional airport with domestic flights; easy access to LaSalle and Windsor.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Major international hub just across the border; convenient for overseas and cross-border connections.

Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)

Large international hub about a 4-5 hour drive; useful for long-haul trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is mixed: the riverfront and parks are very walkable, but many residential areas are designed for cars. A car or bike is helpful for sightseeing and accessing nearby Windsor and Essex County attractions.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young families

Many families choose LaSalle for its schools, parks, and safe neighborhoods.

Long-time residents

Established communities with multi-generational roots.

Immigrant communities

Diverse residents from Arab, South Asian, Filipino and other backgrounds contribute to a multicultural scene.

Students and commuters

Proximity to Windsor and Detroit metro opportunities attract students and workers.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice hockey

A staple winter sport in the region with strong youth and amateur leagues.

Soccer

Popular among families and clubs across the Windsor-Essex area.

Baseball/Softball

Community leagues are active in parks and school facilities.

Basketball

Court leagues and pickup games are common in local recreation centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Cross-border traffic can cause delays at peak commuting times and during border crossings. Local traffic is generally moderate; public transit is available in Windsor with connections to LaSalle. Plan extra time for border crossing if driving to the U.S.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting LaSalle.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most eateries in LaSalle and Windsor-Essex offer vegetarian options; look for veggie burgers, salads, pasta, and grilled vegetables; many restaurants can accommodate requests if informed in advance.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public health care is available through OHIP for residents; Windsor Regional Hospital and other clinics in nearby Windsor provide care; visitors should have travel insurance; crossing to Ontario clinics is common for non-residents.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

Canada Travel Guide