Things To Do
in Windsor
Windsor, Ontario sits on the southern bank of the Detroit River, facing Detroit across the water. The city blends industrial heritage with a thriving multicultural scene and a welcoming, small-town feel along a scenic riverfront. From historic neighborhoods such as Walkerville to a lively waterfront and easy border access, Windsor offers a compact, walkable core with easy access to Ontario’s wine country and nearby parks.
Expect friendly locals, diverse dining, and a gateway to great outdoor adventures across the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Windsor Historical Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of the region. Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, taking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a delicious breakfast featuring regional specialties.
After lunch, visit the iconic Willistead Manor, a stunning Edwardian mansion surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Spend some time exploring the nearby Walkerville neighborhood, known for its unique shops and breweries that reflect Windsor's craft beer culture. Enjoy a guided tour that shares the fascinating history of Hiram Walker, the founder of the area.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront for a scenic walk along the Detroit River. Take in the stunning views of the Detroit skyline while enjoying a picnic dinner from a local deli. Wrap up your evening with a visit to the nearby Caesars Windsor for some entertainment or a relaxing drink.
Begin your day with a visit to the Art Gallery of Windsor, where you can admire a diverse collection of Canadian and international art. Participate in a guided tour that highlights significant pieces and provides context on their cultural importance. After your tour, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the gallery's café with views of the river.
In the afternoon, explore the nearby Sandwich Town, one of Windsor's oldest neighborhoods, known for its rich cultural heritage. Visit local art studios and craft shops, where you can meet local artists and perhaps purchase a unique piece. Enjoy lunch at a quaint restaurant that showcases local flavors and traditions.
As evening falls, attend a live performance at the Capitol Theatre, a beautifully restored venue that hosts a variety of shows from concerts to theatrical productions. Before the show, dine at one of Windsor's renowned upscale restaurants, where you can savor a gourmet meal. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the area, with options for cocktails and late-night entertainment.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee to-go | $2-4 |
| 🚆Monthly transit pass | $70-100 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,200-1,700 |
| 🛒Groceries for one person, one week | $75-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable downtown with riverfront views
- Strong multicultural dining scene and proximity to wine country
- Rich heritage neighborhoods like Walkerville with charming architecture
- Good border-city access to Detroit and major Canadian cities
- Family-friendly activities and easy day trips to parks and nature reserves
- Border traffic can cause delays during peak hours
- Smaller regional airport options; international travel often via Detroit DTW
- Some areas require a short drive for certain nature destinations
- Seasonal pricing can vary, with peak seasons more expensive
- Certain popular spots can be crowded on weekends
Places to Visit in Windsor
Visit one of these nice places.
A line of large-scale sculptures along the river with the Detroit skyline as a dramatic backdrop, especially stunning at dawn or dusk.
Colorful brick storefronts, vintage signage, and charming street scenes ideal for architectural and lifestyle shots.
A Gothic Revival mansion set in a formal estate—great for portraiture and landscaped grounds, with seasonal blooms.
Historic fort ruins and river views offering atmospheric, historical photography with a rural backdrop.
Golden hour silhouettes with the Detroit skyline across the water; good for long-exposure and reflection shots.
Food in Windsor
Windsor Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy; available with regional twists at many cafes and pubs across Windsor.
Must-Try!
Stuffed dumplings reflecting Windsor’s Polish-Canadian heritage, served fried or boiled with sour cream or onions.
Classic Canadian dessert pastries found in bakeries and cafés throughout the city.
Cozy, waterfront-friendly options featuring fresh fish, crispy batter, and regional sides.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A market scene offering local produce, baked goods and prepared foods. Great for a casual sample of Windsor’s flavors and fresh ingredients.
Seasonal stalls along the riverfront offering quick bites, multicultural snacks and dessert options with a view of the Detroit skyline.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake is common. Address people with courtesy (e.g., Mr./Ms.) in formal settings; casual conversations are common in cafés and markets.
Queue and wait your turn in stores and transit; casual small talk is common but not intrusive. Tipping follows the standard rates in service industries.
Some signage may be bilingual (English and French); respond in English, with basic French phrases if you’re comfortable, though English is widely understood.
Safety
Tipping in Windsor
Ensure a smooth experience
In Canada, tips of 15–20% at restaurants and bars are standard when service is satisfactory. Cash tips are appreciated, but tips added via card are common as well. For taxi rides or delivery, a 10–15% tip is typical.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and Interac e-Transfers are common in many venues. Some smaller shops may accept cash only, so carry a little local currency as a backup.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with plenty of outdoor events along the riverfront. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and plan water-based or shaded activities. Evenings are pleasant for strolls and al fresco dining.
Mild temperatures with colorful foliage; ideal for walks along the river and in historic neighborhoods. Pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
Cold, sometimes snowy, with possible lake-effect winds. Indoor attractions shine, and festive events brighten the downtown. Dress warmly and expect slower outdoor sightseeing on chilly days.
Showers and gradually warming days; parks and gardens begin to bloom. Good time for photography and outdoor markets as activity ramps up.
Windsor at Night
Hiking in Windsor
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive prairie trails in LaSalle with birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and peaceful natural scenery.
Marsh and woodland trails near the southern tip of Ontario, known for birdwatching and scenic boardwalks (a longer day trip from Windsor).
Nearby nature area with short trails and a tranquil setting suitable for easy hikes.
Airports
How to reach Windsor by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic and limited international flights; convenient for travel to Windsor without cross-border travel.
Major international hub located across the border in Michigan; a common gateway for international connections and larger flights.
Larger regional airport in nearby London, Ontario; useful for certain routes and connections a couple hours away.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A longstanding and influential community with strong cultural and culinary presence, particularly in historic neighborhoods.
A significant community contributing to Windsor’s Polish delis, bakeries, and pierogi dishes.
Vibrant flavor profiles in many restaurants and fresh-market offerings.
South Asian, East Asian, and African communities enriching the city’s cultural and culinary landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A cornerstone of Canadian culture; Windsor has local junior and minor league teams and strong community support for the sport.
Local leagues and parks provide opportunities to watch or participate in baseball during season.
Community soccer fields and clubs are active year-round, with informal pickup games and organized leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Windsor.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Windsor’s diverse dining scene offers many vegetarian options—pastas, grain bowls, falafel, veggie curries, and cheese-focused dishes. When ordering, ask for meat-free stock and confirm that sauces or gravies are vegetarian; many menus can accommodate dairy-free or egg-free needs with advance notice.