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7 Things to Do in Windsor You MUST Include in Your Itinerary
If you want to spend an interesting and fun-filled day trip in Ontario, you have to check out the charming city of Windsor.
To say that my first trip there was memorable is an understatement! It has since cemented a special place in my heart because of its natural beauty, impressive feats of architecture and culture-filled streets, and I’m here to tell you more about them!
From the usual touristy activities to things that you won’t typically find in brochures, we’ve got you covered! Here are our favourite things to do in Windsor that you MUST include in your itinerary:
Stroll along the art at Windsor Sculpture Park
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Address: Ambassador Bridge to Church Street
Contact details: +1 519-253-1812
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates: Free
Windsor Sculpture Park is the only museum in Ontario that’s completely located outdoors, which is great because you can visit it at any time of the day! Moreover, you won’t have to pay a hefty entrance fee, as you can enter from anywhere.
It’s a great place to get your steps in too, as it spans over five kilometres. However, you won’t feel the fatigue because you’ll have over 30 large-scale sculptures to admire during your jog/walk.
One of our favourite displays is the Audio Corridor, which is a contemporary piece by Ian Lazarus that aims to mimic the feeling of walking through music. We also love the Flying Men statues, which really look like they’re in motion when viewed from afar.
Pro tip:
We recommend renting a bike or a scooter to get around the park much faster. Furthermore, you can continue your cycling journey through the Riverside Road to catch spectacular views of the Detroit River.
Admire the Ambassador Bridge up close
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Address: Ambassador Brg
Contact details: +1 519-977-0700
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Rates: Free
The Ambassador Bridge is one of Windsor’s most breathtaking feats of architecture, but it’s more than just a spectacle. It plays a crucial role in border crossing, connecting Canada to the United States or Windsor to Detroit.
It was built in 1929 and it still stands magnificently today as it looms over the Detroit River. You can admire this structure from various points, but we recommend looking at it from the Riverfront Trail so you can admire it as a whole.
Pro tip:
If you want to save money on transportation going here, you can take the bus and depart at the University at Huron Church stop.
Conquer twisty slides at Adventure Bay Family Waterpark
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Address: 401 Pitt St W.
Contact details: +1 519-974-2782
Operating hours:
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website
Rates:
- General admission full-day: CAD27
- Windsor resident full-day: CAD21
- General admission for Starlight: CAD17
- Windsor resident for Starlight: CAD14.50
- Guests under 3 years old: Free
- Land Lover: CAD5.25
- Cannon Cove: CAD5.25
Come summertime, Adventure Bay Family Waterpark becomes the hottest spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s an indoor aquatic playground that features several rides and slides that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
One of our favourites among the attractions is the Flow Rider, as it does a great job of replicating the feeling of surfing. Meanwhile, if you’re not looking for anything crazy and just want to cool down, we recommend going to the massive wave pool.
If you’re coming with friends or family, you have to race each other at The Whizzard, which is a ridiculously steep slide. However, if that doesn’t satisfy your craving for adrenaline, then the long and twisting Python slide should do you wonders.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with kids who aren’t tall (or brave) enough for the slides, you can take them to Cannon Cove, which is the waterpark’s kids’ playground.
Willistead Manor
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Address: 1899 Niagara St.
Contact details: +1 519-253-2365
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Website
Rates:
- Adults: CAD6.50
- Students: CAD5.50
- Senior citizens and kids under 12 years: CAD3
At first glance, Willistead Manor looks like the typical elegant yet haunted mansions you see in movies and TV because of its old-timey look. However, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring pieces of architecture in the city, having been built over 100 years ago!
It sits in the middle of a serene park, which further adds to the aesthetics of the manor akin to Charles Xavier’s school for mutants. Also, if you think that it’s big from the inside, wait until you explore its 36 bedrooms!
Aside from the lavishly designed bedrooms, the mansion also features a billiards room, a huge dining room, a library and a gallery. You’ll also find a bridal room because this place can also be rented for weddings!
Pro tip:
The best time to visit the manor is during the Holiday season, as it’s when it’s decked out by beautiful decor, including a massive Christmas tree! If you’re looking for a different aesthetic, however, it’s also pleasant to visit during the summertime.
Go on a picnic at Coventry Gardens
Address: 4714 Riverside Dr E.
Contact details: +1 877-746-4311
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Website
Rates: Free
Sometimes, the best things you can do doesn’t cost at all—case in point: spending a nice day at the Coventry Gardens. This beautiful patch of greenery at the end of Windsor is perfect for taking a break from the bustling streets to spend chill mornings and afternoons.
Our favourite thing about this park is, hands down, the beautiful flower displays that are constantly refreshed throughout the year. It’s not only satisfying to look at, but it also makes for a great backdrop for taking Instaworthy pics!
There are also picnic tables scattered across the park where you can lay your favourite snacks and enjoy a peaceful dining experience surrounded by beautiful views. If you’re lucky, you can catch live shows at the park’s patio!
Pro tip:
While you’re here, be sure to check out the Charlie Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain, which is the only international floating fountain in the world.
Feast on authentic poutine at Frenchy’s Downtown
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Address: 2109 Ottawa St.
Contact details: +1 519-915-6720
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Website
Menu
Rates: $
Of course, a visit to Windsor, or Canada in general, wouldn’t be complete without trying a hearty serving of poutine. For this comfort food, the consensus among locals for the best place to get it in Windsor is Frenchy’s Poutinery, and it’s hard to argue with this claim!
For starters, they offer this dish in various types, including a vegetarian option! Their classic poutine is already great in itself, but if you want our advice, we recommend the deluxe triple meat version!
Moreover, the taste of the dish itself is nailed to a tee, from the cheese to the gravy and fries. We especially love the cheese curds, as they become this creamy ooze when the freshly made gravy is poured on top.
Pro tip:
If your hunger can be satisfied by poutine alone, we recommend ordering their sliders, which can feature chicken breast, pulled pork, meatballs, bacon, etc.
Stay at or stop by Caesars Windsor
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Address: 377 Riverside Drive East Hotel
Contact details: +1 800-991-7777
Website
Rates: $$-$$$
Caesars Windsor is one of the best places to stay in the city, thanks to its prime location and beautiful rooms with premium amenities. However, the main reason why we included it on this list is its entertainment offerings.
For starters, the hotel holds several comedy shows that have featured well-known names in the industry, like Ben Schwartz and Gabriel Iglesias, just to name a few. Moreover, it’s also been the venue of talented local and international musical acts!
Meanwhile, if you’re more of a high-roller, you’ll surely enjoy the hotel’s casino. Whether you’re a blackjack or a poker guy, you’ll find a table here that can accommodate your hands (and pockets).
Pro tip:
Book a room through their official website to see their ongoing offers and promotions on their rooms, restaurants and facilities.
