Bundle up and get outside. There is so much to do in Windsor Essex this winter. Plan a full day of activities that includes visiting a Christmas light display, learn about the many historic sites found throughout this 1812 battleground, enjoy a waterfront walk or take a winter bike ride on the Windsor Trail System.
Nature Attractions & Parks in the Windsor Essex Region
1. Explore McAuliffe Woods Conservation Area
Located just outside of Windsor, this wooded area is an ideal location for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, surrounded by hundred-year-old oak and hickory trees. Details
2. Winter Fun at Malden Park
While most of Windsor Essex is pretty flat, you can get an intense cardio workout with a well-deserved scenic view at the end, when you climb the hill at Malden Park. This 175-acre park is a great spot for tobogganing, hiking, fat biking or taking your dog to meet some new friends at the onsite dog park. Details
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3. Winter Bike or Hike Ganatchio Trail
Ganatchio Trail is part of the Windsor Trail System that circles the entire city of Windsor. Located in East Riverside, 8km Ganatchio Trail offers a paved pathway, perfect for winter biking and hiking. Details
4. Visit Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee is the southernmost point of mainland Canada and the first national park in Canada to be established for conservation. In the winter, the park is a great place for hiking and cross-country skiing. During the day, discover the wondrous ice formations, and on a clear night, pick up a seasonal star map at the gate, and chart the constellations thousands of miles away. Details
5. Ice Fish/Fish at Lake St. Clair
Do you enjoy fishing? Then why not try the best fishing spot in the Great Lakes! Fish for musky, perch, bass, walleye, and sturgeon on Lake St.Clair and you can even spend the night here, if one day of fishing just isn’t enough. Details
6. Go Ice Skating
Enjoy free public skating at Charles Clark Square and the Lanspeary Lions Outdoor rink. Both these rinks will open to the public in early December. Details
7. Kingsville Fantasy of Lights
From November 21st, 2020 until January 8th, 2021, the 28th Annual Kingsville Fantasy of Lights celebration features light displays in 9 participating locations around town. Details
You may like: Places to See Magical Christmas Lights in Ontario
8. River Lights Winter Festival
From November 14th, 2020 to January 4, 2021 the Toddy Jones Park and King’s Navy Yard Park welcome families to stroll along the Detroit River and enjoy the 100s LED holiday displays. Details
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9. Rankin Ave Holiday Stroll
Across from the Navy Yard Park, the homes on one of the oldest streets in Amherstburg are lit up in holiday lights and welcome visitors to enjoy a nightly stroll along its sidewalks during the months of November and December. Details
10.Explore Vintage Aircrafts
The Canadian Historical Aircraft Association is dedicated to maintaining and restoring antique or vintage military and civilian aircraft and aircraft important to Canadian history. Their outdoor museum is open, but call ahead as the number of daily visitors is limited. Details
11. Walk Historic Pathway at Fort Malden National Historic Site
Fort Malden’s wheelchair accessible waterfront pathway is open year round. Interpretive panels are posted throughout this site and guide visitors in the history of this fort and its significance during the war of 1812. Details
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12. Checkout a Historic Lighhouse
Visit Lakeview Park Marina for a closer look at their historic lighthouse. The Pelee Island Passage Lighthouse was a gift to the city of Windsor and has served the Lake Erie vessels from 1902-1975. Details
13. Crosscountry Ski Through Chrysler Canada Greenway
50-kilometre Chrysler Canada Greenway connects various conservation areas in Windsor Essex Region. Explore some or all the conservation areas on skis. Details
14. Olde Amherstburg Ghost Tour
While you are in Amherstburg why not download the free ON-FOOT app and choose the Olde Amherstburg Ghost Tour. The tour starts at Gordon House, and continues with tales of naval battles, haunted museums and absolutely spooktacular stories from one of Ontario’s most historic towns. Details
15. Artist Alley and Maiden Lane
Enjoy art outdoors! Strolling these downtown alleys is a great way to enjoy art as well as get some exercise. Artist Alley and Maiden Lane display works of art from the international arts community. Seeing these amazing works on a cold winter’s day is sure to call to the artist in you! Details
16. Walking Tours
With so much to learn and see in this historic city, the City of Windsor offers several online walking tours, including Walkerville Heritage, Sandwich Heritage, Victoria Avenue, and Ford City Walking Tours. You can download these tours absolutely free on your mobile phone and complete them at your own pace. Details
17. Enjoy Detroit Skyline From Dieppe Gardens
Named after a fallen Scottish Regiment from WWII, this waterfront park offers a romantic setting for a winter stroll with a perfect view of the Detroit skyline just across the river. Details
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18. See a Picturesque view of Detroit from Reaume Park
Considered one of the nicest waterfront parks in Windsor area, Reaume Park offers a picturesque view of Detroit. If you are lucky, you may even see a large ship as it transits across the Detroit River. Details
19. Tell Time at Jackson Park
A must-see during the holidays, Jackson park is lit up in thousands of lights (suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19). And if you lose track of time, visit the park’s Copernicus Sundial to get you back on track. The park’s magnificent sunken garden has over 10000 plants. The park is also the home of several war memorials including WWII, the Korean War, and the Land, Sea, Air Memorial. Details
20. Check out the Sculptures at Windsor Sculpture Park
This unique museum without walls stretches across multiple parks in the city of Windsor and features 31 large scale sculptures from world-renowned artists. Details
You may like: 20 Sculpture Gardens to Visit in Ontario
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21. Checkout the Vision Corridor
Located on the corner of Riverside Drive and Bruce Avenue, the Vision Corridor is one of the green linkages connecting urban neighborhoods south of Riverside. Grab a coffee or a dessert from a local coffee shop and enjoy one of these oases amongst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Details
22. Walk along the Detroit River at Coventry Gardens
Located in Pillette Village, Coventry Gardens is the perfect spot to end your day. Enjoy a peaceful walk on the banks of the Detroit River and contemplate what lies ahead. Details
23. Explore Peche Island
If you are into bird watching, this one place you shouldn’t miss in winter! The island is a great place to see eagles, especially in winter when you will be able to see as many as 40 of them! The Island tours are currently suspended for the 2020 season, but is expected to resume in 2021. Details
24. Take a winter selfie
Set in the backdrop of classic farmhouse buildings and snowy surroundings, the John R. Park Homestead and Conservation Area will take you to the 1850s. The conservation area is a great place to go for a winter stroll and snap the perfect winter picture and learn some history! Details
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25. Birdwatch at Holiday Beach Conservation Area
It may be cold. But dress warmly and get ready to explore! who whooo! Listen to the hooting of the owl and try to spot them! Details