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 Windsor, this wooded area is ideal 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. Its high hills provide stunning views, making it an ideal spot for winter birdwatching and enjoying Essex County’s snowy charm. Details
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, 6.2 km 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
The Annual Kingsville Fantasy of Lights celebration will brighten up Lakeside Park from mid-November to early January. Details
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8. River Lights Winter Festival
From mid-November to early January, 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
9. Ski the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area
Hillman Marsh Conservation Area offers a serene winter escape with skiing trails perfect for enjoying the season. This 87-acre site, known for its birding trail and managed shorebird habitat, also features hiking paths and educational displays. Located near Point Pelee National Park, it’s ideal for combining outdoor adventures with nearby Kopegaron Woods. 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 on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. 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
12. Check out a Historic Lighthouse
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 to 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. Tour Galleries without Walls
Discover Windsor’s vibrant art scene this winter, with outdoor walls showcasing stunning murals by world-renowned artists like Denial, Omen, and Benore. Start at downtown’s Artist Alley, tour historic murals in Olde Sandwich Towne, or explore Walkerville and Ford City. 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
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. 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
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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.
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 30 of them! 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
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