Kingsville’s Summer Charm: Waterfront Fun, Wine Tours and More

Welcome to wine country, beer country, beach country, and more. Kingsville is a summer destination in southwestern Ontario for many interests and vacation types.

Credit: Wilson Loo Kok Wee/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The town is situated on the Lake Erie shoreline between Leamington and Amherstburg, and it has plenty of town-wide and county-wide fun to offer.

There are two main beaches along the shores, plus many others that are a short drive outside of Kingsville. Between Lake Erie and the watershed are many chances for swimming, paddling, fishing, or photography.

Kingsville is also a perfect place to stay for your day trip to Pelee Island.

80+ Things to Do This Summer in Windsor and Essex County

Water & Beach Fun

From the unique, to the relaxing, the luxurious, rustic, and adventurous, the waters around Kingsville offer something for every type of vacation. This includes beach time and swimming, boating and paddling, fun on the sand like volleyball and picnics, and gorgeous waterfront views.

Cedar Island Beach and Marina are located at the mouth of Cedar Creek with a stretch of sandy beach and swimming areas. Besides a dip in Lake Erie, the park offers a playground, a net for basketball and for beach volleyball, parking, and washrooms/changerooms.
The nearby Cedar Creek Conservation Area provides a dock for canoers, kayakers, and paddlers to launch from and explore the scenic basin and its wildlife.
Find the Mettawas Beach behind Kingsville’s Grovedale Arts & Cultural Centre. Before hitting the beach, wander the scenic garden and park trails, or explore the nearby Lakeside Park with more trails and a playground. The Mettawas Beach is smaller and quieter, but still offers sandy spots for swimming.
Estate of Health Holistic Wellness Centre bring the water fun into a much more relaxed setting. The local spa offers an array of treatments which come with access to the day spa. Relax in the pool, soak in the tub, and enjoy the scenic grounds or gardens.
Lungovita is a day-use park and luxury campground to the west of Kingsville on the shores. Here, visitors will find several activities on and off the water. For a fee, enjoy the beach for swimming or kayaking (provided), lounge and hammock areas, communal and private fire pits, a pool, cruiser bikes, an outdoor kitchen, and luxury bathrooms!

Historical & Cultural Attractions

The arts and local history are alive and well in Kingsville with even more to celebrate or appreciate over the summers. Take time to explore each individual attraction on a historical or artistic tour of Kingsville.

The Arts Society of Kingsville is a public gallery, but it will also host frequent events, especially over the summers. These include workshops and paint nights, kids’ drop-in programs, and meet-and-greets with local artists.
The Jack Miner Museum is an open-air museum with several historical buildings to explore, each filled with its own artifacts. It is located on the Migratory Bird Sanctuary of the same name, making it a way to experience history and nature around Kingsville. (Remember to come back in the fall for the annual Kingsville Migration Festival)
Explore several parts of Canada’s military history through the exhibits of the Kingsville Military Museum. These exhibits involve the World Wars, influential contributions from the Indigenous and Black communities, influential women, and Canada’s peacekeeping efforts.

This museum visit will bring you out on a short country drive. The Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village is a short drive north of Kingsville, with a huge collection of automobiles/vehicles from every era. Be sure to stop for a snack or meal at the museum’s authentic 50’s diner.
You can also take a self-guided heritage tour to explore the history and unique buildings in the area.

The Best Trails Around Kingsville

There are many waterfront locations around Kingsville that offer space for a peaceful walk alongside Lake Erie, a sunset, or a sunrise. There is also a large trail network which makes its way through town.

Take the 1km loop around Lakeside Park after a day at the nearby beach. More connecting trails within the loop can create longer walks, too!
The County Wide Active Transportation Network connects the municipalities of Essex-Windsor through marked bike lanes, multiuse trails, and paved trails. Part of this is the multi-use Trans Canada Trail, which cuts right through Kingsville and passes by several attractions.
The Kingsville Waterfront Trail is an excellent place to walk or bike along the shores for a variety of views of Lake Erie.

Summer Dining in Kingsville

For a smaller Essex-Windsor town, Kingsville has a great deal of experience in local dining. This includes tours, tastings, patios, local cafes, and much more for your summer getaway meals.

For local wine tasting within Kingsville, visit the Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery Inc. (by appointment), and Pelee Island Winery (tours are first-come, first-served).
Expand your wine-tasting or beer-tasting adventure with the help and transportation from the county’s Grape Vine Tours.
A must-visit while at Cedar Beach is Fehr’s Heritage Bakery, and while at Mettawas Beach, that spot is the Beach House Grill.
Take time for the patios around Kingsville, like those at Mettawas Station Mediterranean Restaurant, The Goose Kitchen + Bar, or Grove Brewing Company.
Main Street is a good place to find family-friendly restaurants, fine dining, and international cuisine, and takeout for a picnic.

Summer Events in Kingsville

From June to September, the local events in Kingsville take over the summer with tons of different experiences, activities, and even several different themes.

The Kingsville Block Parties take place throughout the summer months with a different theme for each block party. Once a month, from June to September, the town hosts live music, a market, a beer garden, and food vendors to help celebrate the entire community.
Kingsville Music Society hosts live concerts from an array of genres during the summer.

Kingsville Accommodations

Whether you prefer a campsite, a cabin, or a hotel room for your getaways, Kingsville offers it all. Here, you’ll find places to camp with several on-site amenities, glamping, cabins, cottages, or local inns and B&Bs in historic buildings.

There is great local camping within Kingsville courtesy of the Pleasant Valley or the Erie Shores Campgrounds. These campgrounds offer space for tents or RVs. Upgrade your stay to a glamping experience with the Lungovita Day Use Park and Resort, which offers bell tents and dome options.
For shorter stays, consider one of the adorable local bed and breakfasts or inns: Mettawas End Bed & Breakfast, Prospect House Bed and Breakfast, or Hellemsfield Inn & Bed and Breakfast.
There are also a handful of local inns within Kingsville that bring your stay to the heart of the town. Browse room options with the The Woodbridge House, The Grove Hotel, Inn31, or Inn 15 Loft Suites.