Welcome to Windsor – One of Ontario’s Best Kept Secrets

One of Ontario’s Best Kept Secrets

By Michelle Mahoney

Windsor may not be at the top of your Ontario travel list yet, but it should be. This is a city filled with excitement, from delicious food and drink to world class art, entertainment and gorgeous waterfront views. Beyond Caesars Windsor, a destination all its own, the city’s distinct neighbourhoods are full of surprises, ready to spark your curiosity, delight your palate and satisfy your sense of adventure.

Barrels Bottles and Brews… and So Much More

Windsor is celebrated as the birthplace of Canadian whisky, and fans of the spirit will love exploring Walkerville, home to the Hiram Walker Distillery that is crafting both Canadian Club and J.P. Wiser’s whisky. Established during the era of American prohibition, the neighbourhood has a lively and storied past that is still visible today. “As a welcoming to the district, the entrance to Walkerville features a very prominent statue of Hiram Walker,” notes Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex. Nearby, Willistead Manor, a 36-room mansion built in 1906 by one of Hiram Walker’s sons, is now a city museum and event space, with guided tours throughout the summer and the holiday season.

For a true taste of Windsor, the Barrels Bottles and Brews Trail is a must. This self-guided experience connects visitors with some of the region’s top breweries, cideries and distilleries. “People can purchase a one-day pass, a one-week pass, or a one-year pass,” says Orr, “which then gives them a tasting flight experience at each of the participating locations.” Local favourites include Walkerville Brewery, a highlight of the historic distillery district, as well as Chapter Two Brewing Co. in Ford City and Sandwich Brewing Co. in the city’s oldest neighbourhood. Find out more at barrelsbottlesbrews.ca.

The Renewal of Ford City

You won’t want to miss the chance to visit Ford City, once the heart of Canada’s early automotive industry and the site of one of the country’s first Ford plants. These days, this historic neighbourhood is embracing a spirit of reinvention, as a vibrant hub of restaurants, breweries and retail spaces. The history and resilience of the community are honoured in the 36 striking murals that line the streets, each one telling a piece of Ford City’s amazing story. “Ford City has a very cool and artsy vibe, and an eclectic mix of food and beverage stops and boutique shops that are helping make it the next up & coming area in the region,” says Orr.

Discover Historic Sandwich Town

Situated along the Detroit River between the Ambassador Bridge and the soon to open Gordie Howe International Bridge, Sandwich Town is one of Ontario’s oldest settlements – established in 1797. Important heritage sites still stand, including the Sandwich First Baptist Church, which traces its legacy back to the Underground Railroad. That experience, and many others, are shared through the vivid works of art painted on buildings throughout the neighbourhood. Anyone with an interest in historic architecture will also want to check out the old Windsor Jail and Mackenzie Hall, a former courthouse built in1855 that is now an arts and events centre for the city.

The Best Riverside Seats 

Windsor’s waterfront, with its trails, gardens and stunning skyline views, is where the city truly comes alive. “Our Sculpture Park is described as a gallery without walls,” Orr portrays. “Prominent permanent pieces include Eve’s Apple, the Dancing Bear and Morning Flight with birds soaring 20 feet into the sky.” This interesting collection features more than 30 sculptures, stretching from the Ambassador Bridge toward downtown. The fully restored electric Streetcar No. 351 also sits along the riverfront, a nod to Windsor’s roots as the setting for Canada’s first working streetcar. It’s housed in a glass pavilion that includes a café and large patio with picturesque views of the Detroit River – just the place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

To get even closer to the river, Windsor Premier Cruises offers a variety of scenic excursions, from themed party nights to dinner cruises and sightseeing tours. For a different kind of adventure, spend a day on Peche Island, Windsor’s hidden oasis. This 86-acre natural retreat was once the summer estate of Hiram Walker and is now a public park, accessible by seasonal boat taxi or kayak. Offering a perfect spot for hiking, paddling or just relaxing by the water, it is definitely worth the trip. 

A Taste of the World

If food is your passion, Windsor’s restaurant scene is as diverse and exciting as its people. From old school Italian dining at Spago to Middle Eastern, Mexican or Asian cuisine, there is something for every taste. To help visitors eat their way around town, Tourism Windsor Essex launched Follow the Flavours, a free digital guide that maps out the region’s best bites. And with many local wineries offering their own pairings and vineyard dining, there’s no shortage of ways to sip and savour your way through the area. followtheflavours.ca 

Pizza – Windsor Style!

You haven’t truly tasted pizza until you’ve had it Windsor-style, the award-winning pie crowned best in Canada and third best in the world. What makes it so special? Imagine a medium thick, crispy crust from a stone deck oven, a sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes and a blend of secret spices, and toppings that always go on top of the cheese. 

The most iconic version, known as the Classic Super, features shredded pepperoni (evenly spread across the surface), green peppers, canned mushrooms, and mozzarella from Windsor’s own Galati Cheese Company. 

This signature style dates back to the 1950s, when Volcano Pizzeria, opened by Italian cousins Gino Manza and Frank Gualtieri, introduced its now iconic pizza to the city, starting a local craze. Though Volcano served its final order in 1986, its legacy lives on in dozens of beloved pizzerias across Windsor. If you’re in town, make sure to grab a slice. Your taste buds will thank you!

Unexpected, and Exactly What You Needed 

Windsor has plenty to offer when it comes to incredible food and drink, art and entertainment, and of course, those unforgettable riverfront views. With so much to see and do, chances are you’ll be planning your next visit before you know it!