Detroit’s sister city of Windsor, Canada, is part of the region’s two-nation advantage. Just south of Detroit, Windsor is situated on an international border and is an important travel route for North American by rail, highway, air or waterway. Windsor is just a short trip from downtown Detroit by way of the Ambassador Bridge, the longest international suspension bridge in the world, or the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, which leads into the heart of downtown Windsor.
Canada’s southernmost destination, Windsor offers culture and historical landmarks, groomed gardens and natural areas, gaming, international cuisine, and year-round festivals.
Many come to Windsor to try their luck at the Casino Windsor. Here, gamers enjoy a total of 100,000 square feet of gaming excitement. There are approximately 3,000 slot machines and more than 130 table games, including premium slot and table game areas. The facility also boasts restaurants, bars, lounges, live entertainment, and a 21-floor hotel. Canada’s premier harness racing track is found at the Windsor Raceway. Open seven days a week from noon to midnight, the racetrack features a combination of live and simulcast wagering.
The Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island region are also known for their local wineries, breweries and distilleries where tours provide insight into the quality ales and spirits produced here. Wine tours take visitors through the Lake Erie North Shore designated viticulture area. An ideal choice for corporate functions or client entertaining, tours visit a variety of area wineries and include lunch. In the heart of historical Walkerville, the Walkerville Brewing Company is a premium micro-brewery and proud winner of the “Gold” Medal in the 2003 Canadian Brewing Awards. Free tours and tastings are available.
Visitors may also tour the Canadian Club Brand Heritage Center to learn about Canadian Club Whiskey. The operation, which began in 1858, offers tours that include a look at the original Executive Office Building (built in 1894) and the company’s colorful history during the Prohibition era.
The area’s rich history includes the Underground Railroad, which lead fugitive U.S. slaves to freedom in Canada in the early 1800s. The Sandwich First Baptist Church in Windsor was the first black church in the area, established by slaves who fled to Canada. Designated a Historic Site in 1995, the church is available for tours by appointment, as well as regular services.
From the expansive vistas of one of the largest shopping malls in southern Ontario to whimsical shops and boutiques, visitors may shop to their heart’s content when visiting the Windsor area. Devonshire Mall, Windsor’s largest shopping center features more than 175 shops, services and restaurants. The second largest enclosed shopping mall in Windsor, the Tecumseh Mall offers more than 60 stores and services. For brand conscious shoppers who like to save big, the Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets is Essex County’s only true factory outlet mall featuring brand names such as Adidas, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger. Duty-free shopping is also available on both the Canadian and U.S. sides of the Bridge and Tunnel.
Windsor has gained an international reputation for its abundance of beautiful parkland. Miles of riverfront and acres of inland parks afford spectacular views and relaxing strolls. One in particular, the Dieppe Gardens, offer stunning vies of the Detroit Skyline.
Just a few steps from downtown Windsor, the garden also extends to the Ambassador and Assumption Parks. Both run along the riverbank to the Ambassador Bridge and provide an excellent area from which to view and photograph the bridge and Detroit skyline. Located at Assumption and Centennial Parks, the Odette Sculpture Park is an inviting place to take a stroll and along the riverfront and experience its collection of works.
Border Crossing Requirements
Since 9/11, the US-Canadian border has much stricter requirements for crossings. However, if you have proper identification, the crossing between Detroit and Windsor is usually very easy. To enter Canada or the United States, visitors must have proof of citizenship. Accepted identification can consist of either a birth certificate along with government-issued picture ID (drivers license) or a passport.