What makes Windsor-Essex a fantastic place to visit also makes it a wonderful place to live
Windsor-Essex’s population of over 400,000 is the fourth-most diverse in the country.
As Canada’s southern-most city, there are four extra weeks to enjoy outdoor festivals, golf, and parks, gardens and trails, and one of North America’s major metropolitan areas is a five-minute drive across the Detroit River through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
“We are so fortunate to be on the border with Detroit. We celebrate our geographic advantage. We really are a two-nation destination,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
In addition to all that Detroit offers in terms of sports, food, culture and nightlife, Windsor-Essex has plenty of amenities of its own.
It is home to an award-winning wine region of 20 wineries, art galleries, interesting restaurants and craft breweries, two professional sports teams, shops, artisans and public art within the city and the small towns, such as Amherstburg, Kingsville and Leamington.
Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino has made a billion-dollar investment in its five-star hotel, gaming floor, and restaurants and features the renowned 5,000-seat Colosseum that attracts A-list stars.
Surrounded on three sides by water, Windsor is also an outdoor paradise. A five-kilometre stretch of green space meanders along the river and a waterfront sculpture park features more than 30 original pieces.
The region boasts the pristine beauty of Point Pelee National Park and many historical sites, including those that honour Windsor-Essex as the terminus of the Underground Railway.
Windsor also boasts Canada’s best pizza – a regional specialty featuring canned mushrooms, shredded pepperoni, and locally made Galati mozzarella cheese.
“People have these Windsor-style pizzas shipped across the country and around the world. You can’t get it anywhere else,” says Orr.
Windsor is also home to North America’s largest distillery in J.P. Wiser’s, founded by Hiram Walker in 1870. The surrounding Walkerville is now a lively district of unique boutiques, restaurants and heritage homes.
“There is so much to celebrate and discover in Windsor-Essex and there is incredible pride of place here,” says Orr. “We really do have it all.”
