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Windsor (Ontario) Travel Guide

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The Windsor skyline from the U.S. side of the Detroit River.
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The Windsor skyline from the U.S. side of the Detroit River.

Windsor [1] is a mid-sized Canadian city on the southwest tip of Ontario. Windsor is an extremely multi-cultural city with over 20% having been born outside of Canada. The city's rich cultural background is made aware by the Middle Eastern, Italian, and Asian neighborhoods in Windsor.

Contents

Get in

By plane

  • Windsor Airport (IATA: YQG, ICAO: CYQG), 3200 County Road 42 (Located off Walker Rd., South of E.C. Row Expressway), ☎ +1-519-969-2430 (fax: +1-519-969-6053), http://www.windsorairport.net. Windsor Airport is the main terminus for any incoming and outgoing flights, however the airport is much smaller than Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, 3200 County Road 42 (Detroit, Michigan, United States of America), ☎ +1-734-247-7678 (Monday - Friday 8:00 - 16:00), http://www.metroairport.com/.

By train

  • VIA Rail, 298 Walker Road (East of Casino Windsor, on the corner of Riverside Dr. & Walker Rd.), ☎ +1-888-842-7245, www.viarail.ca. Ticketing and station hours: Monday - Sunday 05:15 - 20:00.. VIA Rail's western end of the Windsor-Quebec City corridor is located here and the Windsor (Walkerville) passenger train station serves those tourists needs.

By car

Highway 401, a major artery that follows the entire southern Ontario coast, has its west termination in Windsor. Windsor is also easily accessible by crossing the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel or the Ambassador Bridge from Detroit. For more information about the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge and immigration/customs please see the From the United States section.

By bus

  • Myers Transportation Bus Terminal, 44 University Avenue East (situated in downtown Windsor), ☎ +1-519-254-7577, http://www.greyhound.ca. Station & Ticketing hours: Daily: 7:00 - 20:00. The Greyhound terminal situated near the tunnel serves bus traffic.

From the United States

Currently, a birth certificate and a photo ID is needed for American citizens to enter Canada, however, presenting a passport to immigration and customs officials seems to speed up the waiting and interrogation process on both sides of the border.

There are two ways to get to Windsor from Detroit:

  • Ambassador Bridge (accessible from all interstates connecting to downtown Detroit), http://www.ambassadorbridge.com/. The bridge offers a quick arrival into Windsor. Toll per passenger car: $ 3.25 (USD), $ 4.00 (CAD).
  • Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (connecting to I375 from all interstates in downtown Detroit), http://www.dwtunnel.com/index.html. Everytime traffic backs up in the tunnel the tunnel is shut down until traffic congestion is eased, which can take quite a while, sometimes. A "tunnel bus" connects downtown Detroit with Windsor for the price of $2.75 (Either CAD or USD) or for concerts, Ford Field and Comerica Park the tunnel bus fare raises to $3.50 (Either CAD or USD). The tunnel bus has its pros saving you money from parking on either side of the border, but the customs/immigrations process can be quite lengthy for bus riders since everyone on the bus must disembark and be cleared through customs. Toll per passenger car: $ 3.50 (USD), $ 4.00 (CAD).


Get around

There is a transit system (Transit Windsor) that has a few good routes, namely the Crosstown 2 or Transway 1C lines, but other than that it isn't that great. However, the majority of the hotels and entertainment are concentrated in the downtown area, so walking and cheap cabs are always an option. Windsor is a city that was built for the car, thus earning its nickname the 'Automotive Capital of Canada'. If you are going to get around the entire city, your best option would be to rent a car.

See

  • Willistead Manor, 1899 Niagara Street (Walkerville, Located at Niagara Street and Kildare Street), ☎ +1-519-253-2365, http://www.citywindsor.ca/000223.asp. The Willistead Manor is a beautiful 36 room mansion in the middle of a 15 acre park. The mansion was built by Edward Chandler Walker for his older brother, Willis Walker.
  • Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside Drive West (Located west of Ouellette Ave. and just west of the Cleary International Centre, and the Radisson & Hilton hotels, at Church Street), ☎ +1-519-977-0013 (, fax: +1-519-977-0776), http://www.artgalleryofwindsor.com/. Wednesday 11:00 - 20:00, Thursday & Friday 11:00 - 21:00, Saturday & Sunday 11:00 - 17:00 (Closed: Monday & Tuesday). Somewhat of a small art museum, but it's exhibits are interesting and make the most of the available space. The gallery also has several works availble for rent or for purchase. Admission: $3.00 per person.
  • Canada South Science City, 930 Marian Avenue (located one block north of Erie Street (AKA Little Italy)), ☎ +1-519-973-3667 (, fax: +1-519-973-3676), http://www.cssciencecity.com/. September - June: Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 17:00, (Closed Sunday); July & August: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00, (Closed Saturday & Sunday). Admission: Adults $8.00, Students & Seniors $7.00, Children (Aged 2 - 12) $6.00..

Parks

  • Odette Sculpture Park, Riverside Drive West (Located between the base of the Ambassador Bridge (Huron Church Road) and Church Street.), http://www.citywindsor.ca/000354.asp. Touted as a "museum without walls" Odette Sculpture Park is a 3.5 kilometre park with over 30 sculptures dotting the park. Admission: Free, Parking: Metered..
  • Dieppe Gardens (Located at the base of Ouellette Ave., overlooking the Detroit River & Skyline).
  • Willistead Park.
  • Queen Elizabeth II Gardens in Jackson Park.


Learn

Do

  • XS Family Fun Center, 1930 Ambassador Drive (Located off Huron Church Road, near the Holiday Inn Select & across the street from the Hampton Inn.), ☎ +1-519-972-6748 (), http://www.xsfamilyfuncentre.com/. Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 - 23:00, Friday & Saturday: 11:00 - 0:00 (Go-karts close one hour prior to the rest of the center). Arcade with Laser Tag, Go-Karts and Batting Cages. Prices vary from activity..

Music & Theatre

  • Capitol Theatre and Arts Centre, 121 University Avenue West (Located in downtown Windsor, just west of Ouellette Ave. & South of Riverside Dr.), ☎ +1-519-253-7729 (fax: +1-519-253-8912), http://www.capitol.on.ca.

Sports

  • Ganatchio Trail (Follow along Riverside Dr. East to pick up the starting point of the Ganatchio Trail, near Lauzon Rd.). Stretching from the City of Windsor into the Town of Tecumseh,the Ganatchio Trail provides an excellent way for bikers, roller bladers, or the casual pedestrian to enjoy the afternoon.
  • Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Avenue (Located on the border of Windsor & the Town of LaSalle, across from the Windsor Raceway & Slots), ☎ +1-519-966-2425 (fax: +1-519-966-2327), http://www.ambassadorgolfclub.com/. Weekdays: 9 holes $40, 18 holes $60; Weekends: 9 holes $45, 18 holes $68.


Eat

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including drink:
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge		 $17 or less
$18 - $25
$26 or more
  • Walker’s Fine Candies, 2702 Howard Avenue (Located East of Ouellette Ave. and just north of the E.C. Row Expressway), ☎ +1-519-253-2019 (, fax: +1-519-253-3881), http://www.walkerscandies.com. Some of the best hand-made candies in the world. The recipes are over 85 years old and followed exactly as the original owner, Wallace Walker had written them. In 1989 Mr. Walker sold his shop to Ray Obeid. The Obeid family has been making the same amazing candies since. Walker's sells all kinds of great treats and even has candies that cater to diabetics. Ray Obeid, owner of Walker's Fine Candies is very hospitable and his shop should be a must-eat for all visitors.

Budget

  • Kildare House, 1880 Wyandotte Street East (Located on the east side of town - Wyandotte St. runs parallel to Tecumseh Rd. & Riverside Dr. and perpendicular to Ouellette Ave.), ☎ +1-519-252-4003.
  • Mini Restaurant, 475 University (Located just west of downtown), ☎ +1-519-254-2221.
  • Sam's Pizzeria & Cantina, 2215 Wyandotte Street West, ☎ +1-519-258-5086.
  • Terra Cotta Pizzeria, 318 Pelissier Street (Located in downtown Windsor).
  • May Wah Inn, 1689 University Avenue West (Located just west of downtown), ☎ +1-519-256-4755.

Mid-range

  • Cook's Shop Restaurant, 683 Ouellette Avenue (Located in the heart of downtown Windsor), ☎ +1-519-254-3377.
  • La Cuisine, 417 Rue Pelissier (Located in downtown Windsor), ☎ +1-519-253-6432 (, fax: +1-519-253-6892), http://www.la-cuisine.ca/. Lunch hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 14:00, Dinner hours: Tuesday - Saturday 17:00 - 21:00, Closed Sunday & Monday..

Splurge

  • NOI Restaurant, 888 Erie Street East (Located in Windsor's 'Little Italy' or 'Via Italia' Tunnel, turn right on Goyeau, turn left on Erie Street, as you are approaching the third traffic light NOI is on the left hand side), ☎ +1-519-252-8004 (), http://www.noirestaurant.com. Tuesday - Friday: 17:00 - 21:00, Saturday: 17:00 - 22:00, Sunday: Reserved for private parties, Closed on Monday. NOI was featured on the Bombay Sapphire website as one of the best designed restaurants in the world..
  • Mill Street Manor, 411 Mill Street (Located in Sandwich Town - take Riverside Dr. W. to Sandwich St., turning left onto Mill St.), ☎ +1-519-253-9212 (), http://www.themillstreetmanor.com. Tuesday - Friday: 17:00 - 21:00, Saturday: 17:00 - 22:00, Sunday: Reserved for private parties, Closed on Monday..
  • Mezzo Ristorante, 804 Erie Street (Via Italia,), ☎ +1-519-252-4055 (, fax: +1-519-252-9202), http://www.mezzo.ca. Monday - Wednesday 11:30 - 22:00, Thursday - Saturday: 11:30 - 23:00, Sunday: 16:00 - 22:00.. Mezzo Ristorante is a great restaurant and hosts a musicians on Thursday and a piano player on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • MamO Bistro, 5880 Wyandotte Street East (Located in the Riverside district, an area of Windsor, near the intersection with Esdras Place), ☎ +1-513-948-0693 (), http://www.mamobistro.com. Monday - Saturday: Opens at 17:00, Closed Sunday & Monday..


Buy

  • Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets, 1555 Talbot Street (Located in the town of LaSalle, just off Huron Church Rd., South of the Ambassador Bridge), ☎ +1-519-972-7111 (, fax: +1-519-972-6432), http://windsorcrossing.com. Monday - Friday 10:00 -21:00, Saturday (Jan. - May) 09:00 - 18:00 or (June - Dec.) 09:00 - 21:00, Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00, Holidays: 10:00 - 18:00, Closed on Chistmas Day and New Year's Day.
  • Windsor Tunnel Duty Free Shop, 465 Goyeau Street, ☎ +1-519-252-2713 (fax: +1-519-252-1688), http://www.dutyfreetunnel.com. Open: Daily, 24 hours..

Drink

Due to the lower drinking age (19 in Ontario) than in the U.S. states Windsor sees a large number of American college age people venturing across the border for a drink. Additionally, several breweries are located in the Windsor/Essex County area, naturally making part of the city's tourism draw alcohol related.

Bars & Clubs

Breweries & Distilleries

  • Walkerville Brewing Company, 525 Argyle Road (Located in the East side of the city, off Wyandotte St.), ☎ +1-519-255-9192 (, fax: +1-519-255-9245), http://walkervillebrew.com. Monday - Friday 10:00 - 18:00, Saturday 11:00 - 17:00, Closed Sunday.. Free tours and tastings are given on Saturday between 13:00 - 17:00.
  • Canadian Club (Located along Riverside Dr. E.), ☎ +1-519-561-5499, http://www.canadianclubwhisky.com. Tours: Adults (Up to aged 55) $5.85, Seniors (Aged 55+) $4.68..

Gambling

  • Casino Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive East (Overlooking the beautiful Detroit river & Skyline), ☎ +1-519-258-7878 (), http://www.casinowindsor.com/. Very large casino and popular among residents and tourists because the Canadian government does not tax any winnings. The casino exchanges US dollars to Canadian Dollars at a 1:1 rate, which is not as great as an exchange rate you could get by visiting a bank. Absolutely no one under 19 is allowed in either the casino hotel or on the casino floor.

Sleep

Budget

  • Travelodge Hotel Downtown Windsor, 33 Riverside Drive East (Located between Ouellette Ave. & Goyeau St.), ☎ +1-519-258-7774 (, fax: +1-519-258-0020), http://www.travelodge.com. Check in time: 15:00, Check out time: 11:00. A basic hotel but has a great view for being more of a budget hotel. Don't ask staff members about information regarding local attractions, because they seem to not have any idea of attraction operating hours. $79.95 and up.

Mid-range

  • Travelodge Ambassador Bridge Windsor, 2330 Huron Church Road (South of the Ambassodor Bridge on Huron Church Rd.), ☎ +1-519-972-1100 (fax: +1-519-972-6310), http://www.travelodge.com. Check in time: 15:00, Check out time: 11:00. $89.95 and up.

Splurge

  • Branteaney's Bed & Breakfast Inn, 1649 Chappus Street (Located South of the E.C. Row Expressway & west of Huron Church Rd. near Spring Garden Rd.), ☎ +1-519-966-2334 (fax: +1-519-966-6640), http://www.bbcanada.com/branteaneys. Check in time: , Check out time:. 6 guest rooms and three acres of award winning grounds.
  • Hilton Windsor, 277 Riverside Drive West (Located two blocks west of Ouellette Ave., attached to the Cleary International Centre), ☎ +1-519-973-5555 (fax: +1-519-973-1600), http://www.hilton.com. Check in time: 15:00, Check out time: 12:00. AAA 3 diamond hotel situated nearly 1.2 miles from the center of Windsor. $ 120 + per night.
  • Radisson Riverfront Hotel Windsor, 333 Riverside Drive West (Connected to the Hilton Hotel, west of Ouellette Ave.), ☎ +1-519-977-9777 (fax: +1-519-977-1411), http://www.radisson.com. Check in time: , Check out time:. $ 129 +.
  • Casino Windsor Hotel, 377 Riverside Dr. W. (East of Ouellette Ave., overlooking the Detroit river & skyline), ☎ 1-800-991-8888, http://www.casinowindsor.com/Hotel/HotelMain.asp. Check in time: , Check out time:. AAA four diamond rated hotel, situated on the bank of the Detroit River. Anyone under the age of 19 is not permitted to stay in the hotel. $175 + per night.


Cope

Religious services

  • Sant Angela Merici, 980 Louis Avenue (Via Italia, Corner of Louis Avenue and Erie Street), ☎ +1-519-254-5542 (fax: +1-519-256-0066), http://www.viaitalia.com. Monday - Friday services: 08:00 & 19:00, Saturday: 17:00 (Italian), Sunday: 08:30, 10:00; 11:30 (English).
  • Congregation Beth El, 2525 Mark Avenue, ☎ +1-519-969-2422 (fax: +1-519-969-2660). Jewish Synagogue
  • Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, 115 Giles Blvd. East, ☎ +1-519-256-3123 (fax: +1-519-256-3124).


Get out

Windsor is the southernmost major city in Canada. Detroit is situated just north of Windsor, ane of interest, once the exploration of Windsor has been exhausted. For a more quaint experience, Essex County and Pelee Island can be of interest offering many sight-seeing experiences such as wine tours (Colio Wines & Pelee Island Winery) and Point Pelee National Park, which is a 40 minute drive from Windsor to Leamington along Highway 3.


This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
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