Amherstburg
The historic Town of Amherstburg rests near the mouth of the Detroit River and is home to Fort Malden and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (two National Historic Sites of Canada), Boblo Island (accessible by ferry), and the infamously haunted Texas Road. Amherstburg has six elementary schools and two high schools, as well as grocery stores, restaurants, shopping and a modest but thriving nightlife. King’s Navy Yard Park bursts with colour in summer and is a popular Sunday drive destination for city dwellers. The Holiday Beach nature reserve offers camping, beaches, nature hikes and picnic areas. Take the family dog for an evening walk through Southern Ontario’s “Monopoly board” subdivision. Come hungry to the annual Ribfest, or bring Fido to the annual Woofa Roo Pet Festival. Amherstburg–a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name.
Belle River
Sunny Belle River could be the small lakeside community of your dreams. As host of the annual On the Lake BIA Sunsplash Festival, Belle River is known as the “jet ski capital of Canada.” Neighbours and local businesses also participate in Stroll the Street multiple times a season to experience food, shopping and entertainment. Belle River and nearby Emeryville are home to multiple Catholic and public schools, and Ruscom Shores Conservation Area offers a perfect destination for a Sunday funday—not to mention Willow Creek Golf Course, if that’s more your speed. County Road 22 connects to Highway 401 to the east and EC Row to the west, reconnecting you to the hustle and bustle—or you could just stay sprawled on Lakeview Park West Beach for one more afternoon. No judgement here.
Lakeshore
Situated on the shores of Lake St. Clair, Lakeshore is a spacious rural community with deeply historical significance as one of several endpoints of the Underground Railroad during the mid-19th century. Today Lakeshore is home to three museums offering walking tours and six separate conservation areas accommodating hiking, cycling, bird watching and picnicking. With easy access to shopping, markets, pharmacies, restaurants and entertainment via Highway 401 as well as County Roads 22, 42 and 46, Lakeshore is a laid-back bedroom community with ample space and country vibes.
Lasalle
Welcome to LaSalle, a peaceful, green and family-friendly community. Located just west of the City of Windsor, LaSalle is home to six elementary schools and two high schools, as well as an extensive trail system that reaches the Windsor riverfront and plays home to a healthy deer population. Groceries, pharmacies, medical clinics, gyms, restaurants and shopping are all conveniently located, as well as numerous Windsor Transit access points. The Vollmer Centre boasts soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, hockey rinks, a waterslide and more. LaSalle hosts the annual Strawberry Festival at Gil Maure Park, as well as the annual LaSalle Craft Beer Festival, featuring an extensive and delicious list of Windsor/Essex’s craft breweries. Plant your roots in the Town of LaSalle.
Kingsville
If you dream of gardening or farming and selling the fruits of your labour in a roadside stand, charming Kingsville may be the home for you. Home of the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary and Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Kingsville is renowned as Essex County’s weekend drive destination for garden varietals and locally grown produce. Downtown Kingsville boasts delicious offerings from all types of cuisine and featuring fresh, local ingredients, from the produce to the protein and especially the wine. Historic and heritage sites offer walking tours, and beaches and marinas abound. If lakeside property is your retirement goal, achieve it in Kingsville.
South Windsor
Everything you need is just a block or two away in South Windsor. There are multiple elementary and secondary schools, places of worship for numerous faiths, parks, trails, shopping, public libraries and pools, restaurants, markets, medical centres and pharmacies, and all types of recreation. Known for its multi-ethnic neighbourhoods and spacious lots, South Windsor’s accessibility is a breeze, with EC Row to the north, the 401 to the west, and Highway 3 to the south, as well as a multitude of Windsor Transit access points throughout.
Tecumseh
Named for the great Shawnee warrior killed in the War of 1812, the Town of Tecumseh now hosts the annual Corn Festival, recognized as one of the Top 50 Festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario. Tecumseh boasts an extensive list of schools, shops, gyms, restaurants, parks and entertainment, to which Tecumseh Transit provides convenient access, as well as connections to Transit Windsor. Current and former NHL-ers continue to expand the list of notable residents, but all can attest to the community’s warmth and charm. With so much to do and see, you’ll never grow bored in Tecumseh.
Walkerville
Founded by and later named after Hiram Walker of Canadian Club Whisky, Walkerville boasts a rich and sordid history of rum running during the Prohibition Era. Today it is in the midst of a cultural renaissance, with art galleries and artisan co-ops, community theatres, Michelin-worthy restaurants and pubs with live music every night. The historic Willistead Manor was designed by famed architect Albert Kahn and sits on three acres of public park which hosts the renowned annual Art in the Park festival. Nearby the University of Windsor’s main campus, Walkerville welcomes and bids farewell to travellers at Windsor’s Via Rail station and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, making way for ornate homes, wide streets and abundant greenery.