Make a splash in Windsor Essex – Your Paddling Guide
Before this trip, Iβd been to Windsor Essex twice. Once in 2005 for a friend’s wedding in Leamington and in 2024 for a cottage weekend that included kayaking in Point Pelee National Park and Lake Erie. It was time for me to spend more time here since thereβs so much happening. If youβre asking βJay, whatβs there to do in Windsor Essex?β my answer is simply; thereβs adventure aplenty here between the excellent outdoor adventures and thriving food and drink scene.
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Hereβs what I did and I invite you to either follow it or add it to your list of things to do in Windsor Essex, Ontarioβs outdoor adventure gem.
Kayaking
As someone whoβs kayaked all five Great Lakes in one day, Iβm always looking for new waters to kayak in.
Of the several kayaking options in Windsor Essex, I launched into three, with each offering distinctly different experiences to enjoy for all experience levels.
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First up is Point Pelee National Park, where thereβs a dedicated kayak and canoe launching station. You can bring your own vessel or enjoy the on-site rentals from Pelee Wings Outfitters.
Enjoy a leisurely paddle on the south side of the marsh boardwalk in sheltered, calm waters.
Extend your time on the water by exploring Pond Lake, West Cranberry Pond and East Cranberry Pond.
In Essex, youβll find Cedar Creek Conservation Area, where itβs about one minute from the parking lot to the put-in spot. As you explore the Cedar Creek Basin, your soundtrack will be a variety of birds and wildlife and of course, the gentle splashes of your paddle.
You can paddle all the way to Cedar Beach Conservation Area on the shores of Lake Erie if you want to make a day of it.
Windsorβs Peche Island on the Detroit River is a very short paddle from land; it took me under four minutes at a slower pace. Launch from the aptly named Kayak Cove Beach and once you reach the island, paddle in and around the area or get on land and do some exploring of this famous 86-acre island.
When I went in mid-April, there was an oh-so slight wind that created slight movement in the water. As this is the most open of the three, carefully and often check the weather and wind conditions to ensure the most enjoyable paddling experience.
Additionally, Pelee Wings Outfitters, located just outside Point Pelee National Park, is an excellent resource for kayak rentals, lessons, apparel and impressively, theyβre the largest stocking dealer of binoculars in Canada! So if you want to do some birding and or wildlife watching from the water, theyβre your best resource. They also host a relaxed evening group paddle at various points throughout the season, which is absolutely worth checking out.
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Point Pelee National Park
Maybe itβs me being a Pisces but I sure do love the water, in case it wasnβt obvious yet. Point Pelee National Park has plenty of it being on the shores of Lake Erie.
To get to the point, park your car at the Visitors Centre and either take the short shuttle ride or walk the two-ish kilometres (approximately 30 minutes) to reach the newly opened and spectacular and freshly renovated for 2025 Tip Tower. Itβs 78.7 feet high and youβll climb 144 steps to reach the top. First opened in 2019, youβll enjoy 360 degree views of both the lake and the park itself.
Once you descend, itβs a short walk first on pavement then on sand to reach the tip, which is simply serene. Watching and hearing the water meet the shoreline is nature at its finest. Please be mindful of how far you go as safety must be the top priority.
Parks Canada offers a unique lodging option via their A-frame style cabins called oTENTikβs. It sleeps up to six people, is heated, has a gas BBQ, picnic table, four kitchen chairs and a table and two Muskoka chairs. Plus, there are showers, proper toilets and a room to wash your dishes on site, along with an animal-resistant large metal bin with a heavy lid on hydraulics to keep your food in.
And yes, thereβs a fire pit with firewood and kindling sold at the campground office. Now that Iβve experienced it once, Iβm going to do it more often!
Inn 31 in Kingsville
A quaint inn with three charming rooms on the upper floor of the famous Goose Kitchen + Bar, Inn 31 blends historic with modern for a truly memorable experience. My room, #2, was Canadian themed from a shiny red fridge to an image of a Canadian nickel as a table top and the throw pillows having βCanada is Homeβ printed on them.
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The bed is comfy, there are both power outlets and USB ports bookending the bed andΒ while Iβm fairly sure the other two rooms are nice, Iβm kinda attached to this one.
Where to Eat & Drink in Windsor Essex
Lee and Mariaβs isnβt a restaurant but this family farm in Kingsville has oh-so much good stuff from fresh vegetables and fruits to cheese to meats and more. Definitely worth a visit or few. Fun fact; the farm and I share a birth year!
Definitely worth a visit or few. Fun fact; the farm and I share a birth year!
The Goose kitchen + bar, on the main floor of the aforementioned Inn 31, serves up some of the best wings, which are there because the owner, like me, has a fondness for chicken wings. The upscale yet approachable menu has just enough variety without being overwhelming, there are vegetarian and gluten-free options and the vibe is fun, relaxed and Iβll certainly be back.
Banded Goose Brewing, also in Kingsville, serves up excellent craft beer with five selections brewed in-house and a host of others via their βGuest Taps.β I went there after my wings so I canβt say how good the food is (Iβm sure itβs great!) but I can say that their beers are quite good. Add in an energetic atmosphere and this locally-owned brewery is a cool local hotspot.
Wrapping up the Kingsville quartet is Red Lantern Coffee, where the smiles are plentiful, the coffee hot and the peach scones delicious. Interestingly, I met someone from Toronto (next to where Iβm at in Mississauga) and we hit it off and had a delightful chat! The people you meet in a small-town coffee shop!
Cured Craft Brewing Co. in Leamington lives in a renovated heritage building, has perfect Bavarian pretzels and a mouthwatering bacon cheddar burger. And yes, the beer is excellent as well! Another interesting note; I was kayaking the day after at Point Pelee and my server recognized me and we had a quick chat. Again, the people you meet in a small-town!
Staying in Leamington, complete with itβs vibrant dining scene, includes Cancunsito. They describe themselves as βWe came to this country with a dream to bring a little bit of my culture and Mexican food to youβ and theyβve certainly done just that. The flavours, the warmth and friendliness, the varietyβ¦did I mention the flavours?
My burrito looked like, well, a regular burrito. The perfect balance of flavours, heat and fillings is where it stands out. Great. Now I want another one. Right now.
Cooperβs Hawk Vineyards is only 45 minutes south of Windsor and 10 minutes west of Kingsville, is, for good reason, a multi-award winning vineyard. Theyβve got 29 different wines to choose from, an on-site restaurant called The Vines, offer tours and in a smart move, offer a self-guided tour of the grounds via their Hawk Trail thatβs a bit over one kilometre. Keep an eye out for the beehives and keep your distance. Enjoy your tastings either inside or outside on their beautiful patio area.
See more of Jay’s visit here.
Original blog post by Jay Kana of ModernTraveller.ca
Jay longs for a life where he kayaks daily in Canada, eats spicy chicken wings and sips on chocolateΒ milk.
He owns a trio of media organizations; Modern Traveller specializing in Canadian travel, Modern Motoring, focused on new car reviews and Modern Mississauga, the city’s lifestyle outlet.
He’s the Co-chair of the Travel Media Association of Canada’s Ontario chapter, Chair of the Canadian chapter of Society of American Travel Writers and is an active member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
As a professional, award-winning writer and videographer and storyteller, he’s always up for a conversation to hear your story.
