Located at the southern tip of Ontario, Essex County is a region of wineries, beaches, birdwatching hotspots, small towns, and Lake Erie sunsets.
Just one hour from Windsor and about four hours from Toronto, it’s an easy region to visit for a weekend, whether you’re looking to walk the trails of Point Pelee National Park, sip your way through EPIC Wine Country, or enjoy life by the lake.
I’ve been lucky to spend lots of time in Essex County. My partner grew up in Windsor, Ontario, and so day trips out to the county were a regular part of his childhood.
And now, when we go from our home in Toronto back to Windsor to visit family, we often spend a Saturday or Sunday having a pint at the Beerded Dog, enjoying the beaches in Leamington, or visiting Colasanti’s.
One thing to know is that Essex County is mostly rural, but has seven municipalities. They are Amherstburg, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington, Tecumseh and of course, Essex. So the activities in this guide are located across these municipalities.
Ready to visit Essex County? Here’s the 9 best things to do in this region of Ontario.
- 1. Spend a Day in Point Pelee National Park
- 2. Taste Locally-Made Wine in EPIC Wine Country
- 3. Visit Serenity Lavender Farm
- 4. Watch the Birds in Holiday Beach Conservation Area
- 5. Tour the Amherstburg Freedom Museum
- 6. Drop by Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens (Good for kids!)
- 7. Taste craft beer at Beerded Dog Brewing Co.
- 8. Visit the historic Essex Railway Station
- 9. Go Paddling on Lake Erie
- Where to Stay in Essex County
- Essex County, Ontario: Know Before You Go
- Is Essex County Worth Visiting?
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1. Spend a Day in Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park is a beautiful Ontario Park that stretches out into Lake Erie. Once you’ve visited Point Pelee you can say that you’ve been to the most southern mainland point in Canada!
Because of its location, Point Pelee has a unique ecology which makes it one of North America’s most renowned spots for birdwatching.
In the spring, you can watch bird and butterfly migrations, and check out the annual Festival of Birds. All year round, you can hike the park’s 8 self-guided trails that range from 15 minute to 2 hour long hikes, suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
In the summer, spend an afternoon relaxing on one of the park’s beaches, swimming, or going for a paddle through Point Pelee’s marshes. Point Pelee is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, so on some nights you can stay late to gaze at the stars.
A personal favourite in Point Pelee is the Marsh Boardwalk. This 1 kilometer floating boardwalk trail brings you through marshy wetlands.
At the start of the trail is an observation tower that provides a beautiful aerial view. As you walk on the boardwalk, you’ll have the chance to use free telescopes to spot wildlife.
2. Taste Locally-Made Wine in EPIC Wine Country
One of the things Essex County is best known for is its wine region, EPIC Wine Country.
Located along the Lake Erie shoreline, this wine region benefits from a unique microclimate created by the lake, resulting in a longer growing season and ideal conditions for growing grapes.
Today, the area is home to more than a dozen wineries, many of them family-owned and operated.
One of my favourite things about wine tasting in Essex County is that the experience feels much more relaxed than in some of Ontario’s larger wine regions.
Many wineries are located on rural roads surrounded by vineyards, farmland, and views of Lake Erie.
A great winery to start with is Viewpointe Estate Winery, which sits directly on the shores of Lake Erie. The property offers wine tastings, seasonal food experiences, and one of the best patios in the region. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy the lake views.
Another excellent stop is Paglione Estate Winery. Founded by Italian-born winemaker Sam Paglione, the winery specializes in small-batch wines and pays tribute to its Italian roots with wood-fired pizzas, antipasti platters, and handmade gelato. It’s the kind of place where it’s easy to settle in for an afternoon.
I’d also recommend North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, one of the region’s best-known wineries. In addition to award-winning wines, the property is home to a farm-to-table restaurant and beautiful vineyard views.
There are several ways to experience EPIC Wine Country.
If you’d like the freedom to move at your own pace, you can visit the wineries independently. Just remember to designate a driver and buy some bottles of wine to enjoy later.
For a more relaxed experience, consider booking a guided wine tour with Grapevine Tours. Their tours include transportation, tastings, and visits to several wineries, making it easy to sample the region’s wines without worrying about driving.
If you’re feeling active, another fun option is a guided cycling wine tour along the Lake Erie shoreline.
You can join a bike tour with Unconquered Customs. They have locations all throughout the county, and they provide you with a comfy vintage-style electric bike for the day.
3. Visit Serenity Lavender Farm
A visit to Serenity Lavender Farm is one of the most relaxing things to do in Essex County. The farm is home to more than 30 varieties of lavender, and during the blooming season, the gardens come alive with shades of purple and the calming scent of lavender.
You can wander through the lavender fields and display gardens, learn about how lavender is grown and harvested, and browse the farm shop.
The shop is particularly impressive, carrying what is said to be the largest selection of lavender products in Canada, including soaps, lotions, culinary products, essential oils, teas, and gifts.
The farm is also home to a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch, a glass of local wine, or a lavender-inspired treat while overlooking the gardens. During the summer bloom, it’s an especially lovely place to spend an afternoon.
If you’d like to learn more about the farm, Serenity Lavender Farm offers guided experiences, including an Introduction to Lavender Tour and a Become a Beekeeper Tour.
These experiences provide a behind-the-scenes look at lavender cultivation, pollinators, and the important role bees play on the farm. Tours should be booked in advance.
Even if you’re visiting Essex County outside of lavender season, the farm is still worth a stop. While the fields won’t be in bloom, the shop and restaurant remain open, making it a fun place to learn about lavender and pick up locally made products.
4. Watch the Birds in Holiday Beach Conservation Area
Holiday Beach Conservation Area sits right along the shores of Lake Erie, and it’s home to wetlands, woodlands, beaches, and grasslands, creating important habitat for both resident and migratory birds.
One of the park’s most popular features is its three-storey observation tower, which overlooks the marshes and provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
From the tower and surrounding boardwalks, visitors can often spot herons, egrets, swans, ducks, and other wetland species.
If you’re visiting in September, try to time your trip with the annual Festival of Hawks. This internationally recognized event celebrates the migration of thousands of birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures.
As the birds ride thermal currents south toward their wintering grounds, you can watch impressive numbers passing overhead from the observation tower and surrounding viewing areas.
Even outside migration season, Holiday Beach is a lovely place to spend a few hours. The conservation area has a long sandy beach, walking trails, a boardwalk, picnic areas, a playground, and shaded spots to relax by the lake.
There are also seasonal campsites and a rental cottage available, which is a great option if you want to stay overnight.
Holiday Beach Conservation Area is typically open daily from mid-April through mid-October, and an admission fee is charged per vehicle.
5. Tour the Amherstburg Freedom Museum
The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is a community-based, non-profit museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of African Canadians and their contributions to Canada.
Located in the historic town of Amherstburg, the museum sits in a place that once represented hope and freedom for thousands of people.
During the era of slavery in the United States, crossing into Canada often meant reaching safety, and Amherstburg became one of the key destinations along the Underground Railroad.
Before visiting this museum, I knew the basics of the Underground Railroad, but I had no idea just how important Amherstburg was to that story.
Learning that this small Ontario town served as a final destination for many Freedom Seekers escaping slavery helped me understand that the Underground Railroad wasn’t just an American story. It was also a Canadian story.
Inside the museum, you’ll learn about the courage of the Freedom Seekers who made the journey north, as well as the compassion, cooperation, and solidarity that made the Underground Railroad possible.
Through artifacts, photographs, exhibits, and personal stories, the museum brings this important history to life in a way that is both educational and deeply moving.
The museum was founded in the 1970s by Betty and Melvin “Mac” Simpson, whose vision was to preserve and celebrate the heritage of African Canadians, many of whom were descendants of formerly enslaved people who found refuge in Canada.
I highly recommend making time for this museum if you’re visiting Essex County. Not only will you learn about an important chapter of Canadian history that is often overlooked, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for Amherstburg and its significance within the broader story of freedom and human rights.
The Amherstburg Freedom Museum charges a very reasonable admission fee, which can be paid on arrival. Just be sure to check the museum’s website before visiting, as opening hours can vary throughout the year.
6. Drop by Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens (Good for kids!)
One of the most unique attractions in Essex County is Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. This family-owned farm is a local institution.
The farm combines a garden centre, petting zoo, amusement rides, mini golf, arcade games, and a restaurant all in one place.
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk inside is the tropical greenhouse. Filled with lush plants, fountains, koi ponds, and exotic birds, it feels a bit like stepping into a tropical oasis in the middle of southwestern Ontario.
Colasanti’s is especially great for families, because there’s lots to do that’s oriented toward kids.
You can visit the farm’s animals, which include goats, alpacas, peacocks, and parrots. And there’s gentle amusement rides, mini golf, and other activities.
Even if you’re not travelling with kids, it’s worth stopping by to browse the garden centre or grab lunch at the on-site restaurant.
Whenever we go, we pick up some of their freshly made donuts! Often, the farm’s family members will drop by tables in the dining area to say hello, which is really nice. The farm has been family-owned and operated since 1942!
7. Taste craft beer at Beerded Dog Brewing Co.
Beerded Dog Brewing Co. is a craft brewery and family-friendly pub located in Harrow, a small town in Essex County.
The brewery is named after the owners’ love of dogs, including their two rescue pups, and they have a very welcoming, laid-back energy that comes through as soon as you arrive.
The beer list rotates often, so there is usually something new to try, from easy-drinking lagers and ales to more seasonal or experimental brews.
The kitchen serves hearty pub-style food, and the beers pair perfectly with the menu. My go-to order is the Beerded Dog Burger with whichever on-rotation beer the staff recommends.
One of the things I appreciated most is that The Beerded Dog makes an effort to support local suppliers and create a genuinely welcoming space for visitors.
Whether you’re a craft beer fan or just looking for a casual place to eat in Harrow, it’s a great stop while exploring Essex County.
8. Visit the historic Essex Railway Station
The Essex Railway Station is a restored historic site that dates back to 1887. It was originally built to be the transportation hub of Essex county.
In 1907, a rail car filled with nitro-glycerin exploded, causing a lot of damage to the Essex Railway Station. But, the building was restored, and it continued to serve the community for years.
Eventually, passenger service to this station was discontinued and the building stood empty. Efforts to preserve the building began in 1975 and continued until the completion of the restoration in 1994.
The Essex Railway Station is operated by Heritage Essex, which is a non-profit body that is dedicated to the preservation of heritage sites, articles, and artifacts throughout the town of Essex.
When you visit the Essex Railway Station today, you can see a variety of railway memorabilia and artifacts of historical interest. Group tours can be arranged in advance, or, you can use one of their booklets to self-guide a tour.
There’s also a small gift shop on site, where you can see and buy handicrafts made by local artists and craftsmen.
9. Go Paddling on Lake Erie
A unique way to experience Essex County is from the water! With its Lake Erie shoreline, marshes, and quiet creeks, paddling gives you a completely different perspective on the region’s natural beauty.
If you’d like to go paddling in Windsor-Essex, you’ll have several options. Windsor-Essex is home to a variety of waterways, from the open waters of Lake Erie to sheltered marshes, creeks, and rivers that are perfect for exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
One of the best places to get out on the water is Pelee Wings Nature Store in Leamington.
The shop is best known for its birding and wildlife optics, but it also rents kayaks and SUPs right on the shoreline.
From here, you can choose between paddling on Lake Erie or paddling through a calm creek that winds through nearby marshland. The sheltered water is perfect for beginner paddlers, while the lake offers bigger views and a bit more adventure.
Paddling is great way to experience the natural beauty of Essex County while keeping an eye out for birds and other wildlife.
After your paddle, stop by Freddy’s Restaurant, located just across the road.
This locally-owned restaurant has been a staple in Leamington for 35+ years. Back in 1988, Freddy and Maria Makhlouf along with their five children purchased what was then a small variety store.
The business has since then evolved from just a variety store. It now has its attached restaurant, Freddy’s, where you can enjoy Lebanese wraps, Lake Erie seafood, and their in-house craft beer and cocktails on the patio.
Their kafta wrap is a favourite!
Where to Stay in Essex County
Because my partner’s family is based in Windsor, we typically stay with them in the city and day trip out to Essex County. But, we have spent one weekend staying out in the county, at the Seacliffe Inn.
This is a historic waterfront property that has spacious, comfortable rooms and one of the best locations in the region.
It’s situated directly across from Seacliff Beach and within walking distance of the Leamington Marina, making it a great base for exploring the area.
Many of the rooms at Seacliffe Inn offer views of Lake Erie, and the property’s location makes it easy to enjoy the waterfront without needing to get back in your car.
After checking in, take some time to walk along Seacliff Beach, a sandy public beach that’s popular for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.
The nearby pier extends out into Lake Erie and is a lovely spot for an evening stroll or to watch boats coming and going from the marina.
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Seacliffe Inn is that you have excellent dining right on-site.
The property is home to Thirteen at the Inn, a casual fine dining restaurant known for its seafood dishes, steaks, craft cocktails, and waterfront views. If the weather is nice, grab a table on the patio and time your reservation for sunset.
Essex County, Ontario: Know Before You Go
How many days do you need in Essex County?
I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Essex County.
A weekend gives you enough time to visit a few wineries and breweries, walk the trails in Point Pelee National Park, enjoy the waterfront in Kingsville or Amherstburg, and stop at local farms, markets, and restaurants.
If you’re interested in birding, cycling, or taking a slower travel approach, you could easily spend 4 or 5 days exploring the region’s different communities and attractions.
What is Essex County known for?
Essex County is best known for its wine region, agricultural production, bird migration, and proximity to Lake Erie. The region produces a significant amount of Ontario’s tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and greenhouse-grown vegetables.
It’s also home to EPIC Wine Country, one of Ontario’s most established wine regions. For nature lovers, Essex County is famous for Point Pelee National Park, which attracts birders from around the world during spring and fall migration seasons.
When is the best time to visit Essex County?
Late spring through early fall is generally considered the best time to visit Essex County. Summer brings warm temperatures, outdoor patios, beaches, festivals, and ideal conditions for exploring wineries and breweries.
Fall is another fantastic time to visit, as vineyards begin harvesting grapes and the region takes on beautiful autumn colours.
If you’re interested in birdwatching, consider planning your trip during the spring or fall migration periods, when Point Pelee becomes one of the best birding destinations in North America.
Do you need a car to visit Essex County?
In most cases, yes. While towns like Kingsville and Amherstburg are pleasant to explore on foot once you arrive, most of Essex County’s attractions are spread out across the region.
Having a car will make it much easier to visit wineries, breweries, farms, conservation areas, and Point Pelee National Park. If you’re planning a wine-focused getaway, consider booking a guided tour or arranging transportation so everyone in your group can enjoy the experience safely.
Is Essex County Worth Visiting?
Essex County is absolutely worth visiting. The area has so much to do thanks to its mix of wineries, craft breweries, farms, beaches, and small towns that feel far removed from Ontario’s larger cities.
On a recent visit, my partner and I spent the morning walking the trails in Point Pelee National Park, stopped for lunch and a beer at Freddy’s, and finished the day watching the sunset over Lake Erie.
What makes Essex County so special is that you can easily combine outdoor adventures, local food and drink, and small-town charm all in a single day.
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