Last Updated on December 30, 2025
When you think of Windsor, Ontario, paddling probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. The city is better known for its automotive history, river waterfront, nightlife and casino scene.
But here’s the thing. Windsor, and the surrounding region, is packed with waterways, rivers, and lakes. To begin with, the city of Windsor sits right on the Detroit River, directly across from Detroit, Michigan. This river forms Windsor’s northern border and serves as a key waterway connecting Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie.
Beyond Windsor, the surrounding Essex County region is bordered or intersected by several other waterways. To the northeast, Lake St. Clair provides access to recreational boating and fishing, especially near Tecumseh and Lakeshore.
To the south, Lake Erie forms the county’s southern edge, with popular shoreline towns like Kingsville and Leamington. Inland, you’ll also find smaller rivers and creeks, like the Ruscom River, Thames River (flowing into Lake St. Clair to the east), and Canard River.
All of these waterways contribute to the area’s rich freshwater ecosystem, and the abundance of water in Windsor-Essex shapes not only the region’s geography, but also its economy, recreation, and culture. It makes sense that the region is full of great spots for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Whether you’re new to paddling or just looking for a different way to experience southwestern Ontario, Windsor-Essex delivers. With calm lakes, scenic rivers, and peaceful marshes all within reach, paddling here is easy, accessible, and way more fun than you might expect.
And the best part? There’s plenty of dining and activities you can mix in with your paddling adventure in Windsor-Essex!
I acknowledge that the Windsor–Essex region sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy—Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi—and is home to the Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation. I recognize and respect the enduring presence and deep connection of Indigenous peoples to this land, water, and community, and am committed to ongoing learning and reconciliation.
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Getting to Windsor, Ontario
The easiest ways to get to the Windsor-Essex region are by car, air, or train. Windsor International Airport (YQG) offers direct flights from cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary, and it’s just a short drive from downtown.
If you’re flying from the US, Detroit Metropolitan Airport is another option. It’s about 45 minutes away, just across the border in Michigan.
By car, Windsor is about a 4-hour drive southwest from Toronto and roughly 2 hours from London, Ontario. If you’re road-tripping through the US, it’s directly connected to Detroit via the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, making it super accessible from Michigan and beyond.
You can also take VIA Rail directly into Windsor from Toronto or other cities along the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. The train station is located downtown, making it a convenient option if you’d rather skip the drive.
Just note that you’ll likely still want to rent a car once you arrive. This itinerary will take you outside of the city of Windsor, to areas that you can’t access using public transit.
Since many of the best spots in the Windsor-Essex region are spread out, having a car gives you the flexibility to explore paddling spots, beaches, and small towns like Leamington at your own pace. Rentals are available from the airport, train station, or in the city itself.
Where to Stay in Windsor-Essex
If you’re planning to do paddling in the Windsor-Essex, and you’re not local to the region, you’ll want to spend a night or two. My partner Lucas and I are based in Toronto, and so we decided to make a weekend of it, spending 2 nights in the region.
Here are two hotel options we personally tested out. Both were a great experience, albeit quite different from each other. You could do what we did, and spend one night in each, or hunker down in one of them for two nights.
Four Points by Sheraton – Windsor Downtown
If you’re starting your trip in the city of Windsor, Four Points by Sheraton Windsor Downtown puts you right in the middle of things.
It’s walking distance to the riverfront, downtown restaurants, and a short drive from Urban Surf Co.—perfect if you’re planning a sunset paddle on your first night in Windsor-Essex. Rooms are clean and simple, and there’s parking and a pool, which is a win if you’re rolling in after a long drive, like we did.
Four Points by Sheraton also has a convenient breakfast option! The Social Grill is attached to the hotel, and offers a buffet breakfast every morning.
Seacliffe Inn – Leamington
The Seacliffe Inn is a historic waterfront inn with big, cozy rooms and a great location. It’s just a short walk from Seacliff Beach and the Leamington Marina, and many of the rooms offer beautiful views of the waterfront, which is a bonus!
Apart from its cute and comfy rooms, Seacliffe Inn is home to Thirteen at the Inn, a casual fine dining restaurant and a cocktail bar. You’ll want to dress up and head down to their patio in the evening to enjoy a seafood dinner – while watching a beautiful sunset over the lake. Be sure to try their secret, custom cocktail – the Seadog!
The Seacliffe Inn is an independently-owned hotel, which is always my first choice for accommodations. Supporting local businesses is a great way to travel responsibly, because it enables you to give back to the communities you visit.
Seacliffe Inn is also nicely located for visiting other communities in Windsor-Essex. For example, Colchester, a small community that has a beautiful beach and harbour. I recommend dropping by to have breakfast at The Wreck, and then enjoy a walk around the waterfront and park.
4 Must-Have Paddling Experiences in Windsor-Essex
Whether you’re coming to Windsor as a short trip from Toronto or another region of Ontario, coming from abroad, or you’re a Windsor local, this paddling guide will inspire you to enjoy a sunny weekend in this region.
Ready to go paddling in Windsor-Essex? Here’s 4 spots I’ve personally tested, along with some recommendations for other things to do, and where to eat, that are nearby each of them.
1. Urban Surf Co.
Location: Windsor, Ontario (along the Detroit River)
Urban Surf Co. is the go-to spot if you’re looking to paddle with a city skyline view. Based right on the Windsor riverfront, this locally owned business offers stand-up paddleboards (SUP), kayaks, and even pedal kayaks for rent.
Once you’ve got your paddling rental, you’ll set out on a large creek. Paddling north for just a few minutes will bring you to Lake St. Clair. Once you’re out on the lake, you’re treated to epic views of both the Detroit and Windsor skylines. You can choose to paddling around the lake, or head down the Detroit River.
Urban Surf’s location makes it easy to fit a paddle session into your day, especially if you’re staying or living downtown. They also offer lessons, guided paddles, and yoga on the water, and fun on-land activities too (like pottery classes!) so it’s not just about renting gear, it’s about learning, relaxing, and having fun on the river.
2. Point Pelee Freighter Canoe
Location: Point Pelee National Park
If you’ve never been in a freighter canoe, this is your chance! This tour takes place inside Point Pelee National Park, and takes you through the park’s marsh, which is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country.
I have visited Point Pelee National Park many times – it’s one of my favourite parks in Ontario because there’s so much diversity in what you can do and see there, from its gorgeous beaches, to accessible trails, and birdwatching.
But in all my visits, it wasn’t until this most recent trip that I joined a freighter canoe tour. Freighter canoes are large, flat-bottomed canoes designed to carry heavy loads and multiple passengers. They are kind of like the SUVs of the canoe world!
On the freighter canoe tour in Point Pelee National Park, the big canoe is steered by a Parks Canada interpreter, and so you don’t need to have any experience. You can just show up and enjoy the ride!
On the freighter canoe tour, you get to explore parts of the park that are only accessible by water, learn about the marsh’s role in the local ecosystem, and spot wildlife like birds, turtles, and if you’re lucky, a beaver! We learned from our Parks Canada guide that the marsh is home to a population of 10-20 beavers.
This freighter canoe tour is an easy and educational way to experience the Point Pelee National Park from a close-to-the-water perspective. Just be sure to bring some bug spray because there’s lots of flies around! And once you’re done your paddle, you can walk the Marsh Boardwalk Trail.
It’s a gently winding boardwalk loop roughly 1 kilometer (0.7?miles) long that takes you through the marshland and features a wooden observation tower at the trailhead. The trail is rated easy and is fully wheelchair?accessible, making it a smooth, inclusive experience for people of all abilities.
Note: Entry to Point Pelee National Park is free from June 20 to September 2, 2025, as part of the Canada Strong Pass, a government initiative offering free admission to national parks and historic sites across the country this summer.
3. Pelee Wings Nature Store
Location: Leamington, Ontario
Pelee Wings Nature Store is known for its birding and wildlife optics. The staff here really know their stuff and are happy to talk to you about the different binoculars and telescopes they offer. They also sell lots of cute Point Pelee souvenirs!
With Point Pelee National Park just a 10 minute drive away, their shop is the perfect spot to pick up gear to help you spot birds and other wildlife in the park.
Aside from optics, Pelee Wings is also a great launch point for paddling on Lake Erie! They offer both kayak and SUP rentals right on the shore.
When we went out for a SUP paddle, it was a windy day, so Lake Erie was pretty choppy. It made for an exhilarating experience—we definitely got a bit wet! But you don’t have to stick to the lake. Just around the corner from Pelee Wings, there’s a quiet, sheltered creek where the water stays calm, giving you the option to paddle somewhere more relaxed if that’s what you prefer.
After your paddle, if you’re hungry, you’ll want to stop by Freddy’s! Located just across the road from Pelee Wings, 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 soup, salads, seafood (from Lake Erie!), as well as delicious Lebanese wraps.
When Lucas and I dropped by, we had a delicious meal of baba ganoush and kafta wraps on their patio. Freddy’s also brews their own beer and makes canned cocktails, which you can try with your meal, or buy to bring home with you.
4. River Canard Canoe Co.
Location: River Canard, near Amherstburg, Ontario
River Canard Canoe Co. is a general store, ice-cream shop, and paddling rentals outfitter that’s been around for decades. It’s located in River Canard, which is a hamlet of roughly 500 people in the northern part of Amherstburg and the southern part of LaSalle, just outside of Windsor.
The general store is right along the River Canard, which is where you’ll paddle! The river is quiet, scenic, and ideal for a few hours of paddling. You can choose what type of paddling you’d like to do (a kayak, canoe, or SUP), and whether you’d like to self-guide, or join one of River Canard Canoe Co.’s guided tours.
The guides at River Canard Canoe Co. know their stuff, and if you’re into local lore, they’ll give you the full rundown on the area’s historical significance, from its French-Canadian history to its role in the War of 1812.
Before our paddle, the shop’s owner, Ron, showed us a large map painted on the outside of the general store that shows where the river flows, and notable things to see. He shared with us that the local First Nations people in the area call the River Canard “ta-ron-te”, which means “trees rising or standing in the water.”
This is because farther upstream, after heavy rains, the river can flood and spill into the fields and wooded valleys. Entire forests can end up flooded, hence the term “trees rising from the water.”
After spending a few hours paddling on the River Canard, be sure to pop back into River Canard Canoe Co. for an ice-cream. It’s the perfect way to cool off after a few hours in the sun!
And if you’re hungry, drive 5 minutes into LaSalle to Oven360. Here, you can create your own pizza—choosing between a 10? personal, 14? large, or even a party-size pie. The process starts with their classic dough, and then you get to choose what toppings are layered on.
Every pizza is artisan-crafted to stay true to traditional Neapolitan flavors, with optional extras like gluten?free crust, additional cheeses, proteins, and dipping sauces. We also got a side of their cheesy bread and it was so good.
Responsible Paddling in Windsor-Essex
Paddling in Windsor–Essex is a great way to explore the region’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands, but it’s important to do so safely and responsibly. Whether you’re on Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, or a quiet creek, keep these tips in mind to protect yourself, local wildlife, and the natural environment:
- Check weather and water conditions before heading out.
- Wear a life jacket at all times.
- Launch from designated access points to avoid damaging shorelines.
- Practise responsible wildlife tourism—don’t disturb nesting birds or basking turtles.
- Avoid sunscreen, soap, or waste in the water; pack out all garbage.
- Stay visible with bright clothing or flags, and watch for boat traffic.
- Paddle in small groups when possible for added safety
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect local ecosystems.
Windsor on the Water: A Paddling Paradise
Windsor-Essex isn’t just about its border-town identity and car history. It’s full of natural beauty and small, local spots that make it easy to explore by canoe, kayak, or SUP. And what makes Windsor-Essex such a great region for paddling is the variety of waterways all within a short drive of each other.
You’ve got the Detroit River flowing right through downtown Windsor, marshlands teeming with wildlife in Point Pelee, the wide open calm of Lake Erie, and winding rivers like River Canard that are full of local history and charm. No two paddling spots in the Windsor-Essex region are the same!
I personally love that most of these paddling experiences are run by small, locally owned businesses that make it easy to rent gear, book a lesson, or tag along on a guided tour. You don’t need to haul your own kayak with you to Windsor, and you don’t need to have years of paddling experience. Simply show up, grab a paddle, and go.
From urban SUPs to quiet marsh canoe tours, here are four spots that should be on your radar if you’re looking to get out on the water in Windsor-Essex.
I want to thank Tourism Windsor-Essex for hosting Lucas and I as media. All opinions expressed are my own. If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll love my newsletter, as well as my Facebook group. You’re welcome to join these communities – would love to see you there!
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