Staycation Series: Things to do in Amherstburg, Ontario
Growing up I spent lots of time around this lakeside town that is only a 30 min drive from Windsor! If you’re into Canadian History, this town is for you! Continue reading to see what there is to do, eat, and explore for an awesome day trip to Amherstburg!
Photo of Fort Malden National Historic Site by Parks Canada (source)
What to do in Amherstburg?
Visit Fort Malden
If you haven’t visited this National Historic Site that played a key role in the War of 1812, it’s time! Fort Malden dates all the way back to 1796 when it was first established in the area. If you’re interested in the history of Amherstburg and of the fort, be sure to get a guided tour by the historical interpreters*. They are a fountain of information and you might even get a chance to learn how to fire a Brown Bess musket, a six-pound cannon or a Coehorn mortar!* Admission starts at $3.40 -- full price list can be found here.
*These offerings might have changed due to COVID. Please confirm with the Fort prior to your visit.
Take a break in King's Navy Yard Park (also known as Amherstburg Navy Yard National Historic Site of Canada)
This lovely park is about a five minute walk from Fort Malden so it would be the perfect place to bring a blanket and enjoy a break! As it’s at the mouth of Lake Erie and base of the Detroit River, you’ll have full views of Boblo Island and Grosse Isle, Michigan! Within 25 minutes you’ll be able to walk around the whole park, so if you want to reward yourself after your stroll stop by Waterfront Ice Cream for a sweet icy treat!
Are you a history buff? Don’t miss the Park House Museum! The building itself is an early example of Pièce sur Pièce log construction! Volunteers at the museum will also be able to give you a more in depth history of King's Navy Yard Park! Admission starts at $2.50 -- full price list can be found here.
Roxana from My Travelling Backpack sitting inside Pink Pisces!
Stroll down Dalhousie Street
If you want to be thrown back into history, taking a stroll down Dalhousie Street is the way to go! There are many local restaurants and shops that line up the street to browse! This stroll will make you feel like you’re back in the 1800s! Here are some shops to explore (keep reading for the restaurant recommendations!):
Towne Shoppe - Men and Women’s Fashion Store
Pink Pisces - Curated Vintage Furniture & Local Artisan Shop
Happier Camper Canada - For those folks who love the open road, take a peek inside this shop and look at the MIND BLOWING campers they have or stop by for a coffee!
Take a pause at the Waterfront Tourism Information Centre
If you’re planning to stay the afternoon in Amherstburg, I recommend that you park your car at the Waterfront Tourism Information Centre and catch the sunset! Bring a lawn chair or some cozy blankets and sit back to enjoy the nature show!
Quench your thirst
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some refreshment, Amherstburg has some wineries and distilleries to choose from! Check out some of these places below:
Roxana from My Travelling Backpack at Dancing Swallows.
Where to eat in Amherstburg?
There is a little something for everyone’s cravings on and around Dalhousie Street that I am sure you’ll enjoy! Check out some of these restaurants below:
Where to stay in Amherstburg?
If you want to extend your day trip and turn it into a proper staycation, these accommodations help do just that:
The Bondy House B&B
199 Dalhousie Street
519-736-9433
23 Levergood Lane, Amherstburg, Ontario N0R 1G0
519-919-8733
How to get to Amherstburg
If you’re coming from North or Central Windsor, you can take Essex Country Rd 20 all the way until you hit Alma Street. Take a right on Alma and then you will make a left on Laird Ave North, if you continue driving you’ll see Fort Malden on your right hand side and if you continue you’ll hit Austin ‘Toddy’ Jones Park. There is plenty of street parking in this area.
If you’re coming from South Windsor, take Howard Road / County Road 9 all the way until you hit Alma Street and take it all the way down until you hit Laird Ave North. Make a left and you’ll see Fort Malden on your right hand side and if you continue you’ll hit Austin ‘Toddy’ Jones Park for parking.
ONCE YOU’VE DONE ALL THE THINGS TO DO IN AMHERSTBURG, VISIT ITS NEIGHBOURS: KINGSVILLE (coming soon) OR HARROW.
Check out this Staycation Series: Road Trips from Windsor Map Guide -- you can toggle Amherstburg and it will show you all the spots mentioned in this blog post!