Essex South – Lake Erie

The Waterfront Trail in the southern reaches of Essex County passes through historic settlements and quaint towns. The route is mostly on road with some busier sections leaving Windsor.

The historic town of Amherstburg sits on the river facing the United States of America. It is there that the Fort Malden Historic Site was situated to defend against would-be attackers from the United States of America.

This is  the southern most part of Canada. Going east along the shores of Lake Erie into the Town of Essex, you will find numerous beaches beckoning you for a swim, lush farm fields selling goods, and excellent wineries, many with food service. For a glimpse of our pioneering heritage visit John R. Homestead. In Colchester, you’ll soon see a Peace Garden, a perfect place to stop to watch the Lake.

In Kingsville the Waterfront Trail joins the Chrysler Greenway for a short while. The Chrysler Greenway is a converted rail-trail with a crushed limestone surface, and along it you will find the restored Kingsville Train Station – now a delightful restaurant with patio seating. The Chrysler Greenway continues northwest into Windsor if you want to make a create a loop excursion. Kingsville is also the launching point for Pelee Island–now part of the Waterfront Trail and, where you will find a peaceful retreat and a birders haven.

Leamington has a bustling downtown area with shops, restaurants and places to stay. Just east of Leamington is Point Pelee National Park, a world-renowned birding destination and Canada’s most southernmost mainland point. The side trip to Point Pelee National Park to the southern most tip of Canada or the 42nd Parallel is about 20km and absolutely worth the visit.