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Windsor, OntarioThe city of Windsor, Ontario lies just across the border between the US and Canada, at the southernmost point in Canada. This city of over 300,000 has its roots deeply planted. Windsor＊s Coat of Arms, proudly displayed in the Council Chambers of City Hall, carries the motto, ※The River and the Land Sustain Us§ as a reminder that the city＊s well-being is dependent on appreciation and conservation of these valuable natural resources. ﹛ Easily accessible by car either from other cities in Canada or from the United States via tunnel, river, or bridge, the city welcomes visitors to celebrate its rich heritage and to enjoy its many fine restaurants, historic sites, and recreational activities. ﹛ The main attraction that draws visitors to Windsor is Casino Windsor, which does a booming business with its slots and gaming tables. The waterfront is also a draw: The International Peace Fountain floats in the Detroit River, and the promenade at Dieppe Gardens is a perfect place to view the Detroit skyline. River cruises depart from the gardens. ﹛ Other Windsor attractions include Jackson Park with its summer rose gardens, the Hiram Walker (Canadian Club whiskey) Distillery Tour, and the Art Gallery of Windsor. Visitors interested in African-American history can retrace the route of those who escaped into Canada via the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. Sandwich Baptist Church, erected in Windsor in 1821, was the first Baptist church built by freed slaves. Nearby Amherstburg is home to the North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Centre, which chronicles the slaves' journey to freedom. Also in Amherstburg is Fort Malden National Historic Park, site of a fortress that played a prominent role in the War of 1812. The park contains restored barracks and a museum with artifacts from the British and U.S. armies that occupied the fort. ﹛ The International Freedom Festival, a two-week celebration honoring the birth of both Canada and the U.S, takes place in Windsor and Detroit in late June and early July. The fireworks display is one of the largest in North America, and is typically held on a weeknight during the last week of June.
Point Pelee National Park, 35 miles southeast of Windsor, is a large stretch of sand and marsh extending into Lake Erie at the southernmost point in all of Canada. The park is visited by migrating birds and monarch butterflies on their way north or south. It offers an interpretive center, nature trails, a boardwalk and miles of beaches. Pelee Island lies south of Point Pelee on Lake Erie, and is a popular destination for fishing and winery tours. ﹛ At Walker's Fine Candies, located on Wyandotte Street, truffles are still hand-dipped and delectable treats are made the old fashioned way, with chocolate being melted in copper pots and formed on marble slabs. Walker's is also known for its peanut toffee ice cream topping! Another unique attraction is the Windsor Wood Carving Museum, located downtown on Ouellette Avenue. Open year round, it is the only woodcarving museum in Ontario, and includes over 150 carvings. ﹛ For a hands-on experience, visit Canada South Science City, one of the most exciting and challenging family and tourist attractions in southwest Ontario. It features over 100 hands-on interactive science and technology exhibits, an exotic caf谷, a state of the art computer science lab, a "bean bag theatre" and a host of other exhibits for visitors of all ages to enjoy. ﹛ Windsor has four distinct seasons, ensuring a different visit at any time of the year. Summer tends to be the busiest time of the year. With average temperatures slightly above 72F, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy many of the activities available both in and around the city. Spring and fall are cooler but still comfortable enough for any type of activity. Both seasons are exceptionally lovely as Mother Nature produces spring colors as the blossoms bloom and the earth begins its transition back to green. Fall showers the visitor with vibrant colors as the leaves turn and winter arrives. The winter can be cold and it does snow, transforming the city into a post card-like picture where the visitor is seen sitting by a crackling fire, enjoying a warm drink while dining on some of the area＊s fine cuisine. Whatever the season, Windsor has an activity and the weather for it. ﹛ Whatever the reason for visiting, whether for business or vacation, this border city presents its visitors with a rich history and modern appeal. Population: 307,877 Elevation: 623 feet above sea level Land Area: 685 square miles Location: Windsor is located at the southernmost point of Canada, just across the U.S. border from Detroit, Michigan Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it＊s noon in Windsor, it＊s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Windsor observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October ﹛ Weather: Average Temperatures
﹛ Average Rainfall
﹛ Local Seasons: ﹛ Due to the beautiful weather as well as numerous attractions, sights to see, and things to do, the summer tends to be the busiest time of the year. With average temperatures during this time of year slightly over 22 C (72F), it＊s the perfect time to get out of doors and enjoy many of the activities available both in and around the city. Spring and fall are cooler but still comfortable enough for any type of activity. Both seasons are exceptionally lovely as Mother Nature produces spring colors as the blossoms bloom and the earth begins its transition back to green. Fall showers the visitor with vibrant colors as the leaves turn and winter arrives. The winter can be cold and it does snow, transforming the city into a postcard like picture: a picture where the visitor is seen sitting by a warm fire, enjoying a warm drink while dining on some of the area＊s fine cuisine. ﹛ How to Get There: ﹛ By Car: From elsewhere in Canada: The southernmost City in Ontario, visitors can reach Windsor and environs via Hwy. 401, which terminates in Windsor. Signage for Windsor's City Centre and Tunnel to U.S. is clearly marked off Hwy. 401, near the City, as is signage for the Ambassador Bridge to U.S. ﹛ From the United States: ﹛ Entry to Windsor, Canada, is via either the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge. The Tunnel is the only international sub aqueous car tunnel in the world. It has a maximum roadway depth of 75 feet beneath the river surface, is nearly a mile long and is the fast downtown connection between the heart of the City of Windsor and Detroit, Michigan. Transit Windsor also operates a "Tunnel Bus" service which shuttles between Windsor's and Detroit's City Centres, providing quick and easy access. ﹛ ﹛ By Air Windsor Airport 3200
County Rd. #42, R.R.#1 ﹛ Detroit International Airport Detroit, MI 48242 734-942-3550 Located directly across the U.S. border from Windsor, the airport is served by many of the recognizable worldwide airlines as well as many local and regional carriers.
By Train VIA Rail 298 Walker
Road Windsor's VIA Rail station is a five-minute drive from the border, just off of Riverside Drive East. VIA provides direct service from Windsor to Toronto, stopping at points between and connecting to points east and west from Toronto. VIA tickets can be obtained directly by calling them, or from your travel agent. ﹛ Ground Transportation Most of the major car rental companies, as well as taxi and limousine service is available at the airport as well as throughout the city. In addition, the Transit Windsor Shuttle (519-944-4111) bus includes a stop at Windsor Airport. In addition to public transit throughout the City of Windsor, it also provides group shuttle services by arrangement. ﹛ By Water City
Marina Lakeview Park Marina Lakeview Park Marina is open seasonally mid-April through October, located approximately 6 miles East of Windsor's City Centre, where the Detroit River meets Lake St. Clair. In addition to some 300 permanent wells, transit boaters are moored on the Little River and the Federal Wall as and when available. ﹛ How to Get Around: Due to the many sights and attractions both in and around Windsor as well as the proximity to Detroit, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car. ﹛ National Holidays: New Years Day January 1 Good Friday Date Varies Easter Monday Date Varies Victoria Day Monday proceeding May 25 Canada Day July 1 (The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day when July 1 Is a Sunday) Labour Day First Monday in September Thanksgiving Day Second Monday of October Remembrance Day November 11 Christmas Day December 25 Boxing Day December 26
Sandwich First Baptist Church 519-252-4917 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission
Charged ﹛ Canada
South Wine Tours Hours: Call for reservations Admission Charged Discover ... Relax ... Sip ... Enjoy! Join a tour through the Lake Erie North Shore designated viticulture area in Canada's most southerly coastal region. Spend the day visiting a variety of area wineries (lunch included). ﹛ Canadian Club Brand Heritage Center 2072
Riverside Drive East Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged Home of Hiram Walker & Sons Limited, distillers of Canadian Club whisky, founded on this site by Hiram Walker in 1858. The new 'brand heritage' tour showcases the production and history of Canadian Club, at Hiram Walker＊s elegant executive building. In addition to some rum-running history and a video of the whisky-making process, visitors are treated to a tour of the building and will view the distiller＊s famed Canadian art collection. Learn how to sample the product, enjoy a complimentary drink in the C.C. Bistro and take home an exclusive promotional souvenir. ﹛
Walker's Fine Candies Admission
Free ﹛ Casino Windsor 377
Riverside Drive East Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Free Casino
Windsor offers a total of 100,000 square feet (9,290 square
metres) of gaming space. ﹛ Windsor Raceway/Racetrack Slots County Rd.
20 at Sprucewood Hours: Open seven days a week from noon to midnight. Admission Free Offers a combination of live and simulcast wagering. Home to over 700 slot machines, the facility offers gaming 9 am-3 am, seven days a week. ﹛ Serbian
Hetitage Museum
519-944-4884 Admission Charged ﹛ Windsor
Wood Carving Museum ﹛
Windsor＊s Community Musuem
519-253-1812 Admission
Charged ﹛ Canada
South Science City
519-973-3667 Admission
Charged ﹛ Hyper
Space
519-969-5014 Admission Charged Hyper Space is an exciting family indoor playland where children 12 months to 12 years and their parents can leap, crawl, climb, and play on equipment that has been designed with safety in mind. ﹛ Wheels
The Skating Place 519-969-4335 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged Wheels The Skating Place is a clean, safe, well-supervised family rink that offers fun for all ages! In-line skates welcome at all sessions; roller skate rentals available on-site. A small mini-putt course is also available at Wheels. ﹛ XS
Family Fun Centre
519-972-6748 Admission
Charged Canada
South Science City
519-973-3667 Admission
Charged ﹛ Hyper
Space
519-969-5014 Admission Charged Hyper Space is an exciting family indoor playland where children 12 months to 12 years and their parents can leap, crawl, climb, and play on equipment that has been designed with safety in mind. ﹛ Wheels
The Skating Place 519-969-4335 Hours: Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged Wheels The Skating Place is a clean, safe, well-supervised family rink that offers fun for all ages! In-line skates welcome at all sessions; rollerskate rentals available on-site. A small mini-putt course is also available at Wheels. ﹛ XS
Family Fun Centre
519-972-6748 Admission
Charged ﹛
Walker's Fine Candies Admission
Free Events
January
One Act Play Festival Held in late January Location: Theatre Windsor at Market Square The Annual Play Writing Competition invites local playwrights to submit a one act play for judging. The Winning plays are produced on the Theatre Windsor stage in the Annual One Act Play Festival. This is a tremendous opportunity to enjoy the performance of local ideas. ﹛ Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dinner Held in late January Location: Lakeside Park Pavilion/Lake Erie, Kingsville Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dinner. Proceeds Benefit the Youth & Family Resource Network & ChildCan. ﹛ February ﹛ Ojibway Winter Festival Held in early February Location: Ojibway Park, Windsor Enjoy cross-country skiing, skating and winter wanders through the ＆wilds of Windsor＊. ﹛ Windsor Canadian Music Festival Held in mid February Location: Assumption University Chapel, Windsor 519-977-1400 Chamber ensemble and solo performances of Canadian compositions. ﹛ Devonshire Mall Spring Homeshow Held in mid February Location: Devonshire Mall, Windsor 519-256-9134 ﹛ Heritage Day Held in mid February Location: Fort Malden National Historic Site, Amherst burg 519-736-5416 Admission Free Celebrating Canadian heritage. Refreshments for the whole family. ﹛ March ﹛ Annual Home Show Held in early March Location: Ciociaro Club, Windsor 519-948-3247 ﹛ Windsor Classic Indoor Games Held in early march Location: St. Denis Athletic Centre, Windsor 519-235-2300 Paralympic events in Track, Field, Swimming, Boccia, Wheelchair Tennis, Wheelchair Rugby, Goalball, Powerlifting and Sled Hockey. ﹛ Maple First Taste of Spring Held in mid March Location: John R Park, Homestead, Harrow 519-738-2029 Make Maple taffy in the snow; learn about the first taste of spring in pioneer times. ﹛ Colasantis March Break Madness Celebration Held in mid March Location: Tropical Gardens, Kingsville 519-326-3287 Let Colasanti's show you a tropical cure for the March Break Boredom Blues. Visit the zoo featuring Animal Encounter Shows that run daily throughout the week. Create art with one of the open craft classes, enjoy a pony ride, or enter the colouring contest. Play 18-hole indoor mini golf, play on the indoor Little Tykes playground, or enjoy the arcade. Super Sleuths beware; the scavenger hunt will stump even the best of detectives. ﹛ Maple March Break Held in mid March Location: John R Park Homestead & Conservation Area, Harrow 519-738-2029 Kids, accompanied by adults, try all the steps in maple syrup making and enjoy a taste of fresh sugar. ﹛ Maple Moon Held in mid March Location: John R Park Homestead & Conservation Area, Harrow 519-738-2029 Join in an old fashioned sugaring off party by candlelight. ﹛ Colasanti＊s Easter Extravaganza Held around Easter Location: Colasanti's Tropical Gardens, Kingsville 519-326-3287 Start the Easter weekend festivities on Good Friday by joining in on the Easter Egg Hunt and then venture inside and take part in all of the activities! ﹛ April ﹛ Cherry Blossom Festival Held in mid April Location: Fujisawa Zen Garden, Essex 519-776-4459 ﹛ Windsor Home and Leisure Show Held in late April Location: St. Denis Centre, Windsor 519-256-9434 One of the largest home shows in Windsor and Essex County featuring home renovations and improvements. ﹛ May ﹛ Festival of Birds Held all of May Location: Point Pelee National Park of Canada, Leamington 519-322-2365 Special events, hikes and birding programs. ﹛ ﹛ June ﹛ Carousel by the River Expo Held in mid June Location: Riverfront Festival Plaza, Windsor 519-255-1127 The world on your doorstep! Carousel by the River brings together cultural displays, unique arts and crafts, exotic food and live entertainment from countries around the globe...all at a beautiful riverfront location! ﹛ Carousel of the Nations Held in mid June Location: Varies throughout Windsor 519-255-1127 Take a trip around the globe, as you visit the cultural "villages" set up throughout the city, each featuring cultural displays, unique arts and crafts, delicious food and exotic entertainment. ﹛ International Freedom Festival a two-week celebration honoring the birth of both Canada and the U.S. which takes place in Windsor and Detroit in late June and early July. The fireworks display is one of the largest in North America: It is usually held on a weeknight in the last week of June. ﹛ July ﹛ Canada Day Festivities Held in early July Location: Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada, Amherstburg 519-736-5416 Admission Free Fort Malden and the community of Amherst burg kick up their heels for the annual birthday celebration of the country. Music, blackpowder demonstrations and fireworks are the highlights of the birthday festivities. ﹛ Windsor Theatre Festival Held in late July 每 early August Location: CNR Park, Windsor 519-564-09712 Live Theatre.
September ﹛ Devonshire Mall Fall Homeshow Held in late September 每 early October Location: Devonshire Mall, Windsor 519-256-9434 Annual home show. ﹛ October ﹛ Legends of the Night Held in late October Location: Point Pelee National Park of Canada, Leamington 519-322-2365 Join an interpreter at the campfire and take a walk on a jack-o-lantern lit trail. ﹛ November ﹛ Winter Exhibit Held mid November 每 late April Location: The Windsor Wood Carving Museum, Windsor 519-977-0823 Included are carvings from Quebec and Michigan. Wildlife, wildfowl, historical carvings, a life-size sculpture of Tecumseh, a bust of Cadillac, and famous citizens from Windsor's last 100 years.
December
Bright Nights Held early December 每 mid March Location: Civic Esplanade, Windsor 519-971-0950 This unique seasonal light show illuminates Downtown Windsor from City Hall Square through Charles Clark Square ending at the Civic Green on the waterfront. It consists of several themed areas and 175 light displays and hosts several winter events and activities. ﹛
Arts & Entertainment ﹛ Capitol
Theatre & Arts Centre 519-253-8065 Admission
Charged ﹛ Chrysler
Theatre 519-252-8311 ﹛ Mark Breslin＊s Yuk Yuk＊s Comedy Telephone375
Ouellette Avenue - Upper 519-256-5233 Call for the latest show schedule! Stand up comedy with dinner show packages available. ﹛ Purple
Theatre Company 519-255-7600 ﹛ Theatre
Alive 519-969-0660 ﹛ Theatre
Windsor 519-944-1968 ﹛ University
Players 519-253-3000 Performances
scheduled from September to April. ﹛ Windsor Light Opera Association 2491
Jos.St.Louis 519-974-6593 ﹛ Windsor
Symphony Orchestra 519-973-1238 ﹛ |
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