Weekend Trip & Foodie Guide
to Kingsville & Leamington, Ontario
Throughout college, Phil had a dream that one day we would randomly pack up the car and head across the border into Canada! At the time, we had no idea that the border was a mere 5 HOURS away from Georgetown, KY! After a bit of research, we finally decided to make his college dream come true & booked a weekend trip to the Leamington, Ontario area and what we found was the most perfect series of coastal towns peppered with wineries, fresh fruit stands, and gorgeous canals perfect for kayaking.
Here’s our guide on what to do & where to eat while you’re in the southern Ontario area, just across from Detroit, MI!
We work hard to compile the information that we have found to be helpful when traveling AND to keep this information free! If you find this information helpful & would like to support us, you can do so by buying us a coffee!
Please note there are some affiliate links in this post, which means I may earn commission if you choose to purchase (at no cost to you!).
Here’s What You Need to Know About Crossing the Border
I’m going to share a revelation with you…..Ontario is located in Canada. Since this location is on our northern neighbors’ side of the border, there are just a few bases to cover so that you feel fully prepared for a seamless trip! You’ll be a pro in no time.
You will need to choose a border crossing between Detroit & Windsor. Our preferred border crossing is Ambassador Bridge because you get sweeping views of Detroit & Windsor from the tallest point of the bridge! Once you cross the bridge, follow the signs to make sure you are in the correct lane (there are plenty of lanes, so don’t worry about this too much!).
Have passports ready for everyone in the vehicle. You will likely be asked what you are doing in Canada and how long and/or where you are staying while there. This process usually only takes a few minutes for US citizens.
Know the exchange rate. Prices are, of course, listed in Canadian dollars rather than American dollars. Currently in 2024, the exchange rate is $0.73 CAD to $1 USD. This is helpful for Americans because the prices listed are going to be about 25% cheaper than what you will be charged in US dollars! As a note, the vast majority of places take Visa & MasterCard with no issue and charge no additional fee for paying in USD. You can pay in CAD or USD via your card - ultimately the bank will adjust based on the exchange rate.
Fuel is measured differently in Canada. Prices will be listed by litre, which can make it a bit challenging to estimate gas prices in Canada if you are used to prices per gallon in the US. This is especially true because gas prices are listed by litre AND in Canadian dollars. There are roughly 3.8 litres are in a gallon. We have also found that fuel is often cheaper in the US, so make sure you fill up before crossing Ambassador Bridge (there’s a gas station right at the base of the bridge!).
Speed limits are in kilometers, not miles. 1 kilometer is equal to 0.62 miles. Many newer vehicles will automatically convert the speed limit for you on your dash, but here’s a quick reference guide for speed limits in this area: In urban areas in Essex Co. the speed limit is 50 km/h, which translates to 31 mph. In rural areas, the speed limit is generally 80 km/h, which translates to 49 mph.
Major cell phone carriers transition seamlessly to Canada often with no additional charges. Most US carrier plans now include service in Canada & Mexico. You may notice that the name of your service plan will change, but this should not cause a service interruption if your plan includes Canada & Mexico.
Don’t be overwhelmed by these logistics. It may seem like a lot to remember, but the southern Ontario area is incredibly laidback, friendly, & welcoming to Americans! Most of these measurement & exchange rates are easy to navigate (or just a quick Google away!) & locals are more than happy to help answer any questions.
Where to Stay
We have visited Essex County multiple ways: rustic camping at Wheatley Provincial Park, a cozy lakefront couples’ retreat, and a beautiful, bright short-term rental with friends located in the heart of Leamington! This area offers plenty of options for an incredible stay on the coast of Lake Erie.
Rentals By Owner
There are tons of beautiful AirBNB & VRBO options in both Leamington & Kingsville. Many of these are right on the coast of Lake Erie. Here are a few options that we have either stayed at or have contemplated renting!
Camping
Wheatley Provincial Park - Though this is technically just outside of Essex County, it is located just minutes from Point Pelee National Park. Spots are spacious and private & many back up to marshy areas on the coast of Lake Erie!
Wine Country on Historic County Road 50
Imagine a gorgeous lakefront road winding through farms with fresh-cut flower & fruit stands that still rely on the honor system for customers. Now add beautiful wineries into the mix and you have Historic County Road 50 in Kingsville/Harrow/Amhertsburg.
Here are our favorite wineries in the region (& one that is on top of our bucket list to visit!):
CREW - Dinner on CREW’s screened-in back porch overlooking their vineyards is the epitome of relaxation. And their wines are good, too!
Paglione Estate Winery - Looking for a lunchtime winery? Look no further. This is your place. Serving up wood-fired pizza with their wine list makes it the place for lunch in Essex County. Order the pickle pizza (yes, just trust me) with their homemade garlic sauce and don’t even think twice.
Oxley Estate - This winery is my favorite when it comes to enjoying a beautiful sunny day on the patio! Oxley Estate has a beautiful patio area with curated landscaping, perfect for sipping a flight of wines.
Sprucewood Shores - Sprucewood is the only winery in the area that is located directly on the beach, giving visitors direct access to Lake Erie. Grab a glass of wine (or a tasting flight!) and take it down to the beach.
VIN - This is the only winery on the list that we have not visited, but we have only heard the best things about it & it is smack-dab at the top of our list of things to do the next time we are in Essex County. If you happen to visit, let us know what you think!
Point Pelee National Park
Mainland Canada’s southernmost tip is filled with activities that quickly immerse Essex Co. visitors into the beautiful nature this area has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite activities to explore at the park:
Point Pelee’s Marsh Boardwalk (0.62 mi) offers a leisurely stroll perfect for migratory birdwatching, as well as an observation tower with sweeping views of the marshy side of the park. Our favorite activity in this area is the kayak rental through Pelee Wings, where you can freely explore the park and experience nature up close & personal. Quiet mornings on the kayaks in Point Pelee are one of my favorite experiences in the area.
Centennial Hike & Bike Trail (3.7mi) is a loop for hikers & cyclists that spans nearly the entirety of Point Pelee, sweeping visitors through the park’s marsh waters, lakefront beaches, and dense forests.
Tip Trail (0.6mi) offers an observation tower on the far southern edge of Point Pelee, giving access to sweeping views of Lake Erie and the Essex County coast. This tower is currently under construction in Spring 2024.
DeLaurier Homestead Trail (0.75mi) explores the human history of Point Pelee, leading to the historical DeLaurier home, built in 1851.
Other hiking (& biking!) trails offer lakefront views, an observation tower at the tip of Point Pelee (though this is currently under construction in Spring 2024), and the human history of Point Pelee on the DeLaurier Homestead Trail
DINING
Crew - Imagine eating dinner on a spacious covered porch in the middle of a lush vineyard. Yep - that’s CREW. The food is tasty, the wine is delicious, and the views are top-tier relaxation. What more could you want? What to Order: If there’s a local perch special, order that. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong!
Paglione - Delicious wood-fired pizza on a sunny, laidback patio in the middle of Ontario’s wine country makes this the perfect spot for an Essex County lunch! What to Order: Lakeside Speciale Pickle Pizza with Garlic Sauce - I dream of this combination.
Cured Craft Brewing - If beer is more your thing or you are looking for a more laidback, pub-like atmosphere, then Cured Craft in downtown Leamington is your go-to. They frequently have live music on their patio and the service is friendly & personable. What to Order: Prime Rib Ciabatta sandwich. I also love their chips and dip starter though let me go ahead and say it is served with bagged kettle chips (which I love, but did surprise me the first time I ordered it). The dips, however, are delicious!
Souq Mediterranean Grill (Windsor) - I couldn’t end this list without paying homage to our favorite restaurant in the area that we always visit on our way in or out of town. Souq has possibly THE friendliest service of any restaurant I have ever visited. They remember us each time we go (even though we only visit 1-2 times per year) and they truly roll out the red carpet for customers. Once they gave us 3 free dishes because they were out of something on the menu - WHAT??? Plus, it’s not just the service. The food is also incredible. In a town filled with mediterranean options, Souq is our top choice. What to Order: Any shawarma dish or areyes.
COFFEE + TREATS
Dutch Boys Chocolate - Located right next to Red Lantern, this chocolate shops is a full experience. Try each of the chocolate samples they offer, ooh and ahh over the impressive chocolate medallions made out of hand-carved wooden molds, and chat with the owners who just might be the friendliest chocolatiers on the planet. Order more chocolate than you can possibly eat and hit the road happy as a clam full of chocolate. What to Order: Anything, but the fruit truffles are outstanding & I am not typically a fruit & chocolate person.
Red Lantern Coffee Co. - Sitting at the window bar on a rainy day with a perfectly poured cappuccino in hand may just be the picture of heaven on earth. What to Order: Cappuccino