10 Sites to See in Southwest Ontario

1. Windsor Sculpture Park
This free open-air gallery features more than 30 works of large-scale, public art along a two-mile stretch of the Detroit River near the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor. It takes about 45 minutes to see all the sculptures and flower gardens. Tack on a visit to the Art Windsor-Essex gallery for more impressive works of art.

2. Sandhill Park
Towering 350 feet above Lake Erie, the massive sand dune in Port Burwell is a rewarding challenge to climb, with sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding countryside as the prize. Formed by glacial deposits and shaped by wind and water, this natural wonder sits within a privately owned campground run by the Alton family, who have been the stewards of the land since 1854. The park will open its first log cabin this fall for overnight guests who aren’t campers or RVers. Otherwise, a day-use pass is $12.

3. Pelee Island
Just a 90-minute ferry ride from Leamington away, Pelee Island charms visitors with its relaxed, scenic spirit. Rent a bike or golf cart and buzz past quirky landmarks like the famous Shoe Tree and the carefully stacked Stoneman sculpted by Pete Letkeman. Creativity runs deep within the artistic community that derives inspiration from the natural beauty of the island. Stop at Pelee Art Works to pick up an original work of art to take back to the mainland.

4. Point Pelee National Park
The last sliver of mainland Canada disappears under the waves of Lake Erie at Point Pelee National Park in Leamington. The park features stunning wild marshes and a dense Carolinian forest that comes alive with the singsong of migrating birds in spring and fall. In summer, walk the floating marsh boardwalk or kayak through the lily-filled wetlands to get up close and personal with nature and the wildlife within.

5. Long Point Biosphere Reserve
Sometimes called Canada’s Amazon for its incredible biodiversity, this UNESCO site covers nearly 50 square miles and teems with wildlife living within the park’s lush wetlands, tallgrass prairies, ancient forests and rolling dune habitats. The Marshview Patio and glamping tents at Long Point Eco-Adventures offer unparalleled views overlooking the reserve’s Turkey Point Marsh. A visit to Point Provincial Park, offers swimming and camp sites among the dunes.

6. Port Stanley
For generations, visitors have been captivated by this harbor town, known for its boutiques and waterfront dining. Relax at the Blue Flag-certified Main Beach, then enjoy a frosty orangeade from Mackie’s — an iconic treat. Cap off your day with a Legends of Lake Erie sunset cruise aboard a 26-foot yacht.

7. Port Dover
Palm trees swaying in the breeze — an unexpected sight for Lake Erie — are just one of the delights afforded by this quaint beach town. The beach is the town’s main attraction, with nearby shops and take-away eateries catering to sunbathers and swimmers ambling by on Walker Street.

8. Welland Canal
A vital waterway that allows cargo ships and other seafaring vessels to bypass Niagara Falls, the Welland Canal spans 27 miles and features a series of eight locks. At Lock 3, visitors can peruse the exhibits at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for a suggested donation of $5. Catch a ship passing through Lock 3, by looking at the ship-locking schedule managed by the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway Corp.

9. Old Fort Erie
The first British fort constructed in what is now Ontario, Old Fort Erie protected trade routes between the U.S. and Canada. The fort standing today is a reconstruction based on its appearance during the War of 1812, when it was heavily damaged during the Siege of 1814. The battle is brought to life each August with costumed reenactors and musket-firing demonstrations.

10. Niagara Falls
Just downstream from Old Fort Erie along the Niagara Parkway, millions of gallons of thundering water pour over a cliff into the misty gorge below. Evening illuminations light up the falls in a magical rainbow glow.