Windsor

Windsor brings together historic homes and exhibits, nature trails and a large indoor water park. When planning your trip, it’s worth first choosing the experiences that interest you most: architecture and history, exploring different habitats, or water adventures. The attractions offer different experiences and give families several specific reasons to plan their days around the interests of their fellow travelers.

Historic Manor and City History

Willistead Manor is a mansion built in 1906, with 36 rooms set in a 15-acre park. Its number of rooms and construction date give the estate a clear historical context; however, the manor is open to the public only by appointment. If you’d like to visit, keep this access information in mind when planning and don’t expect to be able to visit without an appointment.

A historical exhibit in the Coach House explores the construction and uses of Willistead Manor. This means the focus is not only on the building itself, but also on how it was used over the course of its history. The exhibit may be of particular interest to visitors interested in architecture and the history of a house.

Mackenzie Hall also offers a way to experience culture and history. The City of Windsor’s cultural center has performing arts facilities, a theater and art galleries. Visitors interested in different forms of cultural work can find several aspects under one roof: performing arts, theater and visual arts. A tour brochure for a self-guided tour is available at reception for a CAD 2.00 donation to Friends of the Court.

Exhibits at François Baby House

François Baby House is designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Its permanent exhibits explore Francophone heritage, the War of 1812, the Battle of Windsor and the history of the house itself. These themes offer different ways to explore the past: you can focus on Francophone heritage or make the exhibits about historical conflicts and the building the main focus of your visit.

Tours of three exhibits are offered for adults and school groups: “Windsor's French Roots,” “Windsor and the War of 1812” and “The Rebellion of 1838.” The specific exhibit titles make it easier to choose based on your interests. If you’re traveling with children, you can consider in advance which topics will appeal most to the group; the tours are intended for adults and school groups.

Water Adventures and Exploring Nature

Adventure Bay is an indoor water park in downtown Windsor, Ontario. With more than 35,000 square feet of space and water adventures, it offers a clear contrast to the historic homes and exhibits. For families who want to include a range of activities in their trip, it’s a distinct option: instead of exploring history or culture, the focus here is on an indoor water experience.

Those who prefer to explore landscapes and habitats will find several self-guided nature trails in Ojibway Park. Visitors can explore and learn about the ecology of pine-oak forests, savannas and tallgrass prairies. The range of habitats mentioned makes the trails interesting for anyone who is interested not only in individual plants or animals, but also in how different ecosystems work together.

Another natural highlight is the black oak savanna in Black Oak Heritage Park. It is one of the largest stands in Ontario and also one of Canada’s most endangered habitats. Anyone interested in nature and its protection will encounter a landscape whose significance goes beyond its distinctive character. Ojibway Park and Black Oak Heritage Park each offer their own nature-focused experience.

Which focus is right for your trip?

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For the broader trip overview: Essex County.