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| Windsor |
The 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 café, 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.
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