Windsor Essex & Chatham Kent Summer Escapes In The Great Outdoors
Looking for the perfect summer escape without crossing the border?
With shifting travel dynamics and more Canadians opting to stay close to home, there’s never been a better time to explore the hidden gems of Windsor Essex and the Municipality of Chatham Kent.
From paddleboard adventures through serene creeks, to charming cottages, entertainment at various events, digital walking tours and plenty more things to do — our region is packed with opportunities for
rest, recreation, and discovery.
But first a bit of information from our local tourism experts. WE GO Together, Staycations In Windsor Essex With recent tariff and immigration policies making travel to the U.S. less attractive, staycations in the local area are becoming more and more popular.
“There are plenty of exciting and relaxing getaway options right in our own backyard. Whether you’re looking for a charming bed & breakfast, a boutique inn, a luxurious hotel stay, or a waterfront resort, our region offers a wide variety of accommodations perfect for a weekend escape or a mini staycation.” – Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) and CEO (as of July) of Invest WindsorEssex.
You can pair your stay with curated experiences like a tour at an EPIC (Essex Pelee Island Coast) winery, craft beer tasting on the Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail, beach days at Point Pelee National Park, or
dining at locally loved restaurants. Browse their full list of places to stay on the web page.
Since 2010, TWEPI — located at 98 Chatham Street East in downtown Windsor — is the leading tourism industry collaborative committed to enhancing the region’s economy and quality of life by supporting
destination development and industry operators, actively facilitating partner engagement and effectively marketing Windsor and Essex County.
Their staff of eight full-time and four part-time employees specialize in telling the story of Windsor Essex; destination/product development; visitor services (assisting visitors by producing quality materials, such as visitor guides, maps, websites to assist with itinerary planning), and partnerships that bring industry together to market collectively by bundling products/experiences around the region.
“Windsor Essex is buzzing with outdoor fun all summer long, offering something for everyone looking to make the most of the sunshine,” Orr tells Biz X. “From lively festivals and family-friendly fairs to waterfront
concerts, farmers’ markets, and fireworks, there’s no shortage of things to see and do under the sun.”
A great place to start is their Summer Event Guide, found online, which highlights everything from long-standing community celebrations to new, can’t miss happenings across the region.
For a unique way to experience our local food, drink and artisan scenes, learn about the Night Market Hop — a series of vibrant outdoor night markets taking place across the region throughout the season. According to Orr: “It’s the ideal opportunity to shop local, enjoy live entertainment, and soak in the summer atmosphere — plus a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree (when signing up for their newsletter) in Windsor Essex, while you’re at it.”
As for further online information, to learn about outdoor adventures, tours, experiences, parks and trails, fishing, water activities, golf, birding, cycling, and camping visit online here.
But wait, there’s one more website you might need to help with all your research! A complete list of what to see, do and eat, plus where to play and stay is in TWEPI’s Official Visitor Guide in print and online.
To read specific adventures with: Somewhere Else Experience, the Point Pelee Planner; Electric Bike Tours by Unconquered Custom Technologies; Pelee Island Fun and Butcher Buoy Charters click here.
