Windsor Tourism Information Windsor > Travel Guide > Windsor Tourism Information Windsor is one of Canada’s most southerly towns. If you’d like to visit a progressive city just across the border, choose Windsor Ontario for your next relaxing, fun-filled getaway. Windsor Ontario lies directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan. Typically you’d think of driving north from the U.S. to get to Canada; however, Windsor is located south of Detroit and is the only border crossing where entering the United States from Canada involves traveling north! The Ambassador Bridge joins Windsor and Detroit above land. The idea for a motorway spanning the Detroit River started in the early years following World War I, but the bridge would not get built for almost 10 years, and at a cost of $23.5 million US dollars. When completed in 1929, the 2804-meter (9,200 foot) masterpiece of engineering was the longest suspension bridge in the world. A unique alternative to the Ambassador Bridge is the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

At 22.8 meters (75 feet) beneath the river and nearly 1,600 meters (almost a mile) long, the two-lane tunnel is the fastest connection between the cities of Windsor and Detroit. The tunnel connects to the 401 via Ouellette Ave. for getting around the Windsor area. Considered a great feat of engineering, the tunnel opened in November of 1930 at a total cost of $23,000,000. Be forewarned that the tunnel is the second busiest route between Canada and the US, and has toll and customs inspection booths at either end. While trade determines the positive relations between the United States and Canada in the 21st century, it wasn't always that way. The two countries have fought bloody battles before establishing lasting peace, a legacy which has left its mark on Windosr, a strategic point between the two countries. In order to better understand this part of history, there are several museums in Windsor that you’ll want to visit that will provide retrospectives on the War of 1812 the Underground Railway. Agriculture is important to this region, as grapes for wines grow easily in the benign climate.

In addition to wineries depending on the land to provide them their product, local beer breweries rely on the high-quality hops and barley from nearby fields. However, agriculture was long ago replaced as the dominant local industry by the automotive sector. For decades a section of Windsor was simply known as Ford City. Today, the industry remains vibrant, and is closely intertwined with the massive automotive sector just across the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, Michigan (USA). Windsor competes with Oshawa, Ontario for the title of automotive capital of Canada, with Windsor housing the Daimler-Chrysler Canadian Headquarters, and Oshawa housing the General Motors Canadian Headquarters. Its industries include the: DaimlerChrysler mini-van assembly plant Several Ford Motor Company engine and casting plants The General Motors transmission plant The Hiram Walker Canadian Club plant Along with a myriad of smaller parts manufacturers that supply the larger plants Windsor is also known as a global leader in the building of molds for the plastic injection industry. Labor union membership is very high in Windsor, thus the Canadian Auto Workers Union has a strong and influential presence in the city. Windsor is also home to Casino Windsor and the Canadian Club Distillery.

Encompassing 46 square miles, Windsor is home to over 208,000 people. Its residents are predominantly English speaking, but Windsor is a multicultural city, playing host to people from all over the world. There are two colleges in Windsor: the University of Windsor and St. Clair College. The University enrolls approximately 14,000 students from Canada, the U.S. and around the globe. It has nine academic departments, including Arts & Social Sciences, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies and Research, Human Kinetics, Law, Nursing, Science and the Odette School of Business. St. Clair College provides lifelong learning opportunities for more than 5,600 students. This college features over 70 academic programs in 10 schools of specialization. The climate in the Windsor area lends itself to a picturesque environment. But just imagine the natural beauty of having water on three sides of your city! Such is the case in Windsor, as it is surrounded by Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. Because of its waterfront location, the city of Windsor has developed a taste for water sport.

It is not uncommon to find residents enjoying the summer weather with their boats and water skis, swimming at the beaches of Pelee Island, or even taking in a boat tour along the banks of the Detroit River. Great sport fishing is also available – anglers can tell you that walleye, perch, musky and bass are in abundance. Make sure you pack your walking shoes, as Windsor features three miles of walking paths along the Detroit River featuring unique sculptures, beautiful gardens and streets lined with stores, clubs and restaurants. Of course, there is a variety of restaurants, clubs and bars to choose from when you visit Windsor. They are eclectic and diverse, offering everything from a relaxed atmosphere to live music and comedy. Windsor travel guide - Wikitravel 13 Get out Windsor [1] is a mid-sized Canadian city on the southwest tip of Ontario . It's an extremely multi-cultural city with over 20% of its population having been born outside of Canada. The city's rich cultural background is made aware by the Middle Eastern, Italian, and Asian neighbourhoods in Windsor. It is located across the Detroit River from the city of Detroit .

Understand[ edit ] Founded as a French agricultural settlement in 1748, Windsor has grown into a multi-cultural city of just over 231,000 people. Reflecting its American neighbour across the Detroit River, it has a strong connection with the automobile industry, with Chrysler's Canadian headquarters based in the city. The river-side area of Windsor has been developed into a lush area of parkland that offer spectacular views of the Detroit skyline, and is the city's most well known feature. The Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival celebrates Canada's Canada Day and the American Independence Culture[ edit ] Even if you spend a day in Windsor you'll notice that Windsor is a very multi-cultural city, especially for its small town feel. Right off the bat, visitors will hear English, French, Arabic and Italian. Near the East side of the downtown area is the North African/Middle Eastern neighbourhoods with a large Lebanese community. South east of the downtown area is the Via Italia neighbourhood with numerous Italian restaurants and shops. West of the downtown area is an area with strong Asian influences..

Climate[ edit ] The city has quite a wide range in climate conditions, with average temperatures hovering around 21°F (-6°C) in January, while in July the average temperature is around 82°F (28ºC) . The late summer is the best time to visit the city, though it can be humid and sultry. Visitor information[ edit ] Ontario Travel Information Centre (Detroit-Windsor Tunnel), 110 Park St E (at Goyeau), ☎ +1 519 973-1338 ( ontariotravel.windsorp@ontario.ca ), [2] . Daily 8:30AM-4:30PM. edit Windsor-Essex Travel Information Centre (Ambassador Bridge), 1235 Huron Church Rd (between Giradot and Tecumseh), ☎ +1 519 915-7000 ( ontariotravel.windsorhc@ontario.ca ), [3] . Daily 9:30AM-5:30PM.

edit By air[ edit ] Windsor Airport, 3200 County Road 42 (Located off Walker Rd., South of E.C. Row Expressway), ☎ 519- 969-2430 (fax: +1 519 969-6053), [4] . Windsor Airport (IATA:YQG, ICAO:CYQG) is the main terminus for any incoming and outgoing flights, however the airport is much smaller than Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. edit Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, (Romulus, Michigan, United States of America), ☎ 734 247-7678 (M-F 8AM-4PM), [5] . edit Airport Shuttle Services from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Windsor Ontario are available by reservation. Flat rate fare from Detroit Airport to downtown Windsor or to the VIA Rail station in Windsor is $79.00 including tolls. Contact reservations at (313) 759-7741.

By train[ edit ] VIA Rail, 298 Walker Road (East of Caesars Windsor (formerly ''Casino Windsor''), on the corner of Riverside Dr. & Walker Rd.), ☎ +1-888-842-7245, [6] . Ticketing and station hours: M-Su 5:15AM-8PM.. VIA Rail's western end of the Windsor-Quebec City corridor is located here and the Windsor (Walkerville) passenger train station serves those tourists needs. edit By car[ edit ] Highway 401, a major artery that follows the entire southern Ontario coast, has its west termination in Windsor. Windsor is also easily accessible by crossing the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel or the Ambassador Bridge from Detroit . For more information about the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge and immigration/customs please see the From the United States section. By bus[ edit ] Windsor International Transit Terminal, 300 Chatham Street West, ☎ +1-519-254-7575, [7] . Station & Ticketing hours: Daily: 7AM-8PM.

The Greyhound terminal situated near the tunnel serves bus traffic. edit From the United States[ edit ] As of June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to present a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or trusted traveler card when crossing the U.S.-Canada border. For more detailed identification requirements, visit Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) . Although it is efficient for an international border, this is the busiest crossing between the two countries, and is not as quick and casual as it once was. There are two ways to get to Windsor from Detroit: Ambassador Bridge, (accessible from all interstates connecting to downtown Detroit), [8] . Bridge traffic can be congested, due to the high number of 18-wheelers. Expect wait times of 30 minutes. Toll per passenger car: $4 (CAD or USD). edit Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, (connecting to I375 from all interstates in downtown Detroit), [9] . Every time traffic backs up in the tunnel the tunnel is shut down until traffic congestion is eased, which can sometimes take quite a while.

A tunnel bus connects downtown Detroit with Windsor for the price of $3.75 (CAD or USD) or for concerts, Ford Field and Comerica Park the tunnel bus fare raises to $4.00 (CAD or USD). The tunnel bus has its pros saving you money from parking on either side of the border, but the customs/immigrations process can be quite lengthy for bus riders since everyone on the bus must disembark and be cleared through customs. Toll per passenger car: $3.75 (USD), $4.75 (CAD). edit Pedestrians cannot walk across the bridge or through the tunnel, they must use the tunnel bus. Bicyclists are also prohibited from using the bridge and the tunnel, and due to licensing regulations cannot use the bike racks on the tunnel bus. The only way someone traveling by bike can bring their bike across the border is to disassemble the bike and put it in a bike bag, which can be brought on the bus. Get around[ edit ] There is a transit system (Transit Windsor) that has a few good routes, namely the Ottawa 4, Crosstown 2, and the Transway 1C lines, but other than that it isn't the best.

However, the majority of the hotels and entertainment are concentrated in the downtown area, so walking and cheap cabs are always an option. Windsor is a city that was built for the car, thus earning its nickname the 'Automotive Capital of Canada'. If you are going to get around the entire city, not just the downtown area and immediate neighbouring districts, your best option would be to rent a car. Transit Windsor route maps and schedules can be found at Windsor's Website See[ edit ][ add listing ] Ford City. Ford City was the birthplace of the Canadian Ford Motor Company. The district is home to a wide variety of architectural examples, including four byzantine styled Orthodox churches built by immigrants, who came to work for the Ford Company. Several buildings have murals depicting the history and transformation of the Ford Company and Ford City. edit Museums[ edit ] Art Gallery of Windsor, 401 Riverside Drive West (Located west of Ouellette Ave.

and just west of the Cleary International Centre, and the Radisson & Hilton hotels, at Church Street), ☎ +1-519-977-0013 ( email@agw.ca , fax: +1-519-977-0776), [10] . W 11AM-8PM, Th,Fr 11AM-9PM, Sa,Su 11AM-5PM(Closed: M,Tu). Somewhat of a small art museum, but its exhibits are interesting and make the most of the available space. The gallery also has several works available for rent or for purchase. Admission: $3 per person. edit Canada South Science City, (Temporarily CLOSED since late 2015 while they move to a new location. A reopening date has not been announced as of November, 2016.), ☎ +1-519-973-3667 ( info@cssciencecity.com , fax: +1-519-973-3676), [11] .

September - June: M-Sat: 10AM - 5PM, (Closed Sunday) (July & August: M-F: 9AM-5PM, (Closed Sa,Su)). Admission: Adults $8, Students & Seniors $7, Children (Age 2-12) $6.. edit Serbian Heritage Museum 6770 Tecumseh Rd. E., +1 519 944-4884. M-F 12PM-4PM. Exhibits change every three to four months. Windsor Community Museum, 254 Pitt Street West (François Baby House) (Located directly behind the Cleary International Centre & Hilton Hotel), ☎ +1-519-253-1812 ( wmuseum@windsorpubliclibrary.com , fax: +1-519-253-0919), [12] .

edit Historical[ edit ] Willistead Manor, 1899 Niagara Street (Walkerville, Located at Niagara Street and Kildare Street), ☎ +1-519-253-2365, [13] . The Willistead Manor is a beautiful 36 room mansion in the middle of a 15 acre park. The mansion was built by Edward Chandler Walker for his older brother, Willis Walker. edit Hiram Walkers Distillery - Wisers Whiskey, 2072 Riverside Drive East (East of Ouellette Ave.), ☎ +1-519-561-5499, [14] . edit Mackenzie Hall, 3277 Sandwich Street (Sandwich Towne), ☎ +1-519-255-7600 ( mackhall@city.windsor.on.ca , fax: +1-519-255-9538), [15] . MacKenzie Hall is the former courthouse, jail, and execution spot of the former town of Sandwich, which is now a district of Windsor.

edit Parks[ edit ] A seagull sculpture in Odette Sculpture Park Odette Sculpture Park, Riverside Drive West (Located between the base of the Ambassador Bridge (Huron Church Road) and Church Street.), [16] . Touted as a "museum without walls" Odette Sculpture Park is a 3.5 km park with over 30 sculptures dotting the park. Admission: Free, Parking: Metered.. edit Dieppe Gardens, (Located at the base of Ouellette Ave., overlooking the Detroit River & Skyline). edit Learn[ edit ] University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue (Located 'under' the Ambassador Bridge, just off Huron Church Rd.), ☎ +1-519-253-3000, [17] . edit St. Clair College, 2000 Talbot Road West (Located off Huron Church Road, South of E.C. Row Expressway), ☎ +1-519-966-1656 ( info@stclaircollege.ca , fax: +1-519-972-3811), [18] .

edit Do[ edit ][ add listing ] XS Family Fun Centre, 1930 Ambassador Drive (Located off Huron Church Road, near the Holiday Inn Select & across the street from the Hampton Inn.), ☎ +1-519-972-6748 ( xsmanager@primus.ca ), [19] . Su-Th: 11AM-11PM, Fr,Sa: 11AM-midnight (Go-karts close one hour prior to the rest of the centre). Arcade with Laser Tag, Go-Karts and Batting Cages. Prices vary from activity.. edit Festivals[ edit ] Windsor International Film Festival, [20] . Nov 7-11, 2012. edit Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, [21] . The Freedom Festival is an enormous celebration of both Canada's Canada Day, held on July 1st, and America's Independence Day, held on July 4th. The festival began in 1959 and currently sees up to a million visitors during the flagship event - the Target Fireworks display, which is held in late June.

In Windsor, a midway serves as an attraction after the main festivities are over with. edit Bluesfest International, [22] . July 13 - 15, 2012. A four day blues festival to promote not only the blues genre, but local and international artists. Festival-goers must be at least 19 with proper ID. It's unclear whether foreign IDs will suffice. Four day pass: $50, otherwise $20-25 per day. edit Windsor Emancipation Celebration Festival, Festival Plaza - 370 Riverside Drive East (Overlooking the beautiful Detroit river & Skyline), ( info@emancipationday.ca ), [23] . August 3 - 6, 2012. The Emancipation Celebration is an enormous celebration of Freedom. Held on the First weekend in August Emancipation Celebration was once the largest outdoor celebration of it's kind in all of North America. It boasted colourful parades that made its way from the riverfront into Jackson Park celebration grounds, Miss Sepia Pageants, talent contest, concerts, family reunion picnics and community wide barbecues. In fact these cross-border celebrations drew the likes of Dr.

Martin Luther King, Dr. George Washington Carver, Jesse Owens, Diana Ross, Joe Louis, Eleanor Roosevelt and many other world renowned dignitaries annually to appear as guest speakers or simply to join the revelry of freedom. At its peak Emancipation celebration had over 250 000 plus people in attendance . Free/$5 for concerts/shows. edit Gambling[ edit ] Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive East (Overlooking the beautiful Detroit river & Skyline), ☎ +1-519-258-7878 ( info@casinowindsor.com ), [24] . Very large casino and popular among residents and tourists because the Canadian government does not tax any winnings. The casino exchanges US dollars to Canadian Dollars at a low rate (it is therefore advised to exchange your money elsewhere). Absolutely no one under 19 is allowed on the casino floor; however, those under 19 are allowed to stay in the Augustus (new) Tower. Those who are under 22 will need to show an additional piece of identification (such as a school ID or a debit card) upon entering.

edit Music & Theatre[ edit ] The Chrysler Theatre, 201 Riverside Drive West (Located in downtown Windsor, on the corner of Riverside Dr. and Ferry St.), ☎ +1-519-252-6579 ( tickets@inbox.com , fax: +1-519-973-4976), [25] . edit Windsor Symphony Orchestra, 487 Ouellette Avenue, ☎ +1 (519) 973-1238 (fax: +1 (519) 973-0764), [26] . edit Capitol Theatre and Arts Centre, 121 University Avenue West (Located in downtown Windsor, just west of Ouellette Ave. & South of Riverside Dr.), ☎ +1-519-253-7729 (fax: +1-519-253-8912), [27] . edit Sports[ edit ] Ganatchio Trail, (Follow along Riverside Dr. East to pick up the starting point of the Ganatchio Trail, near Lauzon Rd.).

Stretching from the City of Windsor into the Town of Tecumseh,the Ganatchio Trail provides an excellent way for bikers, roller bladers, or the casual pedestrian to enjoy the afternoon. edit Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Avenue (Located on the border of Windsor & the Town of LaSalle, across from the Windsor Raceway & Slots), ☎ +1-519-966-2425 (fax: +1-519-966-2327), [28] . Weekdays: 9 holes $40, 18 holes $60; Weekends: 9 holes $45, 18 holes $68. edit Roseland Golf And Curling Club, 455 Kennedy Drive West (Located East of Huron Church Road, just south of Cabana Rd.), ☎ +1-519-969-3810 ( roseland@city.windsor.on.ca ), [29] . edit Windsor Spitfires hockey, WFCU Centre, [30] .

The extremely popular local junior hockey team was Canadian champions in 2009 and 2010. Tickets can be hard to come by. They play at the WFCU Centre in Forest Glade, buy tickets well in advance. edit Budget[ edit ] Bozii, 357 Ouellette Ave (In the heart of downtown, Closest Intersection is Park and Ouellette), ☎ +1-519-946-0215 ( customerservice@bozii.com , fax: +1-519-946-0214). Mon-Wed 7am-9pm, Thurs-Sat 7am-11pm, Sun - Closed. Average $5-$10. edit Mini Restaurant, 475 University Avenue West (Located just blocks west of downtown), ☎ +1-519-254-2221. edit Sam's Pizzeria & Cantina, 2215 Wyandotte Street West, ☎ +1-519-258-5086.

edit Sir Cedric's Fish & Chips, 468 University Avenue West (Located across the street from Mini Restaurant), ☎ +1-519-253-4044. edit Terra Cotta Pizzeria a La Rogue, 318 Pelissier Street (Located in downtown Windsor), ☎ =1-519-971-0223, [31] . edit Michael's Restaurant, 430 Ouellette Ave. (Downtown, connected to the Ramada Plaza Hotel). Delicious Jag Panzer ASS and wings on Thursdays, as well as Delicious $2 burgers on Wednesdays. edit May Wah Inn, 1689 University Avenue West (Located just west of downtown), ☎ +1-519-256-4755. edit Wah Court, 2037 Wyandotte Street West (Located just blocks east of University of Windsor campus), ☎ +1-519-254-1388, [32] . CLOSED. edit Papa Cheney's Whisky Well serves burgers, fries, and many other items. Don't miss the whisky sour.

The restaurant stays open late. Mid-range[ edit ] Cook's Shop Restaurant, 683 Ouellette Avenue (Located in the heart of downtown Windsor), ☎ +1-519-254-3377. edit Fuji Japanese Restaurant, 2465 Dougall Avenue (Located within Dorwin Plaza), ☎ +1-519-250-4040. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.. edit La Cuisine, 417 Pelissier Street (Between Wyandotte St. W and Park Street), ☎ +1-519-253-6432 ( marlou@la-cuisine.ca , fax: +1-519-253-6892), [33] . Lunch hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 14:00, Dinner hours: Tu- Sa 5PM-9PM, Closed Su,M. edit India Palace Sweet Restaurant, 1167 Ottawa Street (Ottawa Street across from Lanspeary Park.), ☎ +1-519-256-4104.

edit Spicy Bite of India Restaurant, 7610 Tecumseh Road East (Immediately east of Tecumseh Mall and Lauzon Rd.), ☎ +1-519-948-1466. edit Splurge[ edit ] Mezzo Ristorante, 804 Erie Street (Via Italia,), ☎ +1-519-252-4055 ( info@mezzo.ca , fax: +1-519-252-9202), [34] . M-W: 11:30AM-10PM, T-Sa: 11:30AM-11PM, Su: 4PM-10PM. Decent Italian restaurant with a friendly and helpful staff. The restaurant is pleasantly decorated and offers an intimate atmosphere for visitors to relax and hang out. The restaurant hosts musicians on Thursday and a piano player on Friday and Saturday nights.

edit MamO Bistro, 5880 Wyandotte Street East (Located in the Riverside district, an area of Windsor, near the intersection with Esdras Place), ☎ +1-513-948-0693 ( eat@mamobistro.com ), [35] . Monday - Saturday: Opens at 5PM, Closed Su,M.. edit Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Shopping in Windsor can be a treat particularly due to the abundance of ethnic stores littered about Windsor. Theres a store to suit everyone's need, including the American cigar aficionado, who will be delighted to realize that due to Canada's cozier relations with Cuba than America's, Cuban cigars are widely available for purchase. Do realize that even purchasing a Cuban cigar or Cuban products in Windsor, even if consumed on Canadian soil, is considered by U.S. government to be a violation of the U.S. embargo and you may be subject to hefty fines or jail time if caught. In practice, however, this might not be a big problem, as thousands of Americans travel to Cuba illegally every year with no problem.

Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets, 1555 Talbot Street (Located in the town of LaSalle, just off Huron Church Rd., South of the Ambassador Bridge), ☎ +1-519-972-7111 ( windsorcrossing@on.aibn.com , fax: +1-519-972-6432), [36] . M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa (Jan-May) 9AM-6PM or (Jun-Dec) 9AM-9PM, Su: 10AM-6PM, Holidays: 10AM-6PM, Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. edit Ambassador Duty Free Store, 707 Patricia Street (Located on the Ambassador Bridge), ☎ +1-519-977-9100. edit Windsor Tunnel Duty Free Shop, 465 Goyeau Street, ☎ +1-519-252-2713 (fax: +1-519-252-1688). Open: Daily, 24 hours..

edit Holland Consignment Shoppe, 1407 Ottawa Street (Located at the corner of Ottawa St and Moy Ave, behind the TD Bank, in the heart of one of the last remaining outdoor shopping districts left in Windsor), ☎ +1-519-977-5200 ( hollandauctions@bellnet.ca ). edit Devonshire Mall, 3100 Howard Ave., Windsor, Ontario N8X 3Y8 (South on Howard from E.C. Row Expressway and Riverside(take Glengarry from Riverside Dr. E.)), ☎ 519-966-3100, [37] . M-F, 9:30 am to 9 pm, Sat. 9 am to 6 pm, Sun. 11 am to 5 pm. Devonshire Mall is Windsor's largest premier shopping destination offering the area over 175 stores, services and eateries. edit Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Ethanol tourism Several breweries and distilleries – most notably Canadian Club – were established in the Windsor/Essex County area due to "dry laws" and the experiment with prohibition in the United States.

Today, a large part of Windsor's tourism is still directly related to alcohol, with Ontario's lower drinking age (and more liberal "exotic dance" regulations) drawing countless 19- and 20-year-old Americans over the border for a legal drink. Travel Article: Windsor: A Multicultural Border City Article Windsor in Winter Windsor Ontario lies directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan . Encompassing 120 square kilometres, or 46 square miles, Windsor is home to over 208,000 people. Its residents are predominantly English speaking, but Windsor is truly a multicultural city, playing host to people from all over the world. The climate in the Windsor area lends itself to a vibrant and picturesque environment. The natural beauty is enhanced by the city being bordered by water on three sides. Having the most southerly location in Canada (Windsor is similar to Madrid, Spain in latitude) doesnï¿½t hurt either. Convenient access draws in approximately 9 million visitors annually, making Windsor the countryï¿½s busiest port. Much of the nearly $1 billion dollars generated through trade and tourism comes in the form of US dollars through Michigan , Ontarioï¿½s largest trading partner.

Its unique location on the southwestern tip of Ontario puts 100 million Canadian and American citizens >within 800 kilometres (500 miles) of city limits. History: Growing out of a small Jesuit Mission, Windsor was officially founded in 1748. Originally a French settlement, Windsor grew in steady unison with the city of Detroit, MI on the opposite bank of the river. These French roots can still be seen in the pattern of roads and streets in the downtown area. The settlement grew slowly and remained under French control until 1797, when an increasing number of British loyalists began moving in, seeking to remain under British rule and avoid the political changes of post civil war America. The town of Windsor would change further with the arrival of Great Western Railway in 1854, in what is now Downtown Windsor. This move ensured commercial success for years to come, connecting the township with the larger centres in the north. Automobile Assembly Line In 1904, the Ford Motor Company set up shop in Windsor, beginning what would become the areaï¿½s most prominent industry. So big was the automotive industry that during the First World War the growing industrial complex was actually known as Ford City.

By 1930, the industry had become so influential that Windsor had grown to include the smaller surrounding communities into a city of 100,000 people. The Second World War led to further increase in both industrial production and growth of the city. Today the city of Windsor is still primarily a manufacturing based economy, remaining a forerunner in automotive engineering. The Windsor region is also eastern Canadaï¿½s largest agricultural business community. This, combined with an ideal location and more than 800 companies in the Windsor area, secured an impressive 40% of the Canada - USA trade market, generating an exchange of $400 million dollars daily between the two countries. Climate: Being surrounded by Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River has created a temperate climate, with annual average temperatures between the mid teens to high 20s Celsius (mid 50s to low 80s Fahrenheit) in the summer months. Winter temperatures are mild, between -5 and 2 Celsius (low 20s to mid 30s Fahrenheit) but the higher humidity from its waterfront location often creates the sensation of a deeper, penetrating cold. Rain is common but rarely heavy.

Rainfall averages around 9 cm (3 inches) in the summer months, varying only slightly throughout the year. Transportation: Passage to Windsor comes in many forms. The 401 Highway runs directly to the heart of Windsor, connecting the southern tip of Ontario to London and Toronto . The Ambassador Bridge joins Windsor and Detroit above land. The idea for a motorway spanning the Detroit River came to light in the early years following World War I, but the bridge would not get built for almost 10 years, and at a cost of $23.5 million US dollars. When completed in 1929, the 2804-meter (9,200 foot) masterpiece of engineering was the longest suspension bridge in the world. A fun alternative to the Ambassador Bridge is the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel . At 22.8 meters (75 feet) beneath the river and nearly 1,600 meters (almost a mile) long, the tunnel is the fastest connection between the cities of Windsor and Detroit. The tunnel connects to the 401 via Ouellette Ave. for getting around the Windsor area. The Windsor Airport is designed for charter and commuter flights.

While smaller than many international airports, is quite capable of handling flights and aircraft of all sizes. Shuttle, taxi and car rental service are available. VIA Rail has a scenic train station close to the river and connects Windsor with the rest of Canada through the Quebec / Windsor Corridor. Trains make regular trips to Toronto, as well as to Chicago Il , with stops between. Sunset Over Lake Erie Getting around the city is fairly easy as the public transportation system is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Transit Windsor operates both within the city and between the city center and downtown Detroit through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, with stops at casinos on both borders. Attractions: Because of its waterfront location, the city of Windsor has developed a taste for water sport. It is not uncommon to find residents enjoying the summer weather with their boats and water skis, swimming at the beaches of Pelee Island , or even taking in a boat tour along the banks of the Detroit River. The Charlie Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain , a popular summer attraction, is a floating fountain on the Detroit River.

In fact, the fountain is one of North Americaï¿½s largest and offers a variety of water ï¿½showsï¿½ daily, pumping 12,000 gallons of water into the air every minute. There is also the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, a two-lane roadway 23 meters (75 feet) below the surface of the Detroit River. Considered a great feat of engineering, the tunnel opened in November of 1930 at a total cost of $23,000,000. Be forewarned that the tunnel is the second busiest route between Canada and the US, and has toll and customs inspection booths at either end. Of course, there is a variety of restaurants , clubs and bars to choose from, offering everything from a relaxed atmosphere to live music and comedy. Accommodation: Lodgings abound in the Windsor area, and range from the budget minded to first class and even a restored Victorian Inn. Most of these can be found in the downtown area, which keeps visitors close to the Cleary International Center, casinos , superb dining, the many parks along the banks of the beautiful Detroit river and, of course, many attractions unique to Windsor .

Although there are no hostels in Windsor, there is one fairly close across the river in Detroit, MI. Book Your Hotel! Experience Detroit -- Windsor Ontario Canada Tour actually requires traveling north!ï¿½ Just a few-minute drive via the Ambassador or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Windsor is a great destination to add to your list of things to do while in the Detroit area.ï¿½ In addition to a safe and walkable downtown with an abundance of history, culture, shopping, dining, and nightlife, Windsor offers some of the best views of the Detroit Travel Tips 1. Due to increased post-9/11 security, wait times at the bridge and tunnel can vary (check the bridge and tunnel websites below for up-to-date traffic reports). 2. Make sure to bring proof of citizenship.ï¿½ A passport or a combination of birth certificate and government-issued photo identification (driver's license) is required. 3. Donï¿½t' forget to stop at the duty free shops located on both sides of the border for some great deals. 4. Check the exchange rate before you go -- Windsor can be a true bargain at the right time!

Windsor Founded in 1789, Olde Sandwich Towne was the first urban settlement in Windsor and the first significant migration of English-speaking people into the area.ï¿½ Sandwich developed over the following decades as the seat of government and the courts for the County of Essex .ï¿½ It still retains a number of buildings from this era of historical significance and which exemplify the neo-classical and Georgian styles of architecture prevalent during the first half of the 19th century.ï¿½ Of particular historic significance is the Mackenzie Hall courthouse built in 1855 and the Sandwich First Baptist Church , an important gathering place for fugitive slaves that escaped the south via the Underground Railroad .

Website The Brand Center is located within the Canadian Club company's beautiful world headquarters built in 1894 by Hiram Walker.ï¿½ Known as the Whisky Palace for its impeccable exterior design and ornate interior, it is one of the last remaining fragments of the Walker empire.ï¿½ Opened in 1894 along the east riverfront, the building is an outstanding example of Italian Renaissance architecture.ï¿½ The street faï¿½ade and other features, external and internal, were copied from a variety of European palaces and grand houses.ï¿½ Hiram Walker worked here as did his sons and grandsons.ï¿½ Visitors can tour the building, discover the company's origins, and learn about the Canadian Club whisky-making process. Ford City [F] Website The prosperity that accompanied the dawn of the automotive age in the early 1900s was not confined to Detroit .ï¿½ In 1904, Ford Motor Company of Canada was founded in this former French parish known as Notre Dame du Lac located on the east side of the city.

ï¿½Ford's Canadian headquarters eventually moved to Oakville , Ontario , but the impact on the area and the historical significance remained.ï¿½ The area's rich history is featured in a number of outdoor murals found throughout the city. Windsor, Ontario, To Detroit: 'Reset And Come Out Stronger' : Parallels : NPR The Detroit skyline seen from Windsor, Ontario. The two cities are connected by more than just a bridge. Carlos Osorio/AP hide caption toggle caption Carlos Osorio/AP The Detroit skyline seen from Windsor, Ontario. The two cities are connected by more than just a bridge. Carlos Osorio/AP The Detroit River is the mile-wide boundary that separates the United States and Canada. And the city park on the Windsor, Ontario, side of the river offers a better view of the Detroit skyline than anywhere else. In a quirk of geography, Detroit actually sits north of its Canadian neighbor. Natives like Stephen Santarossa, who's from Windsor, love this bit of trivia and relish the puzzled look on visitors' faces as they try to draw that mental map. "Do you realize that you are now looking north?" he says. But these two cities share more than just a border.

There are international love affairs and families that span both sides of the river. And you can venture across the border for a day trip that feels just a little exotic. Victor Savic and Anne Marie Champagne sit on a park bench in Windsor, gazing at the Detroit skyline. "We're two countries," Savic says, "but it's one community. It's the best view." Champagne adds, "And from here it doesn't look like they're having problems." Article continues after sponsorship But Savic's been watching Detroit's financial catastrophe unfold, and he says it's painful — like seeing a family member fall on hard times. Savic, like some others in Windsor, is convinced Detroit will rebound from this crisis. "It's sad they came to this state," he says. "There's so much potential there. It's too bad." Eddie Francis has been the mayor of Windsor for the last 10 years, and it has not been an easy decade. Just like on the other side of the border, housing values here have plummeted. Windsor's unemployment rate has been among the highest in Canada. "So financially, I'm certainly keenly aware of the challenges the City of Detroit faces," Francis says.

"But I also know the bankruptcy is going to allow them to reset and come out stronger. And we've seen that with the automotive industry." And it's through the auto industry that the economies of the two cities are most tightly intertwined. On any given day, Francis says, thousands of semi-trucks cross the border carrying car parts five or seven times before making it to the final product. "That's integration," he says. The Ambassador Bridge links Detroit and Windsor, and it's the busiest international border crossing in North America in terms of trade volume. About 10,000 trucks cross this bridge every day. And it's not just car parts that shuttle back and forth. There are about 5,000 Windsorites who commute across the border to work in Detroit-area hospitals each day and more who work in other fields. Gerry Oglen works for Wayne State University, the public university in Detroit. He grew up rooting for the Detroit Tigers, he says, and listening to the music of Motown. So it's been difficult to bear witness to Detroit's decline, Oglen says. "Will it get better? I think so," he says.

"And I think as Detroit begins to rebuild, Windsor begins to benefit." And so Oglen and his Canadian neighbors will continue to watch Detroit from their front-row seat. They'll be rooting for the Motor City to put its financial house in order as if it were their own hometown. CSN Immigration Law Corinne Sutherland-Nikota Barrister & Solicitor, Notary Public Information Corinne Sutherland-Nikota obtained her B.A. and L.L.B. degrees from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. A member of the Law Society of Upper Canada since 1983 and a member of the Law Society of Alberta since 1985, her Immigration Law practice is located in the border city of Windsor, Ontario located directly across from Detroit, Michigan. NAFTA Applications are a central part of an Immigration Law Practice in a border city and Ms. Sutherland-Nikota has an expertise in NAFTA Applications for nationals of both the United States and Canada. Her extensive experience advising clients about cross border issues has led to the creation of an Immigration Law Practice that is at once local and global and CSN Immigration Law is the consumer's portal to that practice and her expertise.

CSN Immigration Law is able to provide advice and assistance with respect to a wide variety of immigration matters, including criminal inadmissibility issues and Applications for Record Suspensions(formely known as Pardons). Ms. Sutherland-Nikota's extensive litigation experience, both as a Prosecutor in the Province of Alberta and the Province of Ontario as well as her experience as a defence lawyer, means that she is able to explain the impact of criminal convictions on cross border travel and assist in obtaining Record Suspensions (formely known as Pardons), Waivers and applying for Rehabilitation. In fact, she regularly gives presentations on criminal inadmissibility issues. CSN Immigration Law and Ms. Sutherland-Nikota can provide information and advice to foreign nationals on their rights to apply to study, work and visit Canada as well as immigrate to Canada. Ms. Sutherland-Nikota can advise and assist people both in and outside Canada with the many migration questions and issues that they have as well as assist with the actual application, including sponsorship in the Family Class, Applications to Immigrate by Skilled Workers and Professionals as well as Canadian Experience Class Immigration Applications. MEMBERSHIPS Cross the border quickly at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel.

"Innovating Mobile,Transit, Tolling and Parking technologies" Save time and money crossing the Welcome to the Detroit Windsor Tunnel! Below you will find information about our most commonly asked questions. Current traffic conditions. Check out the metro Detroit traffic at the Detroit or Windsor plaza here , and you'll know what lanes are open, see video of moving traffic and get an estimate of how long it will take to cross the Detroit Windsor border. As a NEXPRESS TOLL card holder you can take advantage of dedicated lanes, express toll lanes and expedited crossing-service to get to your destination faster. The Ronald McDonald House The Ronald McDonald Houses of Windsor and Detroit are outstanding organizations serving families in need of lodging while loved ones are receiving treatment. The Detroit Windsor Tunnel has gladly donated nineteen $50 gift cards to each of these very worthy establishments. Best wishes to the Ronald McDonald Houses and their guests in 2017. This is a great time to take the tunnel and visit the Detroit Zoo! Travel to Caesars Windsor , Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Detroit Lions, and soon to be back Detroit Pistons events and many other attractions ... fast.

Are you commuting to work, visiting top restaurants, gaming in the Detroit and Caesars Windsor , attending your favorite sporting events and attractions, or just visiting family and friends? No matter the destination, we'll try to get you there as fast as possible. Located between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, our tunnel connects the U.S. interstates to Ontario's Highway 401. In fact, the Detroit Windsor Tunnel provides one of the fastest links between Canada and the United States. Use our expanded inspections facilities that ease the Customs and Immigration process. As part of the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) , the United States requires that all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, present a specific document to enter the United States by air, land or water: A valid Passport, a Passport Card, a Nexus card, or An Enhanced Michigan Driver's License, a FAST Card Commercial Carriers Have you replaced your larger vehicles with vans for environmental and economic reasons? You may enjoy a savings of up to 25% on toll and volume discounts!

And with our commercial credit system , you can take advantage of faster processing at the toll booths, automatic fare calculation by vehicle weight, easier record-keeping, and top-notch customer service. Tunnel Bus Check out The Tunnel Bus , operated by Transit Windsor. With this exclusive feature of the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, you can leave the driving to us and enjoy quick, cost-effective trips between downtown Windsor and Detroit. HistoricPlaces.ca - HistoricPlaces.ca Listed on the Canadian Register: 2009/08/11 Statement of Significance Description of Historic Place Sandwich First Baptist Church National Historic Site of Canada is a picturesque brick church located in the former border town of Sandwich, now part of the City of Windsor, Ontario. It is a small, brick, gable-roofed church set close to the street, that exhibits the vernacular qualities of simplicity, modest scale and limited decorative embellishment typical of the many auditory hall-style churches built by Underground Railroad refugee communities in mid-nineteenth century Upper Canada. The designated place is the building defined by its footprint at the time of designation (1999).

Heritage Value Sandwich First Baptist Church was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1999 because: - it is representative of the once more numerous churches in border towns and villages built by black congregations to accommodate the growing communities created by the arriving Underground Railroad refugees; - the establishment of this church and its Black congregation is directly related to the formation of the Amherst Regular Missionary Baptist Association. Originally associated with the 19th-century establishment of an African Canadian community of refugees from slavery arriving via the Underground Railroad, Sandwich First Baptist Church is one of the oldest Baptist churches surviving from this period in Ontario. Sandwich First Baptist Church received, sheltered, and assisted new Canadians arriving on the Underground Railroad. As a black community church next to the American border, it was a focal point for many anti-slavery activities and is directly related to the formation of the Amherstburg Regular Missionary Baptist Association. Built on land donated by the Crown in 1851, the church required that all members aid in its construction by giving donations or making bricks from local materials. Over the years the building was embellished, as with the addition of its crenellated entry tower.

The heritage value of Sandwich First Baptist Church resides in its associated history as illustrated by the location, composition, and materials of the building itself. Sources: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minutes, January 2005, November 1999. Character-Defining Elements Features defining the heritage character of this site include: - its border location across the Detroit River from the American city of Detroit; - its slightly elevated setting set back from the street; - its rectangular footprint and cubic massing under a gable roof; - its crenellated entry tower and the 5-bays of regularly spaced windows along the side elevations (three early and two later bays); - its vernacular interpretation of Gothic Revival elements in the pointed window, arched entrance door, and crenellated tower; - its locally-made brick construction materials with wood framing of doors and windows; - the simple, well-finished interior layout with small vestibule, large auditory hall and chancel area; - its continuous function as a church and meeting place. Recognition

Question: What city is directly across the border from Windsor, Ontario?
Answer: Detroit