With the Gordie Howe International Bridge now open, a Windsor tourism company is inviting residents and visitors to learn more about the city’s history. Encore Productions is offering its two-hour Windsor City Bus Tour: Where Canada Begins, highlighting the city’s French roots, role in the Underground Railroad, automotive history and key landmarks. Owner Glen Bacarro believes the new international crossing creates an opportunity to showcase the region to a wider audience. “I really believe with the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Windsor is basically spotlighted around the world. Everybody’s been talking about this bridge worldwide, so might as well put Windsor on the map and let people know what we’re all about since everybody’s talking about us right now,” Bacarro said. He says the tour travels through Walkerville, Sandwich Town and along the riverfront, with stops including Willistead Manor. “We look at the French settlement, we look at how Windsor was a beacon of hope for the Underground Railroad, and how we were the innovators as far as the automotive industry with the first automotive plant in Windsor,” he said. Bacarro says participants often come away surprised by what they didn’t know about their hometown. “It’s very engaging. We have an a local actor by the name of Jim Reed who is your guide. His name on the tour is William Windsor and basically he answers all your questions and anything you might want to know more about for historical references in the city,” Bacarro said. The next tour is Aug. 16, departing from the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre. Tickets are $45 plus HST.
