What to do on Canada Day in Windsor-Essex

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If you’re looking for something to do this Canada Day, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) has you covered with a full guide.

The big holiday is quickly approaching on Tuesday. Here’s what you can expect:

Parades and family activities

If you’re looking to go watch a parade or do something family friendly, there are multiple happening in the region.

• Amherstburg Canada Day celebration: The town will hold a 5-kilometre run/walk/wheel, there will also be free admission and demonstrations at Fort Malden National Historic Site, mighty machines will be in Toddy Jones Park, hockey with the Amherstburg Admirals, face painting and rec games, food trucks, a Big Wiggle concert in King’s Navy Yard Park, and fireworks over the water.
• Windsor Canada Day parade: The parade will run down Ouellette Avenue in downtown Windsor, beginning at 11 a.m. Canada Day treats will also be passed out along the route.
• Tecumseh Canada Day celebration: From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., families can partake in a family picnic and listen to live music at Lakewood Park. Children’s entertainment and games will be at McAuliffe Park from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and swimming will take place at Tecumseh Leisure Pool from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. After swimming, a Tecumseh Thunder baseball game will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Bert Lacasse Ballpark.
• LaSalle Canada Day celebration: This free event will see families gather at LaSalle Landing from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. You can expect buskers, bubble shows, face painting, live music, roaming characters, food trucks, yard games for all ages, and a drone show at 10 p.m.
• Kingsville Canada Day celebration: Family fun activities, music, and fireworks will take place at the Kingsville Arena. Fireworks will be dependent on good weather and cancellation is up to the fireworks company. The event is free. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and wear and bring sunscreen.

Upgrade your wardrobe with Canadian brands

If you’re looking for the perfect Canada Day outfit, these local businesses are a good way to support Canadian:

• Whiskeyjack Boutique
• Rare Apparel
• Southwest Shores
• BB Branded and the United Way have launched a limited edition YQG strong t-shirt

Canadian eats

Looking for a meal to celebrate all things Canada? Here are some options:

• Smoke’s Poutinerie Windsor
• Beavertails in Amherstburg
• Windsor-style pizza at local shops
• Wine made at local wineries, such as Pelee Island Winery, Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards, Viewpointe Estate Winery, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
• Beer and spirits made local, such as Walkerville Brewery, Wolfhead Distillery, and Banded Goose Brewing

Free admission at Parks Canada

If you would like to connect with nature, you can get free admission at Point Pelee National Park and Fort Malden National Historic Site until Sept. 2.

More local holiday fun

If you’re looking for more options to celebrate Canada Day, here are some more ideas:

• Caesars Windsor: Make it an extra long weekend and stay in the hotel or check out the casino.
• Lungovita Beach Retreat: Enjoy camping in the heart of wine country.
• Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary: Check out the migrating geese and ducks found at the sanctuary. You can feed birds, hike 5-kilometres of trails in Kennedy Woods, walk along the Storyboard Trail, visit the Jack Miner Museum, tour the Jack Miner Historic House, or explore the Jack Miner Learning Centre.
• Pelee Island Adventures: This group will help you book anything Pelee Island! It offers in-person and online booking for transportation, tours, and accommodations.