here!
Take Hwy 401 west until it ends. Make a left onto Ojibway Parkway South* Stay on this road for approximately 20 minutes and it will bring you into Amherstburg.
FROM DETROIT VIA THE AMBASSADOR BRIDGE
Take Huron Church Road to E.C. Row Expressway West, which will become Ojibway Parkway South*. Stay on this road for approximately 20 minutes and it will bring you into Amherstburg.
FROM DETROIT VIA THE DETROIT-WINDSOR TUNNEL
Turn right on Park Street, left on Goyeau Street and left on Riverside Drive. Stay on Riverside Drive as it becomes Sandwich Street and then becomes Ojibway Parkway*. Stay on this road for approximately 20 minutes and it will bring you into Amherstburg.
*Please note: Ojibway Parkway becomes Front Road as you go through the town of LaSalle and becomes County Road 20 between LaSalle and Amherstburg.
POPULATION: 27,802
• Amherstburg is one of the oldest towns in Ontario. It was incorporated as a town in 1878.
• Amherstburg has three national historic sites: Fort Malden, The Amherstburg Freedom Museum and Belle Vue House.
• Park House, an 18th century dwelling located at 214 Dalhousie St., is considered one of the oldest houses in the region.
• Fort Malden was established in 1796 and was designated a National Historic Site in 1921.
• Amherstburg, Ontario was used as an entry point along the Underground Railroad for freedom seekers coming to Canada.
• Texas Road is a street popularly associated with paranormal sightings and ghostly experiences.
HANDS-ON FUN
DAILY TOURS
ARTIFACTS/EXHIBITS
FIELD TRIPS
SEASONAL EXPERIENCES
MUSIC OFF THE BACK PORCH
19TH
GHOST TOURS
TINWARE
HISTORY
Early accounts made by travellers to this region describe the prairies, groves, and hardwood forests that composed the natural landscape while the land was solely inhabited by Indigenous peoples.
In 1796, the British established a military post in Malden Township, strategically situated on the banks of the Detroit River across from Bois Blanc Island. A townsite was gradually laid out on the garrison grounds south of the fort, with wooden buildings on narrow streets, and warehouses and wharves erected along the waterfront. In the aftermath of the War of 1812, the townsite was left in ruins. But, by 1818, Amherstburg was rebuilding, and was described as the best harbour in Canada, buzzing with commercial activity.
By the mid-19th century, Amherstburg had two steam grist mills, one saw mill, a woolen factory, soap and candle factory, two asheries, two breweries, two tanneries, and a foundry. After 1859, buildings that once served a military function were repurposed, and Fort Malden itself became a Provincial Asylum. The coming of the railway in 1872 resulted in significant commercial growth. When the population reached 2000 people in 1878, Amherstburg was proclaimed a town and elected its first mayor: John G. Kolfage.
The first half of the 20th century was a time of industrial development. The Detroit River was a constant scene of activity, dotted with drillboats and dredges, or ferries filled with passengers on the way to Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park. Descriptions of Amherstburg at this time focus on the town as a summer resort featuring recreational activities and scenic beauty. Today, the significant cultural heritage of this historic town continues to make Amherstburg a place worth visiting.
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JUNE
Ribs & Ragtime
An evening of jazz music and delicious chicken and ribs
June 13 4-8 p.m.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum amherstburgfreedom.org
McGregor Music Festival
Fundraiser for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation
June 14 12-8 p.m.
Co-An Park, McGregor windsorcancercentrefoundation.org
Fort Malden Medieval Faire
June 13-14
Fort Malden National Historic Site faires.ca/fortmalden/ Amherstburg Ribfest
June 19-21
Downtown Amherstburg amherstburgribfest.com
Friday/Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7p.m.
TRUE Festival
June 27
Downtown Amherstburg www.visitamherstburg.ca
Garden Tour
Presented by Amherstburg Horticultural Society
June 27 & 28
All around Amherstburg aburghortsociety.ca
McGregor Music Festival
Fort Malden Medieval Faire
Ribfest
Ribs & Ragtime
TRUE Festival
Garden Tour
JULY
Canada Day & Canada Day Run
July 1 Kids Dash 9 a.m., Run 9:30 a.m.
Events during day, capped by fireworks at Fort Malden/Toddy Jones Park www.visitamherstburg.ca • www.wrace.org
Amherstburg Art Crawl
July 11-12 • Downtown Amherstburg www.artamherstburg.ca
Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy
Featuring classic cars of all shapes and sizes. July 26 • Downtown Amherstburg amherstburgsgonecarcrazyshow.com
AUGUST
Living History Festival
Wander through the historic encampments, learn to march like a soldier and become a Fort Malden explorer! August 1 & 2 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fort Malden National Historic Site www.pc.gc.ca/malden
Murder Mystery
August 8 • 6-8 p.m.
Fort Malden National Historic Site www.parkscanada.ca/malden
Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show
August 14-16 Friday 12-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Co-An Park, McGregor essexcountysteamandgasengine.com
Art By The River
Artists and artisans on the shores of the Detroit River. August 29 & 30 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fort Malden National Historic Site gibsongallery.org
Southern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show
August 30 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 6871 Concession 6 North mark.mcguire@gmail.com
Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy
Vintage Bicycle Show
Living History Festival
Steam & Gas Engine Show
Art by the River
Amherstburg Art Crawl
SEPTEMBER
Festival of Hawks
A celebration of local bird migration. September 19-20
Holiday Beach Conservation Area essexregionconservation.ca
Uncommon Festival
Celebrating wizardry and steampunk. September 18-20
4-10 p.m. Friday, 12-10 p.m. Saturday, 12-6 p.m. Sunday
Downtown Amherstburg visitamherstburg.ca
Truth & Reconciliation
Gathering
Learning event about Indigenous culture. September 26
Downtown Amherstburg • visitamherstburg.ca
OCTOBER
Sully’s Monster Dash
October 24
Holiday Beach Conservation Area
Starts at 10:30 a.m.
E-mail sullysgivingback@gmail.com for details
NOVEMBER
Super Santa Run & River Lights opening
November 14 • Downtown Amherstburg www.wrace.org & www.visitamherstburg.ca
Santa Claus Parade
Santa & Mrs. Claus come to downtown Amherstburg! November 21
Downtown streets of Amherstburg windsorparade.org
DECEMBER
Christmas at the Museum
Ring in the holiday season in the historic Nazrey AME Church!
December 6 2 p.m.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum amherstburgfreedom.org
Truth & Reconciliation Gathering
Sullys Monster Dash
Amherstburg Santa Claus Parade
Christmas at the Museum
Festival of Hawks
Uncommon Festival
Super Santa Run
MULTIPLE DATES
Open Air Weekends
Streets closed from Friday at 3 p.m.until Sunday evening to allow for outdoor eating,entertainment & activities.
June 5-September 6 • Downtown Amherstburg
• Farm Fest Aug. 7-9
Get ready to experience the charm of the countryside right in the heart of downtown Amherstburg
• Bagpipes in the Burg June 5, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug. 14, Aug. 21 • Starts at 7 p.m. each of those Fridays.
• Latin Fest August 28-30 Enjoy the South American music, mouthwatering food, lively entertainment, and dancing.
Music Off The Back Porch
A free evening of music held monthly, donations welcome. Park House Museum - May-September Check www.parkhousemuseum.com or call 519-736-2511 for details
River Lights Winter Festival
Visiting River Lights has become a tradition for many families … make it one of yours! Opening Night Nov. 14 November 14, 2026-January 3, 2027
Navy Yard Park & Toddy Jones Park www.visitamherstburg.ca
Holiday Beach Visit
Latin Weekend
Music Off The Back Porch
River Lights Winter Festival
amherstburgfreedom.org
277 King Street
Telling the stories of Amherstburg’s role in the Underground Railroad and African-Canadians’ journey and contributions to Canada and the region.
Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum
essexsteamandgasengine.com
Co-An Park, McGregor
Museum aims to operate a public museum of late 19th century or early 20th century gas and steam powered engines and antique tractors, to promote public interest in late 19th century or early 20th century gas and steam powered engines and antique tractors, and maintain a static display.
Christ Church and Cemetery
317 Ramsay Street
Considered the oldest church in Essex County and one of the oldest churches in Ontario. Construction began on the church in 1818 on land donated by Col.William Caldwell, while the cemetery is believed to date back as far as 1799.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Steam & Gas Engine Museum
Christ Church
The Commissariat Office
King’s Navy Yard Park - 214 Dalhousie Street
The Commissariat Office was constructed by the British Military during the early 1830s. Commissariat Officials managed Fort Malden’s finances purchasing items from local contractors that were used by the troops.The building is now owned by Parks Canada and is a Recognized Federal Hertiage Building.Today it serves as the headquarters and interpretive centre for the Provincial Marine Amherstburg Re-enactment Unit.
Detroit River Heritage Parkway
This driving route spans from Riverside Drive in Windsor at the east end of the Detroit River turning into Sandwich Street in west Windsor and connecting to Ojibway Parkway South.The road becomes Front Road in the Town of LaSalle and turns into County Road 20 that will bring you into the Town of Amherstburg.
Fort Covington
534 Sandwich Street South Fort Covington was named after American General Leonard Covington who served as a commander of the War of 1812.This site was the location of an American encampment during the war, and in 2012 it was dedicated as an 1812 Bi-Centennial Peace Garden.
The Commissariat Office
Fort Covington
Fort Malden National
Historic Site
parkscanada.ca/malden
100 Laird Avenue South
An authentic 19th century experience can be found at this historic site that played a significant role during the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1838. Tour the fort, experience a musket blast and enjoy the picturesque view of the Detroit River.
Royal Canadian Legion Fort
Malden
Br. 157
Legion has served veterans and the community since 1930. Located at 281 Dalhousie St., it provides support, advocacy, and programs for veterans, active service members, and families. The branch promotes remembrance while hosting events, fundraising, and social activities and remaining a hub for service.
Gibson Gallery
gibsongallery.org 140 Richmond Street
Located inside Amherstburg’s historic former Michigan Central Railroad Station, Gibson Gallery features an art gallery, artisan shoppe and railroad museum.Wide range of art throughout the season.
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157
Gibson Gallery
The Gordon House & Visitor Centre
268 Dalhousie Street • visitamherstburg.ca
The historic Gordon House dates back to 1798 and currently serves as a visitor centre and gift shop. Home of Amherstburg’s tourism department.
Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC) trails
Based at the Libro Centre (3295 Meloche Road) webcride.com
Windsor Essex Bike Community (WEBC) is a registered non-profit organization whose primary objective is to harness the joy of cycling as a means to unite individuals together to foster significant and diverse positive impacts within Windsor and Essex County.Their mission is to use cycling as a means to bring people together.Two trails completed, one in development.
The Gordon House & Visitor Centre
WEBC trails at the Libro Centre
Marsh Historical Collection marshcollection.org
80 Richmond Street
A local history and genealogy centre that houses an extensive collection of photos, books, genealogy and land records.The Marsh Historical Collection mandate is “to collect, preserve and encourage research into the heritage of Amherstburg and the lower Detroit River district.”
Detroit River Sightseeing Cruise
Boarding off Navy Yard Park • 268 Dalhousie St.
Two hour sightseeing cruises presented by Windsor Premier Cruises.Tour around Boblo Island, the Livingston Channel to the mouth of Lake Erie. windsorpremiercruises.com/river-cruises/amherstburgdetroit-river-cruise/
Park House Museum parkhousemuseum.com
214 Dalhousie Street
A collection of artifacts and documents that bring to life the story of Amherstburg and its rich history. Daily tours, hands-on activities, special events and gift shop.
Marsh Historical Collection
Park House Museum
All utilities included
Granite countertops - Laundry in EVERY unit - Suite controlled thermostats - Walk-in closets
- Onsite EV charging
- Onsite golf simulator
- Outdoor oasis with heated pool and cabanas
- Window coverings included
- Onsite fitness centre
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King’s Navy Yard Park
242 Dalhousie Street
This 10.5 acre park overlooking the Detroit River was once home to the Provincial Marine shipyard.Today,it features spectacular landscaping and stunning flowers surrounding the historic monuments and plaques commemorating the history that has taken place here. You will find the popular Rhododendron andAzalea Gardens,the Signature Hosta Garden,the Commissariat Building and the International Peace Sculpture.It was designated as a Bi- Centennial International Peace Garden and is home to the annual River Lights Festival.
Toddy Jones Park
50 North Street
A four acre, family friendly park in the heart of downtown Amherstburg that includes a splash pad and an accessible, inclusive playground donated by the Rotary Club of Amherstburg.
International Peace Sculpture
Holiday Beach
essexregionconservation.ca
6952 County Road 50
Enjoy a day at the beach,have a picnic and explore the nature trails,boardwalk and observation tower. Holiday Beach Conservation Area hosts the Festival of Hawks each September and has been recognized internationally as an Important BirdArea (IBA).
K. Walter Ranta Memorial Park
1500 Front Road North
A sprawling green space adjascent to the marina that includes access to the water and playground equipment.
Libro Credit Union Centre
3295 Meloche Road
This state-of-the-art recreation complex is home to many sports teams and leagues.Indoor facilities include two NHL ice pads,turf soccer/football field,walking track and meeting/banquet facilities. Outdoor facilities include baseball diamonds, Miracle League diamond,grass soccer fields,and CFL and FIFA size turf soccer/ football field.
North Gateway Garden
116 Sandwich Street North
Located at the Waterfront Tourism Information Centre,enjoy the lovely flowers along with a stunning view of the Detroit River.
South Gateway Garden
Sandwich Street South and Lowes Side Road
Enjoy the beautiful flowers and landscaping surrounding the waterfall and pond.An ideal spot to view geese, ducks and turtles.
Holiday Beach
K. Walter Ranta Memorial Park
Libro Credit Union Centre
North Gateway Garden
South Gateway Garden
Miracle Diamond at the Libro Centre
3295 Meloche Road
www.amherstburgmiracle.com
The Miracle League ofAmherstburg is the first of its kind in Canada!The league has an eight-week spring season and an eight-week fall season,allowing everyone a chance to play baseball even if they have a physical or intellectual disability.Run by a volunteer board of directors,the league has become a Saturday staple for the two periods of the year in which it runs.
