The Lake Erie
North Shore Guide
Take a Look through the LENS
The Lake Erie North Shore is where small-town charm meets wide-open water. Stretching along Ontario’s southern edge, this region is made for unhurried days and spontaneous detours. One moment you’re walking a quiet beach or following a shaded trail through a conservation area, the next you’re sipping estate wine by the vines or tasting craft beer in a converted warehouse.
It’s a place that rewards curiosity. Local shops and galleries are tucked into historic main streets. Family-run restaurants and farm-to-table kitchens bring out the best of the season. Museums and theatres offer cultural stops between afternoons on the sand or mornings on the water. Whether you’re here for a weekend or just a drive, there’s always something new around the bend.
This guide pulls it all together—parks and beaches for fresh air, wineries and breweries for a glass well-poured, restaurants and shops for a taste of local life, and spas and services for a little reset. Use the gallery of local recommendations to filter, explore, and plan your own way into the rhythm of the North Shore.
- Things to do and see
- Parks
- Trails
- Beaches
- Marinas
- Splash Pads
- Golf
- Museums
- Theatres

Point Pelee National Park
At the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland – Point Pelee National Park, experience nature like never before. Whether you cycle, paddle, or hike Canada’s second smallest and most ecologically diverse national park, you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable eco-adventure.

Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park is a 6.5-hectare oasis, established in 1907. This park is complete with walking paths, playground, splash pad, picnic pavilion, and spectacular lakeside gardens. The cobblestone bridge over mill creek was built in 1928. The interior has large stone pillars and open-air design, highlighting its delightful historic and remarkable architectural features.

Hillman Marsh
With 5 kilometres of trails around this precious marshland habitat, Hillman Marsh is adjacent to Lake Erie and features walking trails, a nature centre, washrooms and viewing towers. A birding trail borders 87 acres of unique Shorebird Habitat where water levels are actively managed to create mudflats, providing outstanding viewing opportunities.
Kopegaron Woods
Take a hike along one of the most beautiful forest boardwalk trails in the region. While exploring this 19 hectare Carolinian woodland, you’ll see Tulip-tree, Sassafras, Black Gum, Sycamore and Flowering Dogwood trees, as well as wildflowers such as Trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, May Apple, Spring Beauty and Columbine, to mention just a few.
Cedar Creek Boat Launch
Canoeing or kayaking can be a great way to explore this Conservation Area. Launch from the dock and head upstream for a magical journey meandering through the trees and Carolinian foliage, or head downstream to enjoy the widening expanse of water as you approach Cedar Beach Conservation Area.
Holiday Beach Conservation Area
Holiday Beach offers a long sandy beach on the Lake Erie shoreline, plus many other amenities. It is ideal for a day at the beach, a beautiful picnic. Amenities include washrooms, large shady picnic areas, a playground, nature trails, a boardwalk, and a three storey observation tower. Entry fee $12/car

Kennedy Woods
Each season, the Kennedy Woods trails offer beautiful and unique views of the local wildlife, making them a haven for hikers, a bird watcher’s joy and a photographer’s dream. This extraordinary woodland is a fantastic place to watch the spring and fall bird migration as well as hear the call of the owls as they awake at night.
- From the Farm
- Produce
- Wine
- Beer
- Hard Cider
- Onsite Restaurant

Kingscoast Estate Winery
Essex County’s newest winery and event venue, blending contemporary design with stunning vineyard views. Enjoy tastings in the glass-walled lounge, relax on the spacious patio overlooking the vines and pond, and pair locally inspired dishes with estate-grown wines. A premier setting for weddings, celebrations, and special events along the Lake Erie North Shore wine route.

Carolinia Cider Co.
Craft varietal based ciders using hand-picked, homegrown apples. Single varietal or blends, all fruit forward, and very drinkable. The Tasting Barn is open Seasonally from May to November. Enjoy tastings of 6 hard ciders and our 1 non-alcoholic, grab a glass of cider and enjoy a stroll through our apple orchard or enjoy the sounds of nature in their Carolinian Cider Garden.

Banded Goose Brewery & Taproom
Banded Goose Brewing Co., located in the heart of Kingsville, Ontario, is a locally owned craft brewery dedicated to serving exceptional beers and delicious food. With a passion for quality and creativity, Banded Goose offers a rotating selection of expertly crafted brews alongside mouthwatering dishes from our on site food truck.

Lee and Maria's
From small origins of a small roadside produce stand to the current day diverse market that carries more than just fruits and vegetables. With shelves are lined with artisanal groceries, organic supplements, and locally made frozen meal. They also have kombucha on tap, freshly roasted coffee and a selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Check their website for on-farm events like cooking classes!

The Fruit Wagon
The Fruit Wagon is a family-run Harrow farm stand offering seasonal Lake Erie harvests in the heart of wine country. Enjoy fresh peaches, apples, veggies, when in season, and local honey, and a “Living Salad Bar” for fresh-picked greens. You will also find the Carolinia Cider Co. on-site.
- Places to Eat
- Leamington
- Kingsville
- Harrow
- Colchester
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Take Out
- Fine Dining
- Cultural Cuisine
- Pub Fare
- Coffee
- Sweet Treats

Thirteen At the Inn
Thirteen at the Inn offers a seasonally rotating menu of locally‑sourced shared plates, hearty soups & salads, and indulgent mains like AAA Canadian steaks, ahi tuna, Alaskan salmon, lamb rack—elegant, fresh, and inviting. Also a great place to enjoy a few cocktails on the lakeview patio.

Sabor Ilonggo
Discover the heart of Filipino flavors at Sabor Ilonggo Filipino Cuisine. Located in downtown Leamington, we bring the authentic taste of Iloilo to your table with dishes like savory sisig, tangy sinigang, and our signature La Paz batchoy. Enjoy our warm, welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service as you savor traditional recipes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. At Sabor Ilonggo, every meal is a celebration of Filipino heritage.

La Dulce Vida Cafe
We’re passionate about providing fresh, homemade food with a focus on quality and flavour. We take pride in making our own jam from scratch, ensuring every bite is bursting with natural sweetness. Our sandwiches are always made fresh to order and served hot, just the way you like them. From our crispy, delicious potato wedges to our flavourful soups and salads, everything is prepared the same day for the ultimate taste experience.

El Rancho
Step into a fiesta of flavor at El Rancho, where bold, authentic Mexican cuisine meets a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Our menu bursts with sizzling fajitas, savory empanadas , and mouthwatering tacos, all made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing margarita or a cold cerveza, and let our friendly staff take care of the rest.

Ray's Ribhouse

Firdous Lebanese Grill
The ultimate destination for authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine in Leamington. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and vibrant aromas of our delectable dishes, carefully crafted to transport your taste buds to the heart of Lebanon. From mouthwatering hummus and succulent shawarma to irresistible cheese rolls and delectable baklava, our menu showcases the finest traditional Lebanese delicacies.

Mettawas Station Mediterranean Grill
Enjoy delicious Italian Mediterranean dishes in an over 100 year old train station steeped in local history. During the warmer months, enjoy drinks and appetizers on the covered patio. Favourite dishes include the award winning Trainwreck Veal Sandwich, personal Pizza Pies, their monthly featured cheesecake, and so much more!

Green Heart Kitchen
This eco-conscious and community focused retail store offers a “Build-Your-Own Bowl and Sandwich Bar,” fresh and frozen grab-and-go meals, smoothies, and freshly baked sourdough breads and cookies. This is the perfect spot to pick up on-the-go food items to be enjoyed on your adventures along Lake Erie’s North Shore!
- Places to Shop
- Garden Centre
- Home Goods
- Clothing Boutique
- Antiques
- Gifts
- Leamington
- Kingsville

Dutch Boy Chocolate
Dutch Boys Chocolate focuses on making chocolate BEAUTIFUL, and when you make chocolate beautiful, it must go hand-in-hand with creating the finest flavours, taste, texture, and ‘mouth feel’. Simply put, hand-made chocolate tastes better. To develop and create the extravagant flavours and shapes of our product, Dutch Boys Chocolate confections will always and only be hand-made. It’s simply the better way.

Olive Branch on Main
Think Olive Branch on Main for ‘olive’ your gift-giving occasions too. Oil and balsamic bottle pairings make great birthday, wedding, anniversary, hostess, shower, teacher, or ‘just because’ gifts. Themed and custom gift baskets with healthy low preservative, organic, and gluten-free gourmet pantry items are available all year long in all price ranges.
- Services
- Tours
- Watersport Rentals
- Health & Wellness
- Car Service & Taxi
- Food Services

Unconquered Wine Tours
Cruise coastal vineyards in vintage style throughout the year! Journey along the scenic Lake Erie coastline astride a vintage electric bike or within a chauffeured shuttle. Enjoy award-winning wines at premier estate wineries. Visit multiple wineries and heritage sites for tastings and culinary delights along the way.

Somewhere Else Experience
Water Sport Rentals: Embark on a tranquil stand-up paddleboard adventure on the serene waters of Canada’s Southernmost Creek. Effortlessly maneuver your kayak through the serene waters, mirroring the majestic glide of a bald eagle soaring gracefully overhead. Navigate your canoe gracefully through Cedar Creek, enveloped by the exquisite allure of the Carolinian woodlands.

Henry Furtado Catering
The Furtado family has been weaving culinary excellence into Windsor-Essex’s most cherished celebrations and dining experiences. What began as a passion for bringing people together through food has blossomed into a multifaceted culinary enterprise, where every dish tells our story of family dedication and professional excellence.

Carmen's Catering
Carmen’s Catering proudly presents delicious cuisine at competitive prices. The business started in 1989 in Carmen’s basement kitchen. Customers loved Carmen’s catered food so much, that she decided to move to a larger location in downtown Leamington. This new location allowed the addition of a Specialty Retail Store offering much more than your average catering business. It’s “Catering with a Flair!”

Lavendar Spa & Boutique
Escape the demands of everyday life and indulge in pure tranquility. For over a decade, we have been dedicated to providing the Leamington community with exceptional aesthetic treatments, blending time-honored techniques with the latest innovations to nurture your well-being and restore your inner glow.
Pelee Island Local Recommendations Day Trip Guide
- All
- Walkable to Ferry
- 2 or 4 Wheels Required
- Points of Interest
- Shopping
- Food & Beverage

One of a Kind Pelee Art & Collectibles
Located next to Pelee Island Coneheads Ice Cream in the little yellow house. We offer a local shopping experience featuring more than 30 island artisans and their unique island-made creations! Conveniently located near the Ferry Terminal, be sure to grab a unique ONE OF A KIND Pelee creation!

The Food Shack
Welcome to The Food Shack! Pelee Island’s north end food truck! Located right on the water near the municipal marina, we’re just a short boat ride from Kingsville or Leamington. Stop by for delicious pizza, wings, tacos, smoothies and breakfast favourites, served daily from 8am to 8pm. Whether you’re fueling up for a day of adventure or winding down by the lake, we’ve got something tasty waiting for you!

The Shack Shop
Visit the north end souvenir shop on Pelee Island! Located steps from the marina and right by the water, our cozy little shop offers a curated selection of Pelee Island souvenirs and unique clothing. Discover the popular Pure Pelee brand along with other island-inspired items perfect for remembering your visit. We’ve got you covered if you are looking for a keepsake or something fun to wear!





































































