Drink in the scenery of Southern Ontario, when you fly from Montréal to Windsor.
Windsor is an industrious city, having produced everything from alcohol to automobiles. But there’s no need to stay strictly business when you’re looking for things to do in Windsor. Attractions like the glitzy Caesars Windsor casino and low-key Phog Lounge prove Windsor plays as hard as it works.
Walk along Windsor’s waterfront to see the path that made the city famous. During prohibition, Windsor shipped alcohol across the Detroit River to quench thirsty Americans. On the Rum Runners Tour this boozy cruise and more of Windsor’s illicit past are brought to light.
Before it was a rum running route, Windsor was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Learn all about this chapter in Windsor’s history at the John Freeman Walls Historic Site. Take a guided tour of the grounds around this 1846 cabin built by escaped slave John Freeman Walls.
Windsor’s natural history is preserved in the Ojibway Prairie Complex. Walk through 604 acres of untamed Ontario wilderness, passing through tall grasses and towering chestnut trees. For a more cultivated green space, visit Dieppe Gardens. These colourful gardens feature a fish pond, a waterfall, and a stellar view of Detroit. Horticulture meets culture at the Windsor Sculpture Park. Open year round, this outdoor gallery changes with each season.
Step out of the elements at the Art Gallery of Windsor. This modern building holds almost 4,000 pieces, including a 300-year-old tapestry, the oldest piece in the collection. Not quite as old as that tapestry, the Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre dates back to 1855. This heritage building hosts performances and galleries, a performance you’re sure to remember on your trip from Montréal to Windsor.
Like Montréal, Windsor’s waterfront is one of the most scenic sections of the city. Detroit sits on the northern shore of the river, a shining collection of tall glass buildings. Walk the waterfront at night to see the bright lights of the Detroit skyline.
A series of waterfront trails will guide you through this stretch of waterfront greenery. Whether you’re on two feet or two wheels, the Ganatchio Trail and Riverfront Bike Trail offer picturesque views of the Detroit River. You can set your pace to race or relax along these well-loved paths.
While you wander along Windsor’s waterfront paths, Coventry Gardens and Dieppe Gardens just might stop you in your tracks. The great outdoors meet great art at the Windsor Sculpture Park. This unique open-air gallery adds a whimsical air to Windsor.
From the waterfront, it’s just a short walk to Walkerville and the luxe Las Vegas style casino, Caesars Windsor. Wherever your trip from Montréal to Windsor is heading next, the waterfront starts you off on the right foot.
This tiny national park sits on a triangular piece of land sticking out into Lake Erie. The lake and location have encouraged southern animals and plants to thrive in this small paradise. Part of the Carolinian climate zone, the wildlife here would look more at home in Charleston than Canada.
Point Pelee’s birds bring wildlife spotting in this national park to new heights. From white ibises to the red-winged blackbirds, a colourful flurry of feathers surrounds Point Pelee. With over 370 recorded species of birds, it’s never up in the air whether you’ll see something amazing.
Dip your paddle into Point Pelee’s waterfront ecosystems with a canoe trip. Or, stroll through the swamp without getting your feet wet along the Marsh Boardwalk. This 1.5 km trail loops through the wetland, with viewing towers to get a lay of the land (and water).
Get to the point of Point Pelee along the 1 km Tip Trail. Stand on the most southern point in mainland Canada, just be careful not to wade into the water. The tip produces strong currents in Lake Erie that could sweep you away.
Looking south of the tip you might be able to spot Pelee Island. Grapes grow abundantly in the mild climate, resulting in one of the Pelee area’s most delicious products. Taste the fruits of the region at the Pelee Island Winery. Whether you go to the island location, or the mainland Kingsville location, the award-winning wines here will have you toasting your trip from Montréal to Windsor.
Fly direct from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Windsor International Airport (YQG), with a stop in Toronto. Montréal to Windsor flight time is 2 hours and 10 minutes on average. The distance from Montréal to Windsor is around 840 km / 520 mi.
Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks along the way.
Porter’s check-in desk is located in Terminal A.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is about 20 km / 12 mi from downtown Montréal.
Taxis to downtown cost about $40 CAD. Car service costs about $50 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
The 747 P-E-Trudeau Airport / Downtown shuttle bus provides service to the airport from downtown. The fare is $10 CAD.
Windsor International Airport (YQG) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Windsor.
Car rental services are available across from the domestic baggage claim area of Windsor International Airport (YQG).
Taxis to downtown cost about $25 CAD. Car service costs about $35 CAD.
Take the Transit Windsor 8 Walkerville bus from the stop at the Windsor International Transit Terminal. The fare is $3.00 CAD.