Barrels of fun
Have a taste of Southern Ontario’s scenery, with flights from Halifax to Windsor.
History and nature are in perfect harmony in Windsor. The city’s rich rum-running heritage and striking Southern Ontario landscape have been distilled into some of the best things to do in Windsor. Whether you’re exploring its past or its parks, you’ll want to raise a glass to Windsor’s points of interest.
Nature and culture come together in the Windsor Sculpture Park where more than 30 works of art are displayed along Windsor’s waterfront. If you get rained out of the park, spend an afternoon wandering through the Art Gallery of Windsor. Outside of this modern building, the best place to find art in Windsor is MacKenzie Hall. Dating back to 1855, this former courthouse and jail is now a main stage for the city’s performing arts scene.
After seeing a show or two, take a sip of the past at the Canadian Club Brand Centre. Tour and taste your way through the history of this well-loved whisky, from prohibition-era parties to connections of the rebellious gangster Al Capone.
Walk through the streets built by Canadian Club’s founder, Hiram Walker, with a visit to Olde Walkerville. After strolling past these cozy company houses, head to the Francois Baby House and Duff Baby House, for a look into Windsor’s estates. Now housing exhibits for Windsor’s Community Museum, these historic homes are your window into Windsor’s past.
One of Windsor’s grandest houses, Willistead Manor, has converted its grounds to a public park. Originally built for Hiram Walker’s son, this park is now part of Windor’s extensive system of green spaces. No matter what season you visit from Halifax, this park is the perfect place to spend some time outside and unwind during your busy trip.
Windsor’s Little Italy
Via Italia
Say “buongiorno” to Windsor’s Little Italy, with a walk along the Via Italia. Italian culture and cuisine are out in full form on this stretch of Erie Street between Moy Avenue and Goyeau Avenue. If you’re looking for a taste of the dolce vita on your trip from Halifax, the Via Italia can show you the way.
Take a bite out of the Via Italia in one of the neighbourhood’s many restaurants. Paninis and pasta are always on the menu at eatery institutions like Spago and the Pasta House. The area’s restaurants serve up slice after slice of Windsor’s favourite food, pizza. After dinner, sip on cappuccinos and espressos in the Via Italia’s cozy cafés.
After a pastry (or two) from one of the charming cafés, treat yourself with a trip to some of the Via Italia’s retail locations. Fully stocked with accessory stores and clothing boutiques for both men and women, you can put together a whole outfit as you explore this neighbourhood. Wrap up your shopping trip in one of the area’s gift shops, which offer a range of cute and quirky souvenirs.
If your trip from Halifax to Windsor falls in June, be sure to stop by the Via Italia’s Carrousel of Nations festival. Celebrating Windsor’s multicultural heritage, this festival of food, dance, and art features the cultural products of places like Romania, The Philippines, and, of course, Italy.
In the fall, cyclists take to the street as part of the Tour di Via Italia. The Tour has been running since 1958, creating a carnival on the road every September. Musical performances throughout this riotous race mean you don’t need to pedal to join the party
With food and fun throughout the year, a visit to Via Italia is a key ingredient in a terrific trip from Halifax to Windsor.
Downtown Detroit
Just across the river
After your plane from Halifax lands, venture across the American border for a day trip to downtown Detroit.
Travel across the Windsor-Detroit border along the scenic Ambassador Bridge, or go under the river on the Detroit Windsor Tunnel. Whichever path you pick, it’s only a short trip by car to reach this Michigan metropolis.
As you explored Windsor’s waterfront, you may have noticed striking structures of the Detroit skyline. From the red brick walls of the 40-storey Art Deco-style Guardian Building, to the seven silver skyscrapers of the modern Renaissance Center, Detroit’s distinct buildings boast a variety of architectural styles.
Throughout downtown Detroit, historic venues serve as stages for the city’s arts scene. Both dating back to the 1920s, the Fillmore Detroit and Fox Theatre are still in the spotlight, attracting some of the biggest acts in town.
For even more entertainment, you can always bet on Detroit’s downtown casinos. In the MGM Detroit, nightclubs, lounges, and live shows make for an exciting evening. Double down on gaming at the Greektown Casino Hotel and Motorcity Casino Hotel.
Place your bets on the area’s culture offerings with a visit to the Philip A Hart Plaza. This gathering space plays host to the Detroit Jazz Festival, which fills the streets with the sound of music during its annual concert series. Home to the Horace E. Dodge Fountain, the plaza is your jumping off point for exploring Detroit’s public art. As you walk through downtown, be on the lookout for The Spirit of Detroit and Monument to Joe Louis, two of the city’s most famous pieces.
Boxer Joe Louis is a local hero in Detroit, with his name appearing on several Detroit institutions, including the Joe Louis Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. For a home run sporting experience, get a seat in Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers play ball. With even more sporting venues throughout the city, it’s easy to catch a game before you return to Windsor.
Several surrounding Detroit attractions add to the appeal of this daytrip. Venture out to the verdant Belle Isle Park or try an afternoon of shopping in Troy Michigan, to make this Michigan city one of the highlights of your trip from Halifax.
How to get to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Porter’s check-in desk is located on the second floor, in the departures area.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is about 35 km / 24 mi from downtown Halifax.
Transportation to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Take the Metro Transit 320 bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
The Airport Express shuttle bus provides service to the airport from downtown Halifax from May 1 to October 31, with a reduced schedule from November 1 to April 30. The fare is $22 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown cost about $55 CAD.
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer services to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and can drop customers off alongside regular passengers and taxis.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Windsor
Windsor International Airport (YQG) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Windsor.
Transportation
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.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
