The sweet side of Southern Ontario
Bask in the warm welcome of Southern Ontario when you fly from Sault Ste. Marie to Windsor.
Located on the shores of the Detroit River, Windsor is equal parts scenic and historic. This Southern Ontario city’s stunning landscape and rich rum-running heritage have been distilled into some of the best things to do in Windsor.
Start your visit from Sault Ste. Marie where nature meets culture. In the Windsor Sculpture Park, public art is displayed with the Detroit River as its backdrop. After soaking up some sun on the shores, step inside the Art Gallery of Windsor to wander through a 4,000 piece collection. Performing arts shine alongside exhibitions in the historic 150-year-old MacKenzie Hall Cultural Centre.
Several of Windsor’s heritage houses come together to form Windsor’s Community Museum. Step into the past in the Duff Baby House and Francois Baby House, home to displays on everything from the War of 1812 to the city’s first settlers.
Discover an illicit chapter in Windsor’s past at the Canadian Club Brand Centre. On the centre’s tour, you’ll travel back to the 1920s, when Windsor supplied alcohol to Prohibition-era America. Take a sip of Canada Club’s famous whisky, then step outside to walk through the historic Walkerville neighbourhood, where workers in the distillery once lived.
Within Walkerville, Willistead Manor stands as a grand reminder of the city’s heritage. The grounds of this estate now serve as a public park for the city. Along the Windsor waterfront, Coventry Gardens add green space to the city, while Peche Island acts as an island escape for hikers.
With both provincial and national parks nearby, Southern Ontario’s amazing outdoors are never far away during your trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Windsor.
Windsor’s Little Italy
Via Italia
Stroll through this neighbourhood for a slice of the “dolce vita” during your visit from Sault Ste. Marie.
A generous serving of Italian cuisine and culture creates the character of this area along Windsor’s Erie Street. Bounded by Goyeau Avenue and Moy Avenue, Little Italy is your chance to say “buongiorno” to Windsor’s Italian heritage.
Have a taste of some of Windsor’s best Italian food with a meal at one of Via Italia’s restaurants. Pasta and paninis are always cooking in the kitchens of neighbourhood institutions like the Pasta House and Spago. Serving up slice upon slice of the city’s favourite food, the area’s many pizzerias offer an array of topping options, from classic to quirky. Once you’ve finished the main course, sip on strong espressos and steamy cappuccinos from the neighbourhood's cozy cafés.
After a tasty pastry in one of the Via Italia’s cafés and bakeries, treat yourself to a little retail therapy. Men and women’s clothing boutiques outfit the neighbourhood with stylish choices. Add a little something extra to your ensemble with a visit to the many accessory stores along the way. With plenty of shops, you’re sure to find something to take home to Sault Ste. Marie during your shopping trip.
If you plan your trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Windsor for the month of June, make sure to stop by the annual Carousel of Nations cultural festival. This event focuses on the multicultural heritage of the city. Art, dance, and food from dozens of different countries are in the spotlight during this annual celebration. With everywhere from Serbia to China are presented, this event is your chance to take a world tour in Windsor.
September visitors can see cyclists put a new spin on the Via Italia with the Tour di Via Italia bike race. Started in 1958, this race has since expanded into an extensive exhibition of athleticism and entertainment.
With festivals and food throughout the year, Windsor’s Little Itlay is a key ingredient in the perfect trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Windsor.
Belle Isle Park, Detroit
An island escape
After your plane from Sault Ste. Marie to Windsor lands, set out across the border to explore Detroit’s natural beauty in Belle Isle Park.
From Windsor’s waterfront, you may have caught a glimpse of this green space in the midst of the Detroit River. To reach this island escape, take a drive over (or under) the river, on the scenic Ambassador Bridge or the speedy Detroit Windsor Tunnel. After arriving in the city, enjoy some of Detroit’s cosmopolitan attractions, before venturing across MacArthur Bridge to arrive in idyllic parkland.
Belle Isle Park is based on the designs of renowned American landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead. Although Olmstead’s original 1880’s design was too ambitious, the “Jewel of Detroit” incorporates parts of his plan. Over these 982 rolling acres, the rambling woods cover one-third of the land in reflection to Olmsted's original vision for the park.
Beyond the forested wetlands spread across 230 acres of Belle Isle, the park overflows with even more natural splendour. From the inland lakes covering half the island, to the seven miles of shoreline that encircle the area, the park’s striking landscapes vary depending where you explore.
To see what lives below the waves surrounding Belle Isle, head to the historic Belle Isle Aquarium. At more than 100 years old, this stunning aquarium is as intriguing as the species it houses. Walk under green tile ceilings meant to recreate the feeling of being underwater as you get up close with native and exotic fish.
Step out of the green glow of the aquarium and into the brightly lit Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. This century-old greenhouse grows tropical trees, cactuses, and ferns. No matter what time of year you travel from Sault Ste. Marie to Windsor, you’ll find nature in bloom in this heritage-rich conservatory.
Before returning across the waters of the Detroit River to Windsor, make a stop at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Dedicated to looking at the link between the Great Lakes and the development of Detroit, this museum features a variety of aquatic artifacts. Outside the museum you’ll find the anchor of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank on Lake Superior near Sault Ste. Marie in 1975.
Get a look at this piece of shared history between Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie before you head back to Windsor.
Getting to Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown costs about $45 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.
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.
