Plan Your Weekend Getaway to Amherstburg
Spend the Weekend in Amherstburg! Amherstburg’s unique, century old buildings and lovely waterfront setting makes it the perfect scenic getaway. Visitors can look forward to warm hospitality delivered by a community that’s proud of the Town’s authentic history. Shop, drink, eat and experience award winning festivals in historical Amherstburg. Amherstburg promises to shape unforgettable experiences for those who dare to explore!
Where to Stay?
Amherstburg has a large variety of accommodations that are sure to fit your every need. Cottages, cabins, B&B’s, stays on the lake, apartments and more! Whether you want to be steps from downtown or at a quiet place along the water, Amherstburg has it all!
Bondy House B&B – A cozy B&B located next to our premier park just steps from the downtown core. The Bondy House B&B is the perfect relaxing stay where old world charm meets modern amenities.
That Place by the Lake – Enjoy a relaxing weekend on Lake Erie at the edge of holiday beach at That Place on the Lake. This is the perfect place to getaway from the busy city. You are just minutes away from Amherstburgs core and Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery.
Sun Retreats Amherstburg will give you the great outdoors experience! Rental cabins or park models, enjoy a relaxing campground weekend with the family. Enjoy the playgrounds, pool, outdoor movies and family friendly atmosphere. You are just minutes from Amherstburg’s main street where you can shop, drink, eat and experience so much more!
Breakfast, Pastries and A Good Cup of Coffee!
Downtown Espresso Cafe – Pick up a hot beverage or slice of cheesecake and hangout at this popular spot! It would be unlikely not to hear stories from a regular about why he or she loves their Town. This diner style cafe is highly regarded for its quality, traditional espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos, often made by the owner to ensure your coffee is prepared just as you like!
Mealtime Express – Adventure down sandwich street and stop in at Mealtime Express for a warm cup of coffee, tasty diner food and a family friendly atmosphere. Admire the vibrantly refreshed toy train set now adorned with animated miniature amusement park rides reminiscent of those found on Boblo Island in years gone by.
Panetteria – fresh baked bread and sweet/savory pastries, warm coffee and tea and a variety of local made beverages and treats… Panetteria is the place to be! They focus on quality and flavor with everything being made fresh that day!
Everybuddies Place Game Cafe – Everybuddies place provides an interactive and fun community hotspot to play board games, enjoy special snacks and drinks, and create social gatherings. Their goal is to create a fun environment that fosters authentic interactions between people of all ages, in a safe and inclusive atmosphere right in the heart of beautiful historic Amherstburg!
Shop Till You Drop
Owl’s Nest Emporium – Come curious and leave happy! A refined shop with unique gifts, dashing home decor, and something new each time you come in.
River Book Shop – A cozy book shop, on the corner in downtown Amherstburg promises to educate, inspire, entertain and engage with everyone who walks through the doors. They sell a wide range of books for every reader’s imagination.
Towne Shoppe – Looking for your next outfit? Stop at the Towne Shoppe for the latest fashion! Jackets, blouses, shoes, pants, accessories and more. You will be sure to find just what you are looking for.
Where to Eat?
Burger 67 – If you are craving a juicy burger and delicious fries, make your way over to Burger 67 on Murray St in downtown Amherstburg. Burgers inspired by international cusines with a Canadian flare and a casual inviting atmosphere will make you never want to leave!
Wolfhead – Wolfhead Distillery incorporates the resources found in their own backyard to produce unique flavours that push the boundaries of standard Canadian Spirits. Stop in for their amazing food; flatbreads, french onion soup, pitas, burgers, pasta, surf and turf and more!
The Salty Dog – Wood oven pizza, fresh seafood tacos, baked brie, burgers and tasty cocktails, you will want to go back again and again! Located on Dalhousie St in downtown Amherstburg.
Riccardos – experience fine dining at Riccardo’s on the water of downtown Amherstburg. Award winning Italian food like pasta, veal, lamb chops, mozzarella sticks, black tiger shrimp, Lake Erie yellow trout and more!
Experience the History:
Museums and Galleries
Park House Museum – All year round, they bring the story of Amherstburg and its people to life through programs and exhibits that are created to engage and inspire. Built in the 1790’s at the mouth of Rouge River in Michigan, this house is rooted in a rather unusual history. Visit and see for yourself!
Marsh Hisorical Collection – To collect, preserve and encourage research into the heritage of Amherstburg and the lower Detroit River district. This 80 year old research service has kept Amherstburg’s history alive as the result of the passion of its founders John and Helen Marsh. It’s Amherstburg history at your fingertips!
Gibson Gallery – This former Michigan Central Railroad Station, ca. 1896, has been renovated to its original Romanesque glory featuring towering ceilings, hardwood floors and bevelled glass windows. The Gallery is owned and operated by the Fort Malden Guild of Arts and Crafts, “to encourage and foster cultural development in the fields of fine arts and applied arts.” Stop in and see their seasonal exhibits and railroad museum!
Fort Malden National Historic Site – Fort Malden National Historic Site was built in 1796 by Britain in order to ensure the security of British North America against any potential threat of American Invasion. Experience the blast of a musket firing demonstration and see delicious food prepared and cooked before your very eyes in their wood-fired period cookhouse. Come discover this historic treasure!
Amherstburg Freedom Museum – The Amherstburg Freedom Museum welcomes all people of all ages to experience the history of the Underground Railroad and the compassion and solidarity it took to make this network possible. Amherstburg meant freedom, as the Canadian destination for many Black people escaping slavery in the United States. Book a tour and experience the museum for yourself!
What’s Fun in Amherstburg?
Art Scene in the Burg
Art in Amherstburg has been growing every year. Beautiful murals by local artists, painted hydrants by local students and artwork in the streets provided by Art Windsor Essex can be found all over downtown Amherstburg. Discover and explore our Art Scene in the Burg.
Our River, Our Home Mural
The River has two very distinct designations; Wildlife Refuge and an International Heritage River shared by both Canada and the United States. This mural depicts the many once abundant species returning to traditional habitats in and along the Detroit River such as Barn Swallows, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Otter, Beaver, Lake White Fish, Blue Heron, Green Heron, Canada Goose, Red-tail Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Lake Sturgeon, Red-ear Sunfish, Snapping Turtle, Pickerel.
Amherstburg Community Mural ProjectÂ
In 2021, the Amerstburg Community Mural Project was held virtually due to the pandemic that began in 2020. Amherstburg community members came together and connected virtually to design pieces of art that were put together to create the beautiful mural that can be seen on the walls of the Amherstburg Community Hub today.
Amherstburg Fire Hydrants
Eleven fire hydrants have been artistically painted by local high school students in commemoration of Canada’s 150th birthday. Hockey players, provinces, coloured shapes mirroring the Canada 150 logo and scenes from Canadian history appear as the artists’ subject matter. To view map of all hydrant locations.
Sculptures
The bronze statue in the corner of the Kings Navy Yard Park honors Canada’s first Navy. This installation depicts the heroic efforts of marine engagement during the Battle of Lake Erie (1813). The Forged Peace monument located along the water is a tribute to the bond that ties our great nation; Canada, with the military events that took place with our American friends.
To see all of our outdoor community art visit, Art Scene in the Burg.
Olde Amherstburg Ghost Tour
Join the adventure of Olde Amherstburg Ghost Tour in either English or French, a virtual experience that can be done at any time! With tales of haunted museums, child apparitions, rum runners, and one of Canada’s most famous naval battles- this tour will explore the sinister stories and hair-raising history of one of Ontario’s most historic towns!
Participating is easy and FREE! From your mobile device visit the App Store or Google Play and download the FREE ON-FOOT app and choose the Olde Amherstburg Ghost Tour.
For more Amherstburg experiences click here.
Discover Amherstburg’s Nature and Parks
The Kings Navy Yard Park – With award winning gardens this 10.5 acre park mirrors the navy yard from 1796. The park’s riverfront property was also used for rope making which, at times, required sailors to span the entire Town while stretching and producing the rope! Uniquely, the park boasts four historical buildings, each of which reminds visitors of battles won (and lost) to save our country! Walk along the waterfront and take in the fantastic view.
Libro Trails – The Libro centre has added new walking trails! A 2km trail with benches, beautiful scenery and wildlife, this is a great way to get outside and exercise!
Toddy Jones Park – Seeking an awesome way to spend time with your littles? Then head off to visit Toddy Jones Park! Complete with climbers, swings, splash pad, slides, and a play area, kids can find themselves occupied for hours.
Holiday Beach Conservation – It is ideal for a day at the beach, a beautiful picnic, or a vacation getaway! Holiday Beach Conservation Area has serviced seasonal campsites, a stunning rental cottage, new showers and washrooms, large shady picnic areas, a playground, nature trails, a boardwalk, and a three-storey observation tower.
Drink Amherstburg
Finish off your weekend getaway in Amherstburg at our many award winning breweries and wineries downtown and around the county!
Lot 10 – Located in the heart of downtown Amherstburg, come down to Lot 10 for live music, great craft beer and yummy flatbreads! Lot 10 combines a rustic modern ambiance and craft beers that offer a variety of flavours and styles, sure to please all beer drinkers alike.
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery – This popular spot nestled on a 52-acre farm on the coast of Lake Erie, the winery’s picturesque views make this a hotspot for local events, parties, and wedding celebrations. The style of the vineyard replicates the beauty of Tuscany. Enjoy chardonnays, pinot noir, merlots and more!
Dancing Swallows – On a family farm that has went through many changes since the Hutchins’ first located there in 1881. Each bottle of their small batch wines feature original art of Swallows in flight. Visit their unique outdoor tasting lounge at 8704 Essex Road 9.
GL Heritage – This brewery on 8728 Howard avenue is on a 169 year old farm and serves fantastic seasonal beers along with tasty food all year long! They hold lots of fun family events and live music, this is a for sure stop on your Amherstburg getaway. At GL Heritage family, friends and good times come first.
Vivace – An enjoyable atmosphere and casual elegance. Their VQA wines are produced in a viniculture climate, creating wines such as their Sonatina, Blanc de Blanc, Brilliante Rose, and even their Vidal Icewine. Located at 5141 Concession Road 5N.