What Makes Amherstburg Great: Detroit River

  • May 20, 2026

Guest Content Creator: River Bookshop

Today Amherstburg is one of Ontario’s great small towns, but greatness doesn’t happen on its own. Nature, history, and human actions always play a part. Amherstburg’s location right beside the Detroit River originally made it an important place and adds to its beauty to this day. From the War of 1812, to Freedom seekers escaping slavery in the United States, and Rum Running – history has left its mark! But so have the creativity, hard work, and enthusiasm of its residents.

During 2026 we are going to shine a light on what we think makes Amherstburg great. Our hope is that this new series helps you get to know the town better, support its many businesses and attractions, and become a strong, positive champion of the town. Look for our first story in our next Buzz.

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What Makes Amherstburg Great with an image of the Detroit River and a freighter ship along the canal

“THE RIVER I STEP IN IS NOT THE RIVER I STAND IN” – Greek Philosopher Heraclitus

The philosopher’s quote above highlights the nature of constant change. Moving at approximately 4 mph, the Detroit River (“Riviere du Detroit” or River of the Strait) is constantly changing. Due to the river, Amherstburg has always been connected to the world beyond it – through, trade, migration, struggle, and progress.

The river has changed for the better and Amherstburg has changed with it. Due to our place by the river, our area was once a gathering place for diverse Indigenous nations, a battle ground during the War of 1812, Rum Running in the 1920s, and Boblo Boats for 100 years until 1992. Today, Amherstburg is a river town that gathers visitors far and wide to enjoy its heritage downtown, arts scene, and many new unique retail shops.

Check out the park’s beautiful “Our River – Our Home” mural by Dennis White that captures the natural and cultural heritage of the river.

A mural painted on a building featuring the waterway, a shoreline and a freighter ship

Having our town located right beside a heritage river definitely helps make Amherstburg great! It sets us apart from most of the other small towns of Ontario. And with the new Gordie Howe Bridge only 19 km from Amherstburg, we will soon be welcoming a lot more American friends.

If you wish to learn a great deal more about the Detroit River, pick up a copy of “A River Runs Between Us”. This book is a work of love by Chris Edwards and Elaine Weeks that they started back in 2018. Today it’s a 382-page book full of very interesting (and often forgotten) stories and timeless photos.

And if you want to enjoy a beautifully written book with over fifty colourful photos of Amherstburg, be sure to also pick up Marty Gervais’ new book Amherstburg: Picture A River Town at River Bookshop. CKBG is currently running a contest to give you a chance to win one of these impressive books.