What You Need to Know About Cycling in Windsor Essex Pelee Island
Windsor Essex is an ideal part of Ontario to explore from the saddle of your bike. And now that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is open for cyclists, it’s easier than ever to make your way over and cruise through the region’s historic towns, pop into breweries, wineries and cideries, or simply take in the serenity of the outdoors you’ll undoubtedly find it here.
Pausing for a photo along the Rt. Honourable Herb Gray Parkway Trail, part of The Parkway Trail
In recent years, it seems to me that we’ve begun to look around Ontario and recognize that this is a mighty fine place to be a cyclist. Part of that charge is being led by forward thinking tourism boards who are laying out routes that enable people like myself to not only take in the scenery and the natural surroundings, but also visit the restaurants, small businesses and sites that are, in essence, the lifeblood of every region.
Windsor Essex Pelee Island has done a particularly good job of just that in the establishment of their Cycle Tourism Map. They’ve essentially created six routes that showcase six unique ways to engage with and appreciate the region. And with the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge—the first border crossing between Windsor and Detroit that’s free for pedestrians and cyclists—it makes a cycling adventure on the Canadian side of this border that much easier.
Don’t be scared to use the map as inspiration, but lean into the experiences that suit you best. For example, perhaps you might want to focus on spending a few days in Windsor, spend some extra time exploring Kingsville, take in the sights and sounds of Amherstburg, or even use cycling as a delightful excuse to spend a few days on Pelee Island.
Below, you’ll find some tips and suggestions for cycling the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and an overview of the routes that Windsor Essex Pelee Island has laid out, ultimately with the intention of inspiring you to throw your bike on your vehicle and head this way. As Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee (TWEPI) itself notes, “Windsor Essex is a cyclist’s dream, with miles of trails to explore and enjoy.”
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means I may receive a small commission for some of the honest recommendations I share in this article, at no additional cost to you.
A Note About Cycling the Gordie Howe International Bridge
Bri and me cycling across the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit
Before I get into the different routes you can take in and around Windsor Essex, I want to talk about how cyclists can use the Gordie Howe International Bridge to easily cross between Detroit and Windsor. Bri and I went back to the region together shortly after the bridge opened, and I have to say that this is an exciting addition to the area for cyclists.
How to Cross between Windsor and Detroit by Bike
On either side of the Gordie Howe Bridge, there are bike lanes and clear signs pointing you to the crossing. We started on the Windsor side and headed down Sandwich Street until we reached the pedestrian and cyclist entrance to the bridge, and stopped to check out some of the historical plaques and art installations near the entrance.
There are several signs reminding you that you must have your passport, since you’ll need it to cross the border, return back, or simply use it to re-enter Canada if you’re just planning on cycling the bike and coming back without crossing the border. After double checking that we had our passports, we headed through the gates and were on the bridge—no fee, no lines and no hassle.
Once you’re on the bridge, you’re between borders and free to cycle on the shared pedestrian and cycling path and admire the bridge. There’s a 5% incline and decline on either side, and since you’re fairly high up over the Detroit River it’s important to note that wind, rain and adverse weather can make the bridge slippery or a little more difficult to cross. It was fine for us, but good to note!
Cycling in Detroit & Windsor
On the Detroit side of the bridge, a good route to take is to go through Mexican Town (stop at Taqueria Lupita’s), stop by Michigan Central and Roosevelt Park for photos, continue on to Corktown (stop at Alba for coffee and a snack), and then take the Detroit Greenway to the Detroit RiverWalk. You can come back the way you came, or mix it up on the way back, but all of this offers a nice taste of Detroit before heading back.
Now let’s talk about where to ride on the Windsor side! The Riverfront Trail and Parkway Trail are the most direct routes to start from the bridge, but it’s easy enough to work any of the routes below into a cycling trip in the area, depending on how many days and how long you’re looking to ride your bike for.
Which Cycling Trails in Windsor Essex Region Should You Ride?
I’ve ridden a ton around Ontario, and I do think there is some excellent cycling to be had in the Windsor Essex region—especially considering the diversity of riding on offer. It’s everything from urban riding to rail trails, island cruising to cycling bridges over freeways.
As you go through this list, you’ll realize that several of these routes easily connect to one another, making this region perfect for a build-your-own bike trip, so to speak. Here are a few ideas for how to approach choosing which routes you’ll ride on your next cycling getaway here!
The Windsor Riverfront Trail
Views of the Ambassador Bridge from Windsor’s Riverfront
This is an easy place to start if you’re looking for an introduction to cycling in the region. It’s 34 kilometres in total, and most of it is nicely paved and maintained. The trail is centred around the Windsor Riverfront and the Ganatchio Trail (6 kilometres of scenic trails that connect Windsor to Tecumseh), with easy connections to the Gordie Howe International Bridge via the Sandwich Loop in the southwest section of the trail.
34 kilometres may sound like a fair bit, but if you’re tackling that over a half day or full day, it’s not bad at all. There are a few spots where I’d suggest taking a moment to soak it all in. Firstly, when you’re riding along the downtown waterfront, take a moment to appreciate the Detroit skyline, and also take note of the Windsor Sculpture Park, which consists of over 30 large sculptures that are strewn about this “museum without walls.” You’re going to want to stop to snap a shot of the Ambassador Bridge while you’re here, too.
However you end up approaching the ride, you’d be wise to explore three Windsor neighbourhoods in particular on this trail:
The first is Walkerville, and you’re in luck because I’ve written a guide to Walkerville! It’s a historic neighbourhood teeming with good restaurants, bars, art, and a brewery and distillery or two.
Another neighbourhood that I love exploring is none other than Ford City. It’s an up-and-coming neighbourhood with some genuinely intriguing small businesses that are shaping the area. And wouldn’t you know it, I’ve written a guide to Ford City on my sister site, Ultimate Ontario, too.
And finally, Sandwich Town is a great little neighbourhood with the historic Sandwich Windmill, views of the river and the Gordie Howe Bridge at the pier, and some great stops like Sandwich Brewing (excellent beer, and bike parking on their back patio!) and Rock Bottom Bar & Grill.
There’s plenty more to explore in Windsor, so I’d recommend staying for at least one night. If you like to roll the dice, don’t forget that Caesar’s Windsor is right in the heart of the city. My brother and I stayed here one weekend when we were doing a two city tour of Windsor and Detroit, and we certainly didn’t regret it.
Other great hotels in the city that I’ve stayed at are the DoubleTree by Hilton Windsor and the neighbouring Best Western Plus Waterfront (it’s worth staying in a riverside room in both of these). And a little removed from the city but convenient and very comfortable for a cycling trip is the Hyatt Place Windsor.
The Wine Trail: Lake Erie North Shore
A tasting flight at Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW)
The Wine Trail offers an easy 41 kilometres of riding through the Lake Erie North Shore region around Colchester, Harrow and Kingsville. This is where EPIC (Essex Pelee Island Coast) Wine Country is located, which is the up-and-coming wine region in the province, as far as I’m concerned.
Bri and I have spent a few return visits to the area, and I have to say that The Grove Motel in Colchester is the perfect place to stay on a bike trip around here. They have bike locks, spacious and comfortable rooms, plenty of parking and they’re directly on the Wine Trail route.
For the most part, you’ll be bopping along County Road 50 and the Chrysler Canada Greenway/County Road 20 as you explore. Believe it or not, EPIC Wine Country boasts almost 20 wineries, and there are even a few breweries and cideries worth checking out here, too.
Part of the secret to this wine region is that this is the most southern shore of Canada, so the grapes get quite a bit of sun, and that helps a fair bit, especially if you’re trying to produce some bold reds. I’d research which stops you want to visit beforehand, but North 42 Degrees Estate Winery and Carolinia Cider Company are a few favourites. Bri also put together an article all about EPIC Wine Country, which you can use to help plan your route accordingly.
If wine isn’t your thing, that’s fine as well. You can, instead, take in the scenic surroundings and perhaps spend more of your time at John R. Park Homestead and Conservation Area, The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village or Serenity Lavender Farm. And don’t forget to spend some time in downtown Kingsville—it’s a great little town!
The Parkway Trail: Sandwich Town, Essex Centre & LaSalle
The Chrysler Greenway Trail
This trail is a great ride. It comes in at 67 kilometres, but it’s a flat ride overall, and one that I didn’t find too taxing. I was able to tackle it in an afternoon, more or less.
Basically, you’re taking the Rt. Honourable Herb Gray Parkway Trail to the Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail, popping into Essex, and then looping back up towards Windsor, but more specifically the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve.
I loved riding on the Herb Gray Parkway because it’s an example of some pretty unique urban riding. The trail is connected by bridges that extend over roads and highways, but ultimately get you where you’re going. It was interesting to be so close to traffic, and yet not have to worry about it all.
If you’re starting from the Ojibway Prairie Complex, it’s worth noting that Malden Park is just down the road. This park is home to the Malden Park Observation Area, which is on the highest hill in Essex County. It offers panoramic views of Windsor, Detroit, the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Essex County.
Once you reach the Chrysler Greenway Trail, you’ll find it’s as scenic as can be. This trail offers 50 kilometres of uninterrupted riding, down paths that have lush trees and foliage on either side of you.
If you’re planning to stop in Essex, Tourism Windsor Essex notes that “Essex has a colourful history including explosions and inventions that are depicted in the towns’ outdoor gallery of murals. Take a self-guided tour of the thirteen large-scale murals and several Bell-Box murals. Be sure to visit the Spitfire Memorial, a replica of an Mk IX Spitfire painted to look exactly like the one Essex native Jerry Billing flew on D-Day. The memorial is located near the historic Essex Train Station.”
The Heritage Waterfront Trail: Amherstburg & Colchester
This is a 61 kilometre route, 22 of which are spent on the Cypher Systems Greenway Trail. The reason this matters is because that trail will lead you to Amherstburg, which is one of the most charming towns in the province. So much so, in fact, that I wrote a full article on Amherstburg for Ultimate Ontario.
The Cypher Systems Greenway Trail is a classic example of an Ontario cycling rail trail, so you won’t be contending with traffic here.
In terms of exploration, planning to spend some time at Ure’s Country Kitchen & Mini Golf is a must. They do an excellent breakfast here, and also offer lunch and dinner. But what makes this an especially worthy stop is their professional 18-hole mini golf course. It was even designed by an internationally renowned mini putt company, making it that much more special to enjoy!
Other stops I’d recommend on this route are Holiday Beach, Colchester Beach, as well as taking a peek at Colchester Harbour. For what it’s worth, many people feel as if Colchester Beach may be the more picturesque beach in the whole region.
The Pelee Trails: kingsville to Pelee Island
Bri and I visited Pelee Island a few years back, and it was love at first sight. Seriously—I think there’s still a piece of my heart there. This route is the most ambitious, coming in at 96 kilometres, but it’s also, in my opinion, the most remarkable.
You kick things off in Kingsville, Canada’s southernmost town and one that’s criminally underrated. Then, it’s on to Point Pelee National Park where you can hop on a trail that takes you into the forest, and out to the southernmost tip of the Canadian mainland. Have your camera ready here! Then stop in Hillman Marsh Conservation Area on your way to grab a bite in Leamington.
From the mainland, you can then hop on the 90 minute ferry over to Pelee Island for the next part of the trip. What’s fun about the second part of this route is you can bike the entire 42 square kilometres of Pelee Island. Since you have to take a ferry over and all of that, though, I’d suggest that you at least spend the weekend in the region if you can. The Grove Hotel in Kingsville is a great option for this route on the mainland, as is The Wandering Dog Inn on the island.
It probably makes the most sense to spend day one with the cycling listed above on the mainland, followed by a full second day of cycling on Pelee Island. It’s important to note that inclement weather can impact the ferry schedule, so just be prepared to take it all in stride. That’s the fun of spending time on an island, after all!
I strongly feel that every Ontarian should visit Pelee Island at some point in their lives, and why not experience it from the saddle of your preferred bike?
The Lakeside Trails: Tecumseh & Lakeshore
If you’re looking to be by the water as much as possible, this is a good route to look towards. It comes in at 55 kilometres, but most of the ride is within a stone’s throw of the water, and it easily connects with the Windsor Riverfront Trail.
The real highlight of this route is what you’ll see as you’re biking along Lake St. Clair—namely gorgeous homes and lighthouses galore. You can stop at Lighthouse Cove and Belle River Lighthouse in particular if you’re keen to snap a few good photos along the way (though that won’t be altogether too hard on this route).
If you want an extended break on either side, consider stretching your legs and relaxing either inside or outside at Iron Kettle Commissary in Comber. This cafe is conveniently located about halfway along the route, with excellent coffee, pastry and lunch options. Another good option is to spend some time exploring the town of Tecumseh after the ride. Personally, I’d recommend grabbing a pint and a bite at FRANK Brewing Company.
And if you’re looking to double down on water adventure (in all its forms), you can even end your ride at Urban Surf Co. You can either rent a stand up paddle board or a kayak from them—which I wrote about in an outdoor adventure article I put together for the region—or you can slow down and relax at their outdoor Nordic circuit called Flow State.
Frank Brewing Co. in Tecumseh
That’s a Wrap on Windsor Essex Cycling
Each of these routes offers something different, and thus I’d recommend taking the time to tackle them all when you can. You’ll find that a lot of these routes naturally lead to the next, and each one has several stops listed, making it easy to spend several days biking in the region, or coming back again and again to take on a new route with each visit.
Windsor Essex is a region that’s known for a lot of things, but it’s only just now getting a reputation as a premiere cycling destination in this province, and that’s a reputation that’s very much well deserved.
Bri and I want to humbly thank Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island for hosting us as media. All opinions are completely my own.
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