We both have grown up in Ontario and thought we have seen a lot of our home province. It took the travel restrictions in 2020 for us to focus more on local travel and realize we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s in our own backyard.
Our Ontario bucket-list grew out of control very fast because there is so much to see and do! After exploring Tobermory and Sauble Beach (click the link for full video/blog) our focus turned to a city high on our list: Leamington.
We were in awe at the beauty across the entire region with so many new things to discover. The stunning views, amazing food and friendly people of Leamington have us planning a return trip in 2021! Here is everything you need to know if you are thinking of discovering more in Southwestern Ontario.
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How to Get to Leamington
By Land, Sea (Lake), or Air!
Leamington is in South-Western Ontario about 45 minutes outside of Windsor. It is located on the shores of Lake Erie surrounded by some of Ontario’s best farmland. It isn’t located directly off any major highways but it is still very easy to reach. We left our home in Toronto for the “quick” 3 hour drive to our AirBnB.
You might think 3 hours is a really long drive if you live outside of Canada but it’s a breeze! We’re used to long drives in this big country (anyone up for a 47 hour drive to Vancouver??) so 3 hours for a relaxing long weekend is nothing. You’ll forget all about the drive after you’ve reached the end, poured a drink and put your feet up on the dock.
It is possible to fly there…most of the way. You need to book a ticket to the Windsor Airport then find a way to get to Leamington. There is a lot to discover in the surrounding area so it would make sense to rent a car. Since we don’t own a car, we decided to rent a small SUV. This gave us the ability to pack all of our clothes, food and camera gear with room to spare.
Leamington also has a number of parks and trails that would be no problem for the SUV to reach. We exclusively use Enterprise when renting a car on our trips because they have great rates, a big selection, and convenient locations. We’re not sponsored by them, just huge fans!
Where to Stay in Leamington
Hotel vs. AirBnb?
Knowing where to stay in Leamington depends on what sort of vacation you have in mind. If you want to explore the town of Leamington itself then you should look into one of the hotels or rentals available all year.
Leamington is not a big city so your hotel options are limited to the Quality Inn or the Best Western. Both of these are great for a short stay but there are much better options in the area if you want some nicer accommodations.
AirBnb in Leamington
We recommend choosing an AirBnB to truly experience the area. The Lake Erie coast is a cottager’s paradise! These waterfront homes range from quaint beach houses to luxurious, modern mansions. You can even stay in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by acres of land. Looking for a truly unique stay? Check out this floating wine barrel tiny home that is perfect for wine lovers! The entire area is busy during the summer so make sure to book early.
Sunset By the Bay Leamington
We love to be near the water anytime we get the chance. Luckily, there is a lot of waterfront choice all over the area. Keep in mind that most of these cottages are very close to one another but chances are your neighbours are very friendly.
We chose the recently-renovated Sunset by the Bay cottage for our Leamington getaway. This 2-bedroom cottage is great for couples, friends or family up to 6 people. As great as the inside of the cottage is, the real reason to rent is the priceless view in the back.
This. View. Is. Stunning! You can spend your entire weekend on one of those chairs with a drink in hand and never get bored. Lake Erie is not famous for its swimming so most docks are for relaxing. There are some areas for swimming but the lake gets rough. Always use caution and check the weather forecast before heading into the water.
This cottage is within a 5 minute drive to both Leamington and Point Pelee National Park. Some of Ontario’s best wineries are within a 30 minute drive so you are in a perfect spot. There is also a number of food options and a wide open park within a 5 minute walk. The host, Gabriella, is also very welcoming. The check-in process is completely contactless but she is only a text or call away from helping out with anything.
The cottage comes with everything you need and there is a grocery store nearby to stock up on essentials. We had such an amazing weekend that we are already planning a return visit!
Where to Eat in Leamington
One of the most unexpected parts of our Leamington Weekend was all of the delicious food. We had visions of quaint diners and maybe a restaurant or two but we were in for a surprise! The town of Leamington is surrounded by farmland as far as the eye can see.
These farms supply some of the freshest produce you can find and the restaurants take full advantage of that. The area is especially known for its tomatoes so you will see enormous greenhouses full of plants growing to the ceiling.
Try a Local Specialty
While there is a lot of choice of chain-food options, we recommend you avoid those in favour of something local. No matter your taste, we guarantee Leamington has something for you. If seafood is your thing then you need to try the local speciality, Perch. This small, mild fish is great in tacos, battered and fried, or even cooked with garlic.
Best perch in Leamington
We heard a lot of great things about Freddy’s Restaurant so we had to try it out. This place is a stone’s throw from the cottage and is famous for their Perch. The fish is flaky but mild so it takes on other flavours really well.
You can also head down the street to Birdie’s Perch for fresh tacos out of a double-decker bus. They also serve perch cones that are a tasty on-the-go snack. Keep in mind that Birdie’s is seasonal so check that it is open before heading out. If you’re closer to the National Park you should stop at Ship’s Ahoy. All of these eateries showcase the local speciality in different, drool-worthy ways.
Eat at a Vineyard
You already know that the Niagara Region is famous for its wine. But, did you know that the Lake Erie North Shore has its own wine route? Our favourite Ontario winery, Pelee Island Winery, is in the region but our eyes are now open to all of the other great vineyards near Leamington.
Some of these wineries have farm-to-table restaurants on site that highlight their wines and the local produce. What better way to spend an afternoon than picking at a charcuterie board while looking out over the vines!
Bistro 42 at North 42 Degrees Winery
We could not get that image out of our head so we put in a reservation at the North 42 Winery’s restaurant, Bistro 42. This local delight is 20 minutes outside of Leamington by car. It is well worth the drive to sit either inside or out on the patio overlooking the vineyard. They offer a wide menu full of farm-to-table dishes including duck, short rib, and salmon.
We are suckers for a charcuterie board and Bistro 42 has a great option. Their board is full of perfectly curated meats, cheeses, and spreads that pair well with their wines. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle (or two) of your favourites on the way out!
Flavours from South of the Border...Way South!
After you’ve had your fill of Canadian cuisine, it’s time to head south of the border. Well, not actually across the border because, you know…Covid. Travel restrictions might still be in place depending on when you’re reading this but as of November 2020 we must stay within Canada. Luckily, Leamington has a vibrant, and a bit of a surprising, local culture.
Leamington has one of the largest Mexican-born communities in all of Canada. There are over 2,700 migrant workers employed in the massive farming industry in the region. Because of this, many Mexican nationals have come to live in the area that creates a vibrant support network for the workers. This comes with a culinary benefit in some of the best and most authentic Mexican food you can find North of the border!
Riviera Maya Grill Leamington
We had no idea how much choice there would be in Leamington! We were torn between a few places because everything looked so good. You really can’t go wrong with any of the local spots but we recommend Riviera Maya Grill on Wellington Street. This family-owned restaurant serves dishes from the Yucatan Peninsula that have been passed down through generations.
We ordered way too much but we made quite a dent in it all! It was hard to decide on a favourite but we both agreed Riviera Maya Grill has the BEST tacos we’ve ever tasted. We are also huge fans of their fresh guacamole and handmade, Mexican hot sauce that is delicious but not for the faint of heart!
What to Do in Leamington
Point Pelee National Park
We’re lucky to live in a country with some of the most beautiful National Parks in the world. We have made it our mission to visit as many as we can and we have discovered a lot of natural beauty because of it. If you’re visiting Leamington you must visit Canada’s first conservation area: Point Pelee National Park. The Park is over 7km long so it is great for hiking, biking, or any kind of exploring you have in mind.
Head down the tree-lined road and turn off at one of the many beaches lining either side. Keep heading South and stop to walk through the marshland to see how many of the 360 types of birds you can name. After you’ve explored the marsh, keep heading even further South until you hit a unique spot in Canada. If you head all the way to the tip of the peninsula you have officially reached the most Southern part of Canada!
Now, there is some debate whether this point or Pelee Island is the most South so let’s just say the peninsula is the most Southern mainland part. Also, sometimes you can get more South than others depending on if the tide is low.
Visit the Other Southern Point of Canda
Pelee Island
If you’ve visited Point Pelee but want to make absolutely sure you’ve been to Canada’s Southernmost point then head to Pelee Island. This little island is located right next to the Canada-US border and boasts Canada’s oldest winery. You can catch the ferry from Leamington for the 1.5hr journey to the island.
You can either walk aboard or bring your car depending on your plans for when you arrive. We recommend bringing a car so you can explore the island within a few hours then head back to the ferry. The island is also famous for its bike trails so either bring one on the ferry or rent one when you get there.
Hillman Marsh Leamington
If you’re looking to be surrounded by nature without a difficult hike then head over to Hillman Marsh. The trail is relatively flat and takes you about 5km in a loop around the marsh. The trail does branch off into a shorter loop if you’re not feeling that ambitious but still want the experience. There are over 850 acres of marshland with hundreds of different wildlife species to admire.
Visit a Winery
Like we mentioned above, the Leamington area is full of wineries you can visit. There are over a dozen in the area offering some of the best wines that Ontario has to offer. We have explored the Niagara region in the past so we were excited to discover something new.
We are big fans of Pelee Island Winery, especially their Lola wines, so we had to visit its birthplace. They have a shop with interactive tours in Kingsville about 20 minutes outside of Leamington. If you want to visit the actual vineyard, you’ll have to take the ferry to Pelee Island.
North 42 Degrees Winery Kingsville
Our new discovery is North 42 Degrees in Colchester, which is just outside of Kingsville. This 17-acre vineyard makes so many different wines like rosé, riesling, cab franc, and more! You can take tours of the vines or set up a tasting before buying a few bottles of your favourites. We weren’t able to do the tour (thanks, 2020!) so we will definitely be back for the full experience. We did have a chance to eat at their restaurant, Bistro42, and can’t recommend it enough.
Everything was delicious and paired perfectly with their wines. They also sell a wide range of lavender gifts in their shop supplied by their own lavender farm. You can spend hours here!
Other great wineries near Leamington are Mastronardi, Paglione, CREW, and Viewpointe. You will need to plan more than one visit to Leamington to try them all!
What are your favourite spots in the Leamington area? In the meantime, subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new posts and save on great products!
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