Pop across the US border from Detroit to explore Windsor!

Moving a little further East on the Detroit River is another popular waterfront attraction, Coventry Gardens. Located at 4714 Riverside Drive East between Thompson Boulevard and Pillette Road, you can find an oasis of tranquillity. This park was built specifically for maximum relaxation with walking trails, a variety of flowers, and the world’s only floating fountain. Now you may be wondering, what’s so interesting about a floating fountain? Aside from it being the only one which makes it inherently special, it also can propel water 70 feet in the air and has a brilliant light show display.

If you go to Windsor and you don’t eat pizza, they may never let you come back. Pizza is to Windsor as is peanut butter to jelly. The city is officially obsessed with their own Windsor Style Pizza, and the world should be thanking them for that. What makes this style of pizza unique is shredded pepperoni, canned mushrooms instead of fresh (just go with it) a special sauce created in 1957, and Galati cheese. Shredded pepperoni may look a bit unusual but according to locals it is the perfect pizza to topping ratio per bite. Volcano Pizzeria was the first pizza restaurant to open in Windsor back in 1957. Founded by Geno Manza, an Italian immigrant who created a special sauce that other restaurants have been copying since. Lastly, all Windsor style pizzas are topped with mozzarella cheese made locally by Galati Cheese Company. A few places to try (because you’ll want to eat this more than once) are Capri Pizzeria, Riviera Pizzeria, and Gino’s Pizza.

Ouellette Avenue in downtown Windsor is known for its vibrant nightlife scene and has been coined “Party Alley” by the locals. Walk the 5 block bar strip to get in on the nightlife action, but be prepared to have little breathing room. Most of the bars in this area have cheaper drink prices, drawing large crowds, so if you prefer a more quiet atmosphere this is probably one “alley” to avoid. If you’re wanting to chat with the locals and dance, all in the same place, start at The Pub Club. This trendy spot serves craft cocktails with a sultry yet rustic yet urban atmosphere. For those of you that are a little more country, visit the Bull & Barrel Saloon. This bar features country music, country decor, and even a mechanical bull (yee-haw!) Don’t worry craft beer lovers, there’s even a spot for you! Head to Craft Heads to enjoy full-flavoured, small-batch craft beer. If alcohol isn’t your thing and you prefer something a bit more green, you can pay $5 to enter Higher Limits Cannabis Lounge. This weed bar prohibits alcohol and tobacco, but fully support BOYC (Bring Your Own Cannabis). And if you get hungry, Higher Limits has plenty of munchies and pizza to satisfy your cravings.

Put on your best Al Capone face and book the Rum Runners Tour to experience what it was like to be a bootlegger in Windsor during the Prohibition Era. During some very troubling (and boring) times in the United States, Windsor actually helped the U.S. a lot. During Prohibition, the majority of smuggled booze came into the States via Windsor, right into Detroit. This very rich history is all detailed on the Rum Runners Tour, but it isn’t your average set-up. Your tour guides are Benny and Yorkie, two Rum Runners in the roaring 20’s, who take you through the day of a bootlegger. You’ll discover hidden coves where booze was stowed onto boats, take a deeper look at the Ambassador Bridge and how it played a major role in smuggling liquor, and you get to join in on the fun when you visit a re-enacted Speakeasy.

Waterways really do help you see a city better, as this is often times the best way to scan the landscape (with a drink in hand, ideally.) Check out a River Cruise to enjoy the sights of the city - and it’s really a two for one as you can view both Detroit and Windsor on the same trip. This River Cruise offers a variety of cruises depending on when you want to enjoy the river. You can go for dinner and dancing, brunch, or strictly for sightseeing.

Buffets don’t always get the best rap, but the Market Buffet at Caesar’s Windsor might just make you believe in the life-changing power of buffets again. Who doesn’t want to try all the things at once?! This buffet allows you to food tour the world all in one sitting. With over 50 authentic dishes from across the globe, no one will be able to say that you aren’t well-travelled (at least, culinarily-speaking). From Italian to Asian cuisine, and everything in between, you can try it all right here. Plus, there’s an extensive dessert station to make your trip a little sweeter. If you saved room for it, that is.

Canadian Club whisky might be one of Canada's most well-known drinks, but the man behind it, Hiram Walker, also liked to indulge in a beer every now and again. Today, his distillery's overflow storage facility, then called “Surge Plant 16", has been converted into the Walkerville Brewery in his honour. Specializing in classic styles and easy drinkers, the brewery offers a tour of their historic facility that ends with a sampling of their wares. IPAs, pale ales, milk stouts and pilsners are some of the brews they offer, and you can't go wrong with any of them.

Representing the 3rd largest group in Windsor are those born from Italian descent. While the city has plenty of great Italian restaurants and shops around, why not go to Little Italy itself? Stroll through several blocks of Italian restaurants, cafes, and shops. Take home a piece of Little Italy, Windsor style, from Gina’s European Deli & Gifts. Owned by “Mama Gina and Papa Joe”, this deli/restaurant/gift shop is the perfect spot to pick up imports like cheese, meats, olive oil, and wine.

Windsor is a very bike-friendly city, so grab some wheels and cruise. For a scenic riverfront route that winds through several neighbours, try the Riverfront Bike Trail. This route starts at the Ambassador Bridge and loops for 5 miles, taking you through the city and even parks, like Dieppe Gardens. If 5 miles feels a little long, don’t worry, there are plenty of service stations along this route. Stop to fill up your tires, or just rest and enjoy the scenery from a larger seat, like a bench.