Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Kingsville Ontario
Did you know the southernmost town in Canada is right here in Ontario? Kingsville is on the same latitude as northern California! Thanks to its southernly location, it offers one of the warmest climates of any Ontario city, with temperatures averaging 10°C for most of the year. So, with comfortable weather and a long list of things to do in Kingsville Ontario, it’s always a great time to visit!
Where is Kingsville Ontario
Kingsville is in Ontario’s Essex County and sits along the north shore of Lake Erie. It’s roughly 25 minutes from Windsor as well as the border between Canada and Detroit.
The main downtown of Kingsville is located along Essex County Road 20. County Road 20 through Essex makes for a scenic drive from Windsor as it goes through Amherstburg, Harrow, and Kingsville.
10 of The Best Things to do in Kingsville
Canada’s Paradise Garden, as it’s known, is chalked full of Kingsville things to do! Visitors will find a range of activities, from wineries to outdoor recreation. So, with something for everyone, let’s get started planning your trip to Kingsville!
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Explore Downtown Kingsville
I highly recommend everyone start their Kingsville visit with a wander through downtown. Kingsville’s downtown is located along Main Street, which is also Essex County Road 20.
Visitors will find plenty of the best things to do in Kingsville Ontario downtown! There are an assortment of restaurants, bakeries, and fun shops.
Along Main Street Kingsville are a variety of shops, including some clothing boutiques. However, my two favourite places to go shopping in Kingsville are The Local Maker and Attic Treasures!
The Local Maker is a gift shop filled with fun and unique products made by local artisans from the Windsor Essex region. Inside you’ll find jewellery, knitwear, baby goods, candles, and so much more!
Windblown & Weathered is where vintage meets fun new finds! It’s run by a lovely mother and daughter duo, with incredible clothing by the designer daughter, Noelzinia! The shop also features antiques, giftware, homeware, and more!
The go-to Kingsville coffee shop is Red Lantern Coffee Co. Red Lantern serves up a great cup of coffee and it’s filled with plants! Plus, they roast their coffee on-site! When you’re waiting for your coffee, take a peek at their fun merch and other items for sale. When I was in, they had a selection of vintage finds.
What pairs well with a coffee? Sweet treats!! There are a few great shops in downtown Kingsville where all sweet tooths should go!
Dutch Boys Chocolate is home to some of the best chocolate in Ontario! Yes, the Dutch Boys are Dutch and make over 25 flavours of hand-crafted truffles. Plus, Dutch Boys Chocolate makes unique 3D chocolates that make for a fun gift! (If you can resist eating it yourself!)
Two other sweet places in Kingsville are Kings Bake Shop and Miller’s Bakery. Kings Bake Shop is a boutique bakery serving up an array of desserts, from macarons to cakes, and refreshing drinks! The shop has a Paris-chic vibe and a mural reminding you to Treat Yourself! Miller’s Bakery is home to fresh breads and pastries!
Lakeside Park
One of the most beautiful places in Kingsville is Lakeside Park! This heritage park, established in 1907, is a 15-minute walk south of downtown. Covering 6.5 hectares, a visit to Lakeside Park is one of the top Kingsville attractions!
Lakeside Park is home to winding walking paths, a playground, and scenic gardens. Across Mill Creek stands a cobblestone bridge, which was built in 1928. Here, you’ll find the start to the beautiful gardens that wrap around the southern portion of the park.
As the name denotes, the park stretches along the northern shores of Lake Erie. Throughout the south end of the park, you’ll find a variety of views looking out over the water. Plus, Lakeside Park is also home to a lovely stretch of beach. The beach is large, sheltered sandy beach that’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and offloading your kayak or canoe into the water.
If you’re looking for things to do in Kingsville in winter then book your visit around Fantasy of Lights Festival! This nearly 30-year annual festival takes place across town. It starts with a Santa Claus parade downtown. The fun event is home to one of the many Christmas light displays in Ontario! Santa kicks it off by flipping the switch on the lights in Lakeside Park. Visitors will find a variety of light displays across the park. Fantasy of Lights runs from the end of November through the beginning of January.
Other events in the park include the Sun Parlour Folk Music Festival, concerts, and more! Plus, it’s also a popular spot for tobogganing in the winter as well as weddings all year long!
Address: 315 Queen St, Kingsville, ON
Visit a Winery
Thanks to the region’s southern location and ideal climate it’s great for grape growing! With four estate wineries in the area, one of the top things to do in Kingsville Ontario is enjoy a wine tasting!
Pelee Island Winery – One of the top wineries in Ontario, Pelee Island Winery covers over 700 acres both on Pelee Island and in Kingsville! They practice sustainable growing and have won many awards! At their Kingsville Winery they offer “Vine to Wine” tours where you’ll get to go behind the scenes and learn about the process, as well as taste test! Visitors can also indulge in a wine tasting on their patio with a backdrop of live music and sweeping vineyards.
Aleksander Estate Winery – Another award-winning winery is Aleksander Estate Winery! This family owned and operated winery offers tours and tastings seven days a week! The tour is roughly 45 minutes and includes a visit to their production facilities as well as the vineyard. Plus, you’ll get to sample their wine! They also offer cheese and wine pairings, with an option to choose from a charcuterie board or cheese fondue!
Mastronardi Estate Winery – This family-run winery is home to 100 acres of vineyards and a unique European-style tasting room! The Mastronardi Estate Winery offers daily wine tastings both inside their beautiful space or outside, and no reservations are required. Visitors can also take tours of this estate winery seasonally, however, you must book in advance.
Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery – A fabulous gem in Essex County is Black Bear Farms! First a farm, they also an Ontario estate winery that specializes in fruit wines. Black Bear Farms is set on 83 acres, just past Kingsville Golf & Country Club, and grows strawberries, raspberries, black currants, and more! So, if you’re looking for a unique wine tasting head to Black Bear!
Heritage Walking Tour
I always say that the best way to explore a place is on foot! So, when I wandered in the Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre in Kingsville, I was delighted for more then one reason! First, the historic building, a Carnegie Library built in 1914, is now home to an arts centre and tourist information. Within you’ll find an array of incredible local art, with rotating exhibitions.
Plus, among the pamphlets I found one about heritage buildings in Kingsville. The brochure includes a self-guided heritage walking tour of over 20 properties. All locations are within walking distance of downtown.
So, I set off to see some of these historic buildings. Many of the buildings are located along Division Street, as well as a few on Main Street. The pamphlet has a map with where all the buildings are. In addition, each location shares information about why each building has heritage designation. You’ll learn all about the different architecture styles, who the builder was, and who lived there.
A few stand out buildings:
A.C. Gardner Cobblestone House – Constructed in 1922 in a Craftsman style, this home is much like the cobblestone buildings in Paris Ontario. Many stones are said to come from beaches in Kingsville.
Kingsville Railway Station – Built for the Lake Erie, Essex, and Detroit River Railway in 1889, the station is located along the Chrysler Canada Greenway. It’s now home to the Mettawas Station Mediterranean Restaurant.
Howard Scratch House – This haunting building stood out! Built in the Italianate style in 1886, it’s full of interesting features and exotic materials.
The brochure also includes the Kingsville Heritage Driving Tour. This self-guided tour takes you to around 10 more heritage locations in the area.
Cedar Creek Conservation Area
For those looking for things to do in Kingsville Ontario outdoors, head to Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Also known as the Cedar Creek Provincial Park, it’s located approximately 10 minute drive west of Kingsville.
Cedar Creek covers 70 hectares and is a great spot for birding in Ontario! The nature reserve is one of the most significant natural areas in the Essex Region, thanks to its Carolinian forest and wetlands. It’s a hot spot for bald eagles and other birds, especially during migration.
Along with birdwatching, the park is also ideal for those looking to get out on the water. There is a launch that’s great for kayakers and canoers. It’s one of the best places to paddle in the region, with the scenic creek and its tributaries that lead out to Lake Erie.
Hiking is also popular in the park, especially in the fall! If you’re looking for an easy hike opt for the Cedar Creek Conservation Loop. This 1.3km trail is lovely for birding and a dose of nature. However, it’s often overgrown, so be sure to wear long pants.
Another great beach near Kingsville is located at the southern end of Cedar Creek. The Cedar Island Beach is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and wildlife spotting!
This is a non-operational park. It is open all year round, admission is free and so is parking.
Address: 3957-3961, Concession Rd 3, Essex, ON
Hike or Bike the Chrysler Canada Greenway
I love Ontario rail trails (recently completed the Caledon Trailway)! So, I was thrilled to discover that Kingsville is home to one!
The Chrysler Canada Greenway runs along the old rail line between Windsor and Kingsville. The trail is a multi-use trail and popular for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Covering 50km through Essex County, the trail takes you through forests, wetlands, and small towns. It also connects 25 different natural areas and various other trails like the Cypher Systems Group Greenway. Plus, it’s the southernmost portion of the Trans Canada Trail!
If you only have a few days in Kingsville don’t worry, you don’t need to complete it all! There are various entrances where you can enjoy a section of it. You can also find “Community Entrances” in Kingsville, Harrow, and Ruthven. The Essex Region Conservation website has a map of it, with the entrances, and you can find it here.
Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary
One of the top Kingsville tourist attractions is the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary! Covering over 400 acres, the park is filled with a wealth of things to do! There’s a museum, walking trails, and so much more!
For those who are not familiar with Jack Miner, he is known as one of the greatest naturalists as well as the father of conservation in North America! He was instrumental in founding in the banding of migrating waterfowl and in creating the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1916!
The Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary started in 1904 when he created a safe space for geese, and later other species, to stop, relax in the pond, and refuel. Now it’s a birding hot spot! During the spring and fall migrations, the sanctuary is a haven for birdlife. However, you’ll find an array of species on the grounds throughout the year.
Visitors can easily spend hours exploring the site! You can feed the ducks at the viewing pond or hiking the Kennedy Woods Trails. If you want to learn more about Jack Miner, his work, and birds then pop into the Jack Miner Museum. Here you’ll find a variety of artifacts from his life, photography, and interesting birding pieces. There’s also a picnic area, Jack’s old home, a gazebo, as well as a memorial to Jack and his wife, and more.
Travel Tips: Be prepared as the trails are often mucky in the spring or after wet weather. In addition, the museum is closed December until March.
Address: 332 Road 3 W, Kingsville
Visit a Brewery
Kingsville is home to a few great breweries with something for everyone’s taste! Two are located right downtown, the Kingsville Brewery and Banded Goose Brewing Company. The other, Grove Brewing Company, which originally was located next to The Grove Hotel, is just minutes from downtown.
Kingsville Brewing Co. & Taphouse – Created by two Canadian cousins, one who went on to play in the NHL, the Kingsville Brewery is a fabulous spot on Main Street! You can pop in for a brew, a flight, or dinner and drinks! They serve everything from appetizers to burgers and your server will help with choosing the right beer for you!
Banded Goose Brewing Company – Another popular spot on Main Street is the Banded Goose! This brewery and taphouse are an extension of Jacks Group, which also run Jacks Gastropub as well as accommodation options in town. They serve up awesome craft beers and have a great patio. If you’re hungry there is a delicious list of sharable plates on the menu.
Grove Brewing Company – Once located next to the Grove Hotel downtown, they’ve now moved into a massive facility that’s just minutes away. The Grove Brewery is known for their award-winning brewery and premium beers. In their new location they have a huge dining area with a full kitchen, a 40-tap draught tower, and a public walk-in beer fridge. Along with a mighty beer line up they’ve also expanded into hard seltzers. You’ll find a tasty menu with food made with locally sourced ingredients. Plus, street art fans will love their epic mural covering the side of the brewery!
Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village
Set on 100 acres, the Canadian Transportation Museum is one of Ontario’s largest transportation museums. The museum is home to a variety of antique vehicles. One of the most notable vehicles is a 1893 Shamrock horseless carriage, which is one of only two built!
The grounds are also home nature trails and the only Ambulance Museum in Canada. In addition, there’s a Heritage Village with over 20 unique buildings that date between the 1800s and 1920s. The village is a fun way to step back in time! It has a general store, one room schoolhouse, several houses, a church, and more!
Throughout the year the Museum hosts a number of events, like flea markets, which are very popular! The Flea Markets feature artisans and vendors from the Windsor-Essex area.
Guided and self-guided tours are available. Plus, there’s a 50’s diner that’s open for breakfast and lunch Thursday to Sunday.
Address: 6155 Arner Townline, Kingsville
Visit a Farm
Essex County is largely an agricultural community and is home to North America’s largest concentration of vegetable greenhouses! So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Kingsville Ontario then visit one of the many farms in the area.
Eh Oh Farm – If you’re looking for places to pick your own flowers in Ontario then head to Eh Oh Farm! This beautiful 7-acre herb and flower farm allows visitors to create a bouquet by picking their own flowers!
Meleg’s Lakeview Orchard & Cider Mill – Covering 65 acres, this family owned and operated farm grows a range of fruit and vegetables. Visitors can enjoy pick your own apples, blackberries, pears, and more!
Kingsville Restaurants
You’ll be hungry with all that exploring! Thanks to all of the incredible farms in the area many of the restaurants in Kingsville use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients! Plus, there’s a restaurant to suite everyone’s appetite, from pub grub to Italian or Mexican!
El Diablo – This isn’t your traditional Mexican restaurant! El Diablo serves up incredible tacos, along with a globally inspired menu, and fun cocktails. Their margaritas and empanadas are a must!
Beach House Grill – This family-friendly restaurant serves up a wide selection of menu items, from burgers to Italian. Two of their popular dishes are the chicken and waffles and their perch tacos.
Mettawas Station Mediterranean Restaurant – One of the coolest places to eat in Kingsville is in their historic 1880s train station. Now an incredible restaurant serving up Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll find everything from pizza to steak on the menu.
Where to stay in Kingsville
I highly recommend staying a few days in Kingsville! If you’re looking for places to stay in Kingsville, you’ll find an assortment of options. In town you’ll find bed and breakfasts, inns, and boutique hotels.
The Grove
I stayed at the Grove Hotel during my Kingsville visit. The hotel is located right downtown in a historic hotel that was built in 1860. It’s picturesque from the inside and out with its bright blue exterior and towering white columns.
This boutique hotel has individually themed rooms. I had the Bye Bye Birdie room but other themes include Canadiana, cars, and beer! Some suites have private balconies overlooking Main Street too! Plus, if you’re looking for a great way to explore town, the hotel offers bike rentals.
Hellemsfield Inn – This bed and breakfast is located just south of downtown in a residential neighbourhood. The Inn is warm and welcoming with a contemporary vibe. Every room has a seating area, private bathroom, and flat-screen TV. There’s also a shred lounge, garden, and breakfast daily. Vegetarian options are also available.
Inn Suites – With two unique locations, there’s a room to suite everyone! Inn 15 Brewery Loft Suites is located downtown and conveniently above Banded Goose Brewery. Rooms are eclectic and you can use their bicycles for free. The other location is Inn 31, which is above Jack’s Gastropub. Located minutes south of downtown, the rooms are modern and cozy.
Day trips from Kingsville
Kingsville is a great place to base yourself when exploring southwestern Ontario! There are a ton of great day trips from Kingsville that you can take, depending on how long you stay.
Point Pelee National Park
Just over 20 minutes east of Kingsville is one of the best national parks in Ontario! Point Pelee National Park is small but incredibly ecologically diverse! The park is home to forested trails, picturesque beaches, and nearly three quarters of it is marshland. Top attractions within the park include the marsh boardwalk, an epic lookout tower, and the DeLaurier Homestead.
Chatham
Another charming town in southwestern Ontario, Chatham is roughly an hour northeast of Kingsville. With a quaint downtown, museums, and incredible buildings, there is plenty of things to do in Chatham to fill up a day trip. Plus, it’s home to one of the most unique hotels in Ontario, Retro Suites!
Windsor
If you’re looking for big city fun then head to Windsor! At 40 minutes north and right across the border from Detroit, Windsor has a lot to offer visitors! There are many fabulous parks and gardens, as well as restaurants and street art to be discovered.
Plan your trip to Kingsville
The southwestern area of the province is full of great Ontario road trip destinations! So, if you’re planning a road trip to Kingsville, I’ve got all the answers to your questions! Discover how long to stay, where to park, and the best things to see in Kingsville!
What is Kingsville Ontario Known for? – Kingsville is known as the southernmost town in Canada! With a favourable climate, the region is also known as a rich agricultural centre. It’s sometime referred to as “Canada’s Paradise Garden.”
Where to Park – The Town of Kingsville has several free parking lots. One is across from Miller’s Bakery, at the corner of King and Chestnut Streets. For a map of the others, click here.
How Long to Stay – I recommend staying for a minimum of two nights in Kingsville. This will give you enough time to visit most of the top attractions, eat at a few restaurants, and go at a comfortable pace.
Top Things to do in Kingsville – Explore and shop downtown Kingsville, Lakeside Park, visit a winery and brewery, Chrysler Canada Greenway, Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, Cedar Creek Conservation Area, and Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village.
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