A day well spent in Windsor-Essex - Adventure and Relaxation

During our recent travels to Windsor-Essex, we took a trip to Peche Island and then enjoyed lunch at Healthy Mama before heading to the Adventure Bay Waterpark and checking in at Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront. We ended our evening with a delicious meal at Paramount Windsor and strolled by the waterfront to watch the sunset over the Detroit river. 

Peche Island located in the Detroit river has 86 acres of naturalized trails, canals, and ruins. It is a peaceful place to hike and enjoy the view of Windsor and Detroit. 

This island was owned by Hiram Walker in 1883 as his summer home. There used to be a stable, large home, greenhouse, and an icehouse. The property was sold in 1907 to the Province of Ontario, and City of Windsor acquired the land in 1999.

To get to the island, there is a less than a 10 minute boat ride that operates between June to October which adds to the excitement of going to see this Island. 

The boat ride costs $7.50 per person both ways and takes a maximum of 12 passengers each way. The boat goes back and forth from the marina to the Island every half hour between 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.; the last shuttle returns from Peche island at 3:30 p.m. The tours operate Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays weather permitting, and they require payments to be made at the time of booking. 

There are picnic and park benches around the island where we can sit and take in the natural beauty. They also have a couple of toilets close to the boat dock. The island has a pack-in pack-out policy, to keep it clean and tidy so everyone can go on a hike and enjoy.

The hike around the 2 km rustic trail took about 45 minutes to 1 hour. It was fun to see the river through the different lookouts. During this easy hike we can explore the flora and fauna, including several species at risk such as Kentucky Coffeetree, Butternut, Eastern Foxsnakes, and turtles. We saw the nesting zone of bald eagles, where dozens of bald eagles congregate every winter.

The high waters have impacted the island, so the city is doing restoration work to stabilize the island’s shoreline and regain some of the lost land.

Being surrounded by nature, staying by the water, watching the boats, and feeling the cool breeze even on a hot summer day felt peaceful. When you see the land, forest, and waterways of Peche Island you will understand why it attracts visitors.

When you plan to visit Peche island, you can enjoy the parks and open spaces close to the marina to walk around and relax.

Our next stop was the Adventure Bay waterpark.

When we entered the Adventure Bay waterpark located inside Windsor International Aquatic Centre, it reminded us a little of the Fallsview waterpark in Niagara Falls. This indoor park would be a fun way to spend a few hours or if you wish an entire day. It is the largest indoor waterpark in Southwestern Ontario. There are 10 water slides to keep the little ones and adults entertained for several hours. 

Since there is something for everyone – it is quite easy to fall in love with your favourite water slide/feature. There is a wave pool where children will enjoy splashing their way through. The lazy river inner-tube ride loops around; we can swim a little, walk in the water or relax and float. 

We enjoyed the Master Blaster and the Mammoth Python that snakes its way through twists, turns and a drop at the end. The FlowRider surf simulator was closed when we were there. The interactive Splash Zone and Tot Loch has swings, ground sprays, interactive features, and slides which is a fun spot for younger children.

There is an in-park concession to purchase treats and a lot of seating spread around the waterpark. Having day-use lockers in both the change rooms and waterpark area is convenient. 

The guests can bring their own locks or rent one from Guest Services. There are life jackets and plenty of lifeguards on site.

Children between 3 to 12 years can stay dry at the Cannon Cove located on the second floor of their facility. This three level indoor play area has obstacles and launch foam balls through air-powered cannons. Check www.adventurebay.ca to see the different admission rates they have.

We didn't get to visit the museums nearby the hotel before they closed, however we plan to visit the next time we are in Windsor. The Maison Francois Baby House built in 1812 is a National Historic Site of Canada located at 254 Pitt Street West; free admission. This museum features exhibitions of Windsor’s French Roots, Windsor and the War of 1812, and an Open Storage Artifact Room. The Chimczuk Museum which opened in 2016 gives a walk-through of the history of Windsor from prehistoric times to the present exploring the culture and legacy of Original Peoples of this area. There are changing temporary exhibitions and an interactive Hands-On History Room for children. This museum on 401 Riverside Drive West charges admission fees, and offer a variety of walking tours. www.museumwindsor.ca

We stayed at Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront. The hotel opened in 2017 and has 150 guest rooms and suites with two queen beds or single king beds. We liked that it is located right on Windsor's beautiful Riverside Drive, across the waterfront, where we can take a stroll to enjoy the gorgeous view of the Detroit landscape. 

The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Windsor, close to several restaurants, gardens, and the Windsor International Aquatic Centre. 

The hotel has all the amenities including a mini-fridge, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and complimentary hot buffet breakfast making the stay for families comfortable. The nearby parking has added fees. They also have a 24 hour Fitness Centre and indoor heated pool. 

During our stay, we walked by the Moksha Canada diversity festival right on the waterfront, where a lot of people gathered to listen to music, play, and have a good time. 

Disclosure: This post is created in partnership with Tourism Windsor-Essex. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2019. Please Ask First