Amherstburg, Ontario, is one of those peaceful towns that makes for a perfect weekend escape. Located right at the mouth of where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie, this gem of a spot is actually one of the oldest towns in the province with a history dating back to the 1700s.

The history of Amherstburg, Ontario

According to Essex County, “The first Europeans to settle in Essex County were French. Former soldiers from Fort Pontchartrain or Fort Detroit crossed the Detroit River about 1747 and began settling in Amherstburg.”

Yep, you read that right, 1747. Amherstburg then grew as a garrison town in the shadow of Fort Malden, which would play a pivotal role in the War of 1812.

Fort Malden is now a National Historic Site in the town, where tales of many years past are told. The location was the British stronghold on the Detroit frontier during the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837-1838.

Today, people from all over come to experience the reenactments that take place daily, including musket firing demonstrations.

Some of the buildings that can be explored are the pensioner’s cottage, officer’s quarters and soldiers’ barracks.

The museum on-site also has artifacts that date back 200 years.

Admission to the Fort Malden National Historic Site is $4.50 for adults, $4 for seniors and $4 for seniors.

Some of the other prominent landmarks that show off little slices of the town’s history include:

  • Gordon House
  • Kings Navy Yard Park
  • Provincial Marine Monument
  • International Peace Sculpture
  • Amherstburg Freedom Museum
  • General Amherst Murals
  • Wigle Park

Grab a bite in Amherstburg, Ontario

If you’re visiting this lakeside town, why not pop in at one of the lakeside restaurants?

Riccardo’s is a beloved Italian spot with a menu full of classic dishes like baked lasagne, arancini chicken parmigiana and veal chop.

Bon appetit!

And don’t forget to check out the Amherstburg River Winter Lights Festival before it ends on Jan. 5, 2025, , where hundreds of customized LED light displays light up the town’s two main parks, King’s Navy Yard Park and Toddy Jones Park.

Recent Posts:
5 winter day trips to Ontario parks you can take near Toronto
One of the most iconic places in Ontario is a park & it’s not just a summer destination

Taylor Lucas

Associate Editor – Taylor is a Toronto-based journalist with a passion for storytelling. Whether chasing a story, writing, or editing, she brings a creative spin to the media world and has a blast doing it. Taylor brings years of journalism experience in sports, local/national news, and entertainment. In her spare time, you can typically find Taylor trying out a new restaurant or cocktail bar, cooking, golfing or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

Read articles