Leamington, often referred to as the “Tomato Capital of Canada,” earned this title thanks to its prominent tomato processing factory made famous by H.J. Heinz and Heinz Ketchup. Located in the southwest region of Canada, Leamington has a rich history tied to tomato production and is known for creating the tomatoes used in French Ketchup. Situated next to Kingsville, Ontario, and conveniently close to Windsor, Leamington boasts a diverse population that adds to its vibrant cultural scene. The town offers a variety of attractions, activities, and experiences that make it an inviting destination for visitors.
In celebration of its 150th Anniversary this year, Leamington is hosting events, historical exhibits, and activities that commemorate its past while looking forward to a dynamic future. For more details, visit leamington.ca/150.
As you enter Essex County from larger cities like Toronto, London, or Hamilton, prepare to embrace a slower pace of life. In Leamington, you can leisurely explore the town and discover the unique offerings of local shops. Shopkeepers here take the time to engage with you, ensuring you find exactly what you need without rushing you along. The sidewalks are spacious, and you’ll always find room at a restaurant.
If you’re visiting or planning a trip to this charming Ontario town, you might wonder, “What are the things to do in Leamington, Ontario?” You’ll soon discover that there is much more to Leamington than just its greenhouse and agricultural landscapes! My son and I explored the area together, and here’s what we uncovered.
Where is Leamington?
Leamington is situated in Southwestern Ontario, near Windsor, along the north shore of Lake Erie. It’s located about 45 kilometers southeast of Windsor and directly across from Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States. This town is a part of Essex County, which is the southernmost point in all of Canada. Windsor is approximately 45 kilometers to the northwest via Highway 3, and Toronto is around 350 kilometers to the northeast.
Things To Do in Leamington
Leamington is well-known for its tomato production, and every August, the town celebrates the Tomato Festival, which features a parade, live entertainment, and numerous tomato-themed activities. While I have yet to attend, I hear it’s an excellent time! Read on for a list of things to see and do in Leamington!
The town is home to many locally owned shops and businesses. Two of Leamington’s main attractions are Point Pelee National Park and Wheatley Provincial Park, making this region an exciting hub for outdoor enthusiasts. These parks are especially renowned for birdwatching, particularly during the spring and fall migrations.
You may also want to check out my blog post about Kingsville, where I explore a mini-putt course and a garden center. Kingsville is located just a short distance from Leamington! You can read that post here.
Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip or a camping adventure beneath the canopy of the Carolinian Forest. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy while visiting:
Point Pelee is renowned for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migrations, with over 390 recorded bird species. I suggest bringing binoculars to explore the various trails and observation points. The park contains several well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, such as the Marsh Boardwalk, Woodland Nature Trail, and DeLaurier Homestead Trail. The Marsh Boardwalk is a floating walkway that allows you to navigate through the heart of the park’s marshland – a great spot for wildlife observation.
Point Pelee is also known as “The Tip,” being the southernmost point of mainland Canada, and it’s a must-visit. Are you really at Point Pelee if you don’t visit the tip? A shuttle service operates from the Visitor Centre to the Tip, where you can stand on the narrow strip of land protruding into Lake Erie.
Additionally, the park features bike-friendly trails. You can either rent bikes or bring your own to explore the park on two wheels.
The beaches along Lake Erie provide beautiful sandy spots for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking. Located near the Visitor Centre, the park’s Visitor Centre offers exhibits about the park’s natural history, a theater with educational films, and a gift shop, making it an ideal starting point to learn more about what the park has to offer.
The park also provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, particularly in the marsh areas, with options to rent canoes and kayaks on-site.
If you’re looking for a camping experience, the oTENTik accommodations at Point Pelee make for an excellent spot for stargazing due to minimal light pollution. An oTENTik tent is a cross between a tent and a cabin, and it’s best to book your site in advance through the Parks Canada website to guarantee availability.
Wheatley Provincial Park
Wheatley Provincial Park, found in southwestern Ontario near the town of Wheatley, lies about 15 kilometers west of Leamington. Thus, I’ll include Wheatley Provincial Park in the list of things to do in Leamington.
On a day trip, hiking is a great choice to explore the park. It features multiple hiking trails that wind through forests, marshes, and along the shores of Lake Erie. These trails are well-marked and suitable for all skill levels, showcasing diverse plant and animal life, including rare Carolinian species. Wheatley’s varied habitats—forests, wetlands, and shorelines—support abundant wildlife, including deer, raccoons, turtles, and amphibians. The park also has sandy beaches along Lake Erie, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water. The water tends to be warm during the summer months, and picnic tables and shelters are scattered throughout the park, allowing you to bring food and have a picnic with family or friends.
The park is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, especially for species like yellow perch, walleye, and bass. Thanks to its prime location along the shores of Lake Erie and its nearby creeks, it’s a popular spot for anglers. Note that there’s a boat launch available for fishing from a boat.
Wheatley Provincial Park is another top-notch birdwatching destination, especially during spring and fall migrations (it’s best to observe birds quietly). Look for warblers, waterfowl, and other migratory birds, as there are many suitable spots in the park to set up your binoculars and watch. The park’s creeks and marshes can also be explored by canoe or kayak, with available rentals on-site.
If you wish to camp, Wheatley Park offers a variety of camping options, including sites for tents, trailers, and RVs, many of which are set in forested areas providing shade and privacy.
I recommend booking your campsite and day-use site in advance through the Ontario Parks website to ensure availability.
Wheatley via Ontario Parks Media
Where to Shop in Leamington
During your time in Leamington, plan to explore the area around the intersection of Talbot and Erie Streets in Downtown Leamington. The charming town center is very walkable. Street parking is free for two hours during the day and again after 6:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to visit the shops.
Talbot Street, in Uptown Leamington, offers some great shopping opportunities. For high-end clothing catering to the stylish, mature woman, make your way to The Clothing Bar on Talbot Street West. This shop features a collection of day-to-night outfits, professional office wear, and chic party attire. The Clothing Bar proudly carries Brunette The Label, a Canadian clothing line known for its fun t-shirt captions. Whether you’re looking for a blazer and jeans or casual bottoms for virtual meetings, The Clothing Bar has it all, along with accessories like stylish purses and fun shoes.
A little further down, Wharram Jewellery on Talbot Street West showcases stunning designs by Jessica Wharram, whose grandfather founded the shop in 1955. If supporting family businesses is important to you, this is the perfect place to shop. Jessica’s sister also works at the store and is happy to help you explore the beautiful designs. If you have your eye on a particular piece, consider signing up for a gift registry so loved ones can buy it for you!
The Leamington Art Centre is dedicated to promoting local arts and artisans through exhibitions and showcases throughout the year, including an artisan market. This free event, held annually, features over 20 vendors selling products like woodcrafts, paintings, bath bombs, and hand-crafted seasonal décor, providing a fantastic selection for holiday gift shopping!
Beer and Wine In And Around Leamington
The area is part of the Lake Erie North Shore wine region, hosting several wineries that offer tastings and tours. Local restaurants feature fresh, local produce that enhances your dining experience.
In addition, there are numerous breweries near Leamington, Ontario, where you can enjoy a selection of craft beers. Noteworthy establishments include:
Cured Craft Brewing Co., located at 43 Mill Street West, offers a variety of craft beers and a menu with locally sourced ingredients, making it a great spot for a drink and a meal. Lot 10 Brewing Company, situated at 263 Talbot Street West, produces a range of craft beers brewed on-site and features a comfortable taproom for patrons. They often host events as well.
Nearby, you’ll find GL Heritage Brewing Company in Amherstburg, The Grove Brew House, Kingsville Brewery, and Banded Goose Brewing Company, all located in Kingsville.
These breweries provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the local craft beer scene, each offering unique flavors and experiences. Whether you’re a fan of classic styles or seeking something new, there is a diverse selection of options surrounding Leamington.
While Leamington is best known for its agricultural production, particularly for greenhouse-grown vegetables, it does not have many wineries within the town limits. However, a few notable wineries are located nearby.
Pelee Island Winery in Kingsville is one of the largest and most prominent wineries in the region, offering a diverse selection of wines along with tastings and tours. In Colchester, you can find North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, famous for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Harrow boasts Muscedere Vineyards, a family-owned winery producing small-batch wines like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, alongside Oxley Estate Winery and Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW).
Although these wineries aren’t located directly in Leamington, they are all easily accessible within a short drive, making them perfect for a day trip or weekend adventure.
Where to Eat in Leamington
Dining options around Leamington often highlight fresh, local produce, ensuring an enjoyable meal experience.
If you’re interested in taking home some baked goods, be sure to stop by Christine’s Bake Shop, located on Talbot Street East. Christine launched this family-run operation in August 2021 after previously baking out of a church. As the namesake and master baker, she crafts most of the products from scratch using local ingredients when in season. Many items—including tarts and chocolate bombs made by her son and his fiancée—are made fresh. You can even get a customized gift basket, which Christine can prepare for you!
To warm up with a late breakfast or brunch, visit Lakeside Bakery Deli Café. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, making it impossible not to feel hungry. This cozy café offers delicious coffee, hot chocolate, freshly made croissants, muffins, macaroons, sandwiches, soups, and salads that can be savored by a cozy fireplace. After your treat, don’t forget to grab some fresh items to take home as gifts for your hosts!
Once you’ve settled in, gather the energy to visit Thirteen at The Inn for a fantastic dining experience. Located on the shores of Lake Erie inside the Seacliff Inn in Leamington, this establishment’s relaxed nautical atmosphere complemented by upscale finishes enhances the contemporary feel. You can enjoy expertly cut meats, fresh fish, and superb service. The drink menu features local whiskey and vodka sourced from nearby Wolfhead Distillery in Amherstburg and wine from Pelee Island Winery. A personal tip: start your meal with the French Onion Soup paired with the Pelee Island Riesling – an incredible flavor combination!
Don’t miss Armando’s for Detroit-style pizza! Just a heads up: it takes about half an hour to prepare, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry! You can choose from one of Armando’s signature pizzas or design your own to discover why they’re such a hit.
If all this talk of food is making you hungry, stop by Crave Family Grill and Pub on Erie Street for a craft beer and some pub food. The menu features local Lake Erie fish, as well as craft beers from across the region. Rumor has it that the customizable tacos and chicken fingers are crowd favorites!
Where To Stay In Leamington?
During my visit to Leamington, my son and I stayed at the Best Western Plus, conveniently located near Point Pelee National Park. It’s suitable for couples, families, or business travelers. The hotel features a large pool, arcade area, and even a rock climbing wall, providing plenty of entertainment for children.
The lobby restaurant offers breakfast and dinner, plus a bar if you’re looking for a nightcap. Rooms are quiet, equipped with coffee makers and mini-fridges for your leftovers and goodies from throughout the day. Each room is comfortable, providing you with the perfect spot to unwind.
Interested in booking your accommodations in the Essex County area? Start here!
Please note that if you book accommodations through one of the links or maps, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
With its strategic location along Lake Erie, close to the U.S. border and major Ontario cities, Leamington is an accessible and attractive destination for both tourists and locals. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply indulging in local cuisine, Leamington has something special for everyone.
