Things to See & Do
Chatham-Kent is a world-class cultural and recreational destination with more than 60 tourism experiences that surprise and impress the most discerning traveller.
From its fascinating historic treasurers to its natural wonders and man-made creations, Chatham-Kent is always worth the trip.
Things to See
Only in Chatham-Kent, will visitors find Chief Tecumseh’s fateful battlefield, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, reflections of an 1860’s oil boomtown and artifacts from the oldest village in Southwestern Ontario.
Chatham-Kent celebrates four seasons of culture with galleries, theatre and family-themed attractions located in its many quaint towns, urban centres, rural and waterfront communities.
Things to Do
Chatham-Kent’s national museums and historic sites reveal the important events and people that helped shape this region and our nation.
Chatham-Kent’s rich agricultural and automotive ties provide tourism experiences like nowhere else.
Classic car attractions give visitors a rare opportunity to view luxury and exclusivity. Many of Chatham-Kent’s agriculture and car-themed festivals are rated some of the best in Canada.
Chatham-Kent is a recreational resort for golfers, scuba divers and fans of extreme water sports, and is world-renowned with anglers and birders. Only here, can anglers select from one of the last remaining muskie lakes and world’s most productive fresh water lake. And only here, can bird watchers find an abundance of rare southern species that flock to the unique Carolinian habitat of Chatham-Kent’s parklands.
Places to Eat
Family farms invite exploration and home-grown goodness can be enjoyed at many fine restaurants.
Wining and dining in Chatham-Kent is a delicious experience for the visitor interested in sampling local flavours.
Steak and seafood houses, European inspired restaurants and traditional eateries accent authentic cuisine with the area’s bountiful harvest, supporting the initiative to “Buy Local, Buy Fresh”.
Creative chefs add their flare to fresh fish caught from surrounding lakes and bays at waterfront restaurants like Molly and OJ’s in the Village of Erieau. Restaurants also utilize locally grown vegetables and fruit to accent their dishes at eateries such Italian-inspired Rossini’s Restaurant and the Breakfast House and Grill restaurant, also known as Churrascaria, featuring Portuguese flavours.
Many of Chatham-Kent’s dining destinations also showcase the fruitfulness of the region’s local award-winning winery, Smith & Wilson Estate Wines.
Wine connoisseurs can sip wines and enjoy the stunning view of the 50-acre vineyard that leads down to Lake Erie. Smith & Wilson wines are made from the grapes grown at the vineyard, providing local authenticity in every bottle.
Smith & Wilson Estate Wines is the beginning of Southwestern Ontario’s Wine Route that features 11 wineries here and in neighbouring Windsor-Essex. Complete wine tour information is available at www.swovintners.com.
Places to Stay
At the end of a busy vacation day in Chatham-Kent there is always a comforting place to rest; the style and location of accommodation is the choice of the traveller.
Chatham-Kent’s eclectic collection of attractions draws a diverse population of travellers with varying styles and budgets. Accommodations here meet every taste.
Guests may choose to spend the night in one of Ontario’s most uniquely themed boutique hotels located in the heart of Chatham-Kent’s largest urban centre. Or they may enjoy the comfort of newly renovated guest rooms at one of many national hotel chains found in several Chatham-Kent communities.
Beachcombers can relax in cabins near the shore in Chatham-Kent’s quaint waterfront communities while campers can choose to stay in the heart of rare Carolinian forest at provincial parks or family camping resorts.
Travellers may prefer the home-away-from-home feeling of a bed and breakfast. They can choose from magnificent Victorian homes and enjoy the personal service and homemade breakfasts of Chatham-Kent’s bed and breakfast proprietors.
For more information, please visit www.visitck.com.