Leamington, also dubbed the Tomato Capital of Canada, due to the large tomato processing factory that was there and made famous by H J Heinz and Heinz Ketchup, is one of the most southwestern towns in all of Canada. For many years, Leamington was the home of the H J Heinz factory and is now famously known for growing tomatoes made in French Ketchup. It’s the neighbour of Kingsville, Ontario (read about what to do in that town here) and is handy to Windsor. Leamington is home to a diverse population, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry and vibrant community life. There are a range of attractions, activities and things to do in Leamington that make it a great place to visit.
Leamington is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year and has planned events, historical exhibits and more reflecting the past and turning toward its dynamic future. You can check out more information on that by heading over to leamington.ca/150.
When you drive into Essex County, Ontario from bigger cities such as Toronto, London or Hamilton, be prepared to walk a little slower. In Leamington, it’s a slower pace. You can take the time to investigate the small town and what the shops have to offer. In Leamington, the shopkeeper has a minute to speak with you and help you find what you are looking for. They won’t send you away or simply point you to an aisle. The sidewalks aren’t crowded and there’s always space for you at the restaurant.
If you happen to find yourself in or heading to this Ontario town, you might ask yourself, what are the things to do in Leamington, Ontario? You will find that there is much more to Leamington than these fruit and commercial greenhouses! My son and I explored the area together and here is what we found.
Where is Leamington?
Leamington is in SouthWestern Ontario, close to Windsor. It is located on the north shore of Lake Erie, about 45 kilometres southeast of Windsor, Ontario, and directly across the lake from Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States. The town is in Essex County, the farthest south you can get in all of Canada. Windsor is approximately 45 kilometres to the northwest, by Highway 3. Toronto is approximately 350 kilometres to the northeast.
Things To Do in Leamington
Leamington is famous for its tomato production, and every August, the town celebrates the Tomato Festival, which includes a parade, live entertainment, and various tomato-themed activities. I have yet to attend, but I hear it’s a great time! For things to see and do in Leamington, read on!
There are many locally owned stores and businesses to support in Leamington. Two of Leamington’s main attractions are Point Pelee National Park and Wheatley Provincial Park, making this region an exciting spot for outdoor enthusiasts. These parks are renowned for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations.
You’ll want to head over to my blog post on Kingsville for the mini-put course and garden centre explorations. Kingsville is the town just over from Leamington! You can read that post here.
Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park offers a variety of activities that make it a great destination for a day or a camping trip under the canopy of the Carolinian Forest. While you are visiting, here are some of the things you can do:
Point Pelee is renowned for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Over 390 species of birds have been recorded here. I would recommend that you bring your binoculars and explore the various trails and observation points. The park has several well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Some popular trails include the Marsh Boardwalk, the Woodland Nature Trail, and the DeLaurier Homestead Trail. The Marsh Boardwalk trail is a floating boardwalk that takes you through the heart of the park’s marshland. It’s a great spot for wildlife viewing.
Point Pelee is the southernmost point of mainland Canada, known as “The Tip,” and is a must-visit. Are you even at Point Pelee if you don’t head to the tip? A shuttle service operates from the visitor centre to the Tip, where you can stand on the narrow strip of land jutting into Lake Erie.
Additionally, there are bike-friendly trails throughout the park. You can rent bikes or bring your own to explore the park on two wheels.
Point Pelee has beautiful sandy beaches along Lake Erie. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or a picnic by the water. The beaches are located near the park’s visitor center. The park’s visitor centre offers exhibits on the park’s natural history, a theatre showing educational films, and a gift shop. It’s a good starting point to learn more about what the park has to offer.
Also, the park offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, particularly in the marsh areas. You can rent canoes and kayaks on-site or bring your own.
If your trip is a camping trip to one of the oTentiks (overnight accommodation), Point Pelee is an excellent spot for stargazing due to its relatively low light pollution. An oTENTik tent is a cross between a tent and a cabin. Note – It’s advisable to book your oTENTik site in advance through the Parks Canada website, to ensure availability.
Wheatley Provincial Park
Wheatley Provincial Park is located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, near the town of Wheatley. However, approximately 15 kilometres to the west lies Leamington, so I will group Wheatley Provincial Park into things to do in Leamington.
On a day trip, hiking is an obvious choice to explore. The park features several hiking trails that meander through forests, marshes, and along the shores of Lake Erie. The trails are well-marked and suitable for all skill levels. There is a diverse plant and animal life, including rare Carolinian species. Wheatley’s mix of habitats—forest, wetland, and shoreline—supports a wide range of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, turtles, and amphibians. The park has sandy beaches along Lake Erie where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the water. The water is generally warm during the summer months. Picnic tables and shelters are available throughout the park. So bring your food and enjoy a picnic with friends or family.
The park is known for excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for species like yellow perch, walleye, and bass. The park’s location along the shores of Lake Erie and its creeks makes it a prime spot for anglers. Note – there is a boat launch available for those who want to fish from a boat.
Wheatley Provincial Park is a hotspot for birdwatching, particularly during the spring and fall migrations (note, bird watching is best done quietly). Look for warblers, waterfowl, and other migratory birds. There are several good spots within the park to set up your binoculars and observe birds. You can also explore the park’s creeks and marshes by canoe or kayak – if you don’t have your own, you can rent one.
If you want to camp there, the park offers a variety of camping options, including sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. Many sites are situated in forested areas, providing shade and privacy.
I am advising you to book 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
For a portion of a day in Leamington, please plan to spend it around the intersectional area of Talbot and Erie Streets in Downtown Leamington. Everything in this cute town core is very walkable. Parking on the street is free for two hours during the day and then again after 6:00 pm. Either way, that will give you enough time to pursue the shops.
There are some serious shopping opportunities on Talbot Street, in Uptown Leamington. For high-end clothing for the upscale casual, mature woman, make your way to The Clothing Bar on Talbot Street West. The Clothing Bar boats day-to-night capsule wardrobe looks, professional office wear and party chic. The Clothing Bar carries Brunette The Label, a Canadian clothing line that boasts the Country Girl, Brunette and Blonde shirt captions. If you are looking for a blazer and jeans to go with the shirt or the ever-popular casual bottoms to wear to your teleconference calls? You’ll find it all at The Clothing Bar. Accessories are sold here as well so you can top your outfits off with dazzling purses and fun shoes.
A little way down the road, Wharram Jewellery on Talbot Street West will drop your jaw with gorgeous designs by Jessica Wharram. The shop was founded by her grandfather in 1955. If supporting a family business is your jam, this is the place to spend your money. Jessica’s sister works in the shop as well and proudly shows off the showcased designs. If you’re set on a certain piece, but hope someone will purchase it as a gift for you, be sure to make your gift registry there, then send your certain someone(s) in to purchase for you!
The Leamington Art Centre supports local arts and artisans through exhibitions and showcases throughout the year. One of the initiatives is an artisan market. Free for patrons to enter, this annual holiday arts and crafts show features over 20 vendors with wares of woodcrafts, driftwood, paintings on oil, watercolours, bath bombs, oils and scents, jewellery and hand-crafted seasonal decor. There are lots of holiday gift ideas and stocking stuffers to be purchased in this one spot!
Beer and Wine In And Around Leamington
The region is part of the Lake Erie North Shore wine region, with several wineries offering tastings and tours. Local restaurants often feature fresh, local produce, making for delicious dining experiences.
There are several breweries near Leamington, Ontario, where you can enjoy a variety of craft beers. Here are some notable ones in and around the town:
Cured Craft Brewing Co., located at 43 Mill Street West, this brewery offers a selection of craft beers and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great spot to enjoy a drink and a meal. Lot 10 Brewing Company, located at 263 Talbot Street West, Lot 10 Brewing Company offers a range of craft beers brewed on-site. The brewery features a comfortable taproom and often hosts events.
Close to Leamington is GL Heritage Brewing Company in Amherstburg, The Grove Brew House, Kingsville Brewery and Banded Goose Brewing Compnay all in Kingsville.
These breweries offer a great opportunity to explore the local craft beer scene, each providing unique flavors and experiences. Whether you’re a fan of traditional styles or looking for something new and innovative, you’ll find a variety of options near Leamington.
Leamington itself is more renowned for its agricultural production, particularly greenhouse-grown vegetables, and it doesn’t have a large number of wineries within the town limits. However, there are a few notable wineries close to Leamington that you can visit.
One of the largest and most well-known wineries in the area, Pelee Island Winery in Kingsville produces a wide range of wines and offers tastings and tours. In Colchester you’ll find North 42 Degrees Estate Winery known for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Over in Harrow, you’ll find Muscedere Vineyards, a family-owned and operated winery producing small-batch wines such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah as well as Oxley Estate Winery and Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW).
While these wineries are not located directly in Leamington, they are all within a short drive and offer excellent wine tasting experiences. The close proximity to Leamington makes it easy to visit these wineries as part of a day trip or weekend getaway.
Where to Eat in Leamington
Around Leamington, local restaurants often feature fresh, local produce, making for a delicious dining experience.
If you’re planning on taking some baked goods on your way home, get your sweets at Christine’s Bake Shop. Christine opened this location on Talbot Street East in August of 2021 after previously operating out of a church. She’s the namesake and master baker in this family-run operation. Her son makes the tarts and cookies and his fiance chips in making the chocolate bombs – which are amazing by the way! Most products are made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients and local fruits and vegetables when in season. Baked goods can also make a great gift basket, which Christine can have customized for you and can take the pressure off of you preparing it!
Warm up with a late breakfast or brunch treats at Lakeside Bakery Deli Cafe. The moment you open the door, you smell the fresh bread. If you weren’t hungry before you walked in, you most certainly would be then. The cafe is perfect for coffee, hot chocolate, croissants, muffins, and macaroons all made in-house, sandwiches, soups or salads that you can enjoy by a toasty fireplace. Once you’ve had your baked goods fix, shop the bakery section for fresh items to take home as giftable for hosts with the most!
While dinner at the hotel is tempting once you’ve arrived, gather up the energy and head to Thirteen at The Inn for an amazing meal. Located on the shores of Lake Erie and inside the Seacliff Inn in Leamington, the super chill nautical vibes with upscale finishes enhance the contemporary vibe. Enjoy fresh-cut meat, fish and superb service. Serving local whisky and vodka from nearby Wolfhead Distillery in Amherstburg and wine from Pelee Island Winery, you won’t be disappointed with the drink menu. Top tip from experience – start your meal with the French Onion Soup and pair it with the Pelee Island Riesling. Match made in taste bud heaven!
You have to head to Armando’s in Leamington for a Detroit-style pizza. Just as a heads up, it takes a half-hour to prepare this pizza, so if you’re hungry, plan accordingly! You could also go for one of Armando’s signature pizzas or create one of your own and taste for yourself why they’re so popular.
If I’m making you drool by this point, pop into Crave Family Grill and Pub on Erie Street to get your craft beer and pub food fix. Local Lake Erie fish is on the menu as well as craft beer from all over the area. Word on the street is the tacos are customizable and the chicken fingers are pretty good!
Where To Stay In Leamington?
I stayed at the Best Western Plus Leamington, close to Point Pelee National Park with my son. It’s good for couples getaways, families or work travellers. The hotel has a generous-sized pool with an arcade area and a rock climbing wall if you’re looking for more fun in your day and it’s a great place for the kids to play.
The lobby restaurant is open for breakfast and evening fare and has a bar should you want a nightcap. The rooms are quiet, and come equipped with a coffee maker and mini-fridge to bring your leftovers and purchases throughout the day back too. You’ll find that the room is perfect, and the comfortable bed will give you a cozy place to rest your head.
Are you thinking of booking your own accommodations in the Essex County area? Start by looking here!
Please note, that I receive a very small commission at no extra charge to you if you book accommodations through one of the links or maps.
Leamington’s strategic location on Lake Erie, close to the U.S. border and major Ontario cities, makes it an accessible and attractive destination for both tourists and residents. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, Leamington has something to offer for everyone.
