Six Good Reasons To Cross The Canadian Border
Black Heritage Route
Several locations
www.ontariotravel.net
The Detroit River was a major crossing point for the Underground Railroad. The Black Heritage Route traces the route of escaped slaves who followed the North Star to Canada from the mid- to late-1800s. Among the sites along the route is abolitionist Rev. Josiah Henson's home – the original inspiration for Uncle Tom's Cabin – and the Buxton National Historic Site, Canada's first black settlement.
Odette Sculpture Park
2450 McDougall Street
Windsor, Ontario N8X 3N6, Canada
(519) 253-2300
www.citywindsor.ca
Windsor's Odette Sculpture Park on the Detroit River is called a "museum without walls." It features 31 large-scale works of contemporary sculpture by world-renowned artists. The park is maintained by the City of Windsor Parks and Recreation. Admission is free and parking is available within the park.
Point Pelee National Park of Canada
(613) 860-1251
www.pc.gc.ca
Point Pelee, one of Canada's smallest national parks, attracts approximately 300,000 visitors each year. One big reason: For a few days each fall, it is a temporary home to thousands of migrating monarch butterflies. Point Pelee also is a major stopping point for migrating birds, making it a prime destination for birders. More than 370 species of birds have been recorded in Point Pelee and the surrounding area.
Stratford Shakespeare Festival
P.O. Box 520
Stratford, Ontario N5A 6V2
(800) 567-1600
www.stratfordfestival.ca
With William Shakespeare as its foundation, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival holds performances at four venues in Stratford, about three hours from Detroit. It aims to set the standard for classical theater in North America. It's much more than just Shakespeare plays. The playbill also includes productions for just about every taste.
Wine
Various Locations
www.winesofontario.org
Southeast Michigan is just a short drive from the wine country. We don't know how the wine snobs rate the vineyards and wineries of Ontario and we don't care. A trip to the Ontario wine country is a great escape. One of the most popular and picturesque places to explore is the www.peleeisland.com, which is about an hour's drive from downtown Detroit.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Box 219
Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0
(705) 633-5572
www.algonquinpark.on.ca
Algonquin Provincial Park is a long, long drive – seven hours and change from Detroit. But if you have the time, this massive place is worth checking out. It is located in south-central Ontario and covers 2,946 square miles. At Algonquin, view the brilliant fall colors, see wildlife, hike one of 14 trails, go for a paddle and bring along your tent for a multi-day camping adventure. The only way to explore the interior of this park is by canoe or on foot. How cool is that?
