Southern Exposure: Windsor, Essex, Pelee and Chatham-Kent

Estimated distance: 215 km/143 mi.

Shagbark hickory, tulip trees, and a protected oak savannah thrive at Rondeau Provincial Park near the western end of Lake Erie. Besides being a birding hotspot, Ontario's second largest provincial park is a natural environment park for recreation enthusiasts and naturalists, with opportunities for hiking or cycling on a variety of trails; check out the view from the observation tower. Nearby, the tiny green oasis of Point Pelee National Park is internationally known for its stunning autumn monarch butterfly migration.

Board the Jiimaan Ferry to Pelee Island, Canada's most southerly community. Spend the day walking the beautiful white sandy beaches, biking, birding, or fishing. Stop for lunch at Pelee Island Winery.

This region is home to several thriving wineries, collectively known as the Lake Erie North Shore & Pelee Island Wine Route, and harvest is the perfect time to enjoy their tours and tastings. While driving the wine route you will have opportunity to stop at the many local roadside stands to enjoy farm fresh fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, honey and flowers. Stop at Jones Popcorn outside of Leamington to pick up the fixings for your next movie night! Tucked away in every corner of nearby Windsor are haunting tales of intrigue and a ghostly self-guided tour booklet is available from the Windsor Visitors Centre.

The Chrysler Canada Greenway is a 50-kilometre corridor that runs from Oldcastle, just outside of Windsor, south to Harrow, then east through Kingsville to Ruthven. It is owned by Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and has been developed as a public trail for hiking, cycling and jogging, passing through natural areas, creeks and some of the most productive farmland in Canada. The Greenway now forms the southern arm of the Trans Canada Trail.

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