Leamington, Ontario

Location: Lake Erie

Ease of Getting There: 9/10

Ease of Staying There: 9/10

Ease of Eating There: 9/10

On the north shores of Lake Erie, discover Leamington, Ontario, a town packed with vibrant history and culture. With several unique annual events, you’ll have new reasons to visit the “Tomato Capital of Canada” several times of year.

Positioned in the southernmost point of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park is a place for hiking, bird watching, canoeing, swimming, picnics and other fun outdoor activities. Walk the longest continuous natural beach in Essex County while enjoying the spectacular views of Lake Erie.

You may notice a few tomato-like objects in the town, like the iconic water tower and tourist information booth. These landmarks pay homage to the town’s heritage as an agricultural center and, of course, the H.J. Heinz Company's center for processing "red goods.” If you visit in August, you can attend the annual Tomato Festival that kicks off the tomato-harvesting season with car shows, beauty pageants, parades, a fair and more! 

Take part in the Festival of Birds, where over 40,000 visitors come to see the migration of over 300 species of birds. You’ll experience close up views of birds that cannot be seen anywhere else in the country.

Leamington’s rich cultural diversity allows visitors to dine at local restaurants that will transport your palate to new places. From inns and cottages to hotels and cabins, Leamington provides a variety of accommodations to choose from. 

Leamington, Ontario, is one hour away from Detroit, three and a half hours from Toronto, and five hours from Chicago by car. Leave extra time for border crossing if visiting Leamington from the states!