Shore to Shore Day

From the shores of Lake Erie to the shores of Lake St. Clair, there are so many restaurants in CK to try, places to shop, and adventures to be had. Whether you're going on a date, bringing the kids, or are a kid at heart, here are few great ideas for the perfect shore to shore day in CK. 

Hiking Shore to Shore

Start out the morning with a beautiful nature hike in the Clear Creek Provincial Park, near Lake Erie. Travel along the north of Chatham-Kent to Dresden to hike the beautiful historic Trillium Trail. This trail is a perfect way to explore the town, enjoying the lush greenery and learning local stories along the way. Stop in at Union Block Bakery for a delicious lunch and treat. From here, take the short drive to Wallaceburg, grab an ice cream cone from The Sugar Shack to enjoy while hiking the Wallace St. Recreational Trail. Afterwards head to Mitchell's Bay for a hike on the South Lakeshore Trail and grab a photo with the amazing sculptures along the way. Finish the day with dinner at the Parkside or Bob 'n' Buoys and watch the sunset over the bay. CK has over 55 hiking trails scattered throughout our communities; you can mix and match several hiking combos as you explore nature from shore to shore.

The Playground Hop

This is a jam-packed day to keep the kids busy. Start out the morning climbing the rock wall at the Mitchell's Bay playground while enjoying views of wide-open skies and water. Then, travel into Chatham to cool off at the amazing Kingston Park with its giant splash pad and multiple play areas. Grab a sweet treat at Big Ricky's Little Bake Shoppe while you watch the kids play. As you head out to explore Erieau's beach playground, stop at Willow Ridge Pub and Eatery in Blenheim. Nothing beats a delicious meal before building sand castles and making memories at the beach.

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Enjoy a quiet morning in nature with some bird watching at the St. Clair National Wildlife Area, a 242-hectare wetland. Take a stroll through historic Pain Court, one of the earliest French-speaking communities in Southern Ontario. Head to Sons of Kent's patio in Chatham for lunch and a tasting flight of their craft beers. From here, you can stroll and shop Chatham's boutique downtown. When you're ready to leave the city, enjoy the views of open skies and fields as you visit Crazy 8 Barn and enjoy their amazing butter tarts. Travel Talbot Trail to Rondeau for a relaxing evening watching the sunset over the bay with dinner on the patio at Rondeau Joe's.

Shopping Shore to Shore

Grab a friend and take a self-guided tour of CK's unique locally-owned shops. Start the day in Wheatley visiting stores like Briar Patch Studio and The Cellar Door Wines . Try some Lebanese cuisine for lunch at  Sally's Restaurant in Tilbury, and explore the main street to shop at Bricks & Blooms and Little Bo-Tique. Head over to Chatham to shop Purple Pansy, Sonya Roe Jewellers or Barrypatch Collectibles. Finish the day at Mitchell's Bay for dinner at Parkside Restaurant or Bob n' Buoys Bar & Boil. Watch the sunset over the bay while you share your amazing shopping finds and plan your next shore to shore shopping route.