Cathy and I visit historic Amherstburg, as part of our drive along the North Shore of Lake Erie . Amherstburg is right on the Detroit River that connects Lake Erie to Lake Huron and the Upper Great Lakes.
The Old Town
We book into the Bondy House Bed and Breakfast. Our hosts Merv and Carolyn are wonderful. The Bondy House is in the center of town, and we walk to excellent local restaurants, ice cream parlors, and historic sites. Great milk shakes and sundaes at Waterfront Ice Cream, and go to the Teller Cafe for a mid morning coffee and pastry, and some interesting murals.
For mid-week in September, the town is quite busy. Apparently business is up 30% or more as we Canadians choose this year to explore our own country, so probably best to make hotel reservations. Cathy and I both really like Amherstburg and the surrounding region, and we will be back.
Fort Malden and the War of 1812
Fort Malden dates back to the War of 1812 and guards the shipping channel from Lake Erie to the Upper Great Lakes. The original fort was built by the British, lost to the Americans during the War of 1812 and finally returned to the British as part of the peace treaty. The fort itself is an impressive restoration by Parks Canada. But what we find particulary interesting is the guided tour. We come away with a better understanding of life of a British Red Coat in a remote fort in Upper Canada, and even learn to how to load and fire a musket.
King’s Navy Yard
The British and American fleets engaged in a critical battle in 1812 that the Americans won. The domino effect was the takeover of Fort Malden and surrounding towns including Detroit by the Americans. The Navy Yard is where the British ships were built and armed, as Niagara Falls cut off any access from the Atlantic Ocean. We stroll along the river board walk and take in the various statues and historical plaques.
Freedom Museum and the Underground Railway
Amherstburg was one of the Underground Railway Stations for slaves fleeing northward to Canada. The Freedom Museum tells that story. We recommend taking the guided tour through the various buildings on site.
