Port information & tips for Windsor
Windsor is the charming gateway to Southern Ontario and captivates visitors with its unique location directly on the Detroit River, opposite the imposing Detroit skyline. The city offers an impressive waterfront with extensive green spaces and combines Canadian hospitality with urban flair. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the artistic Windsor Riverfront Sculpture Park, the idyllic Dieppe Gardens, and the famous Caesars Windsor. Cruise ships dock at the central Windsor International Transit Terminal, which is located right in the heart of the city. Thanks to this prime location, visitors can easily reach the most important sights, first-class restaurants, and the vibrant downtown area within a few minutes' walk, ensuring a diverse and comfortable shore excursion.
The Windsor cruise port, with the Dieppe Cruiseship Terminal as its port of call, is easily accessible for guests from the DACH region thanks to its convenient location on the Detroit River and good transport links both from Canada and via the nearby USA.
Airplane
For international guests, we recommend arriving via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in the USA, which is located only about 47 kilometers from Windsor and is a major hub with numerous international flight connections. From DTW, you can easily reach Windsor by taxi or specialized private shuttle services; the journey through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or over the Ambassador Bridge can take approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and border clearance. Alternatively, Windsor International Airport (YQG) offers good connections within Canada, mainly to Toronto. Due to the necessary border crossing from the USA, an overnight stay in Windsor on the day before embarkation is advisable to ensure a relaxed journey. Many hotels in Windsor, such as the Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel or Caesars Windsor, are located close to the city center and offer comfortable accommodation options.
Car
The port of Windsor is excellently integrated into the Canadian road network thanks to direct connections to Highway 401 and the E.C. Row Expressway. The Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel also provide direct access to major US highways I-75, I-94, and I-96. Numerous parking options are available in Windsor: the city offers over 3,800 municipal parking spaces in parking garages, lots, and at parking meters. Parking fees at the meters are 2.50 CAD per hour (or 2.25 CAD via app) from Monday to Saturday (9:00 am to 6:00 pm); outside these times, as well as on Sundays and public holidays, parking is free of charge.
Train
The Windsor VIA Rail Canada station is located at 298 Walker Road, centrally between Riverside Drive and Wyandotte Street. Windsor is a western terminus of the VIA Rail Corridor network, which provides convenient train connections to major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. From the station, you can easily reach the Dieppe Cruiseship Terminal in the city center by taxi or with local Transit Windsor bus lines.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Windsor cruise port, with the Dieppe Cruiseship Terminal as its port of call, is easily accessible for guests from the DACH region thanks to its convenient location on the Detroit River and good transport links both from Canada and via the nearby USA.
Airplane
For international guests, we recommend arriving via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in the USA, which is located only about 47 kilometers from Windsor and is a major hub with numerous international flight connections. From DTW, you can easily reach Windsor by taxi or specialized private shuttle services; the journey through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or over the Ambassador Bridge can take approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and border clearance. Alternatively, Windsor International Airport (YQG) offers good connections within Canada, mainly to Toronto. Due to the necessary border crossing from the USA, an overnight stay in Windsor on the day before embarkation is advisable to ensure a relaxed journey. Many hotels in Windsor, such as the Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel or Caesars Windsor, are located close to the city center and offer comfortable accommodation options.
Car
The port of Windsor is excellently integrated into the Canadian road network thanks to direct connections to Highway 401 and the E.C. Row Expressway. The Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel also provide direct access to major US highways I-75, I-94, and I-96. Numerous parking options are available in Windsor: the city offers over 3,800 municipal parking spaces in parking garages, lots, and at parking meters. Parking fees at the meters are 2.50 CAD per hour (or 2.25 CAD via app) from Monday to Saturday (9:00 am to 6:00 pm); outside these times, as well as on Sundays and public holidays, parking is free of charge.
Train
The Windsor VIA Rail Canada station is located at 298 Walker Road, centrally between Riverside Drive and Wyandotte Street. Windsor is a western terminus of the VIA Rail Corridor network, which provides convenient train connections to major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. From the station, you can easily reach the Dieppe Cruiseship Terminal in the city center by taxi or with local Transit Windsor bus lines.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Port of Windsor impresses with its central location directly on the Detroit River and allows for convenient access to the city center as well as the waterfront promenade. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure, guests can reach the most important sights and parks directly from the pier.
On Foot
Windsor city center and the bustling Ouellette Avenue are located right in front of the terminal and can be reached in about 5 minutes on foot. A walk along the extensive parklands of the Waterfront also offers an impressive view of the skyline of the city of Detroit opposite.
Transit Windsor & Tunnel Bus
The local bus system Transit Windsor offers an efficient connection to the entire city area and takes visitors directly to shopping centers or cultural highlights. A special feature is the famous Tunnel Bus, which comfortably brings guests through the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel across the border into the United States.
Taxi
Official taxis as well as ride-sharing services are available in the terminal area and at nearby hotels. The short distances within the city allow for a fast and comfortable ride to destinations such as Caesars Windsor or the Botanical Gardens.
To make the most of your stay in Windsor, a combination of the parkland located directly at the harbor and a detour into the city's historically significant heritage is recommended.
Windsor Riverfront & Dieppe Park
The picturesque waterfront promenade stretches directly along the cruise port and, thanks to the extensive sculpture park and spectacular views of the Detroit skyline, offers the ideal setting for a relaxed stroll by the water.
Sandpoint Beach
This charming city beach on Lake St. Clair is perfectly situated for a sunny break in the sand and, thanks to its good accessibility, is a worthwhile destination for all those who wish to enjoy the natural side of the region on Lake St. Clair.
Walkerville
This historic neighborhood delights with its magnificent architecture and the cultural heritage of the famous Hiram Walker Distillery, while cozy cafes and small galleries invite you on an inspiring discovery tour through local history.
Windsor Sculpture Park
The fascinating Windsor Sculpture Park stretches directly along the picturesque waterfront at the harbor and offers a first-class open-air gallery with over 30 large-scale sculptures by internationally renowned artists. This location is ideal for a relaxed stroll directly on the Detroit River and also offers a unique atmosphere thanks to the extensive green spaces and the spectacular views of the Detroit skyline opposite. The waterfront promenade has an excellent infrastructure with well-maintained paths and numerous benches that are perfect for lingering and enjoying the scenery. It is best to start your tour in the morning to admire the artworks in the best light, and plan to return to the ship about an hour before departure to end the day in a relaxed way at the harbor.
The return journey to the cruise terminal in Windsor is pleasantly short thanks to the central location on the Detroit River and is easy to plan. The good connection to the city center ensures that you can return to the ship safely and on time at any time.
Taxi
Taxis are available at central points such as the Caesars Windsor hotel-casino and in front of the major hotels along Riverside Drive. The trip to the terminal at the foot of Ouellette Avenue is quickly done thanks to the short distances within the city and offers a convenient option for the return journey.
On Foot
From the city center and the shopping streets, you can easily walk directly to the port, which is located right next to the Dieppe Gardens. The path leads along the well-maintained waterfront and is safe and easy to find at any time thanks to the clear layout of the Windsor Riverfront Trail.
Public Transport
The central bus station of Transit Windsor on Chatham Street West is located just a few minutes' walk from the cruise pier and offers a direct connection from various parts of the city. In addition, the path from the bus hub to the waterfront is flat and barrier-free, which makes returning to the ship particularly pleasant.
