Chatham-Kent Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Ontario's Southwest
Photo provided by Ontario's Southwest
Photo provided by Ontario's Southwest
Photo provided by Ontario's Southwest
Photo provided by Ontario's Southwest

Explore an area rich in the history of immigration of black slaves to Canada. Experience its modern cultural and outdoor attractions too.

Fugitives escaping slavery in the United States flocked to Chatham during the 1850s. View the artifacts from that era at the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum to learn about their northern path to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Visit their original schoolhouse, ring the site’s liberty bell and see a log cabin built in 1852.

Learn how Chatham earned its nickname as Black Mecca at the Black Mecca Museum run by the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society. Research black ancestry in the Kent Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society in the Chatham-Kent Public Library.

About a 30-minute drive north of Chatham is another log cabin on the grounds of Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site. See the home of the Reverend Josiah Henson, a former Maryland slave whose writings inspired the famous anti-slavery book by Harriet Stowe. By creating broad awareness of harsh enslavement conditions, Uncle Tom’s Cabin influenced the abolitionist rift that led to the American Civil War.

For other cultural pursuits, attend live performing arts at the Kiwanis Theatre and investigate visual arts at the Thames Art Gallery. Visit the Chatham-Kent Museum to see natural history items including artifacts from the War of 1812, a 1919 Gray Dort touring car and a Nubian mummy more than 2,000 years old. Enjoy fine dining and entertainment at the area’s restaurants and nightclubs. Do a tasting at wineries and breweries in the region.

Chatham’s location between Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River provides extensive opportunities for water-based activities. Swim, fish, boat, waterski and scuba dive in these waters. On land, play golf, hike, go horseback riding and hunt for migrating birds.

The city of Chatham is part of Chatham-Kent at the southern tip of Ontario Province. Drive here in about 1 hour from DetroitOpens in a new window, Michigan or 3 hours from TorontoOpens in a new window. Follow some of the scenic and historic touring routes in the region, popular for motorcycle rides as well.

Where to stay in Chatham-Kent

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Harwich

If you're spending some time in Harwich, RM Classic Car Exhibit and Rondeau Provincial Park are top sights worth seeing.

Harwich
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Blenheim

While visiting Blenheim, you might make a stop by sights like Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club and Blenheim Town Hall.

Blenheim
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Ridgetown

Travellers enjoy Ridgetown for its restaurants and museums. Consider checking out Ridge House Museum while you're in the area.

Ridgetown
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Romney

If you're spending some time in Romney, Wheatley Provincial Park and Lake Erie are top sights worth seeing.

Romney
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Dover

While visiting Dover, you might make a stop by sights like Algonac State Park and Lake Saint Clair.

Dover
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham South by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham South by IHG
2.5 out of 5
575 Richmond Street, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is AU$214 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$214
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (936 reviews)
"Hotel was under renovation to amenities so could not provide a rating. Overall was clean and friendly service. Breakfast was great!"

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham South by IHG
Comfort Inn Chatham
Comfort Inn Chatham
2.5 out of 5
1100 Richmond St, Chatham-Kent, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$187 per night from 15 June to 16 June
AU$187
15 June - 16 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (781 reviews)
"Satisfied overall. Nothing fancy but the room was clean, which is most important. Surprised there were not smart TVs like most hotels. But the price was very fair, and the breakfast included was solid. If we ever need a place to stay in Chatham again, would return."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2025

Comfort Inn Chatham
Retro Suites Hotel
Retro Suites Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2 King Street West, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is AU$255 per night from 19 June to 20 June
AU$255
19 June - 20 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (557 reviews)
"This hotel is really retro nice !"

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2025

Retro Suites Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
NEW LISTING!  Spacious Beachfront Retreat on Lake Erie
NEW LISTING! Spacious Beachfront Retreat on Lake Erie
Wheatley
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Two Creeks Conservation Area and ...
NEW LISTING! Spacious Beachfront Retreat on Lake Erie
SUNRISE BAY has a panoramic view of Lake Erie with a private beach.
SUNRISE BAY has a panoramic view of Lake Erie with a private beach.
Wheatley
Stay at this cottage in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Wheatley Provincial Park and Two Creeks Conservation Area are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Great cottage, Great location, Great host
"3 birding couples had a perfect stay at Dean’s Sunrise Bay cottage. The cottage was extremely clean and well kept. The kitchen was completely outfitted and all the beds were comfortable. Communication with the host was seamless. Our group would surely stay again."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

SUNRISE BAY has a panoramic view of Lake Erie with a private beach.
We hope to welcome you soon to Get Away at the Bay!
We hope to welcome you soon to Get Away at the Bay!
Blenheim
Stay at this cottage in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club and Rondeau ...
Cozy and welcoming cottage
"A great place to stay while in the area visiting family"

Reviewed on 1 Dec. 2024

We hope to welcome you soon to Get Away at the Bay!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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