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
Comfort Inn Chatham

Comfort Inn Chatham

2.5 out of 5
1100 Richmond St, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is ₹9,495 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹9,495
₹11,051 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (803 reviews)
"Fantastic staff and so very accommodating. I had an issue and I went to Janelle at the desk and she was amazing. Contacted the supervisor and I got one night free. I was not expecting this level of service. It was wonderful. All the staff from the cleaning staff to the front desk were absolutely ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn Chatham
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 ₹10,106 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹10,106
₹11,420 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (962 reviews)
"Everyone was very pleasant the rooms were clean the beds were cofertable"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham South by IHG
Saxony Motel

Saxony Motel

2.5 out of 5
521 Grand Ave East, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is ₹4,353 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹4,353
₹4,919 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The only thing I missed was being able to soak im a hot tub. Bathtuv plug didn't work"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Saxony Motel
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.
Park Bungalow #4 - Seacliff Beach Suites

Park Bungalow #4 - Seacliff Beach Suites

3 out of 5
37 Seacliff Drive West, Leamington, ON
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Leamington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and beach volleyball on-site. Popular attractions Seacliff Park Amphitheatre and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Great Proximity to Ferry for Pelee Island
"Very good for 2 night stay. Good base for Leamington, Point Pelee and Pelee Island."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Park Bungalow #4 - Seacliff Beach Suites
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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