Suggested visit: 60–90 minutes for the gardens, plaques and waterfront photographs. Add time for an event or a longer walk. This is a Windsor–Essex outing; from Toronto, it fits better into a southwestern Ontario overnight trip.
Start with the waterfront
LaSalle Landing is the town's developing waterfront district along the Detroit River. Our visit focused on the gardens, fountain, river views and large LaSalle letters. Begin around Front Road and Laurier Drive, then explore the public waterfront at your own pace. The map pin marks the historical-plaque area, not a boat route or an entrance to Fighting Island.
Getting here and finding parking
From Windsor, the E.C. Row Expressway connects with Ojibway Parkway, which continues south toward Front Road in LaSalle. Check current navigation and road signs for the approach on your travel date. The Town lists Event Centre parking via Bouffard Road and additional parking by the Riverdance building and boat ramp at Front Road and Laurier Drive. Follow posted parking rules, especially during events.
Town: Event Centre parking and facilities · Town: parks and trails map
Millennium Unity Garden: flowers and a fountain
Take time around the raised flowerbeds and stone fountain before moving on. Our photographs show the colourful planting and open river backdrop that made this stop memorable. The green plaque names the LaSalle Millennium Unity Garden and lists its major sponsors in gold, silver and bronze categories. It records community support; it does not give an opening date. Flower displays and fountain operation vary with season and maintenance.
What the Fighting Island plaque tells us
The blue plaque looks back to February 1838. It says a force of Patriots crossed from Detroit to Fighting Island on February 23–24, intending to attack Sandwich. Donald McLeod arrived with more supporters the following day. After American general Hugh Brady warned of the plan, British regulars and Canadian militia moved against the insurgents on February 25. The Patriots withdrew to the Michigan shore after a short clash and were dispersed by American troops. Read this history from the waterfront: the plaque commemorates events on the island opposite, not a battle in the garden.
A relaxed route for photographs
Start with the fountain and gardens, read both plaques, pause for the river view, then include the large LaSalle sign in your waterfront walk. The Living LaSalle banner adds a detail shot to the wider landscapes. The 60–90-minute suggestion is our planning allowance, not a measured trail duration. Stay on public paths and respect the sign's no-climbing notice. This itinerary does not include access to Fighting Island.
Practical details before you leave
Bring water and sun protection; the open waterfront has less shelter than the shaded garden corners. The Event Centre lists accessible parking and barrier-free restrooms, but confirm building access and opening arrangements for your visit. Check the Town's current facilities information rather than assuming every service runs year-round. Keep children close beside the river and active boat-ramp areas. Plan this as a walking and viewing stop, not a river-swimming outing.
Make it part of a Windsor–Essex trip
Pair LaSalle with Windsor's riverfront or continue toward Amherstburg for another view of the Detroit River and Fort Malden history. Belle River offers a separate Lake St. Clair waterfront outing; Point Pelee works better with more time for a nature-focused day. Choose one companion stop rather than rushing through all four. Use the guides below for their separate access and seasonal details.
