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 artefacts 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 artefacts from the War of 1812, a 1919 Grey 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
Comfort Inn Chatham

Comfort Inn Chatham

2.5 out of 5
1100 Richmond St, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is AU$183 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$183
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (839 reviews)
"staff was awessome, room was very clean and organized"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 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 AU$174 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$174
16 Oct - 17 Oct
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! (1,006 reviews)
"It was okay, not the best, but not the worst. As the kids would say, It was mid."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham South by IHG
Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2.5 out of 5
25 Michener Rd, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is AU$179 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
AU$179
13 Nov - 14 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Chatham-Kent Museum and Thames Art Gallery are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (220 reviews)
"Clean and updated"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Quality Inn
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.
Sunset Ridge ck. Year Round

Sunset Ridge ck. Year Round

Blenheim
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a water park. Popular attractions Centennial Park and Ridge House ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Very relaxing stay, good and caring hosts"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Sunset Ridge ck. Year Round
WATER FRONT & BACK 4 SEASON GETAWAY AT THE BAY.
Relax with family & friends.

WATER FRONT & BACK 4 SEASON GETAWAY AT THE BAY. Relax with family & friends.

Blenheim
Stay at this cottage in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Rondeau Provincial Park and Willow Ridge ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Management and communication was exceptional.
"We had a rather serious issue upon arrival. The management was beyond apologetic and rectified the situation in a timely manner and did everything possible to make it up to us.The cottage was very clean and well stocked. My only comment would be that the 3rd bedroom is a bunkie, but we would definitely ..."

Reviewed on 20 June 2025

WATER FRONT & BACK 4 SEASON GETAWAY AT THE BAY. Relax with family & friends.
Stunning Lake Erie Waterfront

Stunning Lake Erie Waterfront

Wheatley
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Wheatley Provincial Park and Two Creeks ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"We loved our stay at Elena’s cottage. The photos are exactly as pictured, the check in process and communication was smooth. The cottage itself is at the end of a street so it’s pretty quiet (minus the dogs across the road barking). We loved the easy access to the beach below the property and the ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Stunning Lake Erie Waterfront
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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