Chatham-Kent

Travel 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 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

4/5(7 area reviews)

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

If you're spending some time in Blenheim, Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club and Blenheim Town Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Blenheim
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Ridgetown

Visitors to Ridgetown like its restaurants and museums, and Ridge House Museum is a sight worth a stop.

Ridgetown
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Romney

While visiting Romney, you might make a stop by sights like Wheatley Provincial Park and Lake Erie.

Romney
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Dover

4/5(61 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Dover, Algonac State Park and Lake Saint Clair are top sights worth seeing.

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
Fully refundable
The price is CA $142 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $142
CA $160 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (984 reviews)
"The staff at the property were awesome. Friendly and helpful. The property is under renovation and once completed it should be awesome. Right now it is difficult to rate the room given it is in need of renovation. It had a rundown appearance but to be expected in advance of its renovation. Common ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 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 CA $136 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $136
CA $154 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (200 reviews)
"Clean and efficient for a quick stay in Chatham."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2025

Quality Inn
Saxony Motel

Saxony Motel

2.5 out of 5
521 Grand Ave East, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is CA $70 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $70
CA $79 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
Price was right
"Our overall stay was good. The beds and bathroom were clean. Except there was a burn hole in the mattress cover. Considering it was a non smoking room I found this a little strange. The room we were in could use a good Spring Cleaning. A few of the electrical outlets were a little scary. Especially ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 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.
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! (7 reviews)
"Upon entering the property it’s misleading, a lot of buildings and machines. But once you settle unit is a quaint little place to kick back and relax. Every amenity you could ask for is here. Breakfast food, snacks, drinks and even wine and beer. Lots of cooking facilities also. Nice bathroom with ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Sunset Ridge ck. Year Round
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! (16 reviews)
"We had a wonderful week here. A very cool place. It is a wonderful house, where there is everything you need for vacations. There is full kitchen with more than enough different things for cooking and dinners. Beautiful beach. There are many places for walking around here. There is good fishing both ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Stunning Lake Erie Waterfront
Lake Erie waterfront cottage

Lake Erie waterfront cottage

Blenheim
Stay at this vacation home in Chatham-Kent. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club and Rondeau ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
Really great location
"Nice quiet location right on the water. Close proximity to a good beach.Great shower .Would recommend."

Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2025

Lake Erie waterfront cottage
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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