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
Comfort Inn Chatham

Comfort Inn Chatham

2.5 out of 5
1100 Richmond St, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is CA $144 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $144
CA $167 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
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. ...
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 CA $159 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $159
CA $180 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
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 ...
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 $126 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $126
CA $142 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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 ...
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 ...
Sunset Ridge ck. Year Round
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
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 ...
WATER FRONT & BACK 4 SEASON GETAWAY AT THE BAY. Relax with family & friends.
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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