Drew Dilkens was elected mayor of Windsor, Ont. in 2014, and from his 15 years with the Windsor Police Auxiliary, he has become familiar with every inch of the city. Here are five reasons why he loves Windsor:

1. Windsor’s waterfront
Located on the banks of the internationally designated historic Detroit River and stretching over eight kilometres, Windsor’s waterfront offers a panorama of enticing vista points: the downtown skylines of both the cities of Windsor and our American neighbours across the water, Detroit; the Windsor Sculpture Park, a spectacular outdoor museum without walls; watching the design in the radiant sky with never-ending offerings of sun drenching its golden rays onto the waterways and the surrounding topiaries and brilliantly coloured annuals and perennials situated in Dieppe Gardens Park.

Amidst it all, sits the Riverfront Festival Plaza, the premier location where the Windsor's most popular outdoor festivals and events are held, ranging from epicurean festivals to family entertainment and live concerts.
 
2. Culinary delights
When it comes to amazing culinary experiences, you’ll find that we bring an incredibly diverse and delectable selection to the table. Our menu of options span virtually every type of cuisine, with authentic ethnic flavours, ranging from Italian to Indian, Middle Eastern to Mexican.

Take a stroll through Windsor’s Via Italia on Erie Street and indulge in some of the best pasta, pizza and panini you can get without crossing the ocean. Feed your appetite for the exotic in Asian cuisine or Middle Eastern delights along the Wyandotte Street West-East corridor, or sample traditional hearty fare and a pint or two at one of our historic pubs in the quaint, heritage districts of Old Walkerville and Sandwich Town.   
 
3. Coventry Gardens and the Peace Fountain
An excursion down the Riverfront Trail would not be complete without witnessing the Peace Fountain at Coventry Gardens, boasting a myriad of lights and water-spray patterns. It is the only international floating fountain in the world, which can shoot water 70 feet in the air and display a spectacular light show. The exquisitely sculpted topiaries of various fauna, infused with lush seasonal garden varietals and fragrances, delight each visitor strolling through.
 
4. Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre and Adventure Bay Family Water Park
Recognized as a premiere location for local, provincial, national and international swimming competitions, the new state-of-the-art Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre has made a spectacular worldwide splash hosting a variety of aquatic events at every level. This world-class venue provides a total of 144,000 square feet of competitive pool and diving space, including: a 10-lane, 71-metre pool with two movable bulkheads, diving boards, dive tower and therapy pool. This family entertainment centre has hosted prestigious events such as the 2013 International Children’s Games, the 2014 FINA World Diving Championships, the Canadian Masters Championships, Synchro Ontario Championships, and in 2016 we will welcome the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m)! 

Just steps away across the lobby is the Adventure Bay Family Water Park, a perfect family fun destination for a few hours, the whole day or an entire weekend. Covering a full block in downtown Windsor, visitors can soak up the fun with an ocean of awesome features: 10 waterslides, including the Master Blaster and Python; FlowRider surf simulator; wave pool; activity pool; Tot Loch slides for younger visitors; lazy river inner-tube ride; Cannon Cove dry play area and more.
 
5. A two-nation vacation destination
Closely neighbouring the U.S., Windsor is your gateway to even more unique tourism experiences. With Detroit, our northern neighbour, just a short bridge or tunnel one-mile ride away, the added possibilities are practically endless. From world-class entertainment and major league sports to shopping, museums, galleries and dining, our proximity to the Metro Detroit area opens up even more to see and do. Viewed as “America’s great comeback city”, this dynamic, vibrant urban centre features a transformed riverfront and surrounding cultural districts of renewal and enterprise.
 
For more information about Windsor visit citywindsor.ca or visitwindsoressex.com.

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