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 Gray 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

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

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

Dover
Comfort Inn Chatham

Comfort Inn Chatham

2.5 out of 5
1100 Richmond St, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is P6,219 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P6,219
P7,238 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (806 reviews)
"Great value for the money!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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 P5,887 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,887
P6,652 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (968 reviews)
"Staff were especially friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham South by IHG
Saxony Motel

Saxony Motel

2.5 out of 5
521 Grand Ave East, Chatham-Kent, ON
The price is P3,685 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P3,685
P4,164 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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! (1,001 reviews)
"For the money it worth it. I would stay there again"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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.
Park Bungalow #4 - Seacliff Beach Suites

Park Bungalow #4 - Seacliff Beach Suites

3 out of 5
37 Seacliff Drive West, Leamington, ON
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Leamington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and beach volleyball on site. Popular attractions Seacliff Park Amphitheatre ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"The property is super clean. Walking distance to the parks. Gas stations, groceries shopping are all closed by."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Park Bungalow #4 - Seacliff Beach Suites
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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