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Amherstburg
Town (lower-tier)
Town of Amherstburg
Sandwich St. at Richmond St
Sandwich St. at Richmond St
Flag of Amherstburg
Flag
 Official seal of Amherstburg
Seal
Amherstburg is located in Essex County
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
Location in Essex County
Amherstburg is located in Southern Ontario
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
Location in Southern Ontario
Country Canada
Province Ontario
County Essex
Area
 • Land 183.76 km2 (70.95 sq mi)
 • Urban
13.70 km2 (5.29 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)
 • Town (lower-tier) 23,524
 • Density 128/km2 (330/sq mi)
 • Urban
15,177
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Forward sortation area
N9V
Area codes 519 and 226
Website www.amherstburg.ca
Amherstberg ontario dalhousie street
Dalhousie St. between Murray and Richmond Sts.
Main Street, Amherstburg (I0024850)f
Main Street, Amherstburg, 1865.

Amherstburg is a town in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. It is located near where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie. In 1796, a place called Fort Malden was built here. This helped the town grow. Today, Fort Malden is a National Historic Site.

The town is about 25 kilometers south of Detroit, Michigan, in the United States. It faces several U.S. towns across the river. Amherstburg is part of the larger Windsor area.

What Communities Make Up Amherstburg?

Besides the main town, Amherstburg includes several smaller villages and hamlets. These communities are:

  • Former Anderdon Township: Edgewater Beach, McGregor (partially), River Canard (partially), Golfview, Kingsbridge, Pointe West, Auld, Delisle's Corners (partially), Loiselleville, Paquette Corners (partially), Rivière-Aux-Canards, Southwick, Splitlog.
  • Former Malden Township: Amherst Point, Bar Point, Busy Bee Corners, Erieview Beach, Glen Eden, Lake Erie Country Club, Lakewood Beach, Malden Centre, McGregor (partially), Sunset Beach, Willow Beach, Willowood, Gordon, North Malden, Quarries, Good Child Beach, Sinasac Corners, The Meadows, Boblo Island.

A Look Back: Amherstburg's History

French settlers first lived along the Canadian side of the Detroit River. They set up small farms in the area. The Petite Côte settlement was one of these early places.

How Fort Malden Helped the Town Grow

In 1796, after the American Revolutionary War, the British built Fort Malden. This fort was a military base overlooking the river's mouth. Its presence helped the area develop. The British also gave land to Loyalists who had supported them during the war. This brought more people to Upper Canada.

Park House Museum, Amherstburg Ontario
Park House Museum, Amherstburg Ontario, built around 1796
Amherstburg, Gordon House, 1798
Gordon House in Amherstburg, built in 1798
Belle Vue NHS
Belle Vue, built around 1816
Christ Church - Amherstburg, ON
Christ Church, built in 1819 in Amherstburg, ON
The Commissary Building
The Commissary Building, built in 1832

Many new settlers built houses in an older French style. This gave the town a unique, historic feel. French-speaking people also settled here. Some were descendants of soldiers and traders from Fort Detroit. Their Catholic church was called St. Jean.

Amherstburg and the Underground Railroad

Before the American Civil War, many enslaved African Americans sought freedom in Canada. They often crossed the Detroit River to escape slavery. Even though Michigan was a free state, people called slavecatchers tried to capture them. Abolitionists like William Lambert and George DeBaptiste helped these refugees. DeBaptiste used his steamboat to bring people to safety. Fort Malden was one of the main entry points into Canada. The town is even mentioned in the famous book Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Becoming an Official Town

By 1869, Amherstburg had about 2,500 people. When Fort Malden was no longer needed by the military, it was used for other purposes. Its main building became a post office and savings bank.

Amherstburg officially became a town in 1878. It was named after Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst. He was a British military commander and the first British Governor General of Quebec.

In 1998, Amherstburg grew bigger. It joined with the nearby townships of Anderdon and Malden.

Recent Events: An Earthquake

On April 19, 2018, a small earthquake happened in Amherstburg. It was a magnitude 3.6 earthquake. No damage was reported, but people felt the shaking for about 30 seconds. It was felt in Windsor and even in Downtown Detroit.

Amherstburg police force showing Chief Addison and Chief Detective Renaud (I0056631)
Amherstburg Police Force showing Chief Addison and Chief Detective Renaud, around 1912

The Amherstburg Police Service stopped operating at the end of 2018. Its officers and duties were taken over by the Windsor Police Service.

Learning in Amherstburg: Schools

The main public high school in Amherstburg is North Star High School. Before 2022, it was called General Amherst High School. Some students choose to attend St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School. French-speaking students can go to École Secondaire E.J. Lajeunesse in Windsor, Ontario.

Fun Things to Do: Tourist Attractions

Amherstburg has many interesting places to visit:

  • Fort Malden: A historic fort with a long past.
  • Amherstburg Freedom Museum: This museum tells the story of African-American refugees who found freedom from slavery in Canada.
  • Bellevue House: An Ontario Historical Plaque marks this house, built around 1816-1819.
  • Park House Museum: Another historic building in the heart of old Amherstburg.
  • King's Navy Yard Park: A lovely park also in the old town.
  • The Gibson Gallery: This gallery is in a restored old train station from 1896. It shows art from local artists and traveling exhibits. A restored train caboose nearby is a railway museum.
  • Gordon House: Built in 1798, this house now has a marine exhibit.
Postcard depicting the Old Eliott Home (I0024845)f
Postcard depicting the Old Eliott Home, Amherstburg, Ontario, around 1910

Nature and Wildlife

  • Holiday Beach Conservation Area: This is a great place to watch birds, especially during their fall migration. It has beaches, picnic areas, and a trail. It's famous for seeing birds of prey. A 'Festival of Hawks' happens here in September.
  • BobLo Island: This island is now a private community. It has white sand beaches, a marina, and nature trails. You can get there by a 10-minute ferry ride.

Amherstburg's Economy

Amherstburg is a center for trade and services that support local farming. It is also known for its many wineries. The Amherstburg Farmers' Market is open every Saturday.

Many people choose Amherstburg for retirement homes or second homes.

Local industries include Diageo, which bottles Crown Royal Canadian whiskey. Windsor Mold's Precision Plastics is a large supplier of industrial plastics. Honeywell Performance Materials and Technology also has a plant here.

Getting Around: Transportation

Since September 2022, Transit Windsor offers bus service between Amherstburg and Windsor. This is a two-year trial project.

Trains for businesses are provided by Essex Terminal Railway. It runs a 35 km line to Windsor.

A former railway line has been turned into the Cypher Systems Group Greenway. This is a trail for walking and biking.

Small boats can use one of three local marinas. These marinas serve Lake Erie and the Detroit River.

The Amherstburg Ferry Company runs a private ferry service to Bob-Lo Island.

Sports in Amherstburg

Amherstburg has several competitive sports teams:

  • Amherstburg Admirals Jr. C Hockey
  • Amherstburg Stars Minor Hockey
  • Amherstburg Cardinals Baseball
  • Amherstburg Timberwolves Football
  • North Star High School Wolves (various sports teams)

Amherstburg hockey teams have won several championships. The North Stars Midget "B" team won in 1976. The North Stars Juvenile "BB" team won in 1977. The Stars Midget "A" team won the OMHA playdowns in 2010 and 2011.

Celebrations: Festivals in Amherstburg

Every August, Amherstburg holds a heritage festival. It has activities at different places around town. At Fort Malden, people dress up in historical costumes. They show what life was like in different time periods and perform battle demonstrations.

Amherstburg also celebrates Canada Day with fireworks and family activities.

Art by the River is an annual arts and crafts festival. It takes place on the grounds of Fort Malden National Historic Site.

Other fun events include:

  • TRUE Fest (January)
  • Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society Garden Tour (June)
  • Open Air Weekends (June–September)
  • Ribfest (June)
  • Woofa Roo Pet Festival (June)
  • Gone Crazy Car Show (July)
  • The Uncommon Festival (September)
  • Santa Parade (Late November)
  • River Lights (November through December)

For more event information, visit visitamherstburg.ca.

Amherstburg's Weather

Climate data for Amherstburg (1981−2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 15.0
(59.0)		 19.0
(66.2)		 24.5
(76.1)		 30.0
(86.0)		 33.0
(91.4)		 36.0
(96.8)		 38.0
(100.4)		 37.0
(98.6)		 34.0
(93.2)		 28.5
(83.3)		 23.0
(73.4)		 18.0
(64.4)		 38.0
(100.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 0.5
(32.9)		 2.1
(35.8)		 7.1
(44.8)		 14.2
(57.6)		 20.5
(68.9)		 26.1
(79.0)		 28.5
(83.3)		 27.4
(81.3)		 23.3
(73.9)		 15.9
(60.6)		 8.7
(47.7)		 2.3
(36.1)		 14.7
(58.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) −3.0
(26.6)		 −1.8
(28.8)		 2.3
(36.1)		 8.9
(48.0)		 15.0
(59.0)		 20.8
(69.4)		 23.2
(73.8)		 22.3
(72.1)		 18.1
(64.6)		 11.3
(52.3)		 5.1
(41.2)		 −1.0
(30.2)		 10.1
(50.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −6.5
(20.3)		 −5.7
(21.7)		 −2.4
(27.7)		 3.5
(38.3)		 9.4
(48.9)		 15.4
(59.7)		 17.9
(64.2)		 17.3
(63.1)		 12.9
(55.2)		 6.6
(43.9)		 1.3
(34.3)		 −4.2
(24.4)		 5.5
(41.9)
Record low °C (°F) −28
(−18)		 −22.5
(−8.5)		 −20.5
(−4.9)		 −8
(18)		 −2.0
(28.4)		 5.0
(41.0)		 8.0
(46.4)		 8.0
(46.4)		 1.0
(33.8)		 −5
(23)		 −10.5
(13.1)		 −22.5
(−8.5)		 −28
(−18)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 66.2
(2.61)		 54.9
(2.16)		 62.5
(2.46)		 89.4
(3.52)		 96.8
(3.81)		 79.6
(3.13)		 81.2
(3.20)		 81.9
(3.22)		 85.6
(3.37)		 74.2
(2.92)		 71.1
(2.80)		 62.7
(2.47)		 906.0
(35.67)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 40.0
(1.57)		 38.1
(1.50)		 46.7
(1.84)		 86.1
(3.39)		 96.8
(3.81)		 79.6
(3.13)		 81.2
(3.20)		 81.9
(3.22)		 85.6
(3.37)		 73.8
(2.91)		 68.1
(2.68)		 44.9
(1.77)		 822.7
(32.39)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 26.2
(10.3)		 16.7
(6.6)		 15.9
(6.3)		 3.3
(1.3)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.4
(0.2)		 3.0
(1.2)		 17.8
(7.0)		 83.3
(32.8)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 12.0 9.1 11.7 13.6 12.8 10.1 10.5 10.0 9.2 10.4 11.8 12.4 133.5
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 6.6 5.5 8.8 12.8 12.8 10.1 10.5 10.0 9.2 10.4 10.7 7.8 115.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 6.6 4.6 4.1 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.16 1.4 5.8 24.3
Source: Environment Canada

Who Lives in Amherstburg? Demographics

Historical populations
Year Pop. ±%
1841 985 —    
1871 1,936 +96.5%
1881 2,672 +38.0%
1891 2,279 −14.7%
1901 2,222 −2.5%
1911 2,560 +15.2%
1921 2,769 +8.2%
1931 2,759 −0.4%
1941 2,853 +3.4%
1951 3,638 +27.5%
1956 4,099 +12.7%
1961 4,452 +8.6%
1971 5,169 +16.1%
1981 5,685 +10.0%
1991 8,921 +56.9%
1996 19,273 +116.0%
2001 20,339 +5.5%
2006 21,748 +6.9%
2011 21,556 −0.9%
2016 21,936 +1.8%
2021 23,524 +7.2%

In the 2021 Census, Amherstburg had a population of 23,524 people. This was a 7.2% increase from its 2016 population of 21,936. The town covers a land area of 183.76 square kilometers. This means there were about 128 people per square kilometer in 2021.

Canada census – Amherstburg community profile
2016 2011 2006
Population: 21,936 (1.8% from 2011) 21,556 (-0.9% from 2006) 21,748 (6.9% from 2001)
Land area: 185.61 km2 (71.66 sq mi) 185.68 km2 (71.69 sq mi) 185.65 km2 (71.68 sq mi)
Population density: 118.2/km2 (306/sq mi) 116.1/km2 (301/sq mi) 117.1/km2 (303/sq mi)
Median age: 42.2 (M: , F: ) 42.2 (M: 41.6, F: 42.8) 38.6 (M: 38.1, F: 39.1)
Total private dwellings: 8951 8600 8346
Median household income: $73,653
References: 2016 2011 2006 earlier

Population trends for the areas that now make up Amherstburg:

  • Population in 2001: 20,339
    • Amherstburg (old town): 10,822
    • Anderdon (old township): 6,331
    • Malden (old township): 3,186
  • Population total in 1996: 19,273
    • Amherstburg (town): 10,245
    • Anderdon (township): 5,730
    • Malden (township): 3,298
  • Population total in 1991: 17,577
    • Amherstburg (town): 8,921
    • Anderdon (township): 5,502
    • Malden (township): 3,155

Famous People from Amherstburg

Many notable people have connections to Amherstburg:

  • Sally Ainse - A diplomat and fur trader from the Oneida.
  • Shelton Brooks - A songwriter and composer.
  • Seth Bullock - A famous Wild West sheriff and U.S. Marshal.
  • Robert T. Burton - An early Mormon leader, born in Amherstburg.
  • Jay "Nig" Clarke - A Major League Baseball player.
  • George "Rube" Deneau - An early minor league baseball player and manager.
  • Norman Hackett - An actor, born in Amherstburg.
  • Terry Jones - A racing driver.
  • Malcolm Knight - An economist and financier.
  • Henry William McKenny - A politician.
  • Richard Peddie - Former President and CEO of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment.
  • John Richardson - A military officer and author.
  • Anne M. Squire - The 31st Moderator of the United Church of Canada.
  • Wesley Weber - A counterfeiter.
  • Kevin Westgarth - A Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL player.
  • Eugene Whelan - A politician and Federal Minister of Agriculture, born in Anderdon Township.
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