10 Best Locations in Windsor Essex for Outdoor Photoshoots
Looking for the best outdoor photoshoot locations in Windsor/Essex? I got you.
As a wedding photographer based in Windsor | Essex County, I have been privileged to get to walk through some of the county’s prettiest locations. The following are photoshoot locations for your wedding, engagement, family photos, portraits, or more! These are 10 of what I consider the best in Windsor | Essex County and even some options for beyond our county.
Don’t see anything that interests you? Ask me! I’m always full of ideas.
All locations are free to go to unless stated otherwise.
1. Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve
One of my favourites on this list for many reasons! Ojibway is a large beautiful forest with some popularity but it’s large space allows for low foot traffic. It provides ample shade, grassy areas, and often some wildlife spotting!
2. Brunet Park
Brunette Park is super cute! There’s a trail around the whole park with some great options while walking around. Right at the beginning there are these arching branches that form of beautiful background as well as shade cover. There are dirt trails winding through the forest with long grassy areas for dramatic photos. The main part of the park has little shade cover with a grassy hill but I prefer to stick to the edges and within the forest if sunny.
3. Point Pelee National Park
Although a bit further for most of the county, Point Pelee is the only National Park in Windsor/Essex containing Canada’s most southern mainland point. For photos there, there is a bit of everything with beautiful forests, beaches, and marsh. Plus you get to say you went to the bottom of Canada!
Click here to see: Magical Point Peele Engagement
4. ​Malden Park
Malden park offers lots of options for different photographic opportunities. From forest trails, grassy fields, a pond with lots of life and a unique view of Windsor / Detroit skyline on top of Malden Hill.
5. Willistead Park & Manor
Wanting a combination of an outdoor park alongside a stunning mansion that can be used as a classy background? Then Willistead is right for you! The park has paved paths running through the park with lots of options for shade cover as well! Willistead Manor is spectacular with beautiful arches and masonry. Outdoor photo can be done for free but indoor must be booked. Click here to see an Engagement Session at Willistead.
6. Amherstburg Navy Yard Park
Another one of my favourite as I’ve grown up in Amherstburg and know this park so well! Navy Yard Park is located in the heart of historic Amherstburg right across from the much loved Waterfront Ice Cream! There is lots of shade to create soft light as well as beautiful waterfront along the whole park. Situated on the west side of the county, Navy Yard has one of the county’s best seats for sunsets. During the holidays it gets covered in light displays throughout the whole park alongside with the nearby Toddy Jones Park.
7. Fort Malden
Fort Malden is a historic site in Amherstburg just down the road from Navy Yard Park. There is some tree coverage and some pretty hills resembling trenches from the War of 1812. The whole park as open views of Amherstburg’s waterfront that is ideal for photos at sunset.
(Please check hour of operation as they are not always open.)
8. Black Oak Heritage Park​
Black Oak seems to be one of Windsor’s hidden gems! Situated across from Ojibway Park, It offers a similar forest with more paths winding through the forest. I would recommend Black Oak for portraits and couples and not families or bridal parties.
9. Jackson Park
Jackson Park is a beautiful park in Windsor with amazing gardens! There is little shade from tree coverage. In the months prior to Christmas thousands of lights and decorated trees are put around the park. I wouldn’t normally suggest Jackson Park unless it was during the holidays.
10. Windsor Riverfront
The whole Windsor waterfront has beautiful views of Detroit! While there is high foot traffic here, it can be easily worked around. Highlights consist of Ambassador Bridge, Detroit Skyline, Peace Fountain, and Coventry Gardens. Also easy to go to! (Not all of which are in walking distance.)
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Want something different?
Want to go on a little road trip to take photos? Make a day or weekend out of it and rent a B&B or go camping. Ontario has so many options and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it’s beauty if you haven’t already. Here are 8 more locations that are worth the drive and range from one to five hours away from Windsor.
Parking and travel fees may apply
1. Rock Glen Falls & Conservation Area
Time from Windsor: 2 Hours 10 mins
The closest waterfall to Essex County and it is just over two hours from Windsor!
2. Elora Gorge
Time from Windsor: ​3 Hours 10 min
Within the beautiful town of Elora, Elora Gorge spreads for 2 kilometers. There are trails above the gorge that gives amazing views of the gorge. Although if you had to pick, there are trails within the gorge itself that are well worth the views. (especially if you are willing to dip your feet in the Grand River that runs through the gorge)
4. Hamilton Waterfalls! (Tews Falls, Sherman Falls, Webster Falls, ect.)
Lots of options here! Here are a few: Tew’s Falls, Webster Falls, Sherman Falls, Albion Falls,
Tiffany Falls,
Borer’s Falls,
Chedoke Falls. If your close, Dundas Peak also provides some amazing views.
Time from Windsor: ​3 Hours
Possible entrance fees may apply.
5. Eugenia Falls
Eugenia Falls is very pretty with surprising limited views of the falls itself. The trails offer plenty of scenic backdrops and if you dare to “climb” to the bottom of the falls then you are left with stunning views of the falls itself. Eugina Falls is also closely located to the other beautiful waterfall, Hoggs Falls.
Time from Windsor: ​​4 hours 20 min
Parking fees may apply.
