Planning a Day Trip to Detroit from Caesars Windsor

Front page · A day in Detroit

• Morning

  Depart the resort garage via Glengarry Avenue and take the short drive to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel plaza. Pass through US customs and arrive in downtown Detroit, parking near the riverfront.

• Midday

  Walk the Detroit Riverwalk and explore the central downtown district on foot. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe or diner while taking in the surrounding architecture.

• Afternoon

  Begin heading back toward the tunnel or bridge by mid-afternoon to avoid peak commuter border delays. Clear Canadian customs and return your car to the attached resort garage.

• Evening

  Refresh in your room before heading down to dinner at Neros Steakhouse or Spago Trattoria. Spend the rest of the night attending a show at The Colosseum or relaxing by the Forum Tower pool.

Crossing the Detroit River: Tunnel and Bridge Options

Leaving your room in either the Forum Tower or Augustus Tower and heading into Michigan is straightforward, provided you prepare your documents in advance. The property sits on Riverside Drive East, placing you less than a mile from the entrance to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The tunnel takes you straight into downtown Detroit, emerging near the riverfront.

Your second option is taking the bridge. Travelers can use the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which opened to traffic on 27 July 2026. Choosing between the tunnel and the bridges usually comes down to where in Detroit you are heading first. The tunnel is ideal for immediate access to downtown, the riverwalk, and central business districts. The bridges offer direct highway connections if your daytime destination lies further outward in Michigan.

Remember that every border crossing involves federal border inspections in both directions. Always carry a valid passport, NEXUS card, or enhanced driver's licence for every passenger in your vehicle. Wait times vary by time of day, day of the week, and seasonal travel surges. Leaving early in the morning generally ensures the swiftest passage across the border.

Parking and Base Camp Tactics

One advantage of staying at the full review property is how simple it is to manage your vehicle. The resort offers free 24-hour self-parking for all guests in its attached six-floor garage on Glengarry Avenue. If you prefer valet service, valet service is available for registered hotel guests. Because parking is secure and accessible, you can leave your main luggage safely in your rooms or with the desk while taking only a small day pack across the border.

If you choose not to drive your own vehicle into Michigan, ride-share services and local taxis can drop you at the Canadian tunnel plaza, though crossing international borders in standard hired cars requires confirming that the driver has authorization to cross. Many guests find driving their own car across for the afternoon to be the most reliable option, parking in downtown Detroit surface lots or garages before returning before dinner.

Before you depart in the morning, make sure your hotel room key and photo identification are kept separate from your border documents. When you return to Ontario later in the day, remember that casino floor entry requires guests to be 19 years of age or older with valid government-issued photo ID checked at the doors.

What to Explore Across the River

The Detroit riverfront sits directly opposite Windsor's own parklands. Once through customs, visitors can spend the late morning exploring the Detroit Riverwalk, which offers clear views looking back at the Canadian shoreline and the towers of the resort. The downtown core features historic architecture, public plazas, and walkable avenues that connect directly to the waterfront district.

Midday is an excellent time to explore the city's central commercial grid, take in local architecture, or stop for lunch. Because you are only spent a short drive away from your host hotel, there is no need to rush across vast distances. Keeping your excursion contained to the downtown and riverfront areas allows you to enjoy a leisurely afternoon without monitoring the clock constantly for a long return drive.

If you plan to attend a evening show at The Colosseum back in Windsor, aim to recross the border by mid-afternoon. Border traffic entering Canada can build during late afternoon commuter hours. Returning to the Canadian side by 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM gives you ample time to return to your tower room, refresh, and prepare for dinner.

Returning to Windsor for Evening Dining

Coming back across the river in the late afternoon brings you right back to the riverfront property. After navigating city driving and border lanes, returning your car to the garage at 257 Glengarry Avenue is a relief. From there, an elevator ride brings you straight into the main complex without stepping outside into the weather.

For dinner, the property offers multiple sitting options depending on your evening plans. Guests looking for a sit-down meal can head to Neros Steakhouse or Spago Trattoria, while those looking for casual meals can visit Legends Sports Bar or Cafe 377. For full details on dining hours and locations, consult our guide to restaurants on site. Note that Ariius nightclub left the casino property in January 2026, so evening lounge entertainment is centred around Cosmos Lounge and venue spaces on the main floor.

Ending your day back on the Canadian side lets you enjoy the lit Detroit skyline from across the river, either from a riverview room in the Augustus Tower or during an evening swim at the indoor pool on the second floor of the Forum Tower. Consult our guest checklist before leaving your room to ensure your border documents and return arrangements are fully prepared.