Detroit River Family Fishing Day Returns to Celebrate Thriving Fish Communities

The Detroit River Family Fishing Day returns on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Queen’s Dock Park in Windsor. This free, family-friendly event coincides with Ontario’s Family Fishing Week, meaning Canadian residents can fish without a license.

“Family Fishing Day is the perfect chance to discover the joy of fishing on the Detroit River,” says Madison Dugdale, Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Remedial Action Plan Coordinator. “Join expert anglers to learn new skills, explore the river’s unique ecosystem, and experience this special event on a pier dedicated to honouring local Indigenous culture and history.”

This event will be the first fishing event to be hosted at the new Bezhigoyaak Cultural Pier, at the foot of Mill Street on the Detroit River shoreline. This new feature along the Detroit River was opened in May 2026 by the Windsor Port Authority and designed in collaboration with Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation. The $2.5-million pier was funded largely through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Fund, the steel was donated by Atlas Tube, with work from several organizations, including students from St. Clair College, who helped to pour concrete and install rebar.

The family friendly fishing event offers a variety of engaging activities and resources for all ages:

• Free Gear & Bait: Borrow fishing rods, reels, and bait on-site at no cost, or bring your own equipment. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be available for youth under 18.
• Expert Anglers: Experienced anglers from Just Fishin’ Friends will be stationed at the new fishing pier to share tips, techniques, and support for participants of all skill levels.
• Educational Exhibits: Explore interactive booths focused on river health, local fish species, and the Detroit River ecosystem.

What to Bring:

• Reusable water bottle and snacks
• Folding chairs
• Sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray
• Plenty of patience while waiting for a bite!

All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must sign a waiver on-site. Public washrooms are located near the windmill, and street parking is available in the surrounding neighbourhood.

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Explore Nature and History on Windsor’s Peche Island!

Discover the captivating beauty of Peche Island this summer! The City of Windsor is once again offering both guided and self-guided tours to this hidden gem. 

Discover Peche Island Guided Tour

The Discover Peche Island guided tour is a great way to learn about the history of the island! This two-hour tour allows you to enjoy a relaxing one-hour guided boat tour around the island while learning about its cultural history. The tour then stops for one hour on the island, where there is also a guided leisurely 2-kilometre (1.24-mile) stroll along the island’s trail.

The Discover Peche Island tours start on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and run every Friday and Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. until August 29, 2026. Ticket price is $35 per person.

Peche Island Self-Guided Tours

Peche Island Self-guided Tours are a great opportunity for those who prefer to move at their own pace! Catch a boat ride to the island and explore trails, canals and historic ruins across 86 acres of land.

The Peche Island Self-Guided Tours start on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Tour dates vary and are available on the Peche Island Tours web page, and each tour runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the final return trip to the marina at 2 p.m. (weather permitting). Admission is $13.00 per seat.

All tours depart from Lakeview Park Marina, 9200 Riverside Drive East. You can book either tour by email at CRBC@CityWindsor.ca or call 519-255-1161.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Ensure you come prepared with your photo identification (ID) along with protection against bugs and the sun.
• Bring water bottles to stay hydrated as well as a compact personal bag, such as a purse or backpack.
• Don’t forget your binoculars to enhance your island exploration.
• Please ensure that you carry out whatever you bring in.

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Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with Free Fishing

This Father’s Day weekend, Ontario is inviting families to reel in some fun and enjoy the outdoors together for free. On June 20 and 21, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

“Some of the best memories are made out on the water,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Father’s Day weekend is a great chance to cast a line for the first time, or rediscover the joy of it, while getting out to enjoy Ontario’s beautiful outdoors.”

Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province. Free fishing opportunities like Father’s Day weekend provide a chance for people to learn more about fishing on Ontario’s lakes and rivers.

If you are fishing for free during the Father’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch and size limits, fishing sanctuaries and other fishing regulations still apply.

Quick Facts

• This weekend marks the third of four free-fishing periods in Ontario this year. The remaining dates are during Family Fishing Week (June 27–July 5).
• For beginners, Ontario offers loans of rods and reels for free through the TackleShare program, in‑person Learn to Fish programs as well as an online Learn to Fish Guide to help new anglers get started.
• 1.16 million anglers spend $2.4 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
• Canadian residents participating in free fishing periods must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth.
• Outside of free fishing periods, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a licence to fish. All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.
• Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at HuntAndFishOntario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. Licences can also be purchased in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.

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Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi Takes Golf to New Heights with “Par 3 in the D” Rooftop Challenge

The Rocket Classic has announced “Par 3 in the D,” a first-of-its-kind rooftop golf challenge taking place July 28 in downtown Detroit. The event will feature six PGA TOUR players hitting shots from atop Bedrock’s historic five-story Traver | UBS building at 1217 Woodward Avenue, sending golf balls through the Hudson’s Detroit corridor, across Nick Gilbert Way and onto a custom-built green below. Local contracting firm Rhino Recreational Construction has been instrumental in bringing the ambitious concept to life.

Presented by Rocket, Par 3 in the D will feature PGA TOUR stars Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Russell Henley, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young. Competing from a rooftop tee box, each player will have three attempts to land an approximately 100-yard shot on a 40-by-40-foot green positioned at the far end of the plaza. With an elevation drop of 50 to 60 feet, players will need to navigate a challenging shot over Woodward Avenue and through the corridor along Nick Gilbert Way in hopes of claiming the title.  

“When we say we’re putting six PGA TOUR players on a rooftop in downtown Detroit and asking them to hit shots over Woodward Avenue, the first reaction is usually, ‘You’re doing what?’” said Mark Hollis, Rocket Classic Tournament Director. “Nothing like this exists anywhere else on the PGA TOUR schedule, and it’s another way we’re bringing golf directly into the city and creating memorable experiences for fans.”

In addition to showcasing the creativity and excitement of tournament week, Par 3 in the D will support Detroit-focused causes. Details on the event’s community impact will be announced in the coming weeks.

While Par 3 in the D will bring a unique new experience to downtown Detroit, fans can also look forward to a strong field at Detroit Golf Club. The Rocket Classic has announced commitments from World No. 14 Aaron Rai, No. 18 Si Woo Kim and No. 24 Hideki Matsuyama.

Rai captured his second PGA TOUR victory and first major championship last month at the 2026 PGA Championship, finishing at nine-under-par 271. A dramatic 69-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole at Aronimink Golf Club helped seal the victory moments before he hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy. He has enjoyed success at the Rocket Classic, recording top-10 finishes in both of his appearances at Detroit Golf Club, including a T9 in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024.

The youngest player ever to win THE PLAYERS Championship, Kim captured the title in 2017 at just 21 years old and has since added three more PGA TOUR victories to his resume. He has enjoyed a strong 2026 season, recording two runner-up finishes and eight top-10s while earning more than $6.5 million. This summer will mark his sixth appearance at the Rocket Classic, where he has made the cut in four of five starts and posted a career-best finish of T14 in 2022.

Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, has amassed 11 PGA TOUR victories and more than $65 million in career earnings. Those accomplishments make him the most successful Japanese player in PGA TOUR history. The 2026 Rocket Classic will mark his sixth appearance at Detroit Golf Club, where he recorded career-best finishes of T13 in both 2019 and 2025.

The Rocket Classic field will also feature several winners from the 2026 PGA TOUR season, including newly committed players Ricky Castillo (Puerto Rico Open), Nico Echavarria (Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches) and Brandt Snedeker (ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic). They join previously announced champions Russell Henley (Charles Schwab Challenge) and Cameron Young (THE PLAYERS Championship, Cadillac Championship).

Castillo enters the Rocket Classic ranked No. 93 in the world and sits 58th in the FedExCup standings following his breakthrough victory at the Puerto Rico Open and another top-10 finish this season. He made his Rocket Classic debut in 2025.

Currently ranked No. 52 in the world, Echavarria has captured three PGA TOUR victories since earning his first win in 2023. He has made the cut in two of his three appearances at the Rocket Classic, highlighted by a career-best T6 finish in 2025.

Snedeker, a 10-time PGA TOUR winner, returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2018 with a victory at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic in May. He finished at 18-under par, including a five-under-par final round, to claim a one-stroke win. At the Rocket Classic, his best finish came at the inaugural tournament in 2019, where he placed T5.

Four top-10 finishes this season have helped elevate Nicolai Højgaard to No. 33 in the world rankings. He will make his fourth Rocket Classic appearance this summer and has recorded two top-25 finishes at Detroit Golf Club. His identical twin brother, Rasmus Højgaard, also returns to the field after making his Rocket Classic debut last year. Together, the brothers led Denmark to victory at the 2018 World Amateur Team Championship and captured the Eisenhower Trophy.

Defending champion Aldrich Potgieter has also committed to return to Detroit Golf Club. Ranked No. 73 in the world, Potgieter will make his third Rocket Classic appearance after completing one of the tournament’s most remarkable turnarounds – missing the cut in 2024 before winning the title in 2025. His winning score of 22-under par represented a 24-stroke improvement from his debut performance at the Rocket Classic.

 For more information on the Rocket Classic and to purchase tickets, visit the Rocket Classsic website.

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Community Soccer Watch Party to Bring Fans Together at Windsor City Hall Square!

FIFA fans of all ages are invited to enjoy a two-day community soccer festival on June 18 and 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Windsor’s new City Hall Square space (350 City Hall Square West).

The event will bring together residents, families, and visitors to celebrate the excitement of international soccer through live match broadcasts, family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment.

Attendees can enjoy:

• Live broadcasts of international soccer matches
• Food and beverage offerings
• Face painting
• Kids’ activities
• Soccer mini skills and drills
• Giveaways and prizes
• And more!

Match Schedule:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

• 3:00 p.m. – Switzerland versus Bosnia-Herzegovina
• 6:00 p.m. – Canada versus Qatar

Friday, June 19, 2026

• 3:00 p.m. – United States (USA) versus Australia
• 6:00 p.m. – Scotland versus Morocco

Whether you are a lifelong soccer fan or simply looking for a fun community gathering, this event offers something for everyone!

This watch party and special event is presented with the support of the Province of Ontario, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.

FIFA World Cup Schedule

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