Hidden Canals Offer a Side of Detroit You’ve Probably Never Seen

Story by Max White; Refreshed by Kari Zaffarano

Everyone knows about the Detroit River and how to explore it in Detroit, but many people don’t know about the hidden canals of Detroit. Located about 15 minutes east down Jefferson Ave. from Downtown Detroit, many people call Detroit’s canals the “Venice of Detroit.” It was even included in the State of Michigan’s Hidden Gems travel campaign. There are many ways to explore the canals, and then some places on land to hang out, drink and eat before you head out or when you’re done on the water.

How You Can Explore

The best way to see Detroit’s canals is by kayak. You can get up close and into some areas that you can’t reach by boat or car.

Detroit River Sports offers a variety of different tours. The “historic canal tour” is the most popular and is a 2-hour experience from start to finish. It includes check-in, gear distribution, a safety talk, and boat landing. You’ll enjoy a guaranteed 90 minutes on the water along a scenic 30mile route, where you’ll see Harbor Island, the Fisher Mansion and more. You’ll also learn about the history of the canal. They also offer a sunset canal tour.

Another option to tour the canals is by boat. You can rent boats at a variety of marinas along Lake St. Clair and then boat into the mouth of the Detroit River and into the canals.

If you want, there’s a way to drive the streets of Detroit in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood to see the canals. A good place to start is the Windmill Point Lighthouse.

Parks

If you want to take a break while you’re kayaking, or relax after, there are four parks around the canals of the Detroit River and Greyhaven Island. Maheras-Gentry Park is the western-most park and located at 12550 Avondale. It has baseball, basketball, fishing, fitness, a playground, picnic shelters and more.

Then, there are three different parks right around the canals and right next to each other.

Alfred Brush Ford Park at 100 Lenox has fishing, picnic shelters, soccer, a walking path and more. Lakewood East Park is right next to Brush Ford Park and offers fishing, and Mariner Park has soccer, fishing, picnic tables and a play area.

Where to Eat

Coriander Kitchen & Farm
Not just farm-to-table but “farm AND table,” Coriander is located along the canals of Detroit on Riverside Blvd. The restaurant has a large outdoor area for eating, and creates meals using their own farm-grown produce while support local Detroit and Michigan farmers.

The menu is often changing depending on what’s available, but it’s a great place to sit by the water and enjoy a fresh, delicious meal and great drinks.

The menu is often changing depending on what’s available, but it’s a great place to sit by the water and enjoy a fresh, delicious meal and great drinks.

Sinbad’s
Sinbad’s is down the street from Detroit’s canals, and the restaurant has been serving up food for nearly 75 years along the Detroit River.

It’s a great spot for seafood, and is famous for its clam chowder. You can arrive by car or boat for lunch or dinner, and the menu has something for everyone.

Yellow Light Coffee and Donut
Right near the Detroit border with Grosse Pointe, Yellow Light serves up house-roasted coffee, fresh donuts and breakfast sandwiches and is a great spot to go before your visit to the canals.

You’ll want to try the fried chicken with maple glaze biscuit sandwich, and the lemon-poppy donut has great flavor.

Atwater in the Park
Located in Grosse Pointe Park, just down the street from the Detroit border, Atwater in the Park is part of Atwater Brewery. It’s in an old church with a great outdoor biergarten.

They have a ton of different beers from Atwater, including the Atwater IPA, Vanilla Java Porter, Dirty Blonde and more.

You can also get food and their menu includes different sandwiches, appetizers, salads and more.

The Charlevoix
The Charlevoix is a classic cocktail bar in Grosse Pointe Park that serves up delicious food and drinks.

They have chicken wings with a variety of sauces, plus different Po’Boys and snacks for food. They also have a big list of wine and spirits, and a cocktail menu that includes drinks like the Indian Summer which has tequila, grapefruit, lemon, simple syrup, aperol and more, the Yellow Jacket with jasmine-green tea infused gin, the Lazy Boy and more.

Andrews on the Corner

It’s a classic, laid-back bar & grill in Detroit’s Rivertown with a friendly, neighborhood feel and a long history of serving solid American comfort food. Locals and visitors alike love its relaxed vibe and welcoming staff, making it a great spot for casual lunches, dinners, or drinks.

The menu includes hearty favorites like perch and fish & chips, burgers, sandwiches (including a popular Reuben), buffalo wings, and other bar bites, all paired nicely with beer and cocktails in a fun, old-school setting near the riverwalk.

Located near the canal, Andrews on the Corner is a great spot to stop for a bite or a drink before or after spending time on the water.

Red Crown

Red Crown is a cozy Americana-inspired restaurant in Grosse Pointe Park, set inside a beautifully restored 1930s gas station with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features hearty comfort food, from house-smoked ribs and gourmet burgers to tacos and classic sandwiches, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Expect craft cocktails, local brews, and a fun mix of beers to pair with your meal, perfect for dinner, happy hour, or a relaxed night out with friends and family. The spot is currently closed for the winter season but is expected to reopen in May.

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Author

Max White
Max White is a freelance writer who loves telling stories about his favorite city, Detroit, where he lives with his wife. When he’s not working or writing, you can find him rock climbing, visiting one of the many Detroit breweries, or taking a stroll throughout the city.