Discover Motown’s Little Venice: The Detroit Canals

Detroit is known for its iconic landmarks, foods, bustling downtown, and world-renowned museums. But tucked away in the city’s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on the edge of the Detroit River is a series of canals that turn the Motor City into a little slice of Italy.

These canals are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, to enjoy a side of the city residents and visitors may have never seen before.

Exploring Detroit’s “Little Venice” 

Located about 15 minutes from downtown Detroit on Jefferson Avenue, these canals have been highlighted as part of Michigan’s Hidden Gems campaign, emphasizing their significance and charm.

Venice Italy is well known for its canals and 150 of them run through the city. Detroit doesn’t have nearly that many, but the canals on the city’s east side — including Phillip Canal, Lakewood Canal, and Fox Creek Canal — have earned the collective nickname “Little Venice.”

These hidden waterways in the “Canal District” offer a unique perspective on Detroit, showcasing a side of the city that diverges from its industrial and musical legacies. The canals flow under bridges, past homes, the historic canal communities of Harbor Island, Klenk Island, and Fox Creek, businesses, and parks.

An Important Place in History

The canals have played an integral role in Detroit’s history. Developed in the early 20th century, these canals were a hub for boating communities, commercial enterprises, and even smuggling during Prohibition.

The construction of the Fox Creek Canal in 1925 and the backwater gates in 1930 were significant developments aimed at controlling flooding and facilitating water management in the area.

Over the years, the canals have witnessed various phases of Detroit’s evolution, including industrial expansion, housing developments for returning veterans, and the establishment of public parks and recreational areas.

Gaining a Unique View of Detroit

Detroit’s Canal District has been through ups and downs, but it remains a fascinating part of the city that adventurers love exploring.

Kayaking is a popular way to explore these canals, with various tours that delve into the area’s history. For those who want to explore on their own, kayaking in the Detroit River and the canals offers a chance to see these prominent East Detroit spots:

• Fisher Mansion: Located at 383 Lenox St., this historic 16,000-square-foot mansion features several acres of gardens, fountains, a waterfall, marble columns, black walnut paneling, and more.
• Habitat Island: Located in Maheras Gentry Park, this island can be accessed via the Conner Greek Greenway and is about a mile in length, offering scenic views of the water.
• Grayhaven State Harbor: Nestled at the foot of Maheras Gentry Park, close to Belle Isle, the harbor offers dozens of boat slips, a picnic area, and other amenities.
• Windmill Point Lighthouse: Originally situated at the confluence of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, the lighthouse came to Detroit in a land swap and sits in Mariner Park.

For those who prefer guided tours, Detroit River Sports — located at Fisherman’s Marina on Riverside Boulevard — is one of a few companies that offer a historic canal kayaking tour. The tour typically lasts about two hours and takes kayakers past Greyhaven Island, and the Fisher Mansion before finishing with a paddle through the canals.

For those interested in another perspective, boat rentals allow for exploration from the water, and driving through the different neighborhoods offers views from land.

Explore More of Detroit Near the Canals

Detroit has no shortage of things to see and do, so make the most of your trip to the Motor City and go exploring after your journey through the canals.

Visit Belle Isle State Park

Official known as Belle Isle State Park, Belle Isle is a jewel in The D. It’s the largest city island park of its kind at 982 acres and features a conservatory, a nature zoo, a maritime museum, an aquarium, a beach, and numerous picnic areas.

Meander Along the Detroit Riverwalk

Michiganders love being by the water and the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk is one of the best spots to enjoy the water. It gets millions of visitors each year and provides a picturesque setting for walking, jogging, biking, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Eat at a Local Restaurant

If you’re looking for something a little different to eat during your Little Venice visit, Coriander Kitchen and Farm is a solid option in the heart of the Canal District. Coriander is the only restaurant in the city that is both the farm AND the table.

Coriander offers a casual vibe and delicious twists on seaside classics. The menu is always changing with the season and visitors can dig into fish dishes, burgers, vegetable dishes, and more. Customers can dine al fresco along the canal or on a heated pergola and watch the world unfold.

Relax at a Nearby Park

If you’re looking to cool off during or after your trip through the canals, there are four different parks along the river and Greyhaven Island.

Visitors can enjoy Meheras-Gentry Park — the westernmost park which has athletic fields, fishing space, trails, and picnic spots. Closer to the canals, visitors can enjoy Alfred Brush Ford Park, Lakewood East Park, and Mariner Park for outdoor recreation.

Get Ready to Explore Detroit’s Little Venice

Detroit’s canals echo Detroit’s rich history, from its early days as a burgeoning industrial city to its current status as a center of cultural and recreational activity. They underscore the city’s ability to reinvent and revitalize itself, offering residents and visitors a serene escape amidst the urban landscape.

Whether you go on a self-guided journey of the canals or take a guided tour, a calm trip through the canals offers a one-of-a-kind experience that allows travelers to gain a new appreciation for the city’s many wonders.