Windsor Public Parking Lots: Find a Space Without the Guesswork
Parking in Windsor is easier when you know which facilities belong to the City. However, a downtown surface lot, a municipal garage and a private parking area may have very different rules. This guide explains where to park, what to pay and how to avoid common mistakes.
Whether you are visiting City Hall, exploring the riverfront or heading downtown for dinner, you can compare your options before leaving home.
HOURLY RATE
Quick Answer: Where Can You Park in Windsor?
Windsor operates 29 municipal off-street parking lots and two downtown garages. For a short visit, a municipal surface lot is often a practical starting point. The standard rate is $2 per hour, although some locations have different rules.
For a longer downtown visit, consider one of the City’s municipal garages. Both operate around the clock and charge $2 per hour, with a $20 daily maximum. As a result, they offer a more predictable option when you expect to stay for several hours.
Meanwhile, some City Centre surface lots offer a $5 evening flat rate. However, you should always check the sign at your chosen lot. Special rates, maximum stays and restrictions can vary by location.
Windsor Public Parking Rates in 2026
Parking prices depend on the type of space you choose. Although municipal surface lots generally cost $2 per hour, garage pricing works differently because the garages have a daily maximum. In addition, evening arrangements vary across downtown lots.
| Parking Type | Published Rate | Typical Paid Hours | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal surface lots | $2/hour | 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Saturday | Check each lot’s maximum stay and signs. |
| Participating City Centre lots | $5 evening flat fee | Various lots, 6 p.m.–midnight | Not every lot uses identical evening rules. |
| Municipal garages | $2/hour; $20 daily maximum | Open 24/7 | Pay at the machine before exiting. |
| Passport Parking app | $2.25/hour where the app rate applies | Follow the posted zone | Check the location and session details. |
For example, a two-hour visit at the standard surface-lot rate costs $4. However, a longer visit may reach the posted maximum stay before you are ready to leave. Therefore, never assume that paying for additional time gives you permission to remain beyond the lot’s limit.
Popular Windsor Municipal Parking Lots
Windsor’s municipal lots cover the downtown core, riverfront and surrounding districts. Consequently, you can often park near your destination without relying on a private facility. Start by choosing the part of downtown you plan to visit.
Lot 5: Dieppe Riverfront
This lot is useful when visiting the waterfront. However, the City identifies it as a location where alternative rates and rules may apply. Therefore, check the posted signs before paying.
Near Ouellette Avenue and the riverfrontLot 10: Park at Goyeau
Lot 10 is convenient for central downtown errands and City Hall-area visits. In addition, it is one of the City’s designated public parking options for City Hall Square.
Park Street East and Goyeau Street areaLot 15: Pelissier at Wyandotte
This municipal lot serves the Pelissier and Wyandotte area. As a result, it can be useful when visiting nearby businesses or services. Check the posted time limit before walking away.
Pelissier Street and Wyandotte StreetLot 22: Bruce at University
This lot provides another option west of the central downtown area. However, the City advises drivers to check its location-specific rates and restrictions.
Bruce Avenue and University AvenueLot 23: Caron at University
Lot 23 is worth checking when your destination is closer to the western side of downtown. In addition, the City lists monthly parking permits for this location.
Caron Avenue and University AvenueLot 34: Casino Riverfront
This municipal lot serves the casino and riverfront area. However, nearby parking facilities may have different operators. Therefore, confirm that you have entered the intended municipal lot.
Casino and Riverside Drive areaOther City Centre locations include Lot 11 at McDougall and Wyandotte, Lot 13 at Windsor and Wyandotte, and Lot 16 along the CNR Riverfront. In addition, several municipal lots serve the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre. The City’s official lot map provides the full list.
Downtown Windsor Municipal Parking Garages
A garage can be easier to manage when you do not know exactly how long your visit will take. Both downtown municipal garages operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Moreover, each has a published daily maximum of $20.
Municipal Garage #1
Located at Pitt Street East and Goyeau Street, this garage serves the eastern side of the downtown core. Furthermore, its daily maximum makes the cost easier to estimate for longer visits.
$20 maximum daily rateMunicipal Garage #2
Located at Park Street West and Pelissier Street, this garage provides another central option. Therefore, it is worth comparing when your destination is on the western side of downtown.
$20 maximum daily rateHow Garage Payment Works
First, keep your parking ticket. Then, pay at the payment machine before returning to the exit. Both garages accept credit cards. Cash is also accepted at the payment machines.
Follow the instructions displayed at the garage.Where to Park Near Windsor City Hall Square
City Hall Square has several municipal parking options. However, they are not all designed for the same length of visit. Therefore, check your expected appointment time before choosing.
Lot 19
Lot 19 provides free short-term parking. Nevertheless, it is not an unrestricted all-day parking option. Check the posted time limit when you arrive.
Lots 10 and 38
Both are designated City Hall-area public lots. Their published rate is $2 per hour. However, always confirm the current payment instructions at the lot.
Lot 31
Located at 340 Wyandotte Street East, Lot 31 uses parking-app payment. Therefore, prepare your phone and confirm the posted zone before paying.
For a short City Hall appointment, Lot 19 may be worth checking first. On the other hand, a paid municipal lot or garage may be more practical if your visit could take longer.
Is Free Public Parking Available in Windsor?
Yes, although the rules depend on the location. For example, City Hall’s Lot 19 offers free short-term parking. In addition, municipal on-street meters are generally free outside their paid hours and on Sundays and holidays.
However, do not apply on-street meter rules to every municipal surface lot. Some City Centre lots charge during the evening and on Sundays. Consequently, a space that looks free may still require payment.
Free Parking for Accessible Permit Holders
Drivers displaying a valid accessible parking permit can park free in City-owned paid surface lots. However, the lot’s maximum time limit still applies. In comparison, municipal garages and ordinary on-street meters generally require payment.
Veteran Licence Plates
Windsor also provides parking privileges for qualifying veteran licence plates. Specifically, eligible vehicles can use municipal lots and on-street meters without payment for the posted maximum time. Nevertheless, municipal garages and most private parking facilities still charge.
How to Pay With Passport Parking Canada
Windsor supports Passport Parking Canada at participating locations. As a result, you can pay from your phone instead of returning to a meter or payment machine. The City’s published app rate is $2.25 per hour where applicable.
First, confirm that your location accepts Passport Parking. Then, note the correct zone or space information.
Next, check the licence plate carefully. Even a small typing error can create problems during parking enforcement.
After that, select the session length and review the payment amount before confirming the transaction.
Finally, keep the session details. If the location allows extensions, you may be able to add time in the app.
However, the app cannot override a location’s maximum parking limit. Therefore, move your vehicle when the posted maximum stay expires, even if you would prefer to pay more.
Monthly Parking Permits in Windsor
If you work downtown, daily parking payments can become inconvenient. Therefore, a monthly municipal permit may be worth comparing with your usual parking costs.
The City offers monthly permits at many surface lots and both municipal garages. For example, its published monthly fee is $128.03 for either downtown municipal garage.
Meanwhile, some surface-lot permits cost less. The published monthly rate for Lot 15 and Lot 23 is $89.62. However, availability and permit conditions should be confirmed directly with the City.
Parking for Windsor Riverfront and Downtown Events
Riverfront visits are popular during pleasant weather and major events. Consequently, the closest parking spaces may fill quickly.
First, check the location of your destination. For example, Lot 5 serves the Dieppe Riverfront area, while Lot 34 serves the casino riverfront area. Then, check whether the posted rates or restrictions differ from standard municipal rules.
If you expect a long visit, consider a downtown garage as an alternative. Although you may have to walk farther, its daily maximum can make the parking cost easier to estimate.
Finally, remember that private event parking is not necessarily part of the municipal system. Therefore, check the operator, price and exit arrangements before entering.
Can You Leave Your Car Overnight?
Both downtown municipal garages operate 24 hours a day. Therefore, they are a useful starting point when you need parking beyond ordinary daytime hours.
However, 24-hour operation does not automatically mean that every type of overnight stay is permitted. Similarly, surface-lot payment hours do not establish unrestricted overnight parking.
Before leaving your vehicle, check the posted restrictions, current rates and any special event notices. If you need multi-day parking, confirm the arrangement with the operator.
Five Steps to Avoid a Windsor Parking Ticket
First, check whether you are entering a municipal or private parking facility. Their payment rules may be different.
Next, find the posted time limit. Remember that paying for parking does not remove that restriction.
If you use the app, confirm the zone and licence plate before completing payment.
After paying, keep your receipt or app confirmation. Also, follow any display instructions at the facility.
Finally, set a reminder. If you cannot legally extend your stay, move the vehicle before the time limit ends.
Windsor Public Parking Lots Map
Use the map below to explore downtown Windsor and nearby municipal parking areas. However, Google Maps does not replace the City’s official parking-lot map or on-site signs.
Official Windsor Parking Resources
Before travelling, use the City’s official resources to confirm rates and rules. In particular, check the municipal lot map if you are unfamiliar with the downtown street layout.