There are so many things to do in Burlington, Ontario – this list just scratches the surface, but gives you a good taste of what this amazing city has to offer residents and tourists alike.
Since April 2012, I’ve been a resident of Burlington, Ontario. However, my many first-time experiences in this beautiful city go back to early 2010. My husband Frank, a long-time Burlingtonian, was proud to show me the sights and activities the city has to offer.
Things To Do In Burlington, Ontario
About two years ago I posted things to do in my hometown of Mississauga, Ontario. This time around, I’m sharing with you, in no particular order, things to do in Burlington!
Spring In Burlington
As soon as Spring arrives there are numerous outdoor things to do in Burlington. Some of our favourite activities include:
- Visit Paletta Mansion for the beautiful magnolia trees and a great view of the lake.
- Check out the Hendrie Valley natural sanctuary at Royal Botanical Gardens, as birds start to migrate back into the area.
- Take in the blooming cherry trees at Spencer Smith Park and the RBG Rock Garden.
- Get exercise on the cross-city trail that takes you from Burloak Drive all the way to downtown Burlington.
- Take your child for a walk on many of the family-friendly trails, perfect for strollers to get a breath of fresh air.
Spring Visit To Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is one of our favourite places to go at any time of the year. The springtime is the best as we can easily get on the trails and the farm animals are out and enjoying the warmer weather.
From the Maple Syrup Festival, each weekend in March, to the Children’s barn with animals to visit in the summer, to camping and hiking trails (total of six trails, all fairly easy), Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a fabulous spot for a quick getaway from the daily grind. Although you can hear the hum of cars from the nearby Queen Elizabeth Way, you can still take a moment to escape from the mundane aspects of suburbia.
For a one-time day visit, use the Day Use entry. Vehicle entry is approximately $16 – to make it worthwhile, plan for a few hours stay.
Directions: Take the Q.E.W. to Burloak Drive (Exit 109). Go North (away from Lake Ontario) for one kilometer. Park entrance will be on the right-hand side.
| RELATED: Top Day Trips From Toronto
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Summer Activities
Summer is a busy period in Burlington. It’s when you get most visitors from outside the city exploring it. Many are visiting family and friends in the area, so it’s not surprising to see places such as Spencer Smith Park packed on a hot summer night. People stroll along and enjoy the waterfront.
A few other things you can do in the summer in Burlington include:
- Check out the many shops and restaurants along Brant Street and Village Square in downtown Burlington.
- Go walking on one of the many walking trails in Burlington.
- Head down to LaSalle Park to walk along the waterfront trail, with a boardwalk in sections. Ducks, geese, and swans congregate in this part of the lake to rest and feed, making it perfect for wildlife photography.
- Explore Burlington’s history at Ireland House.
- End off the summer with Canada’s Largest (and most delicious) Ribfest, at Spencer Smith Park.
Take A Summer Walk Along Spencer Smith Park
The view of Burlington Bay from Spencer Smith Park at night that I included above is pretty spectacular. You can see in the distance the Burlington Skyway and the lights from Hamilton’s steel plants. The one-kilometer stretch of Spencer Smith Park, from Brant Street to Maple Avenue, along the edge of Lake Ontario is a good way to stretch your legs after having visited one of the many restaurants in the heart of downtown Burlington.
The summer is the best time to go walking along the lake, just because it’s not as chilly as it would be at any other time of the year. It’s a “hotspot” for late evening romantic strolls or for families wanting to cool off on hot days.
Fall Activities
My favourite time of the year!
Hiking is the best at this time of the year in and around Burlington. From the trails at the RBG to places such as Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Mount Nemo and Mountsberg Conservation Area, there’s much to do outdoors.
You can pick your own apples in the nearby town of Waterdown. FrootoGo is one of our favourite places to visit for fresh apple picking. Dress comfortably and arrive early to get a head start before the crowds arrive.
A favourite spot for a Fall walk for us is Lowville Park, located in Lowville a small village that’s part of Burlington.
Winter In Burlington
Although you may want to cuddle up at home on a cold night, it’s worth it to bundle up and head for a drive in the winter in Burlington.
I recommend a drive around in some of the neighbourhoods to take in the fantastic Christmas light displays. In recent years, some homeowners in the quieter neighbourhoods have gone all out with their lights. Take a drive in and around residential streets to find more great jobs with Christmas lighting. Some of the large homes along Lakeshore Rd are also displayed extravagantly.
Musson House on Spruce Avenue is a must-see. The family continues the tradition of being one of the most decorated homes in Burlington.
During the winter, Spencer Smith Park is the site of the colourful Lakeside Festival of Lights before Christmas. At the west end of the park, by Spencers At the Waterfront restaurant, there’s an outdoor skating rink.
In February, check out the annual Taste of Burlington food festival which rivals Toronto’s Winterlicious in terms of dining opportunities… without the long drive into the city. Over 30 restaurants participate with prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that showcase their Chef and kitchen staff’s culinary abilities.
Dabble In The Arts At The Art Gallery of Burlington
Head indoors during the winter!
Did you know that the Art Gallery of Burlington located in downtown Burlington, has a Picasso in its permanent collection? It houses more than 1,800 pieces of artwork, including pieces by over 400 Canadian artists. If you want to brush up (pun intended) on your artistic skills, you can sign up for workshops throughout the year – from woodcarving to painting and glass jewelry making.
Check out the Art Gallery of Burlington for more details.
Dining In Burlington
There are numerous restaurants in Burlington’s downtown core, offering a variety of cuisines and types of options. From fine-dining at Spencer’s to pub food at the Queen’s Head pub, there’s something for every palate.
A few of our favourites include Wendel Clarks, Barra Fion, and Son of a Peach. The Heading further out, try out Nothing Bundt Cakes on Fairview Avenue for cute, sweet alternatives to cupcakes.
Every year there’s a Taste of Burlington festival in the winter and summer period with prix fixe menus. This gives any visitor to the city an opportunity to explore the dining options.
QUESTION: What else should I add to this growing list of things to do in Burlington, Ontario?
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3 Comments
I like Bronte Creek Park :(
Went to the RibFest on Labour Day weekend. Love the new pier! The only problem with the Burlington waterfront now is that it’s getting too overrun. If we bring our bikes down with the car we tend to park at the far end of the beach area, almost at the lift bridge. We used to park in that downtown parking lot but it got too busy.
Hi Ron – During Ribfest, it’s a zoo. We found parking a few blocks north, but we arrived earlier in the morning and walked down. As they say, early bird gets the worm…. and in this case, a good parking spot!