On the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Burlington Ontario? No worries, we bought you lined!
We’ve got household in Burlington, which you’d suppose offers us a bonus from a neighborhood perspective, however the reality is, we’d go to our household, then head again to Toronto!
It wasn’t till we began exploring Burlington as a neighborhood we realized how superior this metropolis is. It’s nice to get off the freeway to discover whereas on a highway journey, however it’s implausible not only for a day journey but in addition as a weekend getaway!
Burlington, Ontario, is a shocking metropolis between Toronto and Niagara Falls. It’s a culturally vigorous metropolitan situated on the northern seashores of Lake Ontario and is a straightforward day tour from bustling Toronto.
Burlington has plentiful family-friendly actions, quaint alleyways, stylish boutiques, and gastronomic delights. Additionally situated in Halton Area subsequent door to Oakville, you’ll be able to mix each cities for numerous Oakville and Burlington issues to do collectively. So with out additional ado, right here is the checklist of high issues to do when visiting this enjoyable metropolis.
By the best way…In case you’re craving a summer season getaway alongside Lake Ontario’s shores, take a look at this information to discovering Ontario’s greatest seashores.
This text is now out there as a cell app. Go to GPSmyCity to obtain the app for GPS-assisted journey instructions to the points of interest featured on this article.
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Historical past of Burlington, Ontario
Burlington City is situated on the head of Lake Ontario, 50 km west of Toronto. The city first served as a seaside resort and a fruit-growing middle till it later developed from the northeast of Toronto in 1950.
At present, Burlington has grow to be a lakefront residential metropolis and is world-renowned for the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Attending to Burlington (from Toronto)
Automobile
Burlington is subsequent to main highways connecting to the Larger Toronto Space, Kitchener/Waterloo, and the Niagara Area.
It’s simply accessible by highway by way of the ON-403 freeway, and there are many public transportation choices, just like the VIA Rail and Go transit public transportation companies to Burlington. There are additionally loads of taxi corporations, biking lanes, and Burlington Transit companies throughout the metropolis too.
Furthermore, it’s inside 45 minutes of main worldwide airports: Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Buffalo, and Toronto Pearson.
The Afternoon Earlier than Burlington Actions
Earlier than you head off to discover Burlington in a day, there are some things you’ll wish to do the afternoon earlier than your journey.
1. Cottage Nation Sweet Outlet (Scholtens Inc)
The very first thing you’ll wish to do earlier than your Burlington day journey is to top off on some goodies on the Cottage Nation Candies Outlet. Right here you’ll discover some mouth-watering delights, together with vegan-friendly sweetmeats, candies (and sugar-free ones), nuts and path mixes, goodies, and snacks.
What’s a day of actions and not using a handful of issues to nibble on?
2. Royal Botanical Gardens
A 3-minute drive from the Scholtens Inc outlet lies the attractive, must-see gardens. The Royal Botanical Gardens is not only any backyard; it’s Canada’s largest garden and arguably one of many high Burlington points of interest.
The beautiful landscapes are divided into sections and unfold throughout 900 hectares of land. It options 4 out of doors gardens, three eating places, a present store, and one greenhouse. Stroll across the picturesque gardens and uncover the world’s largest lilac assortment and over 1,000 plant and flower species.
3. Pepperwood Bistro
As soon as it’s dinner time, there’s no higher place for a tasty meal than the Pepperwood Bistro. It’s a neighborhood sizzling spot in Burlington, serving up to date bistro fare and their very own on-premise brewed beers served by the pint.
Vacation Inn Burlington
Now that you just’ve stocked up on snacks, stroll across the gorgeous gardens; it’s time to seek out your lodging for the evening. The Vacation Inn Burlington has situated close by common retailers, eating places, and points of interest. It encompasses a spa and pool; the rooms present flat-screen TVs, wifi, a bar, and extra.
What to Do in Burlington 1-Day Itinerary
What to do in Burlington, Ontario – in a day? For starters, you’ll need breakfast at your chosen resort. The Vacation Inn serves breakfast in your room with tea and low – what a win! As soon as that’s checked off your checklist, it’s time to dig into some Burlington, Canada, factors of curiosity across the metropolis.
Word: Take a look at my information on what to do in Burlington on a weekend getaway for a enjoyable and provoking journey.
4. Sunshine Doughnuts
Praise your day journey to the town by sampling some tender, buttery Sunshine Doughnuts in downtown Burlington’s coronary heart. These spherical balls of affection are handmade with contemporary dough and sugary goodness.
5. Artwork Gallery of Burlington
Positioned within the coronary heart of the town close to Spencer Smith Park and a 3-minute drive from Sunshine Doughnuts is the award-winning Artwork Gallery of Burlington – the seventh-largest public exhibit in Ontario. The gallery has over 1,000 items of artwork in a 4,100-square-meter house.
One of many largest points of interest is its assortment of up to date Canadian ceramics, the most important in Canada. It additionally boasts a beautiful courtyard that hosts round 20 exhibitions yearly.
6. Kelly’s Bake Shoppe
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is a must-visit you probably have a candy tooth and wish to strive vegan baked items when visiting Burlington, Ontario.
Positioned in downtown Burlington close to Metropolis Corridor, the bakery is residence to a few of the most decadent, scrumptious vegan cupcakes. Pattern some mouth-watering big cookie sandwiches, award-winning Mile-Excessive Brownies, and Nanaimo bars.
7. Village Sq.
And whilst you’re in downtown Burlington, solely a 4-minute stroll from the bakery, catch a touch of European attraction in Village Sq.. It’s residence to vigorous farmer’s markets within the summertime and the North Coal Christmas market in wintertime.
Right here you’ll discover an array of outlets and eateries – particularly on the subject of Christmas time and the vacation season. Stroll alongside cobblestone alleyways and admire some historic structure hugging this small sq..
8. Village Cigar Firm & Barbershop
Whether or not you’re a smoker or not, the Village Cigar Firm & Barbershop is a must-visit vacation spot. It’s residence to a 100-square-foot humidor, housing the best cigars within the metropolis. Study recognizing tastes and folks’s preferences, and make suggestions within the cigar world.
9. The North Coal
You’ll discover the North Coal a minute from the cigar and barbershop – and no, not the North Pole. And should you’ve come throughout the vacation season, don’t miss the Christmas Market. From sizzling wings and popcorn mussels to tender shell tacos and walnut-crusted salmon, it’s the proper place to get pleasure from a scrumptious meal and store for presents and attire.
10. The Odd Spot
Whilst you’re within the space, take a stroll round The Odd Spot. Because the identify suggests, you’ll come to a spot stuffed with enjoyable, odd, and thrilling issues, from Star Trek TV props to a Seventies SuperCycle Classic bike and recycled clothes.
11. Nickel Brook Brewing
In case you get pleasure from an ice-cold beer draft every now and then, go to Nickel Brook Brewing Co and pattern a few of the greatest craft beer in Ontario. It’s a microbrewery situated a brief trip from downtown Burlington and a mere 6-minute drive from the Joseph Brant Museum.
The brewery serves numerous beers, together with stouts, ales, IPAs, and bitter beers – all crafted onsite of their ‘Funk Lab.’ Furthermore, you should buy different gadgets comparable to attire, glassware, equipment, and tasting kits to take residence with you.
12. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre
From large-scale theatrical productions to one-person reveals, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is the town’s music and theatre arts hub. Positioned close to the waterfront, the centre options an array of leisure choices.
The 720-seat primary stage has had performers from everywhere in the world, whereas the 165-seat Neighborhood Studio Theatre has hosted a number of productions which have enthralled 1000’s of viewers. In case you’re in search of a state-of-the-art leisure night, deal with your self to an unimaginable efficiency at BPAC.
13. Spencer Smith Park
Talking of strolling, why not take a 6-minute stroll to Spencer Smith Park? Dwelling to Ribfest and the Burlington Beer Competition (want we are saying extra), it’s the good spot for guests trying to spend just a little time outdoor because it presents inexperienced house, a playground, fountains, sculptures and extra! For these in search of one thing extra energetic, the paved Burlington waterfront path is right for runners, cyclists, and rollerblades.
The beautiful parkland boasts a number of pathways, a large promenade that hugs the lake, and benches dotted all through. Discover a spot on the expansive inexperienced lawns to chill out and picnic, or take a stroll and benefit from the peaceable surroundings. And should you’re taking the household on a highway journey, the park additionally has a kids’s playground and water jet space.
As well as, to Ribfest and the Burlington Beer Competition, within the spring, it’s one of many premier locations in Ontario to look at cherry blossoms. In the course of the summer season, it’s in regards to the tremendous common Sound Of Music pageant (extra particulars under). Within the winter, the Rotary Centennial Pond is remodeled right into a public skating rink, and the Lakeside Competition of Lights show presents a wide ranging view of assorted Christmas lights.
Regardless of the season, Burlington has one thing for everybody to get pleasure from!
14. Brant Avenue Pier
The Brant Avenue Pier is a 2-minute drive from The Odd Spot. Positioned on the shoreline, an S-shaped pier stretches 137 meters over Lake Ontario.
Strolling alongside the pier and up the round staircase to the elevated deck to find beautiful views. There you’ll get to soak within the panoramic views of the lake and the Burlington shoreline.
Word: The pier is open between 7 am and 11 pm, so you’ll be able to benefit from the space within the morning, midday, or evening.
15. Joseph Brant Museum
Alongside the lakefront, 3 minutes from the park, you’ll come to seek out the Joseph Brant Museum. Stroll across the place and find out about Burlington’s founding, settlement, and growth. The museum additionally options three galleries and hosts many travelling exhibitions.
Word: It opens from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays.
16. Spencer’s on the Waterfront
When you’ve labored up an urge for food and to finish off an thrilling day of actions in Burlington, head for dinner on the waterfront. You’ll discover Spencer’s on the Waterfront Restaurant on the west finish of Spencer Smith Park.
You’ll get to savour freshly grown produce from their farm and sustainably sourced seafood. It’s the proper place to finish an attractive day, having fun with delectable meals with a spectacular view.
A Footnote on Enjoyable Actions Burlington for a Day
The Sound of Music
One of many many causes Burlington is certainly one of Canada’s most beloved cities is the abundance of cultural occasions and festivals. And certainly one of Canada’s largest annual music festivals, the Sound of Music Competition, shouldn’t be one to overlook.
It’s been held each June for the reason that Nineteen Eighties and showcases many native artists and performers celebrating Father’s Day weekend in Spencer Park.
One factor is for certain – the town of Burlington manages to captivate its guests year-round.
Whether or not you wish to get pleasure from a nice stroll alongside the waterfront promenade, pattern some delectable vegan cookies, or go to Canada’s largest botanical gardens, Burlington has you lined.
So there you have got it, the highest points of interest and issues to do round Burlington inside a day. In case you’ve visited this metropolis, what’s your favorite factor to do and see right here? Please share; I’d like to know!
Burlington Seashore
When the climate will get too sizzling, and the air is simply too humid, Burlington Seashore is a good place to chill off or solar tan. Also called The Beachway, it covers 6.8 acres of park house and has two kilometres of paved strolling trails linked to Spencer Smith Park. As well as, Burlington Seashore has one of many largest baymouth bars in Ontario, the one dune habitat in Halton and residential to uncommon vegetation comparable to seaside spurge and sand dropseed.
It’s particularly common on weekends, and between 8:00 am and eight:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, parking charges are in impact at $2.50 per hour or a flat price of $20.
Mount Nemo Conservation Space
In case you’re in search of tranquillity, the Mount Nemo Conservation Space is simply outdoors of Burlington. Positioned quarter-hour from Burlington’s downtown, the park showcases 5 kilometres of trails with spectacular views, trying so far as Toronto (on a transparent day).
Nature lovers flock to Mount Nemo for its outstanding escarpment-edge ecosystem and astounding biodiversity. All the pieces from observing turkey vultures in flight and distinctive vegetation to fascinating insect and animal species.
Please be aware that reservations are required, which you’ll discover HERE
Lodging + Map
Locations To Go to Close to Burlington
As we talked about, Burlington has so many issues on supply that it may be a weekend getaway in its personal proper, particularly when mixed with different cities throughout the Halton Area.
Crawford Lake Conservation – Out in the Milton space, you’ll be able to discover the historical past of Indigenous peoples at Crawford Lake Conservation Space, residence to 11 Longhouses. Spend time understanding their traditions, artwork, and tradition.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park – North of Oakville, close to the border of Oakville and Burlington, is Bronte Creek, which presents a variety of actions everybody can get pleasure from, from mountaineering and biking to taking part in disc golf and swimming in its giant out of doors water park.
Eire Home Museum – The Eire Home Museum is a implausible approach to mix historical past with enjoyable actions. Right here, you’ll discover unique artifacts from the unique settlers of the realm, which had been donated by the descendants of the Eire household.
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