T he culturally vibrant city of Burlington in Ontario is regarded as one of the most livable communities in Canada and makes for an easy day trip from Toronto. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Ontario, this beautiful Canadian city charms locals and tourists alike with its abundant family-friendly activities, waterfront promenade, quaint alleys, cultural events, trendy boutiques, and gastronomic delights.
While we made the most of our day trip to Burlington on a winter afternoon, the city without a doubt is a joy to explore any time of the year. Given its proximity to many cities of the Greater Toronto Area, Burlington is also an ideal base for exploring Southern Ontario. So here is our list of the best things to do when visiting Burlington in Ontario that can help you make the most of your trip.
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How to reach Burlington in Ontario
Located in the Halton Region of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the city of Burlington enjoys proximity to Oakville, Mississauga, Toronto, Hamilton, Milton, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and London. It is also a comparatively affordable base for exploring the GTA, heading out for hiking adventures in the region, and planning a trip to Niagara Falls.
Burlington is easily accessible by road via ON-403 highway and there are plenty of public transportation options as well from all these cities to Burlington. For example, from Toronto’s Union Station, the GO transit offers train and bus transportation to Burlington. GO trains from Union Station bring passengers to Burlington GO in about 58 mins for CAD 12.30 (one-way, adult fare). On the other hand, VIA Rail also provides convenient public transportation options to Burlington. For example, VIA Rail 72 and 78 bring passengers from London to the Burlington Aldershot station in a little over 90 minutes. You can also refer to the Burlington Transit site to plan your transportation routes and options within the city of Burlington.
The best things to do during your day trip to Burlington in Ontario
With a wide variety of things to do ranging from outdoor experiences to cultural events, it is easy to see why Burlington is steadily growing in popularity. In the past, it might have been overlooked by tourists, but more recently it has become an ideal base for exploring the region.
Whether you are looking for enjoying a pleasant stroll along the waterfront promenade, visiting Canada’s largest botanical gardens, taking in the gorgeous views of cherry blossoms in spring, or soaking in that all too familiar feeling of gemütlichkeit while wandering around a Christmas Market – one thing is for sure – Burlington manages to charm its visitors year-round. So here is our list of the best things to do when visiting this charming Canadian city that we hope will make your visit to this city memorable.
To make hotel reservations for your visit to Burlington, consider reserving the accommodations on booking.com.
1. Enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade at Spencer Smith Park
Looking for a slice of serenity in this quaint lakeside city? Then consider heading off for an early morning stroll along the waterfront promenade at Spencer Smith Park. You will be rewarded with spectacular sunrise views over Lake Ontario from this location. During the day the park transforms into a hub of activity with many enjoying a leisurely stroll along its walkway, relaxing in its lush garden, and enjoying some recreational activities including biking, jogging, and even ice skating in Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond.
Parking might be harder to find in the paid parking lots nearby, particularly when the park becomes the focal point for many of the cultural festivities happening in the city – including the Sound of Music Festival, Lakeside Festival of Lights during the holiday season, and Canada’s Largest Ribfest.
Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2
2. Stop by Burlington Terry Fox Monument – a tribute to the incredible journey of Terry Fox
The lasting legacy and indomitable spirit of much loved Terry Fox is near and dear to the heart of Canadians. Even though Terry Fox had lost one leg to osteosarcoma at the age of 18, in 1980 he embarked on an epic cancer fundraising marathon and along the way inspired many while spreading cancer awareness. Although the Marathon of Hope concluded just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Terry Fox crossed through Burlington during his 143 days long journey.
As a tribute to one of Canada’s most revered heroes and his journey, a granite kilometer marker was unveiled in 2016 near the west end of Spencer Smith Park that he had crossed, marking 3582 kilometers from his starting point in Newfoundland. Standing by this tribute marker in Burlington and learning more about the efforts of Terry Fox is a moving experience.
Address: 1286 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2
3. Take in the views of Lake Ontario and the downtown from Brant Street Pier
As you make your way along the waterfront trail in Spencer Smith Park towards Waterfront Hotel Burlington in the distance, you will come across Brant Street Pier – the 137 meters long signature landmark of Burlington.
This lookout point extending into Lake Ontario consists of a walkway at the end of which lies the lookout beacon that is illuminated every evening in colors depicting the ongoing national and regional events. When visiting Burlington in Ontario, if you would like to take in some of the best 360-degree views of the lake, the waterfront park, and the downtown, head up to the circular platform atop this beacon tower.
Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2
4. Shop for delectable desserts and chocolates in Burlington downtown
For those who love to indulge in mouth-watering chocolates, baked goods, and sweet-treats, Burlington packs in a pleasant surprise. Indulge in utterly-delicious soft serve ice cream served with a variety of Belgian chocolate dippings and toppings to choose from at the family-owned business La Creme de la Creme Creamery. Located near the Lakeshore, this hidden gem of Burlington also sells handcrafted artisan chocolates and chocolate fondue.
Another excellent chocolate shop where you can purchase artisanal chocolates in the city is Christy’s Gourmet Gifts. For the perfect gift for a special someone, consider buying their “Crunch” chocolates such as dark chocolate cacao crunch or an assortment – ‘Crunch Round’.
If you would like to try vegan baked goods when visiting Burlington in Ontario, then look no further than Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. Located in downtown Burlington, not too far from City Hall, this bakery is home to some of the most decadent vegan cupcakes we have sampled in the region, giant cookie sandwiches, Nanaimo bars, and their must-try, award-winning Mile-High Brownie.
5. Catch a hint of European charm in Village Square of Burlington
Nestled in downtown Burlington, the Artist’s Walk Village Square is home to quite a few specialty shops and must-visit eateries including Rayhoon and Paradiso. The cobblestone alleys and historic architecture of this small square bring back fond memories of strolling along quaint alleys of European towns. Somewhat lesser known to tourists, this charming pocket of Burlington is a hidden gem of the city.
Village Square is also the site for the lively, outdoor farmer’s market in summer as well as the North Coal Christmas market. This outdoor European-style Christmas market was started in December 2019 and offers festive food and plenty of choices for some Christmas shopping and adds such a charm to the square around the holiday season.
Address: 418 Pearl St, Burlington, ON L7R 2N1
6. Experience the trendy shopping scene of Burlington
Besides Village Square, there are plenty of boutiques in downtown that offer a unique shopping experience to those visiting Burlington in Ontario. Joelle’s is a chic clothing boutique located on Brant Street in downtown Burlington. With a carefully curated selection of trendy outfits for women and men, this storefront is one of my personal favorites. On the other hand, if you are looking for home goods and unique decorative items, stop by Centro Garden located just across the street from City Hall.
7. Visit the Art Gallery of Burlington
Located across Spencer Smith Park, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) founded in 1978 is a must-visit if you are an art enthusiast and would like to marvel at art in various forms including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Exhibits onsite also showcase contemporary ceramics designed by Canadian ceramists. Admission to AGB is free although donations to this public art gallery are appreciated. Right at the entrance of the Art Gallery, you will notice an eye-catching orange aluminum sculpture –Rebecca – designed by renowned artist and sculptor Haydn Llewellyn Davies.
If you would like to include a unique experience in your itinerary when visiting Burlington in Ontario, consider participating in pottery or art classes offered on-site at the AGB. If you are interested in taking these instructor-led courses during your visit, make sure to register ahead of time via the official site of AGB.
Address: 1333 Lakeshore Road Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A9
8. Enjoy a memorable dining experience in the fantastic restaurants of Burlington
Burlington offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights and some of the best eats in the Greater Toronto Area. Stop by Rayhoon – one of the best restaurants in Burlington, to indulge in affordable, mouth-watering traditional Persian cuisine in a welcoming setting. Their kebabs and their trio-sampler served with three dips are absolutely delicious.
On the other hand, if you would like to try delicious Indian food served with a modern flair, try Amaya Express. For Italian food, our go-to restaurant in Burlington is Di Mario’s Trattoria. Enjoying homestyle Italian food while seated on the patio of the restaurant with a view of the lake is the perfect way to wrap up your day trip to Burlington in Ontario.
9. Pay your respects at the war memorials when visiting Burlington in Ontario
During your busy day of sightseeing in Burlington, take a few moments to pause and remember the fallen heroes at the war memorials in the city, namely the Burlington Cenotaph and the Royal Canadian Naval Ships Memorial Monument. Each year on Remembrance Day, the Sunrise Ceremony takes place at the Royal Canadian Naval Ships Memorial Monument followed by a parade and the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph.
Royal Canadian Naval Ships Memorial Monument
Located in Spencer Smith Park, close to Brant Street Pier, the Naval Ships Memorial Monument pays homage to the memory of the ships and valiant crew members of the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Merchant Army lost during World War II.
Surrounded by blooming flowers, this memorial monument is comprised of a statue of a Canadian sailor facing Lake Ontario, a remembrance wall listing the names of the ships that served during the war, the bell of HCMS Burlington atop the remembrance wall, and a black granite memorial cairn. The memorial cairn lists the names of the 31 naval warships, 2024 crew members of the Canadian Navy as well the 1466 Canadian Merchant Seamen that were lost during the Battle of the Atlantic that lasted from September 1939 to May 1945.
Burlington Cenotaph
The Burlington Cenotaph is located near a small park beside the City Hall at the corner of Brant Street and Ontario Street. The Cenotaph in Burlington, Ontario honors the memory of Canada’s fallen heroes from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War who had been a part of the Burlington and Nelson Township.
The cenotaph consists of the statue of a WWI Canadian soldier standing atop a granite column. The sides and back of the granite column are inscribed with the names of the local war heroes who gave their lives for their country during World War I. Towards the front of the column, is a bronze plaque bearing the names of local service people who lost their lives in WWII and the base of the column bears an engraving honoring local veterans of the Korean War that lasted from 1950-1953.
Address: 426 Brant St, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
10. Marvel at the public art creations on a DIY-art walking tour
While the Art Gallery of Burlington is home to art creations by several talented artists and sculptors in an indoor setting, there are plenty of interesting artworks in various forms located along the streets of the city. From an impressive array of sculptures to artistic bike racks and street murals, there is plenty of outdoor art to marvel at that makes heading out on an art walking tour when visiting Burlington in Ontario a unique and fun way to experience the city.
Lady of the Lake sculpture at the Burlington Centennial Fountain
The Lady of the Lake sculpture standing atop Centennial Fountain is a prominent feature along the waterfront of Burlington. Centrally located in Spencer Smith Park of Burlington, this imposing sculpture was created by the famous artist Almuth Lutkenhaus. The creation of the sculpture drew its inspiration from the lady who presented Excalibur to King Arthur. It was donated to the city by the Burlington Lions Club.
Address: Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario
The Portal in downtown Burlington
Mirroring the continuum between the past and the future using the interplay between color and optics, the Portal in Burlington has been designed by the Canadian design collaborative – Studio F Minus. It is located close to the parking lot beside Kelly’s Bake Shoppe in downtown. In the evening, the Portal is illuminated with varying colors that cause the installation to alternate between reflective and transparent stage. In the reflective stage, the person is able to catch a glimpse of the path they had just walked when approaching the portal while in the transparent stage it allows you to catch a view of the path yet to come on the other side of the Portal.
Address: 391 Brant Street, Burlington ON
Setting the Scene Mural at the Burlington Student Theatre
The striking Setting the Scene mural painted across the entire length of one side of the wall of the Burlington Student Theatre adds a splash of color to the neighborhood. This vibrant mural painted by artists Jimmy Baptiste and Hans Schmitter as part of the community-driven Youth Art Mural Project was unveiled in 2019. The Burlington Student Theatre allows the youth in the community to explore and nurture their skills in a variety of performing arts. The Setting the Scene mural at this student theater depicts elements of the theater such as the bright red curtains of the stage and theater tickets in the form of a collage.
Address: 2131 Prospect St, Burlington, ON L7R 1Z2
The Canada-150 Mosaic Mural located at Burlington in Ontario
To commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday a national effort of creating the Canada-150 mosaic highlighting the cultural diversity of the nation was undertaken by acclaimed artists Lewis Lavoie, Paul Lavoie, and Phil Alain. People across 150 communities throughout Canada came together to hand paint tiles that became part of the mosaic for their city. Burlington’s Canada-150 mosaic was created using 400 tiles hand-painted by local residents and unveiled in 2017 on Canada Day. The theme for this mosaic was chosen by the locals and depicts the Burlington Teen Tour Band.
Address: Burlington Music Centre – 2311 New Street Burlington, Ontario
11. Experience the ongoing cultural festivities when visiting Burlington in Ontario
One of the reasons that makes the city of Burlington in Ontario one of the most livable communities in Canada is the multitude of cultural events and festivities taking place in the city all year round. The festivals draw locals as well as visitors from all across the region. If you happen to be visiting Burlington in Ontario in May, you might be able to catch the Sakura Festival that welcomes the spring season. Father’s Day weekend in June sees crowds gathering in Spencer Smith Park to witness one of Canada’s largest music festivals– the annual Sound of Music Festival of Burlington.
Canada’s Largest Ribfest takes place in the month of September around the labor day weekend in Burlington. Organized by the Burlington Rotary along the Lakeshore, the Ribfest featuring plenty of BBQ choices, emerging artists and family-friendly activities helps raises funds for the local community organizations.
Come winter season and Burlington hosts the Lakeside Festival of Lights from November to January and the Winter Beerfest in January. During our recent day trip to Burlington in the winter months, we were able to catch a glimpse of the Lakeside Festival of Lights. Several holiday lighting displays line the waterfront trail along Spencer Smith Park during this festival. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy an evening stroll along the shores of Lake Ontario. As dusk approaches, the twinkling lights of the holiday displays add a special sparkle to the festivities.
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12. Sample some of the best craft beer of Ontario at a local brewery
If you enjoy a glass of beer every now or then and would like to sample some of the best craft beer of Ontario, head over to Nickel Brook Brewing Co. This microbrewery in Burlington is located just a short ride away from downtown. The brewery offers a selection of beers including IPAs, stouts, ales, and even sour beers – all crafted onsite in their ‘Funk Lab’ and sold at their storefront. The friendly staff members are happy to explain the process of brewing the unique beers that bear curiously interesting names such as No Bad Daze, Lost in Orbit, and Cause & Effect.
Address: 864 Drury Ln, Burlington, ON L7R 2Y4
13. Plan a visit to the nearby Springridge farm from Burlington in Ontario
Located in Milton, just about half an hour’s drive from Burlington downtown via ON-407 East highway lies the must-visit Springridge Farm. Nestled up next to the Niagara Escarpment along a picturesque street, this farm is owned by the Hughes family since 1960. The farm closes on Christmas Eve and reopens in the spring season so plan your visit accordingly. Head over to this farm for enjoying seasonal activities with the family, shopping at their barn market for gift items, and purchasing delicious baked goods perfect for a picnic basket. You will be able to find abundant fresh produce including delicious berries, mouth-watering preserves, and chutneys, honey harvested on-site, and signature baked goods made using their treasured family recipes. The pies and tarts sold at Springridge Farm are some of the best we have had in the region.
Address: 7256 Bell School Line, Milton, ON L9E 0N7
14. Head off for a hiking adventure nearby
There are plenty of moderate to easy hiking trails and mountain biking trails located near Burlington that make this charming city a great base for experiencing the outdoors. Hiking experiences and trails in the region include Bronte Creek Provincial Park Trails, Bruce Trail via Guelph Line, Mount Nemo Conservation Loop, Royal Botanical Garden Loop Trail, and Kerncliff Park – Ian Reid Side Trail to name a few. There are plenty of waterfalls in the region too that are best explored during spring and summer when they are easily accessible and the water flow is at its peak. If you plan on hiking during the colder months, remember to wear waterproof hiking boots as the trails tend to get muddy and slippery in some areas.
The 900 km long Bruce Trail in Southern Ontario runs all the way from Niagara to Tobermory. To hike along stretches of the Iroquoia Section of Bruce Trail near Burlington, consider heading over to the Bruce Trail via Guelph Line (towards Cedar Springs Road). This scenic trail takes you past various terraces and offers you a spectacular view of the city of Burlington overlooking Lake Ontario in the distance.
15. Visit the historic Freeman Station of Burlington and learn about the railroad history
The Freeman Station, formerly known as the Burlington Junction Station, is a unique heritage site that you might want to stop by when visiting Burlington in Ontario. This rail museum has been an ongoing relocation and restoration project undertaken by the volunteer group – Friends of Freeman Station.
The Burlington Junction station was built in 1906 after the original station was destroyed by fire. It served as a transportation hub for passengers that included soldiers departing for combat in the World Wars as well as for produce – particularly fruit, until 1988 when the station was finally decommissioned. Members of the community came forth in an effort to prevent the station from getting demolished. Their meticulous restoration of this historic station ultimately led to the station earning the Burlington Best Award for Heritage in 2018.
Freeman Station happens to be one of the last surviving Grand Trunk Railway stations in Canada. The station features interesting railroad artifacts, train models, and collections that help you learn more about the railroad history and significance for the region.
Address: 1285 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7S 1Y3
16. Visit Royal Botanical Gardens – the largest botanical gardens in Canada
Burlington is home to the largest botanical gardens of Canada – the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG). You can easily spend an entire day exploring these expansive gardens that span over 1,100 hectares. Seamlessly laced together by 27 kilometers of walking trails, the Royal Botanical Gardens have also been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.
The RBG is spread across Burlington and Hamilton and is comprised of four main garden areas. These include the Royal Botanical Gardens Centre & Hendrie Park (Burlington), Laking Garden (Burlington), David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden (Hamilton), and the Arboretum & Nature Interpretive Centre (Hamilton). To purchase tickets for your visit to RBG, head over to the Royal Botanical Gardens Centre located in Burlington from where you can board convenient shuttles departing for the different gardens. The RBG Centre also features a beautiful indoor Mediterranean Garden.
Wandering around these blooming gardens surrounded by lush greenery, perennials and plenty of trails is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon on a day trip to Burlington. The gardens and trails of RBG are accessible year-round and if you happen to be visiting Burlington in May, don’t miss out on stopping by the Katie Osborne Lilac Garden of the Arboretum. This lilac garden is said to have the largest collection of lilacs in the world. Depending on the weather, you are likely to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms in the Arboretum and Rock Garden if you happen to visit the garden in May.
Address RBG Centre: 680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington, ON
With an array of outdoor activities, cultural events, friendly locals, museums, public art, and culinary delights, it is not surprising that Burlington has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Canada. For these reasons and the fact that Burlington is a fantastic springboard for exploring the hiking trails and nearby cities of Southern Ontario, the city is steadily growing in popularity amongst tourists as well. With so much to offer, this thriving Canadian city seems to beckon you to revisit – pleasantly surprising you with something new to experience every time you return to it.
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Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
Burlington looks beautiful! It is only when i come across such inspiring posts that i feel that i know so little about the world. Apart from Ottawa and Toronto, I had no idea about Canada. Your article was quite enlightening.
This looks like a beautiful city to visit. It so reminds me of Burlington, Vermont that there were some parts of the blog that I thought you were talking about Burlington, Ontario’s doppelganger. I’d like the Bruce Trail hike for sure.
Thanks for this post! Not many people write about Burlington which surprises me as it is so close to Toronto. I also need to add it to my list when I’ll visit Toronto, hopefully, this summer
Ok, definitely adding Burlington, Ontario to my bucket list! Thanks for this great day trip guide, saving to come back to later 🙂
Sounds like a beautiful day with a lot of opportunity to see lots of different types of things!
Burlington looks like such an amazing day trip! The town is so cute and quaint, I would love to explore all of the little shops! Kelly’s Bake Shoppe also looks amazing! I would love to check it out!
Such a beautiful place Ontario. Burlington a perfect place to visit on a day trip with various flavors of culture and tradition to experience
A perfect medieval looking place ,nice typically English village with the cobbled roads & quaint surroundings-mixture of old & new. Great blog. Must be great fun visiting it
You had me at desserts and chocolates 😋 but for real, you packed a lot into a short visit, it’s so cool to see all the things this area has to offer!
You brought this place alive through your photos. I wasn’t aware of Burlington before reading your post. I would love to visit whenever it’s possible again. This looks like a great day trip to take!
This city looks so interesting! I would love to do the walking tour to admire the art in the streets of the city. Also as I am a foodie, I really appreciate all the places to eat you have shared!
It does look like a perfect day trip with an array of things to do and experience! The lakeside promenade, hiking trails and the street art are quiet enticing and something that we always consider when exploring the city!
This place looks really lovely. I love the cobbled streets and brick narrow lanes. It really does remind me of the villages in the north of england like Garstang and around the lake district
This looks so fun! Thanks for sharing and your photos are beautiful!
It looks so cute and charming, the perfect mix of historic with just a tad of modern. I’d love to go here to wind down. I can imagine spending a couple days here enjoying the nature and popping into the brewery a few times.
Ah, so you are exploring your new backyard?! I’m glad to see how beautiful it is over there. I haven’t been to Canada yet but somehow I’m longing more and more for a trip into wild nature – into the woods or something. On the other hand, I’d also love to visit some of the big cities in Canada.
Anyway, since you are coming up with some pretty amazing – and always so detailed and thorough – posts on your new home, I’m already curious about what comes next.
This looks like such a fun day trip! So much to do and see!
So much to do and see there! You really brought Burlington alive!
Great post! I’ve always wanted to visit Ontario. This looks like a fun city to explore. Thanks for the inspiration.