Burlington Tourism Guide 2023-2024

Burlington as we know it today is rich in history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis. From the Anishinaabeg to the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis – our lands spanning from Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment are steeped in Indigenous history.

The territory is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

As you gather on Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, we ask that you do so while honouring and respecting the traditional stewards and the land on which we are interconnected.

Note: the 150+ anniversary identifier includes a plus symbol in recognition of the Indigenous history of the land that goes beyond 150 years.

Cover Photography: Michael Lyons Photography

VISIT

ONTARIO, CANADA

DURING ITS 150+ CELEBRATIONS

Visiting family, attending a sports tournament, business meeting or festival? There’s more to experience in Burlington than you might think. From delicious cuisine, breathtaking year-round gardens and waterfront, fabulous live music and more. Plus, we’ll be hosting unique celebrations in 2023 as we mark our city’s 150th anniversary.

Check out some great ideas for things to discover and experience featured inside:

• Getting Here & Around

• Festivals & Events

• 5 Ways to Experience Burlington

• Golfing & Cycling

• Shopping Districts

• Burlington 365

Visitor Information Centre is located at 414 Locust Street in Downtown Burlington

here

GETTING & AROUND

Burlington is conveniently located next to major highways that easily connect to the Greater Toronto Area, Niagara Region, and Kitchener/Waterloo and it’s within 45 minutes of 4 major international airports: Toronto Pearson, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo and Buffalo

Getting to Burlington by rail is easy! There are three regional rail GO Transit Stations (Aldershot, Appleby, and Burlington), that provide service to Burlington and beyond. Connect to VIA Rail at Aldershot GO for longer trips in and out the city.

In the city, travel without a car with Burlington Transit, which connects to our neighbouring cities Hamilton and Oakville. We’re also a cycle-friendly community and have walkable areas to explore like Aldershot and Downtown Burlington.

VISITOR

CENTRE information

The Visitor Information Centre is located in downtown Burlington at 414 Locust St. below the parking garage, just north of Lakeshore Road. It offers extensive travel information about Burlington and Ontario year-round. Tourism Burlington also provides assistance and resource information for meeting and conference planners, sports organizers, and group travel.

905.634.5594 tourismburlington.com info@tourismburlington.com

! TourismBurlington $ tourismburlington

Souvenirs

AND MERCHANDISE

Looking for the perfect gift or memento?

Look no further than the Tourism Burlington Visitors Centre – we carry a selection of Burlington apparel, postcards, books, maps, Canadian gifts, and more!

BURLINGTONexperience 5 WAYS TO

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

If you are an outdoor lover, then Burlington is for you! Nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment there are outdoor experiences for all. Visit nearby Bronte Creek Provincial Park for some great hiking and cycling trails and you can even book a campsite if you reserve early enough. Try your hand at disc golf or enjoy fi shing (in season).

Conservation Halton has several parks in the area with Mount Nemo located in Burlington. The parks are currently using a reserve-inadvance system to monitor visitor attendance. Mount Nemo is a favourite among hikers. Pack a picnic lunch and watch the turkey vultures while you take in the panoramic view of the escarpment. On a clear day, you should be able to see the CN Tower in Toronto. Mount Nemo is also for the adventurous; rock climb for a better look at the unique cliffs. Nearby Kelso Park offers great mountain biking trails as well as a reservoir for swimming or boating. Try your hand at the Challenge Course featuring the Escarpment Walk and the Vultures View Climbing Tower.

ROCK CLIMBING WILLAM TAM

Other great outdoor spaces are Kerncliff Park with a lovely boardwalk and hiking trails, Lowville Park in north Burlington, numerous trails at the Royal Botanical Gardens as well as the Centennial Bike Path that runs across Burlington.

Burlington is also home to nine golf courses, most open to the public, allowing you to test your golf skills and enjoy the views of the lake or escarpment, depending on the course (see pages 14-15 for more info on golf in Burlington).

FOODIE

Burlington is quickly becoming known as a culinary destination with its wide array of restaurants and foodie shops. It offers international flavours as well as local delights. If you have a sweet tooth, there is a wonderful selection of boutique shops offering everything from artisan chocolates, biscotti, doughnuts, and cheesecake.

Most restaurants offer outdoor dining and some patios have beautiful views of the lake. Enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch on the patio at Spencer’s at the Waterfront or sip a martini al fresco at The Martini House near Village Square in Downtown Burlington. If you’re lucky, get a table on Lakeshore at Pepperwood Bistro, Nisi Greek Taverna , or The Express Italian Eatery and enjoy the downtown nightlife and passersby.

You won’t want to miss the Taste of Burlington program, a great way to enjoy prix-fixe dining and try new restaurants for a reasonable price. Many of our restaurants offer special menus for these programs featuring local ingredients.

PEPPERWOOD BISTRO Michael Lyons Photography

FAMILY

Exploring Burlington as a family? You and the kids will be kept busy and have fun. A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens is a must. It is Canada’s largest Botanical Garden and offers 5 formal gardens within a 1,100-hectare nature reserve. See what animals you can spot on the 27km of nature trails, stop and smell the roses in the beautiful rose garden in Hendrie Park, and see what public art you can spot throughout the gardens. Check the events calendar as it offers a variety of experiences all year long.

More great outdoor adventures await at Crawford Lake Conservation where you can hike around the beautiful meromictic lake and look for turtles. After your hike, visit the longhouses and learn about Local First Nations history. Once you’ve paid for your pass at Crawford Lake, take a short drive to nearby Mountsberg Conservation and check out the Raptor Centre, home to a wide variety of feathered friends.

A visit to Spencer Smith Park is a must for a walk on the promenade and to climb the stairs on the pier. Stop and take in the views of Lake Ontario while the kids play at the playground and in the

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

• Art Gallery of Burlington

• Bronte Creek Provincial Park

• Burlington Beachway Park

• Climber’s Rock

• Crawford Lake

• Freeman Station

• Glen Eden

• Ireland House Museum

• LaSalle Park and Splash Pad

• Lowville Park

• Splitsville

• Springridge Farms

• Within Range Mini Putt

warmer months, throw in their bathing suit so they can run around the splash pad. After your fun at the park, a visit to La Crème de la Crème Creamery is a must for one of their Belgian chocolate-dipped ice cream cones.

ROMANTIC

Looking for a romantic day or overnight? Spoil yourselves and stay at the Pearle Hotel & Spa. Located on the beautiful waterfront, start your day by grabbing a coffee at a nearby café and strolling the promenade along the waterfront. Why not give kayaking or paddle boarding a try at the nearby beach with Burlington Beach Rentals. Head back to the hotel for a visit to their lovely spa and indoor pool.

You will have worked up an appetite after your busy day, so you’ll be ready for a lovely dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. Lots of patio options as well as international flavours. End the night with a stroll through Village Square in Downtown Burlington and a cocktail at one of the many patios in the area.

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Public art and history are yours for the finding via multiple walking tours of downtown public art, more visual art outside the core, and historical properties. In celebration of the City’s 150th anniversary, Doors Open Burlington in August will offer free admission to cultural and historical landmarks with the theme of Food.

ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON

Culture — THEATRE

ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON – Celebrating its 40th anniversary with the Weight of Clay exhibition and events, it’s home to the largest collection of contemporary Canadian ceramics in the world. Free admission.

BURLINGTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE – Enjoy professional entertainment in the main theatre or community studio with over 70 performances every year, as well as festivals, workshops, and more.

LOCAL THEATRE – Burlington is home to many local theatre companies including  The Aldershot Players, Burlington Student Theatre, Theatre Burlington, Tottering BiPed Theatre, Koogle Theatre and Drury Lane Theatre that host local productions throughout the year.

JOSEPH BRANT MUSEUM – Step back in time at the Joseph Brant Museum. Featuring 3 permanent exhibits and 1 travelling exhibit learn more about the history and development of Burlington.

IRELAND HOUSE MUSEUM – Learn about one of Burlington’s first families at Ireland House, passed down through four generations. Enjoy tours, exhibits, demonstrations, special events, and participatory activities.

FREEMAN STATION – Built in 1906, Burlington’s only surviving Grand Trunk Railway station has been fully restored and is open to the public for regular open houses.

JOSEPH BRANT MUSEUM

IRELAND HOUSE MUSEUM

Festivals

SUMMER

• CANADA DAY – July 1

• FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

– Spencer Smith Park

• CONCERTS IN THE PARK

– Central Park Bandshell

• HERITAGE WEEK

– August 5 to 12, around the city

• CANADA’S LARGEST RIBFEST

– Labour Day Weekend, Spencer Smith Park

• DOORS OPEN BURLINGTON

– around the city

FALL

• HARVEST FESTIVAL

– Springridge Farms

• HOPS AND HARVEST

– Conservation Halton

• CITY OF BURLINGTON

150TH ANNIVERSARY

– around the city

• GREY CUP – November 19, Tim Horton’s Field, Hamilton

AND IN AND AROUND BURLINGTON

EVENTS

WINTER

• SANTA CLAUS PARADE

– Downtown Burlington

• FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

– Spencer Smith Park

• WINTER EXHIBIT

– Royal Botanical Gardens

• MAPLE SYRUP SEASON

– March, Bronte Creek Park, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake

SPRING

• CANADA NETHERLANDS

FRIENDSHIP DAY

• SAKURA FESTIVAL

• TASTE OF BURLINGTON

• SOUND OF MUSIC FESTIVAL

– Father’s Day Weekend, Spencer Smith Park

Sweet

TREATS

Sweet Tooth

If you have a sweet tooth, then Burlington is your place! There is no shortage of fabulous local businesses offering specially made chocolates, pastries, cakes and more.

Walkers Chocolates Making chocolate in Burlington since 1983 @walkerschocolates

Sunshine Doughnuts Just look for the donut in the sky and you’ll find yourself at Sunshine Doughnuts in Downtown Burlington. Better go early, as they often sell out!

@sunshinedoughnuts

Mrs. B’s Homemade on premises and pairs perfectly with a tea, you can’t go wrong with any of their flavoured biscotti @mrsbsgifthouse

Cottage Country Candy

Not just a candy store, a candy outlet! You will be in candy heaven…

@cottagecountrycandy

Laila’s Cheesecake Co.

Cheesecake heaven, made right here in Burlington.

Bet you can’t stop at one visit!

@lailascheesecakeco

Christy's Gourmet Gifts

Known for their famous ‘crunch’; but so much more to discover as well!

@christysgourmet

La Crème de la Crème

Creamery Inc. Only the best Belgian-dipped chocolate ice cream cones

@cremedelacremeburlington

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO

ACTIVATE

Activate offers a unique set of physically interactive games with over 150 levels that need to be beat in order to earn stars and get high scores. Games will require you to jump, crawl, run, and hide or risk losing a life. Every game is timed and scores are allotted based on how fast you can complete each level.

GAMETIME SOCIAL

With over 25,000 ft of dining and entertainment, GameTime Social wants you to play with your food. Grab a bite to eat from their full menu and sip on their delicious cocktails, then visit their all-ages arcade. They also have billiards tables, mini-bowling, VR gaming, and karaoke rooms. Perfect for families and groups.

SPLITSVILLE BURLINGTON

A visit to Splitsville is a must for ‘kids’ of all ages! This modern facility includes state-of-theart 10 pin bowling, high-quality casual dining, arcades, laser tag, and other entertainment options to make your visit a one-of-akind experience.

THE CLUBHOUSE

You don’t have to be a guest at the Hampton Inn & Suites to book individual or group time on the golf simulator or 13 other interactive sports. Hit the links, shoot some hoops or try zombie dodgeball – if you dare.

BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

With seven branches throughout the City visitors are welcome to access free internet/WiFi, books, newspapers and more. Free parking.

THE LOVE FORE OF

CROSSWINDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

@crosswindsgolf

With great golfi ng weather and superb scenery, the Burlington area has plenty to offer golf enthusiasts in addition to some spectacular golf courses.

Burlington Springs Golf & Country Club 5235 Cedar Springs Road

Offering a par 72 over a total of 5300 yards from the red tees or 6582 from the golds. Enjoy a challenging yet pleasurable day of golf at an affordable rate.

Crosswinds Golf & Country Club 6621 Guelph Line

Framed by the majestic Niagara Escarpment, this 18-hole championship golf course spans 200 serene and scenic acres in Burlington. There are no memberships, play is open to all.

Hidden Lake Golf Club 1137 #1 Side Road

Offering two exceptional, but very distinct, championship courses that cover over 500 acres of picturesque Niagara Escarpment. Owned and managed by ClubLink.

Mount Nemo Golf Club 5377 Walkers Line

Nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Mt. Nemo, this golf course offers a unique golfing experience. The spectacular setting provides golfers with a challenging 18-hole, par 71 championship layout as well as many breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

Photo: Chris Gallo

Millcroft Golf Club

2155 Country Club Drive

Conveniently located in North Burlington, this par 70, 5735-yard course will challenge golfers of all playing abilities. A semi-private course welcoming both members and public golfers.

Burlington Golf & Country Club

422 North Shore Blvd E.

Overlooking the Burlington Bay, 130 acres of green space await your arrival at this members-only course.

Camisle Golf

2090 SideRoad 2

A scenic backdrop on the Niagara Escarpment is the home for Camisle’s public, pay as you play, 9-hole Par 34, 3000-yard course.

Tyandaga Golf Course

1265 Tyandaga Park Drive

Nestled in the escarpment and situated in the heart of the City of Burlington, Tyandaga offers guests the convenience of an urban golf course coupled with the atmosphere of a rural setting. Tyandaga’s natural contours, waterways, and broadleaf woods create a unique and challenging golfing experience that will stretch your skills – but not your pocket.

Within Range

3050 Guelph Line

Lowville Golf Club

2662 Britannia Road

Year in and Year out, Lowville Golf Club is voted the “Most Scenic Golf Course in the G.T.A.". The clubhouse and patio (open daily to the public) offers magnificent views of Mt.Nemo and Rattlesnake Point. It is easy to see why this is truly one of the most beautiful golf course settings in Ontario!

Located in North Burlington, practice your swing on their grass tees or with their TopTracer Range Stations. Or, try mini putt on their 18-hole course, perfect for groups, families, and parties.

FarAway Greens

3070 Mainway

Far Away Greens is an indoor golf facility that caters to everyone from first timers to avid golfers. There are 28 unique worldrenowned courses to choose from and mixed courses with holes from different locations making up the full course.

TYANDAGA GOLF COURSE

LOWVILLE GOLF CLUB @lowville_gc

Whether you’re coming to Burlington specifi cally or attending an event in nearby Hamilton or Toronto, Burlington is well situated with a variety of hotels and motels across the City to suit your needs.

WATERFRONT HOTEL

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HOTEL 289.337.2700 marriott.com/yhmbu

HILTON GARDEN INN 905.631.7000 torontoburlington.gardeninn.com

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON 1.800.CALL.HOME burlington.homewoodsuites.com

HAMPTON INN 800.426.7866 burlingtonontario.hamptonbyhilton.com

MOTEL 6 BURLINGTON 905.331.1955 motel6.com

QUALITY INN/HOTEL 905.639.9290 qualityhotelburlington.com

ADMIRAL INN

1.866.236.4661 admiralinn.com

COMFORT INN 1.877.376.5301 comfortinnburlington.ca

HOLIDAY INN BURLINGTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE 1.888.987.4888 hiburlington.ca

BEST WESTERN PLUS 905.639.2700 bestwestern.com

MARQUIS LAKESIDE INN 905.634.3177 marquislakesideinn.ca

THE PEARLE HOTEL & SPA 905.340.0590 thepearlehotel.ca

WATERFRONT HOTEL

DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON 1.877.681.0767 waterfronthotelburlington.com

KNIGHTS INN BURLINGTON 905.634.2383 redlion.com/knights-inn

CRESTWOOD MOTEL 905.634.6119

ROYAL INN 905.632.2066

ESQUIRE MOTEL 905.529.3915

289.245.1133 cityviewinn.ca

THE PEARLE HOTEL & SPA

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON HOLIDAY INN BURLINGTON

SEE MAP PAGES 16-17

LOCAL

A Variety of Flavours

Burlington is home to over 400 restaurants so there is no question that there is something for all palates and cravings.

Familia Fine Foods Homemade Colombian food @Familia Fine Foods

Isabelle Restaurant

Ontario’s best ingredients prepared with a global twist @isabelle_restaurant

Paradiso Mediterranean fare prepared from fresh and often local ingredients @ristoparadiso

Spencer’s at the Waterfront Unique Food Concept, Featuring Market Fresh Fish @spencers_w

Industria Authentic oven baked Italian pizzas @Industria Pizzeria & Bar available for dine-in or take-out

Mythos Greek Cuisine and Wine Bar @mythoscuisine

The Platter Company Gourmet Market Fresh & flavourful platters made in all sizes @theplattercompany

Local Craft Beer

Nickel Brook has been one of the leading players in the Ontario Craft Beer movement since their founding in 2005. “Beer, Down to a Science” is their motto & the brewers combine premium ingredients, DIY creativity and a depth of technical expertise to create world-class beers.

UPDATE?

Their award-winning core brands, Cause & Effect Blonde, Naughty Neighbour APA and Head Stock IPA, continue to grow as some of the most popular craft beers in Ontario. Stop by their bottle shop for a flight on their outdoor patio or inside their taproom.

cycling IN & AROUND BURLINGTON

Burlington & surrounding area is a wonderful place to cycle in all seasons with scenic rural roads, picturesque waterfront trails and historic downtown routes. Some of our major attractions such as Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Conservation Halton also have cycling trail networks.

Explore Burlington by Bike and stop at bicycle-friendly places to eat, visit & sleep

Burlington has lots of businesses that are also certifi ed as bicyclefriendly. This means cyclists can count on secure bike lock-up areas, local cycling information on-hand, healthy local food options, access to rest areas & water, and basic bicycle repair tool sets.

The City of Burlington is a Bicycle-Friendly Community receiving a silver rating by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. We offer:

• 48 km of bike lanes

• 47.3 km of bike route streets

• 6.4 km of bike lane/ sharrow streets

• 11.7 km of paved shoulders

• 52.5 km of multi-use paths adjacent to the road

• 31.6 km of paved off-road, multi-use paths

Bicycle Friendly Businesses:

Art Gallery of Burlington

Best Western Burlington

Cedar Springs Health & Racquet Club

City View Inn

Comfort Inn Burlington

Courtyard by Marriott Burlington/Oakville

Easterbrooks Hotdog Stand

Hilton Garden Inn Burlington

Holiday Inn Burlington

Homewood Suites Burlington

Lola Choco Bar and Sweet House

Museums of Burlington

Nickel Brook Brewing Co.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Russell Williams Family Restaurant

Spencers at the Waterfront

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre

The Pearle Hotel & Spa

The Platter Company - Gourmet Market

Tourism Burlington Visitor Information Centre

Waterfront Hotel Burlington

Photo: Matt Cameron

Ride The Trail:

Centennial Trail starts at Martha Street in Downtown and ends at Burloak Drive; it’s about 7.8km long.

Bike Repair

City Bike Repair Stands Spencer Smith Park (along promenade near pond / playground), City Hall, Appleby Line at Centennial, Roly Bird Park

Brant Cycle 892 Brant St.

Cycling Trails in the City

Looking for a rural ride in the countryside of North Burlington or perhaps something along the waterfront? We’ve got 2 Burlington itineraries for your perfect day of cycling on our website.

The Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail has 2 sections in Burlington that are easy, mostly flat terrain, and include on- and off-road sections with beautiful views of the water. The HamBur Loop is also part of the Waterfront Trail and follows the Around the Bay Road Race route through Hamilton and Burlington including Red Hill Valley.

Burlington is connected to cycling routes throughout Halton Region. Check out halton.ca

Rock and Road Cycle and Sports

2501 Guelph Line

Rolling Horse Community Cycle

650 Plains Rd. East

Mountain Equipment Co-op 1030 Brant St.

Trek Bicycle 560 Plains Rd. E.

Flying Monkey Bike Shop Campbellville Gears Burlington 5501 Harvester Rd.

Bikes on Transit Safety Checklist:

• Wear shoes that cover your toes and are not slip-on

• Wear reflective clothing when it’s dark

• Cycle on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic

• Do not cycle on the sidewalk or on the crosswalk

• Look over your shoulder before making a turn

• Alert drivers of turns with signals

• Obey rules of the roads, traffic signs and lights

• Treat a driveway as an intersection

• Wear a helmet (it’s the law for 18 and under)

Up to two bikes can ride on Burlington

Transit buses in racks over the front bumpers. No extra fee! Hop on the Lakeshore route of the regional GO train with your bike and connect from Oshawa, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, to locations in between. Dedicated bike coaches run on the Niagara Falls route on weekends and holidays with a stop at Burlington and Aldershot GO stations.

Bike Rentals

Unfortunately, we don’t have a bike share program or a bike rental business, but we’d love to chat if you’re interested in opening one!

LIVING IN BURLINGTON

Healthy Eating

Burlington has a great variety of restaurants for healthy eating. Enjoy delicious plant-based & gluten-free meals at Lettuce Love Café in Downtown Burlington. From the same owner, travel next door to Pure Love Smoothie Bar where you can order a plant-based smoothie or smoothie bowl. 100% guilt-free, plant-based eating. Most restaurants offer gluten-free and vegan menu choices as well as delicious fresh salad options. Stay refreshed with an organic juice or smoothie from Bodhi Bar in Downtown Burlington. For a complete list of restaurants in Burlington visit tasteofburlington.ca

Get Outdoors

Mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it’s been proven that time in nature is great for your mental health. There are so many options to get outdoors in Burlington. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront, or sit on a bench and take in the fresh air and scenic lake views in Spencer Smith Park.If being in nature is more for you, then take

a hike on the trails through the forest at one of the Conservation Halton Parks where you can enjoy the beautiful escarpment country or at Bronte Creek Provincial Park with great views and paths creek side. Kerncliff Park is a unique and beautiful location mid-city that was once a quarry. It features a natural stone backdrop, a wooden boardwalk through marsh-like settings, nature trails and great views of the city and Lake Ontario. ‘Stop and smell the flowers’ is a common phrase heard when we need to slow down and take a pause. Take this advice to heart at the Royal Botanical Gardens where you can stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the seasonal blooms and get lost in your surroundings.

KERNCLIFF PARK

Be Active

Physical activity is important for a healthy lifestyle and there are lots of ways to be active in Burlington. A multitude of great trails and paths for cycling (see Cycling pages 24-25) for cyclists of all levels. If golf is your game, see our highlights of Burlington golf courses on pages 14 & 15. During the summer months, get active with Fit in the Core, free fitness classes brought to you by the Burlington Downtown Business Association. Each week features a different class led by a local fitness provider. Check the Downtown Burlington website for a schedule and more information.

Relax and Be Mindful

A visit to the spa at the Pearle Hotel is a must! This gorgeous new spa is the ultimate source of solace with Spa experiences and treatments to restore the body and the mind. No visit is complete without time by the tranquil and beautiful pool with views overlooking Lake Ontario.

PEARLE HOTEL @thepearlehotel

FIT IN THE CORE @dtburlingtonon

Shopping

DISTRICTS

DOWNTOWN

Home to hundreds of local, small and unique businesses from retail, food, to specialty stores, downtown is a walkable district located on the shores of Lake Ontario by Spencer Smith Park. Easily accessible by Burlington Transit buses and cycling routes, there are also 1,500 public parking spots. Use the HONK mobile app to pay.

ALDERSHOT

Located on Plains Rd. East next door to the Royal Botanical Gardens with easy connections to Hamilton, the district is a mix of nostalgic businesses and new retailers. Most retailers have free parking; frequent Burlington and Hamilton bus connections.

FAIRVIEW STREET

From Walkers Line west to Maple Ave. this commercial corridor is a destination for fast food, repair shops, unique retailers and personal service businesses. The two major indoor shopping centres (see below) are located on or just off this street.

IKEA

Did you know the Burlington IKEA is the Canadian headquarters for the Swedish furniture retailer? A destination unto itself, it’s just off the QEW at Plains Rd. East. Free parking and easy bus connections.

MAPLEVIEW SHOPPING CENTRE & BURLINGTON CENTRE

Two major indoor shopping centres will satisfy your need for retail therapy with goods and services and food at all price points. Easily accessible by public transit with free parking. Located on/just off Fairview St. and Plains Rd. Check for hours.

FROM THE FARM Fresh

There’s nothing like from-the-farm fresh. Burlington offers a number of market experiences for you.

Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market

Open Wed, Fri & Sat from mid-May to midOctober. An assortment of vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, meat, cheese, fl owers & more. Located in the Burlington Centre parking lot (Prospect Street side)

Centro Market

Open Sundays 9-11 am, located in Downtown Burlington, in parking lot behind 437 Brant Street. Food-focused farmers market where you can shop direct from the maker.

Backed By Bees

Open Wednesday to Sunday at 6214

Appleby Line. Come visit Nature’s Table for fresh dairy, eggs, meat, cheese, honey and mead. Or order a seasonal vegetable bundle for home delivery or pick up.

BACKED BY BEES

Photos: Michael Lyons

Burlington

OUTDOORS 365

Burlington is a great place to visit year-round. With lots of outdoor amenities, embrace the seasons and experience something new each time you visit.

Summer Summer in Burlington has no limits. Enjoy the warm temperatures and spend the day outside. You can relax on our beautiful beach and do absolutely nothing or be active and walk or cycle the Waterfront Trail. This trail is an off-road 3.5 km trail from Brant Street Pier to the Burlington Lift Bridge. Want to go longer? Once over the lift bridge, explore our neighbours in Hamilton as the Trail continues.

Fall Burlington is home to the Niagara Escarpment in the north and while it’s pretty all year round, the Fall is the best time for hiking with the gorgeous autumn colours. Trails of varying lengths and challenges available. Mount Nemo Conservation Area offers beautiful views of north Burlington and on a clear day you can see Toronto.

WATERFRONT CYCLING Matt Cameron

MOUNT NEMO City of Burlington

Winter There’s nothing more Canadian than skating outdoors. Free outdoor skating lakeside at Rotary Centennial Pond in Spencer Smith Park. Or enjoy skating on a lake at Cootes Paradise, Royal Botanical Gardens. Then warm up by the bonfire and grab a refreshment at the on-site snack stand. (both skating areas are condition dependent). Or experience an illuminated walk in the woods at Winterlit, at Mountsberg Conservation. Admire the stunning lighting experience with inspirational art installations along the trail.

Spring After a long cold Winter, there’s nothing better than hitting those greens. Home to nine outdoor golf courses (see Fore the Love of Golf on page 14) you won’t find yourself having to play the same course twice.

TYANDAGA GOLF COURSE Michael Lyons Photography